Transcript Highlights:

• 02:21.559><c> a</c><01:02:21.799><c> sense</c><01:02:22.319><c> of</c><01:02:22.680><c> where</c> time
• </c><01:02:27.920><c> um</c><01:02:28.559><c> at</c><01:02:29.000><c> at</c><01:02:29.279><c> any</c>
• point so<01:02:31.240><c> we</c><01:02:31.599><c> have</c><01:02:32.319><c> um</c><01:02:32.599><c>
• the</c><01:02:32.799><c> programs</c><01:02:33.319><c> that</c><01:02:33.440><c> are</c><01:02:33.599
• :02:33.399><c> look</c><03:02:34.080><c> um</c><03:02:34.479><c> we</c><03:02:34.760><c> are</c><03:02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee’s Division 3 held a public work session on the Behavioral Health budget on February 27, 2025. The chair opened by explaining the schedule, materials, and deadlines for the budget process, and noted there would be no motions or votes in the division that day. Division of Behavioral Health Director Ktia Fox and DHHS CFO Nathan White then walked the committee through the division’s mission, structure, and budget materials, describing the division’s four bureaus: Mental Health Services, Children’s Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, and Homeless Services, along with the policy unit. They emphasized the division’s role in oversight, technical assistance, quality assurance, contracting, and the continuum of care from prevention and early intervention through crisis and residential services. Much of the discussion focused on major programs and funding lines, including the 988 Lifeline contract with Headrest, a technical assistance contract with UNH, Medicaid pass-through payments to New Hampshire Hospital and Glencliff, crisis response services, cold-weather homeless responses, housing supports, and the children’s system of care. Members asked about the UNH contract, the 988 program, crisis stabilization centers, and the peer certification program; Fox explained that the peer certification is a training-and-credentialing pathway for people with lived experience to enter community-based behavioral health work, not a volunteer program. The committee also discussed the “Choose Love” program, which Fox said was created after the Sandy Hook tragedy to build resilience and strength-based emotional regulation in schools and communities. On the children’s side, Fox described the system of care account as the place where many contracted services are budgeted, including community mental health centers, care management entities, rapid response services, and residential programs. Members asked about temporary staffing, and Fox said roughly $500,000 in temporary staff costs shown in the current year would not be spent next year because the money came from a nonlapsing appropriation in HB 1573 for oversight of children’s residential services. She also said provider rate increases were a prioritized need but were not funded in the governor’s current budget, and that the Children’s Behavioral Health Resource Center was not funded, resulting in about a $1 million reduction. The session ended while the division was still moving through the children’s behavioral health slides, including questions about the Fast Forward high-fidelity wraparound program and medication management.

Transcript Highlights:

• the purpose<02:02:10.880><c> then</c><02:02:12.080><c> would</c><02:02:12.400><c> be</c><02:02:12.639
• putting<02:02:18.320><c> together</c><02:02:18.719><c> the</c><02:02:18.960><c> next</c><02:02:19.360
• :02:32.880><c> and</c><02:02:33.440><c> the</c><02:02:34.000><c> um</c><02:02:35.040><c> one</c><02:02
• ><c> I</c><02:02:42.480><c> do</c><02:02:42.560><c> have</c><02:02:42.719><c> to</c><02:02:42.800><c>
• the</c><02:02:52.800><c> state</c><02:02:53.040><c> agency</c><02:02:53.520><c> or</c><02:02:53.679>

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080><c> to</c><02:02:00.320><c> a</c><02:02:00.880><c> a</c><02:02:01.119><c> bill</c><02:02:01.360
• a bill on a similar<02:02:02.000><c> subject</c><02:02:02.800><c> uh</c><02:02:03.440><c> House</c><02
• House Bill 114 what<02:02:06.320><c> seems</c><02:02:06.639><c> like</c><02:02:06.880><c> months</c>
• <02:02:07.199><c> ago.
• </c><02:02:08.080><c> Uh</c><02:02:08.320><c> but</c><02:02:08.800><c> it's</c> Code without holding

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:01.839><c> So</c><01:02:02.000><c> it's</c><01:02:02.160><c> a</c><01:02:02.319><c> nice</
• </c><01:02:06.720><c> I</c><01:02:06.880><c> just</c><01:02:06.960><c> have</c><01:02:07.119><c> a</c
• And stripping all<01:02:27.839><c> that</c><01:02:28.079><c> away,</c><01:02:28.880><c> we</c><01:02:
• c><01:02:30.559><c> just</c><01:02:30.720><c> do</c><01:02:30.880><c> it</c><01:02:30.960><c> with</c
• 02:21:50.479><c> be</c><02:21:50.640><c> used</c><02:21:50.800><c> as</c><02:21:50.960><c> a</c><02:21

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There<00:02:04.640><c> are</c><00:02:04.720><c> no</c><00:02:05.360><c> no</c><00:02:05.520><c> signs
• At<00:02:09.399><c> this</c><00:02:09.600><c> time,</c><00:02:09.920><c> I'd</c><00:02:10.000><c> like
• ><c> as</c><00:02:21.000><c> excited</c><00:02:21.400><c> to</c><00:02:21.480><c> be</c><00:02:21.600
• 21.840><c> you</c><00:02:21.959><c> guys</c><00:02:22.240><c> are,</c><00:02:22.440><c> so</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:23.840><c> Look</c><00:02:24.040><c> forward</c><00:02:24.280><c> to</c><00:02:24.400><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Postsecondary Education Committee held its first-ever meeting and first meeting of the session, with Chairman Tipton outlining committee procedures, attendance rules, and the process for submitting committee substitutes. After a roll call confirmed full attendance, the committee heard a presentation from Senator David Givens on the history and purpose of Kentucky’s performance-based funding model for postsecondary education. Givens said the model was created to replace an older “shares” approach that distributed funds based largely on prior-year allocations, and argued the new system better aligns funding with student success and the state’s long-term educational attainment goals. Council for Postsecondary Education President Aaron Thompson and CPE staff then explained the model in more detail. They said the system was designed to address long-standing funding disparities among institutions, reward outcomes such as degrees, credit-hour progression, and completion in high-demand fields, and support the state’s “60 by 30” goal of having 60% of Kentuckians hold a postsecondary credential by 2030. Thompson said Kentucky is now at 56.2% attainment, above the national average, and highlighted gains in graduation and retention rates, lower student borrowing, and improved completion outcomes. He also emphasized that the model is part of a broader strategy that includes affordability, adult learners, low-income students, and wrap-around support services. CPE staff described the work group process that developed and periodically revises the model, noting that the General Assembly created the framework in House Bill 303 and later enacted Senate Bill 153 and Senate Bill 191 to codify changes. They explained that in 2016 the legislature carved out about 5% of institutional budgets, roughly $43 million, to be redistributed through the new model, and that the model has been reviewed every three years with changes made each time. Recent revisions included increasing the student-success weight, adding a premium for low-income students, creating a premium for adult learners, and redefining underrepresented students as first-generation college students. No votes were taken at this meeting, and the committee adjourned after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.160><c> as</c><01:02:30.319><c> amended</c><01:02:30.880><c> as</c><01:02:31.119><c> any</c><01:02
• 02:37.599><c> a</c><01:02:37.760><c> term</c><01:02:37.920><c> of</c><01:02:38.079><c> 99</c> the lease
• <02:00:15.119><c> Okay,</c><02:00:15.520><c> Stacy</c><02:00:15.920><c> Alipai,</c><02:00:16.639><c>
• ><c> feet</c><02:02:01.040><c> in</c><02:02:01.360><c> floor</c><02:02:01.760><c> area</c><02:02:02.480
• area and not part<02:02:03.280><c> of</c><02:02:03.440><c> a</c><02:02:03.679><c> larger</c><02:02:04.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:47.359><c> such</c><01:02:47.599><c> lists</c><01:02:48.079><c> however</c><01:02:48.640><c> these
• ><c> often</c><01:02:49.480><c> been</c><01:02:49.720><c> provided</c><01:02:50.200><c> to</c><01:02:
• :51.319><c> in</c><01:02:51.520><c> a</c><01:02:51.799><c> PDF</c><01:02:52.400><c> format</c><01:02:
• c><01:02:54.480><c> said</c><01:02:55.240><c> to</c><01:02:55.680><c> while</c><01:02:55.839><c> while
• 02:38.120><c> uh</c><04:02:38.239><c> we</c><04:02:38.399><c> will</c><04:02:38.600><c> if</c><04:02:

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We brought<00:02:42.640><c> a</c><00:02:43.040><c> a</c><00:02:43.440><c> running</c><00:02:43.760><c
• > from</c><00:02:43.920><c> day</c><00:02:44.080><c> one</c><00:02:44.319><c> when</c><00:02:44.560><
• 02:45.280><c> there</c><01:02:45.599><c> that</c><01:02:45.760><c> is</c><01:02:45.920><c> a</c><01:02
• <02:23:04.080><c> when</c><02:23:04.240><c> I</c><02:23:04.479><c> came</c><02:23:04.640><c> to</c><02
• <02:47:43.439><c> If</c><02:47:43.600><c> he</c><02:47:43.760><c> has</c><02:47:43.920><c> the</c><02

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 5884<00:02:03.320><c> and</c><00:02:03.479><c> one</c><00:02:03.640><c> was</c><00:02:03.799><c> for<
• </c><00:02:11.560><c> November</c><00:02:11.959><c> 19th</c><00:02:12.520><c> and</c><00:02:12.720><c
• approve<00:02:15.680><c> two</c><00:02:16.000><c> lease</c><00:02:16.480><c> transactions</c><00:02:
• /c><00:02:27.480><c> lease</c><00:02:27.800><c> modification</c><00:02:28.560><c> of</c><00:02:28.720
• ><c> 50,000</c><00:02:30.080><c> space</c><00:02:30.360><c> change</c><00:02:30.760><c> for</c><00:02

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<01:02:24.240><c> while</c><01:02:24.480><c> we've</c><01:02:24.720><c> got</c><01:02:24.799><c> you
• </c><01:02:24.960><c> all</c><01:02:25.200><c> here,</c><01:02:25.680><c> I</c><01:02:25.920><c> know
• is recruiting<01:02:29.040><c> going</c><01:02:29.280><c> for</c><01:02:29.440><c> our</c><01:02:29.680
• ><c> psyche</c><01:02:40.559><c> of</c><01:02:41.119><c> the</c><01:02:41.680><c> teams</c><01:02:42.319
• :02:46.400><c> indicator,</c><01:02:46.880><c> I</c><01:02:47.119><c> would</c><01:02:47.200><c> say<

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Approve Minutes from June 11, 2026- 00:00:40 Staff Report on 2026 Child Fatality Panel Update- 00:01:17 Panel Staff Response to Report-00:21:12 University of Kentucky Name, Image, and Likeness-00:44:34 Kentucky State Police Update on SERVS-01:17:55 Adjornment-01:33:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Members then received a staff report on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including an annual LOIC evaluation of the panel’s operations, statutory compliance, case management system development, member experience, and written procedures. The report noted recent House Bill 778 expanded the panel’s access to records and to TWIST/I-TWIST, and recommended that staff request access and training promptly to avoid implementation problems. Analysts reported the panel has met statutory membership and meeting requirements, and that agency responses to the panel’s 2025 recommendations improved, with all responses meeting statutory content requirements though some were late. They also said the panel still lacks formal written procedures, so a prior recommendation was reissued. The report discussed the panel’s new case management system, now in testing with the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and a survey of panel members showing generally positive views of meetings and case discussions but recurring concerns about SharePoint access, time demands, virtual meetings, and the panel’s lack of enforcement authority. The report included a matter for legislative consideration suggesting the General Assembly may wish to seek additional testimony from agencies when responses are unclear or more information is needed. Panel staff responded that the work is difficult but important, said they are optimistic about gaining TWIST access, and acknowledged that written procedures have not yet been completed because they wanted to align them with the new system. They said both the system and procedures are hoped to be finished by the end of the year, with the new case management system expected to be implemented by September 1 after further testing and migration. Members also discussed trends in child fatality and near-fatality cases, including increases in reported cases since 2013, substance abuse, safe storage of firearms, and concerns about THC/CBD gummies reaching children. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.880><c> Um,</c><01:02:13.760><c> and</c><01:02:14.000><c> we</c><01:02:14.240><c> keep</c><01:02:
• 02:20.720><c> where</c><01:02:21.040><c> they</c><01:02:21.280><c> supposed</c><01:02:21.599><c> to</
• ><c> But</c><01:02:22.960><c> I</c><01:02:23.119><c> did</c><01:02:23.280><c> want</c><01:02:23.359><
• c> to</c><01:02:23.520><c> make</c><01:02:23.599><c> a</c><01:02:23.839><c> couple</c><01:02:23.920><
• ><01:02:37.040><c> a</c><01:02:37.200><c> lot</c><01:02:37.280><c> of</c><01:02:37.440><c> meetings.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environmental Policy Subcommittee took up HB 1621, which would require a baseline environmental impact study before development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities. Members said the concept had merit, but they could not resolve major drafting and implementation issues, including how to define covered facilities, what the study would require, and how enforcement would work at the municipal or county level. Several members expressed concern about unintended consequences and said the proposal was not ready; the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL), and the full committee later adopted that recommendation on a 16-0 roll call vote, placing the bill on consent. The committee then discussed HB 1053, involving electronically submitted pesticide use reports. Representative Comtois presented an amendment creating a department database and protecting confidential information, but said she still needed to check whether it was germane and to review administrative issues with the Department of Agriculture. After hearing from David Russo of the Division of Pesticide Control, the committee agreed to continue work on the amendment and took no action that day. The committee also reviewed HB 1186 on egg labeling and producer exemptions. Representative Comtois offered an amendment exempting small producers from most requirements except labeling, but Commissioner Sean Jasper asked for more time to review the impact and suggested the state might not need the existing egg law at all if federal USDA rules already cover the field. Members agreed to hold action until the following week. Finally, the committee began discussion of HB 1780 on penalties for violations involving seeds, plants, and nursery stock, focusing on labeling rules and germination-date requirements; testimony from industry and department representatives indicated they were working toward a compromise that would allow multiple relabelings, add production dates, and set a 36-month sale limit, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.759><c> to</c><00:02:02.000><c> care</c><00:02:02.240><c> for</c><00:02:02.479><c> those</c><00:02
• Oh gracious God, give<00:02:16.480><c> us</c><00:02:16.720><c> peace</c><00:02:16.959><c> in</c><00:02
• In<00:02:21.200><c> your</c><00:02:21.360><c> holy</c><00:02:21.680><c> name</c><00:02:21.840><c> we<
• I<00:02:29.520><c> pledge</c><00:02:29.840><c> allegiance</c><00:02:30.560><c> to</c><00:02:30.879><c
• ><c> of</c><00:02:33.280><c> America</c><00:02:34.239><c> and</c><00:02:34.480><c> to</c><00:02:34.720

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:04.480><c> All</c><01:02:04.880><c> in</c><01:02:05.119><c> favor</c><01:02:05.440><c> of<
• </c><01:02:10.880><c> The</c><01:02:11.119><c> eyes</c><01:02:11.440><c> have</c><01:02:11.599><c> it
• to</c><01:02:27.760><c> pass</c><01:02:28.160><c> as</c><01:02:28.400><c> amended</c><01:02:29.359><c
• :04:37.679><c> with</c><02:04:37.920><c> current</c><02:04:38.159><c> statute</c><02:04:38.639><c> with
• </c> in line with current statute with in line with current statute with respect<02:04:39.119><c> to<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you went below<02:00:23.040><c> 12,</c><02:00:23.440><c> there</c><02:00:23.599><c> was</c><02:00:
• If you went below<02:00:28.159><c> um</c><02:00:28.560><c> 4%,</c><02:00:29.520><c> it</c><02:00:29.760
• And that is that<02:00:33.040><c> is</c><02:00:33.280><c> something</c><02:00:33.440><c> that</c><02:
• :01:35.760><c> that</c><02:01:35.840><c> I</c><02:01:36.000><c> can</c><02:01:36.159><c> review</c><02
• :02:07.520><c> today</c><02:02:07.760><c> being</c><02:02:08.080><c> complete</c><02:02:08.480><c> we

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A goal of this<00:02:49.920><c> hearing</c><00:02:50.239><c> is</c><00:02:50.480><c> to</c><00:02:50.720
• 02:57.519><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:58.000><c> students</c><00:02:58.400><c> have</c><00:02:58.560><c> the
• </c><01:02:13.200><c> We</c><01:02:13.520><c> also</c><01:02:13.760><c> have</c><01:02:13.839><c> a</
• <01:02:16.319><c> it</c><01:02:16.480><c> comes</c><01:02:16.640><c> to</c><01:02:16.799><c> low</c><
• </c><01:02:32.480><c> So</c><01:02:32.720><c> when</c><01:02:32.960><c> we</c><01:02:33.200><c> look<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:28.319><c> file</c><01:02:28.640><c> took</c><01:02:28.799><c> a</c><01:02:28.960><c> long</c> that
• <01:02:30.720><c> each</c><01:02:30.960><c> one</c><01:02:31.119><c> of</c><01:02:31.279><c> those</c
• ><c> would</c><01:02:33.160><c> have</c><01:02:33.279><c> to</c><01:02:33.440><c> be</c><01:02:34.400
• :35.799><c> and</c><01:02:36.000><c> the</c><01:02:36.200><c> information</c><01:02:36.839><c> put</c
• :02:57.839><c> it</c><01:02:57.960><c> from</c><01:02:58.160><c> word</c><01:02:58.520><c> it</c> um

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of 2025 and announced that all measures heard that day would be deferred to the next committee hearing for decision-making on Thursday, January 30. The agenda centered largely on procurement and government-operations bills, with testimony generally split between state agencies and local governments. On procurement measures, SB 254 and SB 383 would raise small-purchase thresholds; the State Procurement Office opposed both, while county officials, the City and County of Honolulu, the state librarian, and others supported them. SB 382, which would bar disclosure of a competing offeror’s proposal or evaluation score, and SB 462, which would require performance incentive contracts to specify pricing bases, goals, and formulas, drew mostly written comments and some support from agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Department of Education. SB 615, which would treat certain large change orders as new contracts, received opposition from the Comptroller and engineering interests. The committee also heard several bills on vacancies, appointments, and legislative oversight. SB 5 on state legislative vacancies had one supporting testifier, while SB 300 on deadlines for filling certain Senate vacancies drew opposition from several individuals and support from one late testifier. SB 1081, which would create a legislative budget office to provide fiscal analysis and reports on bills, received broad support from advocacy groups, civic organizations, and individuals. SB 711, requiring Senate advice and consent for certain executive-branch appointments, drew written opposition from the Governor’s Office and support from one individual. SB 375, establishing a select commission on government restructuring, had one written supporter. SB 418, which would require the Attorney General’s office to review a portion of administrative rules each year, prompted extended discussion about outdated rules, the difficulty of repealing or amending rules, and whether the bill should be refined; the AG’s office indicated the process is burdensome and could be streamlined. The committee then took up transparency and access measures. SB 55, requiring agency rules to be posted online in a digitally accessible format, received support from several advocacy and civic groups and written comment from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. SB 870 would direct the comptroller to identify state office buildings that could provide equitable telecom access for remote participation in hearings, especially for residents with disabilities; the Comptroller supported the concept, and members discussed using libraries, DAGS facilities, county facilities, and other public buildings, with concerns raised about staffing, bandwidth, and competing public use. SB 270, a sunshine-law measure allowing board members to attend informational meetings and presentations, drew opposition from the Public First Law Center, which argued it would create a broad loophole and should be narrowed to existing county-council provisions. SB 45, concerning neighborhood board meetings and third-party presentations, prompted discussion about whether it actually addressed neighborhood boards’ Sunshine Law concerns; the committee was told it was not the right vehicle for that issue. SB 406, which would cap copying fees for government records at 5 cents per page with exceptions, drew support from media and transparency groups but opposition from DAGS, which said its actual per-page cost is much higher; members discussed possible electronic-copy alternatives and asked for more cost information before the next hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:05.360><c> Section</c><02:02:05.679><c> one</c><02:02:06.000><c> page</c><02:02:06.239><c>
• ><c> two</c><02:02:15.760><c> page</c><02:02:16.000><c> two</c><02:02:16.159><c> lines</c><02:02:16.480
• Uh<02:02:46.480><c> such</c><02:02:46.800><c> method</c><02:02:47.119><c> shall</c><02:02:47.360><c>
• reducing<02:02:48.159><c> potential</c><02:02:48.480><c> risk</c><02:02:48.800><c> and</c><02:02:48.960
• We will<02:02:52.080><c> delete</c><02:02:52.320><c> page</c><02:02:52.639><c> 4</c><02:02:52.880><c>

Bills: SB3253 , SB3154 , SB3254

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively. The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards. Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:24.680><c> We</c><00:09:24.800><c> then</c> serving rural Minnesota.
• We then serving rural Minnesota.
• The meat raffle bill itself pertains to Chapter 349, which is the gaming statute.
• The most recent release in central Minnesota cost the Petrofund approximately $2 million.
• </c><00:38:28.520><c> together</c> worked on by Fueling Minnesota together worked on by Fueling Minnesota

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45.840><c> uh</c><00:02:46.000><c> a</c><00:02:46.239><c> couple</c><00:02:46.400><c> of</c><00:02:46.640
• /c><00:02:49.360><c> fact</c><00:02:49.599><c> that</c><00:02:49.840><c> our</c><00:02:50.080><c> suicide
• ><c> almost</c><00:02:52.080><c> all</c><00:02:52.319><c> of</c><00:02:52.480><c> them</c><00:02:52.959
• almost all of them this is a product<00:02:53.760><c> that</c><00:02:54.000><c> is</c><00:02:54.160>
• :56.640><c> like</c><01:02:56.799><c> it,</c><01:02:57.119><c> it</c><01:02:57.359><c> has</c><01:02:

Bills: HB0103 , HB0070 , HB0091

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Um<02:02:08.000><c> the</c><02:02:08.320><c> next</c><02:02:08.719><c> couple</c><02:02:08.960><
• c> of</c><02:02:09.119><c> slides</c><02:02:09.679><c> is</c><02:02:10.400><c> kind</c><02:02:10.560>
• ><c> wrap</c><02:02:11.199><c> up</c><02:02:11.360><c> of</c><02:02:11.599><c> our</c><02:02:12.159><
• of fun<02:02:35.679><c> facts</c><02:02:36.000><c> about</c><02:02:36.239><c> the</c><02:02:36.480><
• A<02:02:44.960><c> few</c><02:02:45.040><c> themes</c><02:02:45.360><c> that</c><02:02:45.520><c> we<

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all