Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Senator Hovie, thank you for sponsoring this.
• Any discussion? Any objection to the previous roll with one abstention?
• If there's something that you want to discuss, let's discuss.
• Any other discussion? Senator Smith?
• Uh, any discussion? I think I... you know... Uh, any discussion?

Bills: SB305, SB109, SB122, SB111, SB114, SB113, SB150, SB112, SB289, SB303

Keywords: education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, Tuskegee University, Alabama Education Trust Fund, appropriation, agricultural research, Southern Preparatory Academy, fiscal responsibility, financial reporting, Education Savings Accounts, RAISE Fund, CHOOSE Act Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh the ones you haven't discussed yet. uh the ones you haven't discussed yet.
• This line is simply the discussion.
• </c> date a later discussion on that date. date a later discussion on that date.
• </c> discuss that one when it comes up also. discuss that one when it comes up also.
• So, we will discuss it on Tuesday.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through a side-by-side of the budget. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre testified that lottery revenues are outperforming prior estimates, projecting a $27 million return to the state this year, up $7 million, and $200 million per year in the next biennium, up $6.5 million per year. He attributed the increase to stronger scratch ticket sales, no negative impact from Massachusetts sports betting, and overall better performance. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher numbers, including the proposed $50 scratch tickets, the effect of inflation, and whether the projections were conservative enough. McIntyre said the $50 ticket could produce modest growth and that the estimates were intentionally cautious. The discussion also covered gaming revenue assumptions for historical horse racing and video lottery terminals, with McIntyre saying the state market is not yet saturated and that future conversions from HHR to VLTs should be net positive for the state. Members also discussed differences between House and Senate revenue numbers for gaming, including machine counts, daily revenue assumptions, and the tax split. The Senate version used higher machine counts and a 31.25% tax rate, with a quarter-point reserved for responsible gaming and the remainder split between charities and the state. The House had used a 30% rate with a different distribution. McIntyre and committee members also reviewed House Bill 2 items affecting Kino hours and local option games of chance, with McIntyre explaining that the bill would expand playing hours and shift towns to an opt-out model. No votes were taken during the lottery discussion, but the committee indicated it would continue refining the revenue model and circulate the spreadsheet used for the estimates. The committee then moved through the HB 1 detail change sheet, accepting several Senate positions and holding others for later. It agreed to a zero-cost realignment in the Department of Safety moving the international fuel tax agreement function from administration to motor vehicles, and it restored eight passenger motor vehicle inspection positions for later discussion in HB 2. The Department of Corrections reorganization was set aside for a later, more detailed discussion. The committee also accepted no-change positions for the Department of Employment Security and agreed to a technical footnote fix in the Judicial Council section. It discussed a new HB 2 item moving contract counsel for involuntary mental health admissions from the judicial branch to the Judicial Council, funded at $100,000 per year, and noted that the public defender funding issue would be revisited when the overall budget picture is clearer. The meeting ended with the committee continuing its review of the remaining pages of the detail change sheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.
• Any discussion or motions? Any discussion or motions? Senator Den Hartog.
• Any discussion? All those in fact? C1. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye.
• Any other questions, discussion? Committee. Mr. Chairman for a motion.
• Any further discussion on the motion? All those in favor say aye. Aye? Any opposed? Okay.

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met with a quorum and introduced four Senate Resource bills sponsored by Senator Taves focused on housing and land use. RS 3307-5C1 would open the possibility of removing regulations that restrict accessory dwelling units. RS 33077C1 would allow religious institutions or churches more flexibility to develop housing for parishioners and the broader community. RS 33078C1 would reduce red tape for first-time homebuyers by allowing smaller lots and setbacks for starter homes. RS 33083C1 would allow twin homes and duplexes on residential lots where single-family homes are already permitted, with Senator Burnt briefly asking whether such development would still have to comply with neighborhood, builder, or HOA standards; Senator Taves said the bill did not specifically address that and would require further research. The committee approved motions to introduce the first three RSs and then the fourth, with seconding and voice votes in favor and no opposition recorded. After that, Vice Chair Adams took over for administrative rules review. The committee then heard presentation of administrative rule docket 35-0106-2501 from Philip Johnson of the Idaho State Tax Commission, covering hotel, motel, and campground sales tax rules. Johnson said the rules were streamlined through zero-based regulation, with restrictive language removed, code restated in rule deleted, and additional code sections added; he said about 37% of the words were removed, totaling 1,030 words. Senator Taves moved to approve the docket, Senator Taylor seconded, and the committee approved it by voice vote. The chair then noted the committee was finished for the year on rules and adjourned, mentioning that bill introductions would soon be limited to privilege committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.
• Any discussion or motions? Any discussion or motions? Senator Den Hartog.
• Any discussion? All those in fact? C1. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye.
• Any other questions, discussion? Committee. Mr. Chairman for a motion.
• Any further discussion on the motion? All those in favor say aye. Aye? Any opposed? Okay.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The staff did flag these, both 213 and 215, in our discussion.
• This is the end of our discussion of the CFPB's Currency Risk Index, which we felt was policy.
• We wanted to flag that for you all to discuss. Do you want to take it one at a time?
• No, but I do think it's relevant to the discussions with Senator Pruitt.
• , wouldn't we be discussing the same subject here?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've had a lot of discussions.
• And we've had a lot of discussions.
• And we've had a lot of discussions.
• And we've had a lot of discussions.
• We've had a lot of discussions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• discussion represent Chester.
• &gt;&gt; Further<00:05:01.440><c> discussion,</c> &gt;&gt; Further discussion, &gt;&gt; Further discussion
• </c> &gt;&gt; Further<00:05:14.800><c> discussion.</c> &gt;&gt; Further discussion.
• Do we have any discussion? Any discussion on House Bill 39. Question being called.
• >> Discussion on the amendment.

Bills: HB0108, HB0039, HB0091, HB0070

Keywords: audit, transparency, government reporting, accountability, public access, firearm rights, restoration of rights, criminal justice, felony convictions, Wyoming law, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the bill? If not, Mr.
• So there is some discussion.
• So there is some discussion.
• So there is some discussion.
• </c> your presence today in the discussion your presence today in the discussion and<00:51:54.920><c>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 SB 64: 00:01:20 SB 73: 00:05:33 HB 662: 00:09:40 HB 320: 00:20:17, 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first approved Senate Bill 64, as amended, on a 14-0 vote. The bill was described as a copper theft prevention measure aimed at protecting key infrastructure assets, including telecommunications and electrical highway infrastructure. Testimony in support came from Senator Brandon Storm and representatives from Charter Communications and law enforcement, who said copper theft and related vandalism are damaging fiber and other infrastructure across the state. A committee substitute was adopted before the vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 73, relating to sexual extortion. Senator Julie Rocky Adams and Kentucky Youth Advocates testified that sextortion is a fast-growing crime against children and that the bill would make sexual extortion a felony, create civil remedies for victims, and require school-based education and resources. The bill passed 15-0 and was reported favorably for floor consideration. House Bill 662, relating to personally identifiable information, was also approved after discussion and a committee substitute. Representative John Blanton said the bill would help protect judges and certain medical review personnel from public disclosure of personal information while preserving provider access needed for appeals and communications. The Kentucky Medical Association supported the concept but stressed the need to preserve provider-facing information so doctors can conduct peer-to-peer reviews and appeals. The bill passed 15-0 with one pass vote. House Bill 320, relating to controlled substances on hospital property, was taken up for discussion only and no vote was taken. Representative Mike Klein and a St. Elizabeth nurse testified that hospitals are seeing illicit drug use and trafficking on campus and argued for a drug-free zone to protect staff, patients, and visitors. Committee members raised concerns about how the bill would apply to unconscious overdose patients, lawfully prescribed medications, emergency situations, and whether possession should be treated differently from trafficking. The chair ruled a motion out of order because the item was for discussion only, and the bill remained under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion or questions, members?
• </c><00:04:31.400><c> Any</c><00:04:31.600><c> discussion?</c> has a set as a goal. Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• </c><00:32:10.920><c> between</c> noting that as the discussion between noting that as the discussion
• Any<00:32:26.000><c> discussion?</c><00:32:26.840><c> Texts.</c> Any discussion? Texts.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Housing, Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, and later Water, Land, Culture and the Arts and Housing, heard several resolutions related to affordable housing and the East Kapolei transit-oriented development area. SCR 48 and SR 47 proposed declaring that affordable housing credits are perpetual until redeemed, and testimony from DHHL, OPSD, and NAIOP Hawaii supported clarifying that intent. The committees voted to pass SCR 48 and SR 47 unamended. The committees then considered SCR 107 and SR 101, which were amended to make clear the resolution applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Land Management and the Department of Planning and Permitting. Those measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted by the committees. In the later joint hearing, SCR 68 and SR 63 addressed the East Kapolei TOD project, urging DLNR to transfer certain parcels to HHFDC and urging HHFDC to work with HCDA on the non-housing portions of the project. Testimony from DLNR, HHFDC, HCDA, and DHHL focused on the balance between housing and revenue-generating or light industrial uses, the need for an EIS and market study, and the possibility of MOAs to memorialize agreements. After discussion, the committees amended the resolutions to prioritize rental housing as well as for-sale housing and to require MOAs before the board, then passed SCR 68 and SR 63 with amendments by unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The highway that is in discussion is from Route 177 to milepost 300.
• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, will the Senate... Amendments.
• Is there any discussion? Seeing none, will the secretary please call the roll.
• Is there any discussion? Seeing none, will the secretary please call the roll.
• Is there any discussion? Seeing none... ...There are no amendments. Is there any discussion?

Summary: The committee took up several appropriations, transportation, naming, and education measures. It first approved SB 1035, which provides a FY27 General Fund appropriation for a 5% salary increase for Arizona Department of Corrections sworn officers and civilian employees; an amendment set the appropriation at $34 million and extended the raise to private prison employees under contract. Testimony from corrections advocates emphasized severe staffing shortages and pay gaps with other law enforcement employers, while some senators objected to including private prisons. The bill passed 6-3. The committee then approved SCM 102 and SCM 1006, which rename stretches of highway in honor of L.F. Quinn and PFC Michael Nolan, respectively, after emotional testimony from family members and local supporters; both memorial measures passed 9-1. SB 1065, appropriating $3.64 million for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund, also passed 6-4 after supporters described HBOT as a promising, drug-free treatment for veterans, while opponents questioned the evidence and FDA approval for the claimed uses. SB 1248, which clarifies funding and attendance rules for county jail and juvenile detention education programs, passed unanimously 10-0 after county school officials said it would prevent double-counting students and separate funding streams properly. The committee also advanced transportation bills focused on the fast-growing West Valley corridor. SB 1204 appropriates $5.5 million to ADOT to design and conduct environmental analysis for interchange improvements at U.S. 60 and SR 303; supporters from the City of Surprise described severe congestion, safety risks, and economic impacts, while some senators argued the project should be funded through HURF rather than the General Fund. It passed 8-1, and the chair invited members to discuss broader HURF funding issues later. SB 1207, a smaller $150,000 study bill to examine financing mechanisms for development tied to U.S. 60/SR 303 infrastructure, also passed 7-1 after local officials said it would help align growth with transportation funding. SB 1274, creating a Police Foundation specialty license plate and fund for Phoenix Police Foundation programs, passed 6-2; the foundation said proceeds would support officer wellness, remembrance, and community/youth outreach. Finally, SB 1001, a $1 million appropriation for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, passed 9-0 after blind seniors and advocates testified that the services preserve independence and prevent more costly institutional care. The committee also heard SB 1161, which would make non-lapsing a prior $750,000 DPS appropriation for the Yuma County Family Advocacy Center, with the sponsor explaining it was intended to allow the funds to be spent over multiple years; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?
• This is about the governor's appointments, what we're discussing, and we're discussing the consequence
• Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?
• Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?
• On your discussion of this appointment of Jack Weiss. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other discussion?
• They were discussing this and they said, why hasn't this happened?
• All right, I don't see any other discussion.
• Any discussion on the motion? Mr. Chairman. Go ahead, Senator.
• Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll indicate by saying aye. Any discussion?

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the February 25, 2026 minutes and then heard several House bills and gubernatorial appointments. HB 681 would remove the statute of limitations for aggravated lewd conduct with a child and for producing sexually exploitative material; the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association supported it, and members discussed the seriousness of the crimes and the effect of fading memories. The committee voted to send HB 681 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard from Terry Kirkham for reappointment to the Pardons and Parole Commission and Paula Gray for reappointment to the Sexual Offender Management Board; both described their prior service, and the committee said it would vote on those appointments at a later meeting. Senator Lent presented HB 491, expanding Good Samaritan immunity to include mental health and suicide emergency first aid, and HB 492, adding a juvenile justice or adult misdemeanor probation representative to the POST Council. Both bills drew little opposition and were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations. Senator Kaiser presented HB 522 on unmanned aircraft systems near correctional facilities; after testimony from a drone industry representative and others raising concerns about federal law, commercial flights, and enforcement, the committee voted to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment rather than advance it directly. The committee also advanced HB 570, which adds driving 20 mph or more over the limit in active school or construction zones to reckless driving when children or workers are present and visible. Supporters cited work zone safety and crashes, while some senators questioned whether the new standard was too subjective; the bill still received a due pass recommendation. HB 548 would require reasonable suspicion before law enforcement stops or boards a boat under the Idaho Safe Boating Act; the Idaho Sheriffs Association opposed it, arguing current boat safety checks are mostly consensual and tied to a federal grant program, but the committee sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, HB 654 would add electronic storage device canines to the definition of police dogs for purposes of protecting them from mistreatment; an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force commander testified in support, and the committee advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
• Is there any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed?
• Is there any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye.
• Is there any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye.
• Is there any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Bills: SB6194, SB5963, SB5909, SB5826, SB5988, SB5872, SB5879, SB5834, SB5835, SB5905, SB5832, SB6177, SB5970, SB5994, SB6047, SB5647

Keywords: SB 6194, Washington Medicaid, medical assistance, fee-for-service, managed care, rural hospital, Indian reservation, tribal hospital, federally recognized Indian reservation, Indian Health, hospital reimbursement, Medicaid payments, inpatient services, outpatient services, psychiatric unit, health care access, rural health, tribal health, safety-net hospital, RCW 74.09

Transcript Highlights:

• And we need to have a discussion about the wildfire fund and look forward to continuing those discussions
• discussions.
• You know, I supported discussion around public financing.
• But, you know, part of that discussion was how much are people going to save?
• Wow, robust discussion. Madam Chair, would you like to close? All right.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard two bills focused on electricity affordability and utility costs. AB 745, by Assembly Member Irwin, would restructure the California Climate Credit by shifting it from lump-sum payments to direct reductions in volumetric electricity rates and moving the credit to the summer months when bills are highest. The author and UC Santa Barbara economist Dr. Kyle Meng argued this could significantly lower summer rates and better help households during extreme heat. Supporters, including UCS, NRDC, and some labor representatives, favored the concept, with some urging that the gas climate credit also be redirected. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed 18-0 to the floor. The committee then considered AB 825, also presented as an affordability package aimed at reducing electric bills by addressing wildfire mitigation costs, transmission financing, permitting delays, and a review of ratepayer-funded programs. The bill would authorize securitization for undergrounding expenses, remove the first $15 billion in undergrounding capital investments from the rate base for return purposes, create a public transmission financing program using Proposition 4 funds and IBank support, revive the California Power Authority as a public sponsor, and establish a task force to review energy efficiency and demand response programs. The author and witness Matt Friedman of The Utility Reform Network said the bill could save ratepayers billions over time through lower-cost public financing and securitization. Testimony on AB 825 was mixed. Support came from several consumer and clean-energy groups, while utilities and labor raised concerns about the bill’s impact on utility financial stability, wildfire fund participation, liability, and whether the $15 billion securitization cap could discourage undergrounding. Some witnesses also objected to the task force’s potential effect on energy efficiency and demand response programs. Committee members discussed the need to balance affordability with utility creditworthiness and wildfire safety, and several asked for more analysis of market impacts and liability issues. Despite those concerns, AB 825 passed the committee 13-0 and was sent to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's been some good discussion.
• There's been some good discussion.
• There's been some good discussion.
• Is there any further discussion? Senator Castaneda?
• Is there any further discussion? Senator Castagnetta?

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 1455, which would require the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications and conduct consultation with affected tribes. Rep. Collette Brown said the bill was intended to formalize and strengthen tribal consultation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe representative Ross Bell testified in support. Brad Hawk, executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission, testified neutrally, saying the office already does much of this work but that the bill would add structure; several senators raised concerns about duplication, possible future staffing costs, and whether the bill was necessary. The committee amended the bill to replace “each measure” with “all legislation,” then passed a do-not-pass recommendation on HB 1455 by recorded vote, with Sen. Luick designated as carrier. The committee then took up House Bill 1032, dealing with municipal courts, appeals, and judge qualifications. Legislative Council and court staff walked through proposed amendments, including making municipal courts courts of record on a delayed effective date, clarifying appeal procedures, and adding standards for municipal judges. Members discussed whether to use the term “ethical standards” or “judicial conduct”; after questions about definitions and enforcement, the committee settled on replacing the language with “judicial conduct” in the amended bill. The committee adopted the amendments and then passed HB 1032 as amended on a do-pass vote, with Sen. Cory to carry. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1263, which would make it easier for people with criminal records to seek sealing after a denial by allowing an appeal and reducing the waiting period for a new petition from three years to one year. Rep. Nels Christensen, Christopher Davis, Travis Fink, and Brad Peterson all supported the bill’s goal of giving people a better path to rehabilitation and employment. The main point of disagreement was whether to keep the statutory presumption that the benefit to the petitioner must outweigh the presumption of openness of criminal records; several witnesses urged removing that language, while others said it was part of the compromise that created the current law. The committee closed the hearing without taking final action and said it would review the House discussion before deciding later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on the bill? Discussion on the bill. Question having been called.
• </c> Any other discussion on the bill? Any other discussion on the bill?
• </c> Discussion on the bill. Chairman Bear. Discussion on the bill. Chairman Bear.
• discussion on the bill?
• </c> Any other discussion on the bill? Any other discussion on the bill?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion on the bill. Discussion on the bill? Are there amendments?
• Discussion or amendments?
• Was this a point of discussion?
• Discussion?
• Discussion or amendments?

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 4198, which would require employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization and impose escalating penalties for violations, including warnings, debarment from state contracts, loss of business licenses, and other sanctions. Counsel and senators raised extensive drafting concerns, including circular language, conflicts with existing record-retention provisions, unclear references to “seeks to employ,” possible application to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements, and uncertainty about how the bill would work for employers who never actually complete a hire. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a way to strengthen compliance with existing law, protect employers who use E-Verify in good faith, and deter illegal hiring. After debate, a motion to table the bill failed on a roll call vote, 6 in favor and 10 opposed, and the chair then announced the bill would be sent to a subcommittee to be cleaned up, with instructions to resolve the drafting conflicts and other ambiguities. The committee then turned to House Bill 4710, with an amendment, which would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the change would lengthen the current 60-day requirement and would affect both party-switching and independent candidacies, making it harder for candidates to change affiliation shortly before an election. Senators asked about how the 210-day period would work relative to the primary and general election filing deadlines, and counsel clarified that it would be measured backward from the relevant filing dates. The discussion focused on the practical effect of the bill as a “sore loser” measure and on the timing rules for candidacy filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> discussion of the matter. discussion of the matter. &gt;&gt; All<00:20:33.679><c> right.
• Is there any discussion?
• Is there any discussion?
• </c> for discussion of the matter. for discussion of the matter.
• </c> discussion of the matter? discussion of the matter?

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion.
• So, we had discussed this.
• Any discussion? Yeah.
• There's any discussion?
• We did not discuss that. Oh, okay. hold. We did not discuss that. Oh, okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so we've had discussions with Kentucky Building Trades.
• I'm going to pass today for some of the same reasons that have been discussed already.
• cook invited those discussions chairman cook invited those discussions to<00:31:50.080><c> happen</c
• It was just reemphasizing the importance of discussing these things.
• It was just reemphasizing the importance of discussing these things.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 46, which would allow lottery winners of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. After brief discussion and a motion with a second, the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the House floor. Members then heard House Bill 54, a workforce and education measure aimed at aligning dual credit and project-based learning with licensed construction trades and other high-demand careers. The sponsor and witness said the bill is intended to help students meet both education and on-the-job training requirements, address labor shortages, and speed entry into the trades. Several members raised concerns about possible abuse of internships, the need for input from unions and other trade groups, and the amount of authority left to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to write regulations. The sponsor said the bill does not replace current hands-on training requirements and expressed willingness to continue discussions. The committee passed the bill, with some members explaining their votes as conditional or in hopes of further amendments. The committee also approved House Bill 261, which would let retired CPAs provide certain uncompensated services, such as nonprofit work, while retaining their CPA designation, and would create a retirement-based CPE waiver for those limited services. A question from Representative Donworth focused on how retired CPAs would disclose their status to nonprofits; the board representative said retired status is noted in board records, but there is currently no separate requirement governing use of the CPA designation. The bill passed. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 262, which would remove restrictions on small CPA firm names after an owner dies or retires. The sponsor said Kentucky is an outlier because current law requires the remaining owner to change the firm name. The bill passed unanimously. After that, the chair turned the gavel over to the vice chair and began presenting House Bill 306, which would change engineering education requirements for licensure, especially to help Eastern Kentucky University fire protection engineering technology graduates qualify for licensure in Kentucky rather than leaving the state. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the bill would not change the rest of the PE licensure pathway, only the education component, and said most other states already allow this route. Members noted that engineers may have concerns and encouraged continued discussions before the bill advances further.