Transcript Highlights:

• so</c><00:32:03.440><c> inclusive</c><00:32:03.880><c> of</c><00:32:04.080><c> forest</c><00:32:04.519
• /c><00:32:09.000><c> heard</c><00:32:09.240><c> here</c><00:32:09.440><c> today</c><00:32:09.720><c>
• </c><00:32:19.880><c> sector</c><00:32:20.360><c> can</c><00:32:20.519><c> also</c><00:32:21.039><c>
• c><00:32:56.039><c> towards</c><00:32:56.519><c> a</c><00:32:56.639><c> more</c><00:32:56.880><c> in<
• ><c> name</c><01:32:02.440><c> is</c><01:32:02.520><c> k</c><01:32:02.719><c> mirand</c><01:32:03.000

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But they offered<00:32:01.560><c> me</c><00:32:01.679><c> a</c><00:32:01.720><c> job</c><00:32:02.080
• ><c> and</c><00:32:02.200><c> it</c><00:32:02.280><c> helped</c><00:32:02.480><c> me</c><00:32:02.600
• So, that's<00:32:10.920><c> why</c><00:32:11.040><c> I</c><00:32:11.080><c> continue</c><00:32:11.480
• also</c><00:32:14.320><c> work</c><00:32:14.520><c> in</c><00:32:14.640><c> the</c><00:32:14.720><c>
• And honestly,<00:32:22.960><c> I</c><00:32:23.000><c> just</c><00:32:23.120><c> love</c><00:32:23.280

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Styers<00:32:04.840><c> Senator</c><00:32:05.799><c> Thomas</c><00:32:06.799><c> Mr</c><00:32:07.039
• vote</c><00:32:09.200><c> in</c><00:32:09.360><c> about</c><00:32:09.639><c> one</c><00:32:09.880><c
• </c><00:32:16.880><c> as</c><00:32:17.080><c> well</c><00:32:18.080><c> uh</c><00:32:18.200><c> and</
• ><c> the</c><00:32:21.919><c> point</c><00:32:22.399><c> in</c><00:32:22.559><c> our</c><00:32:22.799
• 32:25.760><c> we</c><00:32:26.240><c> we</c><00:32:26.960><c> understand</c><00:32:27.679><c> that</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:

• </c><00:32:08.000><c> on</c><00:32:08.159><c> a</c><00:32:08.320><c> note</c><00:32:08.559><c> of</c>
• </c><00:32:10.000><c> New</c><00:32:10.240><c> census</c><00:32:10.640><c> data</c><00:32:10.880><c>
• </c><00:32:21.279><c> And</c><00:32:21.519><c> in</c><00:32:21.760><c> 2024,</c><00:32:22.720><c> we<
• So the last<00:32:26.080><c> two</c><00:32:26.320><c> years</c><00:32:26.799><c> show</c><00:32:27.200
• 32:48.960><c> more</c><00:32:49.120><c> of</c><00:32:49.279><c> them,</c><00:32:49.840><c> that</c><00

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.919><c> let</c><00:32:02.039><c> me</c><00:32:02.159><c> tell</c><00:32:02.320><c> you</c><00:32:
• ><00:32:03.679><c> all</c><00:32:03.840><c> the</c><00:32:04.039><c> information</c><00:32:04.880><c>
• ><c> certain</c><00:32:05.639><c> that</c><00:32:06.120><c> if</c><00:32:07.120><c> there's</c><00:32
• have<00:32:09.360><c> please</c><00:32:09.600><c> feel</c><00:32:09.840><c> free</c><00:32:10.120><c>
• ><c> and</c><00:32:23.760><c> we</c><00:32:23.880><c> want</c><00:32:24.000><c> to</c><00:32:24.159><

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:10.159><c> California</c><00:32:11.039><c> is</c><00:32:11.679><c> uh</c><00:32:11.919><c> is</c>
• </c><00:32:12.799><c> a</c><00:32:13.279><c> re</c><00:32:13.600><c> is</c><00:32:13.919><c> looking<
• > our</c><00:32:22.480><c> bill</c><00:32:22.880><c> to</c><00:32:23.120><c> be</c><00:32:23.279><c>
• </c><00:32:25.279><c> You</c><00:32:25.440><c> know,</c><00:32:25.600><c> as</c><00:32:25.840><c> we<
• career<00:32:30.000><c> pathways,</c><00:32:30.640><c> we</c><00:32:30.880><c> have</c><00:32:31.039

Bills: HF3650 , HF1791 , HF3489 , HF4231 , HF4232 , HF4269 , HF4270 , HF3490

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, career and technical education, CTE, postsecondary scholarship, postsecondary grant, school district funding, cooperative unit, Minnesota high school, apprenticeship, certificate program, tuition assistance, workforce training, military transition, education finance, student aid, career pathways

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> cost</c><00:32:22.320><c> shares</c><00:32:22.640><c> 50%</c><00:32:23.039><c> at</c><00:32:23.200
• </c><00:32:24.480><c> We</c><00:32:24.720><c> don't</c><00:32:24.880><c> have</c><00:32:24.960><c> a<
• Budget<00:32:29.200><c> amounts</c><00:32:29.600><c> are</c><00:32:29.760><c> based</c><00:32:30.000>
• ><c> a</c><00:32:42.559><c> new</c><00:32:42.720><c> pay</c><00:32:42.960><c> system</c><00:32:44.159
• :47.519><c> was</c><00:32:47.760><c> relied</c><00:32:48.159><c> on</c><00:32:48.559><c> a</c><00:32:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an Office of Education Technology presentation on the Kentucky Education Technology System (KTS) and a request to increase its annual budget from $15.4 million to $30 million, including an additional $14.6 million. The witness described KTS as a statewide service model that provides districts with student information and financial systems, internet bandwidth, regional support, cybersecurity, online registration, learning management and email services, and collaborative instructional technology support. He argued the state’s centralized purchasing saves districts 40% to 60% compared with buying services individually, and said federal internet discounts and district matching funds create a strong return on investment. He also said KTS has faced long-term funding cuts, has not received a cost-of-living increase since 1992, and is now at a “breaking point” where some services may have to be shifted to districts at higher cost. The request was broken into six main items: restoring funding for the computer science and information technology academy; strengthening cybersecurity defenses in response to sharply rising attacks on K-12 systems; funding online registration through Infinite Campus; stabilizing ongoing support costs for Infinite Campus; providing cost-of-living increases for KTS services; and increasing the KTS financial assistance sent to districts, which requires local matching funds. Members asked about the current appropriation, and the witness said it is $15.4 million. One member praised the office’s work and support for districts, while another noted the district had been an early adopter of one-to-one technology. The committee then received an overview of the KRS 156 salary schedule and step-and-rank system for state-operated career and technical education staff at area technology centers. Officials explained that salaries are set under statute and regulation based on years of service and educational rank, with annual calculations tied to statewide teacher salary averages and retroactive adjustments to July 1. They said the current ABR request is $325,000 over the biennium to cover step and rank increases. The presentation noted that KRS 156 salaries are generally comparable to local districts but are less competitive with business and industry, making recruitment and retention difficult, especially for instructors coming from the trades. Members agreed that trade instructors are underpaid relative to the market and said the issue deserves further review, with department officials indicating they are considering possible statutory revisions and a delayed implementation in a future biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:02.799><c> to</c><00:32:02.919><c> have</c><00:32:03.000><c> one</c><00:32:03.080><c> of</c><00:32
• c><00:32:05.760><c> I</c><00:32:05.960><c> live</c><00:32:06.080><c> and</c><00:32:06.200><c> where</
• some members<00:32:06.639><c> of</c><00:32:06.720><c> this</c><00:32:06.840><c> committee</c><00:32:
• ><00:32:09.039><c> of</c><00:32:09.200><c> my</c><00:32:09.519><c> constituents</c><00:32:10.000><c>
• :32:12.399><c> correct</c><00:32:13.360><c> um</c><00:32:14.080><c> that's</c><00:32:14.240><c> a</c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the<00:32:02.080><c> bill</c><00:32:02.399><c> will</c><00:32:02.559><c> help</c><00:32:02.799><c>
• </c><00:32:14.720><c> Uh</c><00:32:15.039><c> it</c><00:32:15.360><c> gives</c><00:32:15.600><c> our<
• Uh<00:32:33.039><c> coverage</c><00:32:33.519><c> would</c><00:32:33.760><c> start</c><00:32:34.000><
• On<00:32:37.039><c> the</c><00:32:37.200><c> other</c><00:32:37.760><c> side</c><00:32:38.000><c> of<
• and six<00:32:45.519><c> month</c><00:32:45.840><c> seasonal</c><00:32:46.399><c> wildland</c><00:32

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:32:00.240><c> you</c><00:32:00.399><c> know,</c><00:32:00.480><c> we</c><00:32:00.720><c> we</
• of the industry about<00:32:04.799><c> $150</c><00:32:06.080><c> uh</c><00:32:06.240><c> a</c><00:32
• :06.480><c> year</c><00:32:06.720><c> to</c><00:32:07.039><c> just</c><00:32:07.279><c> be</c><00:32:
• probably at<00:32:09.919><c> least</c><00:32:10.240><c> go</c><00:32:10.399><c> up</c><00:32:10.559><
• 32:49.760><c> job</c><00:32:49.919><c> on</c><00:32:50.080><c> it.

Bills: HB0086

Committee: House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: county officials, election code, misconduct, removal, government accountability, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.039><c> here</c><00:32:09.240><c> I</c><00:32:09.320><c> do</c><00:32:09.559><c> think</c><00:32:
• :10.360><c> sense</c><00:32:10.559><c> to</c><00:32:10.720><c> look</c><00:32:10.840><c> at</c><00:32
• :32:12.440><c> holistic</c><00:32:13.919><c> standpoint</c><00:32:14.919><c> um</c><00:32:15.840><c>
• :32:23.840><c> thank</c><00:32:24.000><c> you</c><00:32:24.519><c> I</c><00:32:24.600><c> also</c><00
• </c><00:32:25.960><c> that</c><00:32:26.080><c> in</c><00:32:26.240><c> terms</c><00:32:26.559><c> of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:11.000><c> you</c><00:32:11.200><c> have</c><00:32:11.399><c> done</c><00:32:11.720><c> in
• :32:16.639><c> look</c><00:32:17.000><c> at</c><00:32:17.399><c> the</c><00:32:18.320><c> the</c><00:
• that now compose hcda<00:32:22.679><c> um</c><00:32:23.080><c> and</c><00:32:23.880><c> uh</c><00:32
• :24.120><c> more</c><00:32:24.399><c> so</c><00:32:25.200><c> from</c><00:32:26.120><c> the</c><00:32
• <00:32:42.440><c> well</c><00:32:43.120><c> you</c><00:32:43.240><c> know</c><00:32:43.440><c> we</c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6. The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:02.360><c> Programs</c><00:32:02.799><c> it</c><00:32:02.960><c> is</c><00:32:03.080><c> going</c
• </c><00:32:03.519><c> some</c><00:32:03.760><c> assessment</c><00:32:04.240><c> with</c><00:32:04.480
• ><c> you</c><00:32:09.320><c> know</c><00:32:09.440><c> we</c><00:32:09.559><c> can</c><00:32:09.720>
• c> we're</c><00:32:30.679><c> going</c><00:32:30.799><c> to</c><00:32:30.919><c> use</c><00:32:31.120
• ><c> starting</c><00:32:32.559><c> point</c><00:32:33.399><c> is</c><00:32:33.480><c> this</c><00:32:

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> I've</c><00:32:05.560><c> uh</c><00:32:05.920><c> all</c><00:32:06.120><c> the</c><00:32:06.240><c
• </c><00:32:20.680><c> place</c><00:32:21.120><c> is</c><00:32:21.480><c> extremely</c><00:32:22.120><
• ><c> look</c><00:32:33.880><c> at</c><00:32:34.040><c> a</c><00:32:34.320><c> a</c><00:32:34.360><c>
• </c><00:32:37.720><c> faith</c><00:32:38.120><c> that</c><00:32:38.280><c> when</c><00:32:38.440><c>
• ><c> at</c><00:32:38.800><c> that</c><00:32:39.040><c> number,</c><00:32:39.280><c> that's</c><00:32:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee held its first meeting to discuss creating a Healthcare Transparency Dashboard focused largely on Kentucky Medicaid. Members introduced themselves and described their interest in using data transparency to improve policy, access to care, and program efficiency. The co-chairs said the dashboard should begin with a basic framework and expand over time, with a mission centered on collaboratively designing and maintaining a secure, data-driven dashboard housed with the Legislative Research Commission. Discussion focused on what should be measured and how data should be organized. Members agreed the dashboard should segment Medicaid populations rather than aggregate them, with separate attention to aged and disabled enrollees, expansion adults, and children. Suggested measures included emergency department utilization and follow-up, cancer screenings, child and adolescent well visits, adult well visits, postpartum care, newborn screenings and follow-ups, hospitalization and readmission rates, pharmacy, behavioral health, and claims data. Several members emphasized the need to include demographic and geographic information, while noting some items such as education may not be readily available in Medicaid data and that HIPAA and access issues will affect how detailed the public-facing dashboard can be. Members also discussed existing data sources and warned against duplicating work already being done by the cabinet, the Office of Data Analytics, CMS scorecards, and university Medicaid directed payment reporting. The group was encouraged to review the Medicaid and CHIP scorecard, which includes quality, administrative, and program characteristic measures, as a possible model. No formal votes were taken, but the subcommittee agreed to continue refining the mission statement, identify priority metrics, and consider benchmarking, outcomes, data-sharing, and technical platform issues before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> then</c><00:32:27.679><c> we</c><00:32:27.919><c> move</c><00:32:28.159><c> to</c><00:32:28.399>
• </c><00:32:30.480><c> March</c><00:32:30.799><c> 2nd</c><00:32:31.200><c> of</c><00:32:31.760><c> 2026
• ><c> on</c><00:32:35.840><c> the</c><00:32:36.320><c> floor</c><00:32:36.720><c> is</c><00:32:36.960>
• :32:40.240><c> favor</c><00:32:40.559><c> say</c><00:32:40.880><c> I.
• Now, Representative<00:32:46.080><c> Nau,</c><00:32:46.880><c> um</c><00:32:47.039><c> you</c><00:32:

Bills: HF3439 , HF3763

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MNsure, MinnesotaCare, disability determination, expedited eligibility, state medical review team, compassionate allowance, rare disease, home and community-based services, long-term care, managed care, county-based purchasing, eligibility redetermination, periodic data matching, death master file, Social Security Administration, program integrity, income eligibility, asset test

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:00.960><c> So</c><00:32:01.120><c> I</c><00:32:01.200><c> do</c><00:32:01.360><c> think</c
• :32:02.320><c> important</c><00:32:02.559><c> one</c><00:32:02.799><c> just</c><00:32:02.960><c> to</
• </c><00:32:07.120><c> uh</c><00:32:07.279><c> as</c><00:32:07.519><c> I</c><00:32:07.679><c> read</c>
• > or</c><00:32:08.159><c> as</c><00:32:08.320><c> I</c><00:32:08.480><c> understand</c><00:32:08.799>
• </c><00:32:17.279><c> Um</c><00:32:17.600><c> and</c><00:32:17.840><c> then</c><00:32:18.080><c> as</

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:01.360><c> know</c><01:32:01.560><c> this</c><01:32:01.679><c> is</c><01:32:01.880><c> always</c>
• <01:32:02.600><c> to</c><01:32:02.760><c> me</c><01:32:02.960><c> so</c><01:32:03.480><c> we</c><01:32
• 01:32:05.880><c> it</c><01:32:06.040><c> would</c><01:32:06.280><c> be</c><01:32:07.199><c> um</c><01
• :32:07.760><c> as</c><01:32:08.280><c> is</c><01:32:09.280><c> um</c><01:32:09.400><c> you</c><01:32:
• :32:58.679><c> at</c><01:32:58.880><c> 5.4</c><01:32:59.639><c> if</c><01:32:59.760><c> we</c><01:32:

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:01.679><c> to</c><00:32:01.840><c> present</c><00:32:02.159><c> next</c><00:32:02.399><c> year
• </c><00:32:08.320><c> Thank</c><00:32:08.480><c> you,</c><00:32:08.640><c> Miss</c><00:32:08.880><c>
• Uh<00:32:09.600><c> members,</c><00:32:10.159><c> questions</c><00:32:10.399><c> or</c><00:32:10.640>
• &gt;&gt; Seeing<00:32:13.440><c> none,</c><00:32:13.760><c> thanks</c><00:32:13.919><c> very</c><00:32
• :30.559><c> full</c><00:32:30.720><c> name</c><00:32:30.880><c> for</c><00:32:30.960><c> the</c><00:32

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:32:01.600><c> help</c><00:32:01.919><c> and</c><00:32:02.240><c> this</c><00:32:02.399
• ,</c><00:32:18.240><c> you</c><00:32:18.399><c> know,</c><00:32:18.640><c> kind</c><00:32:18.799><c>
• :21.600><c> want</c><00:32:21.679><c> to</c><00:32:21.840><c> lift</c><00:32:22.000><c> up</c><00:32:
• 32:24.000><c> the</c><00:32:24.159><c> packet</c><00:32:24.399><c> from</c><00:32:24.640><c> the</c><
• </c><00:32:30.159><c> You</c><00:32:30.320><c> know,</c><00:32:30.480><c> I</c><00:32:30.640><c> will

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:32:13.440><c> you</c><00:32:13.519><c> know</c><00:32:13.679><c> when</c><00:32:13.880
• </c><00:32:15.240><c> can</c><00:32:15.399><c> do</c><00:32:15.639><c> something</c><00:32:15.919><c>
• ><c> not</c><00:32:28.840><c> up</c><00:32:29.039><c> to</c><00:32:29.279><c> full</c><00:32:29.639><
• ><00:32:34.559><c> challenging</c><00:32:35.159><c> when</c><00:32:35.320><c> we're</c><00:32:35.480>
• 00:32:36.960><c> as</c><00:32:37.480><c> well</c><00:32:38.480><c> um</c><00:32:38.799><c> and</c> to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.