Transcript Highlights:

• This can be looked at as a statement of intent.
• This is a statement of intent, which I think the people will like to see.
• It's a logical statement of intent in the sense that we're trying to show people we're using a logical

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So do they have itemized stipend statements, or do you?
• Like the stipend statements, do they, how does that work? I'm asking for some reinforcement here.
• In regard to the itemized statement, they do not right now.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up the committee substitute for HB 38, a complex insurance bill concerning coverage for prosthetics, orthotics, and complex rehab technology. The sponsor and expert witness explained that the substitute made technical clarifications across multiple sections of law, including explicit coverage language, restoration of services and supplies, and replacement timing rules to avoid overuse while preserving access when a patient’s medical needs change. They said the changes had been reviewed and supported by the Office of Superintendent of Insurance and insurers, and there was no opposition from the public. Members asked about the need to return the bill to committee because of the number of statutory changes, and the sponsor said the Speaker wanted a clean committee substitute before floor action. The committee adopted the substitute and then approved a do pass recommendation on the committee substitute for HB 38, with no opposition. The committee then heard House Memorial 59, which requests a study of fair compensation for foster parents, including consideration of a cost-of-living allowance, with findings due to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee by November 30. CYFD testified that the study would likely use a contractor and that the department already has related recruitment, retention, and placement work underway. Members asked about foster parent numbers, foster care plus stipends, Social Security benefits for children in care, and clothing allowances; CYFD explained current payment structures, including a $50 monthly clothing amount built into the rate and separate vouchers in some cases. The committee heard supportive testimony from the New Mexico Child First Network and then voted do pass on HM 59 without opposition. The chair announced there would be no meeting the next day and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements for an automatic 10-year expiration date and the requirement for a tax preference performance statement
• bill directs OFM to develop an agricultural fiscal note process, defines an agricultural impact statement
• , and directs agencies and local governments to prepare agricultural impact statements when taking certain

Bills: SB5816 , SB5838 , SB5930 , SB5960 , SB5971 , SB6075 , SB6097 , SB6104 , SB6216 , SB6233 , SB6318 , SJM8015

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, irrigation districts, director contracts, beneficial interests, transparency, governance, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• documents from the individual, the notary executes a certificate of notarial act, which includes a statement
• Of Notarial Act, which includes a statement that the notary witnessed the individual signing the tangible
• response to notice of infraction, the statute requires that a civil infraction notice include a statement

Bills: HB2158 , HB2178

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: electronic signatures, notary, digital transactions, authentication, legal documents, court rules, court procedure, civil infractions, notice of civil infraction, malicious mischief, physical damage, computer crime, digital property damage, electronic records, data destruction, computer programs, cyber damage, default judgment, payment plan, restitution

Transcript Highlights:

• documents from the individual, the notary executes a certificate of notarial act, which includes a statement
• Of Notarial Act, which includes a statement that the notary witnessed the individual signing the tangible
• response to notice of infraction, the statute requires that a civil infraction notice include a statement

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 2158, which updates Washington’s electronic notarization laws to reflect 2021 changes to the Uniform Law Commission’s notarial act model. Staff explained that the bill would allow remote notarization of tangible paper documents, authorize remote administration of oaths or affirmations to remotely located individuals, and clarify how a notary can acknowledge a signature on a tangible record sent in from a remote signer. Representative Abel, the sponsor, said the measure would improve access, especially in rural areas where notaries may be far away. Testimony from the Uniform Law Commission supported the bill as a modest update that adds flexibility while maintaining consumer protections. A committee member raised concerns about fraud and manipulated video, and the witness responded that the bill includes safeguards such as required recordings, identity verification, and retention of audiovisual records. The committee then heard House Bill 2178, an Administrative Office of the Courts request bill making several mostly technical changes to align statutes with court rules and current practice. Staff described changes to civil infraction filing and response deadlines, payment plans for infractions, the dollar threshold for aggregated malicious mischief damage, a two-year extension for courts of limited jurisdiction to implement electronic protection-order filing, and repeal of an outdated statutory grant-distribution provision. Representative Tye noted concern specifically about the extension in Section 6 and said she was still seeking an explanation for why the deadline should move from 2026 to 2028. AOC witness Jay Lee Schultz said the extension is needed to align with the rollout of the state’s new case management system and to support statewide electronic protection-order tracking. Elizabeth Hendren of the Sexual Violence Law Center testified in opposition to Section 6, saying the delay would further postpone reforms intended to improve access to protection orders, judicial access to related orders, and survivor notifications. She argued that the legislature had already given the courts five years to implement the changes and asked for more transparency about funding, barriers, and why additional time is needed. After hearing the testimony, the committee concluded its business for the day and also took time to introduce members and staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if so, please come to the table and introduce yourself and make any statements if you choose to.
• there are agency representatives here, please come to the table and introduce yourself and make any statements
• there are agency representatives here, please come to the table and introduce yourself and make any statements

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved prior meeting minutes by motion and voice vote. It then took up audit reports, with several reports without findings filed without objection. The main discussion centered on the FY24 Department of Human Services audit, which contained three findings: alleged fraud involving disaster SNAP and Medicaid benefits, a delayed notification of a nearly $610,000 altered state warrant, and asset-control issues including missing or misidentified equipment and improper sales tax paid on vehicle purchases. DHS representatives said some fraud cases had been resolved with restitution, others were pending or dismissed, and they described corrective steps such as updating internal notification procedures and asset controls. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the notification delay, and the sales tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The committee also reviewed the FY24 Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism audit, which had two findings: loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts and cash-control exceptions involving $100 missing from a park camping drawer and an $80 overage at War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said the museum loss was believed to be theft, that controls had since been strengthened with a point-of-sale and reservation system, and that the stadium issue reflected the unique mix of cash and bank balances used for events. Members asked about the investigation, reimbursement through the bond board, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. The chair later relayed that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency, so the report was also deferred to the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• agency representatives here, and if so, please come to the table and introduce yourself and make any statements
• there are agency representatives here, please come to the table and introduce yourself and make any statement
• Representatives here, please come to the table and introduce yourself and make any statements as needed

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and then heard audit reports from Mr. Bullington. Four reports without findings were filed without objection. The Department of Human Services FY24 report contained three findings: suspected fraud involving disaster food assistance and Medicaid benefits by employees, a delayed notification of a forged and cashed state warrant for nearly $610,000, and several fixed-asset and sales-tax errors. DHS officials said they had referred the benefit fraud cases to prosecutors, recovered some restitution, and would change internal procedures so accounts payable staff report such incidents directly to the chief fiscal officer. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the warrant delay, and the tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism FY24 report had two findings: the loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts, believed to be theft at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said they had implemented new controls, including a point-of-sale and reservation system for museum rentals and more frequent reconciliation of change funds. Members asked about the criminal case, the statute of limitations, bond board reimbursement, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. Mr. Bullington later reported that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency. The committee then deferred that report as well, and adjourned after setting the next meeting for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to thank both Representative Bierman and Representative DePauw for your moving statements
• I was going to get on the record that I'm sure that was an intentional statement.
• I'm not going to make any more statements than what has already been said in the other component, but

Bills: HF1306

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: education, school policy, teacher training, student health, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• Can I get one summary statement? Yes.
• Are there any primary witnesses in opposition wishing to make a statement?
• Or any members of the public here wishing to register a statement of support?

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has provisions that touch on each of those broad categories within the mission statement and
• </c> do adopt recommended warning statements. do adopt recommended warning statements.
• </c> rationale for these warning statements rationale for these warning statements based<01:09:22.560
• ><c> you</c><01:10:54.800><c> know,</c><01:10:54.880><c> the</c> statement about the you know, the statement
• seen uh statements from our current<01:54:10.320><c> president</c><01:54:11.280><c> statements</c><01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• false statement.
• </c> same warnings that um a false statement same warnings that um a false statement will<04:17:03.359
• </c> statement and 6412 is a false statement statement and 6412 is a false statement under<04:17:28.960
• </c> false statement.
• So any false statement false statement.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1651, which would create a civil sexual assault protective order for survivors who do not have a domestic violence or stalking relationship with the offender, and would also update the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights regarding evidence kit retention and tracking. Representative Jennifer Rhodes, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to fill gaps for survivors assaulted by strangers, acquaintances, or others outside existing protective-order categories, and to ensure evidence is preserved for the longer of the statute of limitations or the retention period. Committee members asked whether the new order could be misused and how the bill would prevent frivolous petitions; the sponsor said the same legal process would apply and a victim would still have to prove they were actually assaulted. Representative Eileen Kelly and Lynn Shallet of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence testified in support, saying current law leaves many sexual assault survivors without a meaningful civil remedy unless they qualify for domestic violence or stalking relief. Shallet said the gap has existed for decades and noted that other states already have standalone sexual assault protective orders. She also said the bill would clarify survivors’ rights to know the status and location of their evidence kits. Shauna Foster of New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse described local cases where survivors were denied protective orders because they lacked the required relationship with the offender, including a co-worker assault and an assault involving an unhoused survivor. Lisa Curtis, a survivor and founder of Safe Haven Ballet, gave emotional testimony in support, describing her own sexual assault and the difficulty of seeking protection and justice. She said survivors need safety to recover and that the bill would better align the justice system with trauma-informed support. Janet Carroll, a sexual assault nurse examiner and advisory board co-chair, testified that the bill’s evidence-kit provisions reflect federal changes and existing tracking practices. She explained that New Hampshire uses a kit tracking system that lets patients and professionals follow kits through the process, and said the bill would codify the right to be informed of a kit’s status and location. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, a statement and then Yes.
• If you're here to read off a statement, please just summarize that statement and hand the statement to
• </c><03:06:36.479><c> Um,</c> it with a oneline sign statement.
• Um, it with a oneline sign statement.
• It passed 18 to zero out of statement.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, so do either one of you want to make any statements or discuss?
• So, again, does anyone want to make a statement or you want to just start with questions?"
• </c> and found that our financial statements and found that our financial statements have<01:30:20.160
• And that's an old statement, but it's a very true statement.
• "So, do y'all have any closing statement? Again, we so appreciate you coming.

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:28 Approval of Minutes 0:00:40 Information Items 0:01:13 Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:26:46 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:30:53 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:39:20 Rpt from OFM – KIA 0:52:42 Econ Development – EDF Grants 0:55:15 OFM Debt Issues 0:58:43 Informational Discussion 1:44:36 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of minutes, and informational items on school district financing and KCTCS equipment purchases. It then considered two KCTCS capital projects after initially rolling them together and later unrolling them: a Fire Commission Fire Academy maintenance building project that had grown from an original $2 million authorization to $4.7 million because of design changes, soil issues, and higher mechanical costs, and a $1.5 million renovation of the Blake Lee building at Somerset Community College for a health science simulation lab. Members questioned the large cost increase on the fire academy project and the adequacy of front-end due diligence, while KCTCS said the project was bid and ready to proceed and that a 15% contingency had been included. Both projects were approved by roll call vote, with the Blake Lee project ultimately approved after the committee unrolled the items and took them separately. The committee next heard and approved a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for the Hamburg East Medical Office Building, a five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility with a not-to-exceed budget of $275 million. UK said the project is intended to expand outpatient access, consolidate some services, and support projected growth in patient volume; the building will house multiple specialties, urgent care, therapy, imaging, and a retail pharmacy. Members asked about possible community uses, consolidation of services, and whether the project would free up other space, and UK said it hopes to consolidate some services and free campus space. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved three UK lease renegotiations: a specialty pharmacy and infusion services lease at Wellington Way in Lexington, a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences lease at Conte Terrace, and a College of Social Work lease at McGrath Park Way. Members asked about rising lease rates, occupancy, and whether space needs should be reduced; UK and the lessor’s representative said the pharmacy space remains busy, the ophthalmology lease was lower than before, and the social work lease had been negotiated down from a higher request. The committee also approved a Department of Military Affairs project amendment for a Mutual Field Maintenance Shop Restoration project, increasing federal funding by $1 million to $4.5 million because of higher construction costs, and approved a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation project funded by bond and HBCU Title III funds. Finally, it approved a new lease for the Office of Mines and Minerals in Pike County, a new lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Pulaski County, and a lease renewal for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County after questions about rent increases and office utilization; the cabinet said the Kenton County space still has limited vacancy and remains in use by field staff. The meeting ended as the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority began presenting six sewer and water loans and six cleaner water program grant reallocations, with members agreeing to roll those items for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Hauck, Representative Freilich, that's not a statement that I made.
• And I guess I would encourage language in a statement to be drafted.
• So that is my statement. All right, I appreciate that. So for the discussion, Senator Luick.
• And I guess I would encourage language in a statement to be drafted.
• But we need to make a statement that we want to be involved in this.

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a pretty big statement to say.
• I like the statement that uh, my fraud.
• That's a pretty big statement to loans.
• Uh, but if you could make an opening statement, please, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Mr.
• </c> statement from you. statement from you.

Bills: HF4502 , HF3388 , HF4106 , HF400 , HF4138 , HF4118 , HF4203

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: trusted contact, financial exploitation, elder abuse, elder financial abuse, fraud prevention, financial institution, banking, credit union, broker-dealer, account security, dormant account, consumer protection, scam, suspicious activity, protective services, law enforcement reporting, Minnesota Statutes chapter 45A, HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance

Transcript Highlights:

• The next one is Scott Files, and if you have written a statement, summarize it.
• , and if you have written a statement, summarize<00:05:48.560><c> it.
• We have a written statement; could you summarize it? I have two minutes.
• You already touched on this, but I just want to read from your written statement a little bit.
• u written statement a little bit.<00:27:52.480><c> So,</c><00:27:52.799><c> you</c><00:27:53.039><c>

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that if the vice chair's statement is that this only comes into play in those situations, is
• that this only Hansen's uh statement that this only comes<00:38:02.960><c> into</c><00:38:03.240><c>
• off my Soap Box statement off my Soap Box again<01:03:46.200><c> representative</c><01:03:46.920><c>
• to make that we would take statement to make that we would take away<01:07:38.559><c> power</c><01:07
• </c><01:27:43.920><c> you</c><01:27:44.199><c> had</c> um I in your opening statement you had um I in

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It made a statement about our ability to work with the council, to work with you folks, to get things
• It made a statement about our ability to work with the council, to work with you folks, to get things
• I mean it's um right in um we statement I mean it's um right in um we just<01:13:14.679><c> I</c><01
• You know, they are, and this is a general statement. Again, too, it's right.
• </c> police and the question the statement police and the question the statement was<01:29:45.440><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just wanted to make that statement here that we do something about not discriminating against people
• </c><00:54:54.640><c> here</c><00:54:55.359><c> that</c> wanted to make that statement here that wanted
• to make that statement here that we<00:54:55.920><c> do</c><00:54:56.160><c> something</c><00:54:56.480
• The witness said, “I would not agree with your statement.”
• <04:22:35.600><c> agree</c><04:22:35.840><c> with</c><04:22:36.000><c> your</c><04:22:36.239><c> statement

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that was an extreme example, and he agreed with the statements made earlier by the Center for
• </c> we're making the statement we're making the statement today<00:29:53.600><c> so</c><00:29:53.840
• We all witnessed the recent despicable behavior and gaslighting and misleading statements from Kulani
• What I found was that there was evidence-based research contrary to your statement.
• What I found was that there was evidence-based research contrary to your statement.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Health and Labor heard testimony on HB 1244, a measure relating to labor standards at health care facilities and nursing staff ratios. Committee members opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a suggested two-minute testimony limit and Zoom rules. The bill drew extensive testimony from hospitals, nursing organizations, unions, and individual nurses, with the central debate focusing on whether staffing ratios should be set by statute or left to collective bargaining and unit-level staffing decisions. Opponents included the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Queen’s Health Systems. They argued that fixed ratios are too rigid for the changing conditions of hospital care, could worsen workforce shortages, and should be handled through labor negotiations, staffing committees, and existing agreements. Several also pointed to investments in nursing education, loan repayment, and workforce development as better solutions. Queen’s said it had recently reached an agreement with nurses after more than 40 meetings that included a staffing framework, and Kapiolani and others emphasized the need for flexibility in emergencies and specialty care. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Pride at Work Hawaii, the Hawaii Nurses Association/American Nurses Association chapter, Hawaii Nurses Association Local 50, UNAC/UHCP, and individual nurses, said unsafe staffing levels contribute to burnout, turnover, errors, and patient harm. Testifiers described chronic short staffing, emotionally and physically exhausting workloads, and situations in which nurses were responsible for too many patients at once. Supporters argued that safe ratios are necessary to protect both patients and nurses, and that collective bargaining has not been enough to ensure safe conditions statewide, especially in facilities without unions. No vote or final committee action was announced in the portion provided.