Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:44.319><c> the</c> Again, we're adding into statute the Again, we're adding into statute the
• ><c> in</c><01:02:19.280><c> the</c><01:02:19.599><c> utilization</c><01:02:20.319><c> of</c><01:02:20.640
• of red flag laws<01:02:22.240><c> to</c><01:02:22.559><c> prevent</c><01:02:23.280><c> selfharm.
• </c> I<01:02:29.839><c> ask</c><01:02:30.079><c> for</c><01:02:30.240><c> an</c><01:02:30.480><c> I</
• c><01:02:30.799><c> vote</c><01:02:31.680><c> on</c><01:02:32.079><c> this</c><01:02:32.480><c> bill,

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had no<02:02:05.679><c> way</c><02:02:05.840><c> to</c><02:02:06.000><c> feed</c><02:02:06.239><c>
• The pain was like<02:02:08.320><c> none</c><02:02:08.560><c> I'd</c><02:02:08.880><c> ever</c><02:02:
• </c><02:02:13.520><c> No</c><02:02:13.840><c> child</c><02:02:14.080><c> should</c><02:02:14.560><c>
• <c> with</c><02:34:33.040><c> state</c><02:34:33.439><c> statute</c> &gt;&gt; So it aligns it with state
• statute &gt;&gt; So it aligns it with state statute that's<02:34:34.240><c> already</c><02:34:34.479

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:02:02.599><c> they</c><01:02:02.720><c> would</c><01:02:02.839><c> do</c><01:02:03.000><c> due</
• </c><01:02:06.680><c> so</c><01:02:07.200><c> thank</c><01:02:07.359><c> you</c><01:02:07.440><c> for
• </c><01:02:12.520><c> seeing</c><01:02:12.880><c> with</c><01:02:13.000><c> that</c><01:02:13.160><c>
• <c> for</c><01:02:13.640><c> the</c><01:02:13.720><c> vote</c><01:02:14.000><c> please</c><01:02:15.000
• <01:02:21.079><c> uh</c><01:02:21.559><c> any</c><01:02:22.000><c> Representatives</c><01:02:22.559><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 18, 2025, to hear several measures and later take up amendments and votes. Early items included a budget measure to increase the mass transit special fund expenditure ceiling, a bill extending lapse dates for drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory funds, and a measure creating buffer zones for parking near crosswalks and intersections. Testimony on the crosswalk-parking bill was broadly supportive from transportation, law enforcement, planning, bicycling, public health, and advocacy groups, with the Department of Health emphasizing visibility and roadway safety. The committee also heard a bill establishing the Mokai air carrier subsidy program for Molokaʻi, which drew support from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and comments from the Department of Transportation. The committee then heard SB 106 on pedestrian rules, which generated mixed testimony: the Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Workers Center, and the Department of Health supported it, while the Honolulu Police Department and Kīpuka Injury Prevention Coalition opposed it. Supporters argued the bill would reduce inequitable jaywalking enforcement and reflect a broader safety culture; opponents warned it could create confusion and risk. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect other traffic-code provisions and asked about crash data in other jurisdictions; the Department of Health said crashes had not increased in other places and cited California data showing decreased crashes and fatalities. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 934 SD2 with amendments, with Representative Miyake reserving and Representative Cochran excused. It then passed SB 1526 SD2 with amendments. SB 1195 SD1 was also passed with amendments after the chair proposed adding language tying fines for illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections to the Safe Routes to School special fund and establishing a fine range of $100 to $500 per violation, with collected fines dedicated to pedestrian safety improvements. Members voiced support for the dedicated revenue source and community safety rationale. The committee next passed SB 1638 SD2 with amendments to strengthen the constitutional/public-purpose findings for subsidizing air carriers serving Molokaʻi and to add annual audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. The amended findings emphasized that affordable air service is essential for health care, employment, education, and overall well-being in remote island communities, and that the subsidy program is intended to improve access and competition while lowering costs for residents. The chair then recessed the meeting after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• a method<01:02:05.240><c> EPA</c><01:02:05.880><c> sent</c><01:02:06.200><c> out</c><01:02:06.680><c
• think</c><01:02:10.240><c> it</c><01:02:10.319><c> was</c><01:02:10.400><c> the</c><01:02:10.520><c>
• <01:02:11.880><c> you'd</c><01:02:12.119><c> have</c><01:02:12.240><c> to</c><01:02:12.400><c> start<
• c><01:02:20.359><c> it</c><01:02:20.440><c> was</c><01:02:20.599><c> October</c><01:02:20.960><c> to<
• just got<01:02:25.640><c> our</c><01:02:26.079><c> first</c><01:02:26.359><c> set</c><01:02:26.520><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Agriculture Commissioner on the department’s major divisions and staffing. He described the Office of the Commissioner, Agricultural Development, Pesticides, Regulatory Services, Weights and Measures, Animal Industry, Plant Industry, and Soil Conservation, noting that many programs are federally funded or supported by dedicated fees and fines. He said the department has 44 full-time positions plus one DoIT employee shared with other agencies, and that HR services are now contracted through Administrative Services. He also explained that Soil Conservation is administratively attached to the department and funded through Moose Plate grants and county contributions, not direct state funding. Members asked about specific program functions and issues, including weights and measures inspections, animal health, bird flu response, internships, invasive species, and the Big E/New Hampshire building. The commissioner said weights and measures covers nearly all commercial measuring devices and products sold by weight, and that inspectors are currently part-time police officers, though the department is discussing removing that requirement. He said the department is actively involved in bird flu monitoring, including regular calls with USDA and the state veterinarian and collecting milk samples from dairy farms. On invasive species, he focused on Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, saying the department has only one staff person working on the issue, mainly as a coordinator with DOT and towns, and that eradication is extremely difficult. He also said the department does not run student internships and refers inquiries to UNH Cooperative Extension. The committee discussed budget and revenue issues, including three new general fund positions, one of which is the assistant commissioner and another a biological scientist for invasive species. The commissioner said the department had been in “triage mode,” that an assistant commissioner was needed because of workload, and that the department is a net positive to the General Fund each year. He said some fees and fines have not been updated in decades and would require legislation to change, including a proposed $5 fee for each animal database certificate to help fund a system that costs about $250,000 annually to maintain. In response to questions about budget reductions, he said the department protected personnel, reduced the cost-of-care fund, fair grants, and land preservation funding to about $25,000 each, and did not plan to buy new vehicles or computers. He also said he could not support including the $50,000 Conservation District resilience grant program in his budget under the current reduction targets, though he remained hopeful it might be funded another way.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:40:17.600><c> It</c> statute. The statute is the same. It statute. The statute is the same.
• </c><02:08:01.440><c> Governor,</c><02:08:01.760><c> I'd</c><02:08:02.000><c> like</c><02:08:02.079><
• </c><02:09:49.040><c> I</c><02:09:49.280><c> pledge</c><02:09:49.679><c> allegiance</c><02:09:50.400>
• go to<02:11:01.119><c> work</c><02:11:01.280><c> every</c><02:11:01.520><c> day,</c><02:11:01.920><c
• And<02:12:07.920><c> finally,</c><02:12:08.320><c> I'd</c><02:12:08.560><c> like</c><02:12:08.719><c>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• implications for the<02:00:34.159><c> way</c><02:00:35.040><c> we</c><02:00:35.920><c> uh</c><02:00:
• So,<02:07:51.199><c> if</c><02:07:51.760><c> I</c><02:07:52.000><c> as</c><02:07:52.159><c> a</c><02:
• <02:15:12.800><c> Have</c><02:15:12.960><c> you</c><02:15:13.119><c> done</c><02:15:13.280><c> this?
• <02:30:31.040><c> the</c><02:30:31.359><c> time</c><02:30:31.520><c> to</c><02:30:31.760><c> do</c><02
• </c><02:41:33.920><c> I</c><02:41:34.240><c> and</c><02:41:34.399><c> I</c><02:41:34.640><c> I</c><02

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:29:40.720><c> statute</c><02:29:41.680><c> that</c><02:29:41.920><c> the</c> challenges and have in
• statute that the challenges and have in statute that the state<02:29:42.439><c> will</c><02:29:43.200
• :31:10.520><c> a</c><02:31:10.760><c> statute</c><02:31:11.200><c> that</c><02:31:11.359><c> exists</
• c><02:31:11.720><c> it's</c><02:31:11.840><c> RSA</c> currently a statute that exists it's RSA currently
• a statute that exists it's RSA 943<02:31:13.840><c> uh</c><02:31:14.720><c> bi-</c><02:31:16.080><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:02:01.559><c> minus</c><01:02:02.520><c> just</c><01:02:02.640><c> doing</c><01:02:02.920><c> some
• c><01:02:06.319><c> it</c><01:02:06.480><c> 20</c><01:02:06.799><c> million</c><01:02:07.799><c> did<
• ><01:02:12.599><c> know</c><01:02:12.720><c> the</c><01:02:12.880><c> HB</c><01:02:13.640><c> measure
• </c><01:02:16.359><c> but</c><01:02:16.640><c> did</c><01:02:16.920><c> did</c><01:02:17.079><c> the<
• <01:02:26.000><c> yes</c><01:02:26.440><c> so</c><01:02:27.039><c> uh</c><01:02:27.160><c> originally

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing. The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> was</c><02:02:23.840><c> going</c><02:02:23.960><c> to</c><02:02:24.119><c> be</c><02:02:24.280><c
• ><c> put</c><02:02:25.159><c> small</c><02:02:25.520><c> business</c><02:02:25.920><c> down</c><02:02
• 02:02:28.400><c> him</c><02:02:28.560><c> to</c><02:02:28.679><c> do</c><02:02:28.840><c> it</c> and
• 02:02:29.360><c> afraid</c><02:02:29.679><c> then</c><02:02:29.880><c> he'd</c><02:02:30.000><c> be</
• c><02:02:33.800><c> is</c><02:02:34.000><c> the</c><02:02:34.239><c> truth</c><02:02:35.239><c> this<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted. OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important. A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> every</c><00:02:04.680><c> decision</c><00:02:05.240><c> made</c><00:02:05.560><c> in</c><00:02:05.680
• , conviction<00:02:12.600><c> where</c><00:02:12.760><c> there</c><00:02:12.960><c> is</c><00:02:13.080
• Father,<00:02:18.360><c> we</c><00:02:18.520><c> ask</c><00:02:19.320><c> that</c><00:02:19.560><c> you
• ><c> by</c><00:02:28.720><c> a</c><00:02:28.800><c> deep</c><00:02:29.200><c> sense</c><00:02:29.560>
• Your<00:02:34.040><c> word</c><00:02:34.360><c> declares</c><00:02:34.960><c> that</c><00:02:35.200><

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> so</c><01:02:04.960><c> that</c><01:02:05.119><c> we</c><01:02:05.359><c> can</c><01:02:05.440><
• 02:00:02.800><c> can</c><02:00:03.040><c> it</c><02:00:03.280><c> can</c><02:00:03.440><c> be</c><02:
• <02:01:26.000><c> they</c><02:01:26.239><c> can</c><02:01:26.560><c> uh</c><02:01:26.719><c> do</c><02
• 02:05:19.920><c> um</c><02:05:20.480><c> that's</c><02:05:20.719><c> why</c><02:05:20.880><c> I</c><02
• </c><02:05:42.880><c> Um</c><02:05:43.440><c> a</c><02:05:44.080><c> u</c><02:05:44.639><c> uh</c><02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in Division 3 work session on HB 2 and began by noting a delayed start to allow the Legislative Budget Assistant to finish a large packet of updated amendments and revisions. The chair said the goal for the day was to move as many items as possible, with any cleanup deferred to a Friday follow-up. Members also discussed the process for handling public and department testimony on selected items before votes. Several early amendments were taken up and voted on. The committee unanimously recommended items dealing with repealing the liquor transfer to the alcohol fund and redirecting liquor-related revenue to the general fund, and it also approved an amendment revising Granite Advantage funding so there would be no automatic transfer from the liquor fund, instead using a general fund appropriation. Members then approved repealing the foster grandparent program by a 5-4 vote, and later approved an amendment requiring DHS contractors to comply with the patients’ bill of rights by a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved incorporating House Bill 94 on Medicaid coverage of circumcision by a 5-4 vote, while deferring the Wick Farmers Market Nutrition Program repeal for more discussion. The committee spent substantial time on the youth risk behavior survey amendment. Supporters said the change was intended to clarify opt-out procedures and ensure parents, guardians, and students are clearly notified that they may opt out without negative consequences. Some members raised privacy concerns and said the language could add administrative burden, but the amendment was ultimately recommended to Finance by a recorded vote of 8-1. Another amendment on civil rights and contractor standards for DHHS was discussed but not voted on after concerns were raised about vague enforcement language and possible penalties. The committee also struck amendment 1026 as redundant, with members noting related work in existing law and Senate Bill 134, and then moved on to other items, including a revised equity/access-related amendment that was postponed for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr.<00:02:47.720><c> President,</c><00:02:48.240><c> your</c><00:02:48.360><c> committee</c><00:02:48.680
• political<00:02:51.480><c> subdivisions,</c><00:02:52.560><c> to</c><00:02:52.680><c> whom</c><00:02
• <00:02:57.920><c> reports</c><00:02:58.400><c> same</c><00:02:58.680><c> back</c><00:02:58.960><c> to
• And all<01:02:27.200><c> we're</c><01:02:27.320><c> saying</c><01:02:28.120><c> with</c><01:02:28.280
• ><c> not</c><01:02:35.120><c> listed</c><01:02:35.440><c> in</c><01:02:35.720><c> in</c><01:02:35.880

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:02:13.200><c> just</c><00:02:13.360><c> to</c><00:02:13.520><c> give</c><00:02:13.599><c> you<
• :02:15.280><c> content</c><00:02:15.680><c> recognition</c><00:02:16.160><c> or</c><00:02:16.480><c>
• c><00:02:21.599><c> your</c><00:02:21.840><c> smart</c><00:02:22.160><c> TV</c><00:02:23.120><c> is</
• /c><00:02:23.840><c> very</c><00:02:24.000><c> small</c><00:02:24.640><c> snapshots</c><00:02:25.360>
• c> or</c><00:02:29.680><c> what's</c><00:02:29.920><c> on</c><00:02:30.080><c> the</c><00:02:30.239><

Committee: House Small Business & Information Technology

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:28 HB 692 Discussion: 01:11 HB 692 Voting: 05:01, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• law-abiding<00:02:22.120><c> citizen</c><00:02:23.120><c> at</c><00:02:23.280><c> 18</c><00:02:23.599
• 02:28.360><c> can</c><00:02:28.480><c> sign</c><00:02:28.920><c> contracts</c><00:02:29.959><c> they<
• can marry<00:02:30.800><c> they</c><00:02:30.920><c> can</c><00:02:31.040><c> be</c><00:02:31.160><c>
• tried</c><00:02:31.599><c> as</c><00:02:31.720><c> an</c><00:02:31.879><c> adult</c><00:02:32.239><c
• :02:35.200><c> in</c><00:02:35.319><c> the</c><00:02:35.440><c> United</c><00:02:35.720><c> States</c

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:06 SB 75: 00:01:05 Discussion in Opposition to SB 75: 00:11:00 SCR 89: 00:26:30 HB 38: 00:34:51 HB 201: 00:50:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• basically updates<00:02:06.719><c> the</c><00:02:06.960><c> statutes</c><00:02:07.920><c> so</c><00:
• 02:08.119><c> that</c><00:02:08.280><c> what</c><00:02:08.399><c> the</c> updates the statutes so that
• what the updates the statutes so that what the department<00:02:09.399><c> it</c><00:02:09.679><c> does
• ><c> ship</c><02:02:09.360><c> that</c><02:02:09.480><c> was</c><02:02:09.679><c> shelling</c><02:02:
• 5050<02:02:14.360><c> caliber</c><02:02:15.040><c> guns</c><02:02:16.040><c> was</c><02:02:16.360><c

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.480><c> which</c><00:02:00.720><c> it</c><00:02:00.840><c> stands,</c><00:02:01.760><c>
• , one nation under<00:02:03.280><c> God,</c><00:02:04.080><c> indivisible,</c><00:02:05.240><c> with<
• </c> Madam<00:02:13.400><c> Clerk,</c><00:02:14.160><c> please</c><00:02:14.600><c> call</c><00:02:14.960
• ><c> co-workers</c><01:02:55.480><c> and</c><01:02:55.640><c> I</c><01:02:55.760><c> ask</c><01:02:56.120
• c><01:02:57.720><c> his</c><01:02:57.960><c> friends</c><01:02:58.400><c> and</c><01:02:58.520><c> his

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:07.960><c> yes</c><01:02:08.599><c> okay</c><01:02:09.319><c> so</c><01:02:10.240><c> I</c><01:02
• wanted<01:02:12.920><c> us</c><01:02:13.039><c> to</c><01:02:13.240><c> clarify</c><01:02:13.640><c>
• to</c><01:02:13.880><c> on</c><01:02:14.079><c> that</c><01:02:14.319><c> is</c><01:02:14.680><c> the
• c><01:02:19.640><c> study</c><01:02:20.480><c> that</c><01:02:20.599><c> you're</c><01:02:20.799><c>
• a</c><01:02:54.799><c> silly</c><01:02:55.119><c> question</c><01:02:55.359><c> so</c><01:02:55.480><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee discussed three ambulance reimbursement bills and tried to distinguish their approaches. House Bill 185 would require insurers to pay the full amount billed by an ambulance provider when there is no contract rate, with no balance billing to the patient; the Insurance Department clarified that emergency ambulance services are already covered under the benchmark plan, so the bill’s reference to policies without ambulance coverage is effectively meaningless. House Bill 725 would set reimbursement at 325% of the Medicare rate for non-contract ambulance services and prohibit balance billing. House Bill 316 was described as addressing the broader problem that Medicare/Medicaid rates are low and that current balance billing shifts costs to patients or municipalities; its sponsor said the bill would require insurers to pay a rate that gives providers a fighting chance to remain in business, and he viewed 325% of Medicare as the most logical option. Members debated whether insurers should pay the billed amount, a negotiated in-network rate, or a regulated percentage of Medicare. Some argued that out-of-network ambulance providers are underpaid and that in-network rates are often too low to sustain service, especially for emergency providers who cannot steer patients. Others said ambulance companies should not be able to bill whatever they want and questioned the fairness of charging insured patients or insurers more than the service is worth. There was also discussion of whether rate schedules should be reviewed by an oversight body and whether different costs in rural areas justify different reimbursement levels. A recurring issue was balance billing and who ultimately bears the shortfall. Several members said balance billing harms patients and often does not get paid, leaving cities and towns or property taxpayers to cover the difference for municipal ambulance services. Others argued that shifting the cost to insurance premiums would spread the burden more fairly, though it could raise premiums by a few dollars per person per month. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt; the discussion focused on clarifying the bills and weighing their policy tradeoffs.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:00.479><c> Lying</c><00:02:00.880><c> County,</c><00:02:01.360><c> which</c><00:02:01.600><
• </c><00:02:02.560><c> So</c><00:02:03.119><c> th</c><00:02:03.439><c> those</c><00:02:03.759><c> of</
• /c><00:02:05.360><c> have</c><00:02:05.520><c> to</c><00:02:05.680><c> have</c><00:02:05.920><c> to</
• > life</c><00:02:07.280><c> tough</c><00:02:07.680><c> without</c><00:02:08.080><c> having</c><00:02:
• :09.039><c> up</c><00:02:09.200><c> in</c><00:02:09.360><c> this</c><00:02:09.520><c> edge</c><00:02:

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:12 SB 5 Discussion: 03:10 SB 5 Roll Call Vote: 18:05 SB 73 Discussion: 22:00 SB 73 Roll Call Vote: 22:40, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas and Minnesota are the only two states that strictly have just a prohibition, which restricts the
• Messaging a certain number of days before an election: in Texas, it's 30 days, and in Minnesota, it is
• of their likeness and voice, then I think we can put in protections without violating any other statutes
• That included statutes, regulations, any sort of opinions that the Ethics Commission had released.

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The Arizona House Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee met for an informational presentation from Adam Cook Hook of the National Conference of State Legislatures on recent AI policy trends across the states. He described how legislatures are creating AI-focused committees, task forces, inventories, and impact assessments, and how states are also using AI in government operations and procurement. He noted that all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and D.C. introduced AI bills in 2025, with NCSL tracking more than 1,200 measures and nearly 200 enactments across 45 states. Much of the discussion focused on deepfakes, elections, and synthetic media. Hook said 26 states have enacted laws regulating AI in political messaging, usually through disclosure requirements, while some states have prohibitions near elections. He also discussed laws addressing sexually explicit deepfakes, nonconsensual intimate images, and protections for performers’ name, image, and likeness. Members asked about the best state models for protecting AI-generated likenesses and how parody and satire affect such laws; Hook said courts have struck down some deepfake laws as overbroad, especially where they lacked parody exceptions or allowed broad private rights of action. Hook also highlighted broader AI legislation in healthcare, education, workforce training, and public-private innovation efforts, including regulatory sandboxes and state-run AI tools. He summarized comprehensive AI laws in Colorado, Utah, California, and Texas, and flagged legal issues such as privacy, copyright, bias, liability, and transparency. Committee members asked about the growth of AI policy, the role of NCSL, and practical uses of AI in government; Hook said interest has grown rapidly since public release of tools like ChatGPT and that NCSL is still adapting its internal AI work. No bills were heard or voted on, and the meeting ended with the chair thanking the presenter and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.640><c> Bill</c><00:02:12.640><c> uh</c><00:02:12.840><c> what</c><00:02:13.000><c> it</c><00:02:
• /c><00:02:15.800><c> it</c><00:02:16.000><c> came</c><00:02:16.239><c> from</c><00:02:16.400><c> the<
• ><00:02:21.640><c> they</c><00:02:21.800><c> do</c><00:02:22.519><c> uh</c><00:02:22.879><c> the</c><
• ><c> in</c><00:02:41.680><c> statute</c> be nursing uh there is the in statute be nursing uh there is
• the in statute that<00:02:42.840><c> the</c><00:02:43.000><c> department</c><00:02:43.440><c> is</c>

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:37 Discussion of 25RS HB 392 00:03:10 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 392 00:04:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 580 00:13:28 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 580 00:14:54 Discussion of 25RS HB 688 00:18:40 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 688 00:21:40 Discussion of 25RS HB 16 01:19:44 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 16 01:27:32 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 392, sponsored by Representative Proctor, which would help the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities pay for emergency medical and psychiatric services provided to patients outside state facilities when those facilities cannot meet their needs. Proctor described it as a continuing improvement bill to address payment issues for services delivered at community-based facilities. The bill received no substantive opposition in the meeting and passed the committee with favorable expression by a vote of 15 yes, 0 no, and 1 pass. The committee then considered House Bill 580, presented by Representative Kim Moser and Elena Sweezy, which tightens oversight of peer support specialists. The bill was described as building on House Bill 505 from the prior year by reinstating supervision requirements, adding parameters around group sizes, creating a pathway for temporary peer support specialists to become fully registered after nine months, and addressing Medicaid reimbursement and accountability concerns. Members asked about reimbursement; the sponsor said Medicaid was okay with the bill and that commercial insurance coverage would be up to insurers. Representative Fleming emphasized the need for stronger financial oversight of the peer support code. The committee adopted a substitute and title amendment, then passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 688 was then heard, with Representative Bratcher explaining that it addresses two issues: preventing fraud in nurse licensure by giving the Kentucky Board of Nursing more discretion to review out-of-state credentials, and expanding school authority to administer certain emergency medications. He said the bill changes the board’s authority from “shall” to “may” so it can verify transcripts, curricula, accreditation, and exam passage. During discussion, Representative Sharp explained his yes vote by noting the bill also adds rescue medications such as glucagon and Solu-Cortef and allows prescribed emergency medications for known conditions in schools. The committee passed the bill with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 16, which would leave decisions about adding fluoride to drinking water to local governing bodies rather than maintaining a state mandate. Supporters, including Representative David Hale, Dr. Jack Call, and Cindy Batson, argued that fluoridation should be a local choice and raised concerns about cost, potential health risks, and the precautionary principle. Opponents, including Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, defended fluoridation as beneficial for preventing tooth decay and warned that local removal decisions could increase Medicaid costs and may not reflect the broader public interest. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote on House Bill 16 in the excerpt.