Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:34.880><c> Um,</c><01:02:35.440><c> the</c><01:02:35.680><c> New</c><01:02:35.839><c> Hampshire
• I think that we<01:02:42.480><c> saw</c><01:02:42.880><c> some</c><01:02:43.119><c> of</c><01:02:43.280
• </c><01:02:46.079><c> Um,</c><01:02:46.720><c> maybe</c><01:02:46.960><c> it</c><01:02:47.200><c> was
• Maybe<01:02:51.440><c> it</c><01:02:51.599><c> was</c><01:02:51.680><c> individuals</c><01:02:52.319>
• :02:56.720><c> home</c><01:02:56.960><c> costs,</c><01:02:57.680><c> sold</c><01:02:58.000><c> the</c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:58.760><c> I</c><02:02:58.840><c> believe</c><02:02:59.080><c> it's</c><02:02:59.240><c> section<
• <02:16:38.519><c> Now</c><02:16:38.679><c> I</c><02:16:38.719><c> want</c><02:16:38.840><c> you</c><02
• ><02:28:16.800><c> that</c><02:28:17.000><c> as</c><02:28:17.120><c> we</c><02:28:17.280><c> go.
• <02:33:58.920><c> so</c><02:33:59.040><c> that</c><02:33:59.160><c> we</c><02:33:59.280><c> can</c><02
• 02:53.600><c> fine</c><03:02:54.000><c> of</c><03:02:54.160><c> not</c><03:02:54.400><c> to</c><03:02

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 February, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• material<02:02:02.800><c> that</c><02:02:02.920><c> can</c><02:02:03.040><c> be</c><02:02:03.159><c>
• > material</c><02:19:11.000><c> Statute</c><02:19:11.439><c> in</c><02:19:11.840><c> RSA</c> a harmful
• material Statute in RSA a harmful material Statute in RSA 571b<02:19:14.880><c> um</c><02:19:15.120>
• 02:19:23.880><c> that</c><02:19:24.080><c> statute</c> that are articulated in that statute that are
• articulated in that statute those<02:19:25.000><c> standards</c><02:19:25.519><c> obviously</c><02:19

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :26.200><c> support</c><00:02:27.200><c> uh</c><00:02:27.319><c> Mike</c><00:02:27.680><c> new</c><00
• afternoon chair Vice chair Mike<00:02:35.920><c> G</c><00:02:36.160><c> with</c><00:02:36.280><c> alare
• </c><00:02:37.280><c> uh</c><00:02:37.440><c> just</c><00:02:37.640><c> standing</c><00:02:38.200><c>
• ><c> support</c><00:02:39.040><c> with</c><00:02:39.159><c> our</c><00:02:39.440><c> in</c><00:02:39.680
• :40.440><c> submitted</c><00:02:40.959><c> thank</c><00:02:41.120><c> you</c><00:02:41.920><c> okay</

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on March 11 and began with House Bill 442, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi system for nursing programs. University of Hawaiʻi representatives testified in strong support, and several additional supporters submitted testimony. Members asked about a similar Senate measure, and the witness confirmed the university supported that bill as well. No opposition or vote was recorded on HB 442 during the excerpt. The committee then heard House Bill 1169, a housekeeping measure concerning the University of Hawaiʻi Conference Center revolving fund. Testimony explained that the bill would consolidate existing Conference Center statutes into one centralized fund statute and allow campuses to use the fund more broadly. Members raised no questions, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. House Bill 185, which would establish a plant-based building materials working group, drew the most discussion. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted baseline research before a larger working group was formed. Supporters argued the measure could help develop a homegrown industry using bamboo, hemp, and other plant materials, create green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several members questioned whether a formal working group was necessary and whether the work could be done without new legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi later estimated the bill’s requested work would cost about $150,000 over two years to analyze crop options and report findings. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 1320, which requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect, analyze, and publicly report graduate outcome data and develop a Graduate Outcomes Dashboard. University officials said they already use some data sources but lack a dedicated data-visualization specialist and need additional capacity to consolidate and present the information. Members questioned the need for new positions and funding, arguing the university should use existing resources and that students already have many ways to explore careers. Supporters responded that the dashboard would help students and the state better understand postgraduate outcomes, workforce needs, and program value. No final action or vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:31.120><c> And</c><00:02:31.280><c> she</c><00:02:31.599><c> said,</c><00:02:32.000><c> and</
• tilt</c><00:02:35.599><c> of</c><00:02:35.760><c> the</c><00:02:35.840><c> head,</c><00:02:36.080><c>
• this</c><00:02:37.120><c> rage</c><00:02:37.519><c> almost</c><00:02:37.760><c> in</c><00:02:38.000>
• And<00:02:38.560><c> she</c><00:02:38.879><c> said,</c><00:02:40.000><c> "I</c><00:02:40.879><c> deserve
• And<00:02:43.200><c> you</c><00:02:43.360><c> can</c><00:02:43.519><c> imagine</c><00:02:43.840><c> my

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:04.159><c> Um,</c><00:02:04.640><c> as</c><00:02:04.880><c> you</c><00:02:04.960><c> know,
• It's time inensive.<00:02:16.800><c> It's</c><00:02:17.040><c> a</c><00:02:17.280><c> layer</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:20.560><c> provide</c><00:02:21.200><c> relief</c><00:02:21.520><c> from</c><00:02:21.920>
• And excuse<00:02:25.360><c> me,</c><00:02:25.599><c> I</c><00:02:25.760><c> failed</c><00:02:26.080><
• </c><00:02:27.520><c> I</c><00:02:27.680><c> am</c><00:02:27.760><c> Kim</c><00:02:28.000><c> Moaser,

Committee: House Banking & Insurance

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:16 HB 176 Discussion 01:10 HB 176 Vote 06:45 HB 184 Discussion 08:47 HB 184 Vote 09:53 HB 265 Discussion 10:39 HB 265 Vote 15:09, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<02:02:33.520><c> I</c><02:02:33.760><c> would</c><02:02:33.920><c> just</c><02:02:34.560><c> add<
• /c><02:02:34.880><c> to</c><02:02:35.119><c> that</c><02:02:35.360><c> that</c><02:02:35.760><c> as</
• > who</c><02:02:36.960><c> very</c><02:02:37.280><c> much</c><02:02:37.679><c> supports</c><02:02:38.320
• :02:40.719><c> for</c><02:02:41.440><c> all</c><02:02:41.840><c> ends</c><02:02:42.239><c> of</c><02:
• ><c> and</c><02:02:54.639><c> hospice</c><02:02:55.119><c> care</c><02:02:56.000><c> so</c><02:02:56.599

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:02:21.200><c> I</c><01:02:21.680><c> one</c><01:02:21.920><c> of</c><01:02:22.079><c> the</c><01
• </c><01:02:27.920><c> benefit</c><01:02:28.480><c> ratio</c><01:02:29.920><c> u</c><01:02:30.480><c>
• <01:02:55.839><c> not</c><01:02:56.559><c> I</c><01:02:56.880><c> don't</c><01:02:57.040><c> believe<
• </c><05:02:12.638><c> Q</c><05:02:13.120><c> there</c><05:02:13.360><c> is</c><05:02:13.520><c> a</c>
• :02:22.958><c> well</c><05:02:23.120><c> thank</c><05:02:23.280><c> you</c><05:02:23.440><c> Mr.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:51.680><c> back</c><01:02:51.839><c> exactly</c><01:02:52.160><c> where</c><01:02:52.400><
• </c><01:02:52.960><c> Somebody</c><01:02:53.280><c> come</c><01:02:53.440><c> back</c><01:02:53.599><
• Somebody come back next year and<01:02:54.640><c> come</c><01:02:54.799><c> up</c><01:02:54.960><c> with
• </c><01:02:55.200><c> better</c><01:02:55.440><c> language.
• </c><01:02:59.359><c> Well,</c><01:02:59.599><c> we</c><01:02:59.760><c> had</c><01:02:59.920><c> that

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:01:43.199><c> accounting</c><02:01:43.560><c> unit</c><02:01:43.880><c> 2547</c> thank<02:01:
• 55.960><c> you</c><02:01:56.119><c> I'm</c><02:01:56.239><c> just</c><02:01:56.400><c> curious</c><02
• </c><02:01:58.199><c> it's</c><02:01:58.320><c> a</c><02:01:58.480><c> new</c><02:01:58.679><c> fund<
• > looking</c><02:03:19.280><c> to</c><02:03:19.440><c> get</c><02:03:19.599><c> rid</c><02:03:19.800>
• 02:48:37.160><c> so</c><02:48:37.520><c> right</c><02:48:37.680><c> now</c><02:48:37.840><c> in</c><02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II committee heard a Department of Education budget presentation from Commissioner Frank Edelblut and CFO Tammy Valen-cour. The department outlined its organizational structure and emphasized that it functions largely as a flow-through agency for school funding. The commissioner reviewed general fund and Education Trust Fund items, including state aid, dropout prevention, special education, building aid, lease aid, charter schools, Education Freedom Accounts, and the district adequacy calculation. He also highlighted the public school infrastructure fund, saying the state has invested well over $50 million in school safety since 2018 for measures such as access controls, locks, and window film, and argued that safety spending should be ongoing rather than reactive. Members asked about the variability in the school infrastructure line, special education aid, and the Discovery Education learning platform. Edelblut explained that some safety funding had come from one-time surplus appropriations rather than the agency line, and said special education aid was underappropriated because districts submitted more invoices than expected; he said the governor added $16 million to address the shortfall. He also described CTE renovation funding, noting four projects were initially proposed but only Jaffrey and Milford were still moving forward, with local votes required and the state covering 75% of costs. He said Milford’s project was omitted from the governor’s budget by oversight. The department also reviewed enrollment trends, noting public school enrollment has fallen from about 230,000 students in 2002 to about 185,000 today. Edelblut clarified that charter students are not eligible for Education Freedom Accounts, while EFA students attending non-public schools are counted as EFA students. He described several one-time surplus-funded initiatives, including Student Clearinghouse, MTSSB work, civics curriculum development, computer science education, and adult education. He also discussed a $4 million CTE tuition and transportation grant, saying it was kept as a competitive grant rather than a formula grant to avoid creating an ongoing maintenance-of-effort commitment that could jeopardize federal Perkins funding. In the final portion, Edelblut identified prioritized needs in the department’s budget, especially funding for a state administrator for assessment to support the legislatively required civics assessment, and additional support for the Discovery Education platform. He said every school in the state is using the platform and cited more than 1.5 million educator engagements, while a member raised concerns about mixed reviews and uneven district awareness of the program. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and question period.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the bottom line<01:02:37.359><c> with</c><01:02:37.599><c> it</c><01:02:37.760><c> is</c><01:02:38.160
• ><c> I</c><01:02:42.400><c> see</c><01:02:42.559><c> it</c><01:02:43.119><c> uh</c><01:02:43.680><c>
• both</c><01:02:44.000><c> ways</c><01:02:45.359><c> uh</c><01:02:45.599><c> you</c><01:02:45.839><c>
• c> against</c><01:02:46.640><c> the</c><01:02:46.880><c> will</c><01:02:47.119><c> of</c><01:02:47.280
• ><c> the</c><01:02:53.359><c> the</c><01:02:53.839><c> intent</c><01:02:54.559><c> and</c><01:02:54.880

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard brief presentations on Kentucky’s 2025 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Department for Public Health staff explained that the preventive health block grant provides about $2.3 million annually and supports programs such as accreditation and performance improvement, local health department grants, community health workers, prescription assistance, asthma and COPD programs, workforce development, and a sexual assault programs set-aside. They said the Title V block grant provides about $11.7 million, with 35% directed to children and youth with special health care needs and 65% to maternal and child health populations, largely through local health departments and a five-year needs assessment process. After no questions, a motion was made and seconded to approve both block grants. The roll call vote passed 19-0, and the two block grants were approved. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The next item was a discussion of the child waiver created in House Bill 6. Committee members raised concerns that the proposed 1915(c) waiver did not match the legislature’s intent, which they said was to move children from the Michelle P. waiver to free slots for adults. Cabinet officials from DCBS, behavioral health, and Medicaid described the proposed “Community Health for Improved Lives and Development” waiver as a targeted home- and community-based program for children under 21 with severe behavioral health or developmental needs, including those stepping down from inpatient or residential care or at risk of out-of-home placement. They said the waiver is designed for about 100 slots, uses a standardized needs-based assessment, and includes case management, community living supports, home modifications, respite, supervised residential care, and clinical therapeutic services. Officials said the public comment period ended July 15, responses are being compiled for August submission to CMS, and the waiver is part of the broader Families First initiative.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:23.599><c> The</c><01:02:23.920><c> oil</c><01:02:24.240><c> pollution</c> consolidated in
• The oil pollution control<01:02:25.040><c> fund</c><01:02:25.520><c> OPC</c><01:02:26.160><c> fund</c
• ><01:02:26.799><c> to</c><01:02:27.119><c> support</c><01:02:27.440><c> the</c> control fund OPC fund
• </c><01:02:54.559><c> fuel</c><01:02:54.960><c> oil</c><01:02:55.680><c> was</c><01:02:56.000><c> established
• in 2009.<01:02:58.400><c> And</c><01:02:58.559><c> the</c><01:02:58.799><c> current</c> 2009.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I make a<01:02:05.760><c> motion</c><01:02:06.000><c> about</c><01:02:06.319><c> to</c><01:02:06.480>
• </c><01:02:07.520><c> I</c><01:02:07.680><c> have</c><01:02:07.760><c> a</c><01:02:07.920><c> second.
• </c> Yeah.<01:02:14.319><c> Would</c><01:02:14.400><c> you</c><01:02:14.480><c> like</c><01:02:14.640
• :25.200><c> which</c><01:02:25.359><c> was</c><01:02:25.520><c> set</c><01:02:25.680><c> at</c><01:02
• Um, think we're<01:02:38.559><c> all</c><01:02:38.640><c> in</c><01:02:38.880><c> agreement</c><01:02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 63, which concerns funding for the division of travel and tourism and its relationship to the meals-and-rooms tax calculation. Members asked for confirmation that the bill would not affect municipal distributions under RSA 78-A:26. Jennifer Ramsey of the Department of Revenue Administration explained that the amendment does not change meals-and-rooms distributions, but instead corrects the calculation for the travel and tourism appropriation by adding back the municipal fund transfer before applying the 3.15% floor. Chris Shay of the Office of the Attorney General agreed with that explanation. The committee also discussed the complexity of the meals-and-rooms statutes and the possibility of a future cleanup effort. The committee then voted 19-0 to recommend SB 63 ought to pass; it will not go on consent because it has a fiscal note. The committee next considered SB 60, relative to advanced deposit account wagering. Rep. Murphy moved ought to pass, explaining that the bill would regulate advanced deposit wagering on horse racing and impose a 1.25% revenue share on wagers from New Hampshire residents, generating roughly a quarter-million dollars in new lottery revenue in the first year. The motion passed 19-0, and the bill will not go on consent because of its fiscal note. The committee then voted 19-0 to recommend SB 147 ITL, with members noting that live racing facilities are in decline and the market is shrinking. SB 160, which updates raffle ticket pricing and prize limits for bingo-related gaming, also passed ought to pass 19-0 and will not go on consent. The committee then took up SB 73, which revises coverall bingo rules and increases prize limits. An amendment, 2025-1470H, was offered to raise the total prize amount to $5,000; members supported it as a reasonable compromise, and the amendment was adopted unanimously. The bill as amended then passed ought to pass 19-0, again with a fiscal note preventing consent placement. After those votes, the committee moved into a work session on SB 83, where members began discussing the bill’s video lottery terminal provisions, including the meaning of “maximum wager,” the absence of a cumulative betting cap, and concerns that the bill combines several distinct policy changes—tax treatment, VLT rules, renaming, and a self-exclusion database—into one measure. No vote was taken on SB 83 during the work session, and members indicated they would continue discussion later after reviewing side-by-side materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:02.560><c> to</c><00:02:02.799><c> thank</c><00:02:03.040><c> them</c><00:02:03.280><c> all
• So, I want to<00:02:07.520><c> call</c><00:02:07.680><c> them</c><00:02:07.840><c> out</c><00:02:08.000
• </c><00:02:15.599><c> and</c><00:02:15.680><c> I'm</c><00:02:15.840><c> Zach</c><00:02:16.080><c> Ramsey
• :02:48.879><c> percentage,</c><00:02:49.360><c> it</c><00:02:49.599><c> represents</c><00:02:50.080><
• . statute. statute.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• During um the<01:02:02.480><c> intake</c><01:02:02.880><c> period,</c><01:02:03.839><c> shifty</c><01
• </c><01:02:11.520><c> Um,</c><01:02:12.319><c> and</c><01:02:12.559><c> then</c><01:02:12.720><c> if<
• <01:02:18.240><c> time</c><01:02:19.040><c> um</c><01:02:20.319><c> that</c><01:02:20.960><c> shifty<
• send</c><01:02:22.480><c> back</c><01:02:22.799><c> to</c><01:02:23.040><c> the</c><01:02:23.280><c>
• and during<01:02:24.960><c> that</c><01:02:25.280><c> intake</c><01:02:25.680><c> period,</c><01:02:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items. The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting. The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• First-degree arson statute of limitation increases. Fentanyl exposure for children.
• This is more than 1,200 Minnesota residents.
• Everywhere you look, state of Minnesota.
• </c><00:37:59.280><c> The</c> keep the state of Minnesota safe.
• The keep the state of Minnesota safe.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:19.880><c> Please</c><00:02:20.120><c> listen</c><00:02:20.440><c> to</c> historic artist
• Please listen to the<00:02:20.640><c> reading</c><00:02:20.920><c> of</c><00:02:21.000><c> the</c><00
• </c><00:02:47.959><c> River</c><00:02:48.240><c> at</c><00:02:48.400><c> Banks</c><00:02:48.720><c> Ford
• > Fourth</c><00:02:50.320><c> being</c><00:02:50.640><c> last</c><00:02:51.040><c> to</c><00:02:51.120
• And<00:02:58.280><c> whereas</c><00:02:58.640><c> New</c><00:02:58.760><c> York</c><00:02:58.959><c>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :26.720><c> of</c><01:02:26.839><c> a</c><01:02:27.000><c> vehicle</c><01:02:28.000><c> that</c><01:02
• ><c> know</c><01:02:30.720><c> it</c><01:02:30.880><c> actually</c><01:02:31.119><c> would</c><01:02:
• :02:32.480><c> the</c><01:02:33.119><c> spirit</c><01:02:33.440><c> of</c><01:02:33.559><c> due</c><01
• and<01:02:34.319><c> allowing</c><01:02:34.720><c> the</c><01:02:35.160><c> judicial</c><01:02:35.640
• ><c> concerns</c><01:02:41.319><c> see</c><01:02:41.640><c> none</c><01:02:41.920><c> Vice</c><01:02:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Thank<02:02:09.040><c> you,</c><02:02:09.280><c> Mr.</c><02:02:09.599><c> President.
• The motion<02:02:16.480><c> is</c><02:02:16.639><c> to</c><02:02:16.719><c> pass</c><02:02:17.119><c>
• Are there<02:02:18.320><c> any</c><02:02:18.560><c> no</c><02:02:18.800><c> votes?
• </c><02:02:27.520><c> Two</c><02:02:27.760><c> no</c><02:02:27.920><c> zero</c><02:02:28.159><c> apps
• House<02:02:29.360><c> Bill</c><02:02:29.599><c> 1019</c><02:02:30.320><c> is</c><02:02:30.639><c> passed

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it's</c><00:02:05.119><c> a</c><00:02:05.640><c> topic</c><00:02:06.640><c> that</c><00:02:06.799><c>
• ><c> is</c><00:02:18.200><c> nothing</c><00:02:18.599><c> as</c><00:02:18.720><c> I</c><00:02:18.840>
• brings<00:02:21.879><c> people</c><00:02:22.080><c> to</c><00:02:22.280><c> the</c><00:02:22.440><c>
• :02:23.879><c> in</c><00:02:24.280><c> committee</c><00:02:25.280><c> we've</c><00:02:25.560><c> all<
• 00:02:33.720><c> so</c><00:02:34.720><c> so</c><00:02:34.959><c> we</c><00:02:35.080><c> are</c><00:02

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a bill aimed at regulating paid veterans’ claims consultants and protecting veterans from bad actors. Chair Denine opened by emphasizing transparency, the need to hear concerns, and that the meeting was a hearing only, with no immediate vote expected. Senator David Yates, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect veterans by requiring clear written disclosure when a veteran uses a for-profit consultant, including that the consultant is not accredited or affiliated with VA or veterans’ service organizations. He said the proposal was based on best practices from other states, would include guardrails rather than a total ban, and was being slowed to allow further review and possible amendments. Testimony reflected both support for the bill’s intent and disagreement over its scope. A committee member and later witnesses stressed that veterans should be able to make informed choices and that some private consultants and law firms have helped veterans, but they also acknowledged bad actors and the need for rules, accreditation, and fee limits. James Toby of the VFW opposed the bill as written, arguing it conflicts with federal rules by allowing fees on initial claims and urging the committee to reject it in favor of legislation that mirrors federal law and imposes real penalties. Mark Christensen of Veterans Guardian said veterans need more options because Kentucky has too few VSO representatives, supported guardrails and accreditation reform, and suggested the bill could be improved with a dollar-based fee cap, no late fees or interest, and clearer ethical rules. Daryl Casey of JVO said his organization supports the bill’s goal of leveling the playing field, noting that veterans service organizations do not charge fees and that any limits should apply consistently across providers. The chair did not take a final vote during this hearing and instead encouraged the sponsor to circulate committee substitute language and continue discussions with veterans’ organizations and committee members before the next meeting. The sponsor said he was not pushing the bill forward that day and wanted more time to address concerns, especially around accreditation and disclosure.