Transcript Highlights:

• c><02:02:05.920><c> or</c><02:02:06.239><c> whatever,</c><02:02:06.880><c> and</c> exceptional students
• c> to</c><02:02:07.920><c> get</c><02:02:08.000><c> some</c><02:02:08.239><c> money</c><02:02:08.400>
• from this program.<02:02:09.679><c> would</c><02:02:09.920><c> you</c><02:02:10.159><c> mind</c><02:
• :02:13.280><c> know</c><02:02:13.440><c> and</c><02:02:13.679><c> if</c><02:02:13.920><c> you</c><02:
• <02:02:15.679><c> score</c><02:02:16.000><c> well</c><02:02:16.239><c> then</c><02:02:16.400><c> we</

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved corrected minutes from October 6 after members noted and fixed several transcription and spelling errors, including a clarification that a comment about SAU numbers came from former Senator Jim Rubin. The vote to approve the corrected minutes was moved, seconded, and adopted with one abstention. The main presentation came from Chuck Bates of the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), who described the organization, its certification program, and the role of school business administrators. He explained that ASBO members handle accounting and financial management, facilities, food service, HR, information systems, transportation, and risk management. He also outlined the certification program, which includes 21 courses, most online, plus four in-person workshops unique to New Hampshire, and noted that many members are not certified because the state licensure requirement was removed. Bates then addressed the committee’s interest in SAU consolidation and county-wide restructuring. He said business administrators often manage multiple budgets, attend school board meetings, and serve as a visible point of contact for the community. He argued that consolidation would create operational and financial challenges, including staff and facility relocation, differing accounting systems, lack of a standardized chart of accounts, and uncertain return on investment. He said the biggest obstacle would be local control, especially in small towns that do not want outside decisions affecting school closures, class sizes, or student transportation. Committee members questioned him about the distinction between administrative and academic control, the size of district offices in larger cities, and what might reduce administrative costs; Bates responded that many administrative costs stem from legislation and that consolidation would be difficult to implement without local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know,<01:02:01.120><c> we</c><01:02:01.240><c> could</c><01:02:01.360><c> align</c><01:02:01.600>
• :02:12.080><c> a</c><01:02:12.160><c> 504</c><01:02:13.120><c> on</c><01:02:13.360><c> its</c><01:02:
• ><c> go</c><01:02:27.840><c> that</c><01:02:28.040><c> route,</c><01:02:28.200><c> I</c><01:02:28.280
• But<01:02:33.600><c> I</c><01:02:33.680><c> I</c><01:02:33.800><c> think</c><01:02:34.040><c> the</c>
• <01:02:45.040><c> I</c><01:02:45.120><c> look</c><01:02:45.320><c> at</c><01:02:45.440><c> it</c><01:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 751 reviewed amendment 2026-1904H page by page, focusing on open enrollment rules, capacity definitions, statewide enrollment limits, denial criteria, transportation, and funding. Members discussed clarifying that districts may set capacity at zero if they truly have no room, creating a statewide enrollment cap of 500 that can increase by 25% if it reaches 90% utilization, and exempting seats already used by open enrollment students before October 1, 2026. They also discussed how the Department of Education would allocate seats through rulemaking, while local districts would still set capacity, with grandfathered seats preserved where districts already allow open enrollment. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on when districts may deny open enrollment applications. The amendment would allow denials for reasons such as chronic absenteeism or disciplinary history, while requiring districts to consider whether those issues are tied to disability, McKinney-Vento status, foster care, or bullying. Members emphasized that such factors are to be considered, not used as the sole basis for rejection, and noted that the bill separately prohibits receiving schools from accepting or rejecting applicants based on pupil needs, special education needs, disability, aptitude, or athletic achievement. There was also discussion of whether interdistrict transfers should count toward open enrollment capacity, with a suggestion that a carve-out may be needed. The committee also reviewed provisions on program-specific capacity, continuous enrollment, and transportation. It was explained that capacity can apply to a school, grade, program, or class, including CTE programs, and that students may be denied if a specific program is full or if they do not meet prerequisites. The group clarified that open enrollment pupils would maintain continuous enrollment without reapplying, though there was concern about how that would work if district capacity changes over time. Transportation would generally be the parent’s responsibility unless required by an IEP or 504 plan, though students may use an existing bus route if seats are available and the receiving district allows it. On funding, the committee noted that the amendment changes the earlier HB 751 approach and instead ties open enrollment funding to base adequacy, differentiated aid, and an additional grant modeled on charter school funding, with dates removed at the department’s request. Members also raised concerns about how open enrollment would interact with existing tuition agreements and whether districts could use the new pathway to alter or pressure those arrangements. Department staff said districts would still be required to maintain a school of record and provide an adequate education free of charge outside the open enrollment program, and that if open enrollment enrollment became unusually large relative to district adequacy enrollment, the issue could be brought to the state board. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > commissioner</c><01:02:04.000><c> of</c><01:02:04.120><c> taxes</c><01:02:05.000><c> that</c><01:02
• :02:06.760><c> fund</c><01:02:07.360><c> was</c><01:02:07.760><c> in</c> balance of the pilot special
• the</c><01:02:10.560><c> close</c><01:02:11.040><c> of</c><01:02:11.160><c> the</c><01:02:11.280><c>
• </c><01:02:13.640><c> I</c><01:02:13.720><c> think</c><01:02:14.000><c> that</c><01:02:14.360><c> answers
• </c><01:02:17.920><c> those</c><01:02:18.240><c> who</c><01:02:18.440><c> want</c><01:02:18.800><c> to

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:02:37.480><c> recent</c> years<00:02:42.200><c> corresponding</c><00:02:43.159><c> with</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:52.800><c> for</c><00:02:53.080><c> those</c><00:02:53.280><c> who</c><00:02:53.480><c> are
• funded through<01:02:03.760><c> derf</c><01:02:04.760><c> yeah</c><01:02:05.160><c> no</c><01:02:05.319
• :02:06.640><c> but</c><01:02:06.760><c> if</c><01:02:06.920><c> the</c><01:02:07.079><c> governor</c>
• :56.400><c> of</c><01:02:56.520><c> that</c><01:02:56.960><c> unit</c><01:02:57.960><c> and</c><01:02

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• impacts</c><01:02:02.799><c> that</c><01:02:03.040><c> the,</c><01:02:03.440><c> you</c><01:02:03.599
• ><01:02:09.680><c> that</c><01:02:09.839><c> land</c><01:02:10.079><c> use</c><01:02:10.319><c> piece
• And even now,<01:02:11.599><c> though,</c><01:02:11.839><c> it's</c><01:02:12.079><c> still</c><01:02
• <01:02:17.040><c> on</c><01:02:17.200><c> that</c><01:02:17.359><c> in</c><01:02:17.599><c> terms</c>
• of how<01:02:18.000><c> how</c><01:02:18.240><c> we</c><01:02:18.400><c> promote</c><01:02:18.720><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals. DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions. A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs. The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> we</c><00:02:14.800><c> can</c><00:02:14.959><c> to</c><00:02:15.200><c> help</c><00:02:16.160><
• </c> Welcome.<00:02:31.360><c> Um</c><00:02:31.760><c> I</c><00:02:32.080><c> would</c><00:02:32.160>
• /c><00:02:36.160><c> um</c><00:02:36.720><c> and</c><00:02:37.680><c> say</c><00:02:38.480><c> uh</c>
• . um this<00:02:44.319><c> will</c><00:02:44.480><c> be</c><00:02:44.640><c> his</c><00:02:44.879><c>
• </c><00:02:50.560><c> and</c><00:02:51.120><c> um</c><00:02:51.280><c> and</c><00:02:51.519><c> so</c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its July 30, 2025 meeting. Members then heard a presentation from Roger McCann of the Department for Community Based Services on Kentucky’s 2026-2027 Community Services Block Grant state plan. He explained that the federally funded grant, now about $12 million annually, is distributed through 23 local community action agencies that use flexible funds for locally identified needs such as housing, nutrition, transportation, Head Start, and domestic violence services. McCann said the plan is submitted every two years and that the agencies served about 264,000 Kentuckians and 130,000 families in 2024. Senator Meredith asked whether there was a central place to review local projects, and McCann said regular reports exist and could be shared with members. The committee then approved the CSBG state plan by roll call vote. After that, members received an update on Kentucky’s state-designated domestic violence shelter programs from Angela Yanelli of ZeroV, Mary Foley of Maryman House Domestic Crisis Center, and Elizabeth Martin of the Center for Women and Families. The presenters described ZeroV’s role as the statewide domestic violence coalition, its 15 member programs across all area development districts, and its contract with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to provide emergency shelter, supportive services, housing assistance, and batterers intervention programming. They emphasized that services are available 24/7 and are trauma-informed, with a strong focus on children and family support. The domestic violence providers reported high demand and rising costs. ZeroV said its network served more than 14,000 adults and children in fiscal year 2025, including nearly 900 children in shelter and more than 500 in outreach, while Maryman House reported operating at 90-92% capacity, with 53 households waiting for emergency shelter and 63 more waiting for intake. Maryman House also described an 8-unit transitional housing complex and plans for a 48-unit apartment complex if tax credit funding is approved. The Center for Women and Families highlighted school-readiness support for children, tutoring, counseling, and family services, including back-to-school supplies and rights information for homeless students. No additional votes or formal actions were taken during the domestic violence presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hunter Hevlin here<00:02:38.080><c> on</c><00:02:38.160><c> behalf</c><00:02:38.440><c> of</c><00:02:
• We'll<00:02:39.960><c> stand</c><00:02:40.200><c> on</c><00:02:40.280><c> our</c><00:02:40.400><c> written
• :02:45.520><c> addition</c><00:02:45.880><c> of</c><00:02:46.000><c> a</c><00:02:46.640><c> definition
• Anyone<00:02:54.120><c> else</c><00:02:54.320><c> wishing</c><00:02:54.600><c> to</c><00:02:55.000><c
• We<00:02:57.360><c> had</c><00:02:57.880><c> 44</c><00:02:58.560><c> in</c><00:02:58.680><c> support,

Bills: HB1736 , HB1620 , HB1695

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: animal control, spay and neuter, pet overpopulation, sterilization, counties funding, tax designation, veterinary care, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy policy, rebate program, environmental impact, renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1737, which clarifies allowable uses in agricultural districts for farm dwellings and farm employee housing, and HB 1604 HD2, which creates an agricultural workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Testimony on HB 1737 was overwhelmingly supportive, with county agriculture officials, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union backing the measure; one witness asked for a definition of “affordable” to guard against misuse of farm housing. For HB 1604, the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, with OHA requesting disaggregated data and a seat on the working group. Committee discussion focused on housing shortages, possible misuse, affordability, and whether innovative housing models such as modular, tiny, and container homes should be considered. The committee then took action on both measures. HB 1737 HD3 was recommended to pass with amendments that would limit farm employee housing to agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in the farm operation, add a grandfathering provision for existing permitted housing, preserve county zoning authority, clarify that ag tourism must be secondary and not occur in employee housing, delete a square-footage-per-acre ratio, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. HB 1604 HD2 was also recommended to pass with amendments adding OHA and a housing-shortage organization to the working group, expanding its scope to include modular, tiny, and container homes and permitting/zoning streamlining, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. Both motions were adopted unanimously by the members present. The joint hearing then moved to HB 1736, which would establish a spay and neuter special fund and require sterilization and declaration provisions for cats, with some discussion of dogs. DLNR and the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill, while Pacific Pet Alliance objected to the broader requirements and the inclusion of dogs; the Hawaiian Humane Society and American Bird Conservancy supported cat-focused sterilization and the special fund, while some testifiers opposed mandatory sterilization as too costly or intrusive. Members raised questions about toxoplasmosis, trap-neuter-release, enforcement, neighbor-island access, and funding needs, and DLNR indicated additional funding and third-party contracting would likely be needed. The transcript then began HB 1620 HD2 on energy, which would increase the environmental response energy and food security tax and shift funds from the hydrogen fueling subaccount to EV charging infrastructure; state agencies generally stood on written testimony in support, while the Tax Foundation objected to special fund earmarks and noted the bill raises only one part of the barrel tax structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> so</c><02:02:00.119><c> I</c><02:02:00.159><c> was</c><02:02:00.239><c> just</c><02:02:00.320><c
• <02:02:03.000><c> funding</c><02:02:03.320><c> orientation</c><02:02:03.760><c> ones</c><02:02:04.000
• ><c> so</c><02:02:05.400><c> this</c><02:02:05.520><c> one</c><02:02:05.679><c> is</c><02:02:06.040><
• c> kind</c><02:02:06.159><c> of</c><02:02:06.679><c> these</c><02:02:06.840><c> are</c><02:02:06.960>
• ><02:02:15.000><c> budget</c><02:02:15.239><c> are</c><02:02:15.440><c> I'd</c><02:02:15.639><c> say<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of School Finance provided an adequacy-funding training for Division II, led by Mark Mello. He walked the committee through the adequacy formula using Albany, Allenstown, and Alton as examples, explaining average daily membership, base adequacy aid, and differential aid for free/reduced-price meals, special education, and English language learners. He also noted a recent change requiring home-education differential aid and emphasized that these aid streams are generally unrestricted district funding rather than money tied to specific students or programs. A major focus was the ongoing litigation over the adequacy base amount and the statewide education property tax, or SWEPT. Mello explained the historical basis of the current base amount, the 2008 legislative report that set the original methodology, and the later court ruling that the adequacy amount should be $7,356, which is now before the Supreme Court. He also described how SWEPT currently raises a fixed statewide amount of $363 million and how that revenue is used to offset the state’s adequacy obligation. For the example towns, Albany and Allenstown receive state adequacy grants because their SWEPT revenue is below their calculated adequacy cost, while Alton is an excess SWEPT community because its local SWEPT revenue exceeds the cost of adequate education. The discussion then turned to the pending “excess SWEPT” issue in the Supreme Court and what would happen if excess collections had to be remitted to the state. Mello said the Department is preparing a hypothetical walkthrough and explained that, if the court upholds the Superior Court ruling, DRA would likely be directed to collect excess SWEPT. Members raised concerns about whether SWEPT must be used for educational purposes and about the cash-flow burden on towns if money had to move from municipalities to the state and then back to districts. Mello and members discussed possible administrative workarounds, such as credits against other state aid distributions, and noted that the committee would continue reviewing the mechanics if the court decision comes down during budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:26.800><c> at</c><00:02:26.879><c> the</c><00:02:26.959><c> ho</c><00:02:27.239><c> State<
• <c> we</c><00:02:30.360><c> stand</c><00:02:30.560><c> on</c><00:02:30.720><c> our</c><00:02:30.959><
• <01:02:48.480><c> the</c><01:02:48.640><c> tarot</c><01:02:49.039><c> Growers</c><01:02:49.480><c> with
• support</c><01:02:51.240><c> and</c><01:02:51.520><c> as</c><01:02:51.640><c> a</c><01:02:51.880><c>
• </c><01:02:55.839><c> of</c><01:02:56.000><c> land</c><01:02:56.359><c> from</c><01:02:57.039><c> ADC

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• In<02:06:00.880><c> your</c><02:06:01.000><c> merciful</c><02:06:01.480><c> name</c><02:06:01.760><c>
• &gt;&gt; The<02:06:41.880><c> chair</c><02:06:42.240><c> will</c><02:06:42.440><c> entertain</c><02:06
• </c> For<02:06:47.920><c> what</c><02:06:48.160><c> purpose</c><02:06:48.520><c> does</c><02:06:48.720
• &gt;&gt; Madam<02:06:51.720><c> Speaker,</c><02:06:52.160><c> I</c><02:06:52.200><c> ask</c><02:06:52.440
• First,<05:02:29.120><c> blue</c><05:02:29.320><c> catfish</c><05:02:29.880><c> are</c><05:02:30.000><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 16, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so that's<00:02:20.720><c> from</c><00:02:20.959><c> bell</c><00:02:21.280><c> to</c><00:02:21.520
• For high<00:02:25.920><c> school,</c><00:02:26.879><c> cell</c><00:02:27.120><c> phones</c><00:02:27.520
• 02:33.760><c> opportunity</c><00:02:34.319><c> to</c><00:02:34.640><c> use</c><00:02:34.879><c> their
• that the department<00:02:46.160><c> is</c><00:02:46.400><c> in</c><00:02:46.560><c> the</c><00:02:46.800
• > policy</c><00:02:58.000><c> is</c><00:02:58.239><c> and</c><00:02:58.400><c> what's</c><00:02:58.640

Bills: HB1559 , HB2012 , HB2297 , HB2122 , HB2345 , HB2398 , HB2534 , HB2621

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: telecommunication devices, student use, public schools, student engagement, educational outcomes, confiscation policy, mental health, statewide policy, community literacy, education, Title I funding, reading proficiency, underserved communities, family engagement, tutoring, literacy support, adult education, community education, literacy programs, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> sure</c><02:02:02.320><c> D</c><02:02:02.719><c> um</c><02:02:02.800><c> DOE</c><02:02:03.199><c>
• <02:02:05.040><c> provide</c><02:02:05.280><c> data</c><02:02:05.679><c> we</c><02:02:05.920><c> can<
• ><c> data</c><02:02:06.560><c> how</c><02:02:06.880><c> we</c><02:02:07.040><c> come</c><02:02:07.199
• /c><02:02:11.280><c> are</c><02:02:11.520><c> leaving</c><02:02:12.639><c> um</c><02:02:13.040><c> I<
• ><c> come</c><02:25:20.720><c> in</c><02:25:20.880><c> to</c> statutes.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:06:36.760><c> on</c><02:06:37.000><c> on</c><02:06:37.280><c> a</c><02:06:37.720><c> on</c><02
• And<02:11:02.040><c> I</c><02:11:02.080><c> know</c><02:11:02.280><c> I</c><02:11:02.320><c> go</c><02
• <02:12:04.040><c> And</c><02:12:04.200><c> so,</c><02:12:04.680><c> at</c><02:12:04.840><c> the</c><02
• 02:37:45.000><c> in</c><02:37:45.240><c> a</c><02:37:45.280><c> way</c><02:37:45.560><c> in</c><02:37
• Um<02:42:19.520><c> but</c><02:42:19.800><c> I</c><02:42:19.880><c> was</c><02:42:20.120><c> a</c><02

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine business including excusing absent senators, adopting the prior journal, and recognizing several guests in the gallery. The chamber also paused to honor Dr. Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, with a Senate resolution commending him as the Alabama Education Association’s 2025-26 outstanding superintendent of the year. Senator Smitherman and Dr. Sullivan both spoke, with Sullivan highlighting Birmingham’s academic gains, reduced failing schools, and lower chronic absenteeism. The Senate then processed a series of House messages and confirmations. It concurred in SB 288 on agriculture authorities and SB 317 on the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, but non-concurred and sent SB 174 on natural resources and SB 32 on solid waste collection fees to conference. The chamber confirmed numerous appointments, including Rex Jones, William Donahue, Jim Massey, Jason Windham, Alexander Atwater, Charles Dean, Steve McKinnon, Bonnie Temple, Shaniqua Johnson-Enam, Dwayne Jenkins, Troy Skipworth, Gloria Watts, Tracy Doughty, Kevin Ball, Joe D. Briggs, Josh Bryant, Dylan Turk, David R. Pruitt III, and Carol Smitherman, with most confirmations passing on near-unanimous rolls. Committee reports advanced several House bills, including favorable reports on HB 224, 591, 614, 609, 444, 248, 611, 622, 92, and 556, with HB 248 amended. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning the 2026 national championship, and another resolution recognizing the seriousness of the national debt and urging Congress to establish regular budget order. A resolution honoring retired Brigadier General Vandiver H. Carter as the 2026 Marion Military Institute Alumnus of the Year and a resolution commending John R. Cooper were also adopted. In local legislation, the Senate passed HB 635 for Choctaw County, HB 639 for Escambia County, SB 10 for Tuscaloosa County, HB 315 for class one municipalities after adopting a committee substitute and a friendly amendment, and HB 404 for class one municipalities. Finally, the Committee on Rules reported and the Senate adopted a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing a wide range of bills for priority consideration, including measures on solar power facilities, homestead exemptions, education, guardianships, tax increment districts, legal tender, college tuition, crime victims compensation, motor vehicles, entertainment industry issues, campus chaplains, tax abatements, alcoholic beverage producers, data privacy, constables, insurance, municipal audits, income tax, public high schools, taxation, state health planning, and University of Alabama matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr.<02:50:28.000><c> Clerk,</c><02:50:28.319><c> let's</c><02:50:28.560><c> call</c><02:50:28.720><c>
• &gt;&gt; You<02:51:08.640><c> heard</c><02:51:08.800><c> the</c><02:51:08.960><c> gentleman's</c><02:
• Chair<02:51:12.080><c> recognizes</c><02:51:12.479><c> a</c><02:51:12.640><c> lady</c><02:51:12.800><
• &gt;&gt; So<02:51:52.399><c> refresh</c><02:51:52.800><c> my</c><02:51:53.120><c> recollection</c><02
• ><c> but</c><02:51:59.920><c> I</c><02:52:00.080><c> just</c><02:52:00.240><c> can't</c><02:52:00.399

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:00.320><c> Um,</c><02:02:01.280><c> moving</c><02:02:01.520><c> on</c><02:02:01.679><c> to
• :12.480><c> uh</c><02:02:12.719><c> portions</c><02:02:13.199><c> of</c><02:02:13.520><c> an</c><02:02
• </c><02:02:40.719><c> Um,</c><02:02:41.679><c> act</c><02:02:42.080><c> 31</c><02:02:42.560><c> just<
• study for<02:02:45.199><c> the</c><02:02:45.440><c> Pupaca</c><02:02:46.159><c> Marine</c><02:02:46.400
• </c><02:02:52.159><c> a</c><02:02:52.400><c> pinch</c><02:02:52.800><c> point</c><02:02:53.040><c> where

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt. Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> pay</c><02:02:01.040><c> them</c><02:02:01.159><c> for</c><02:02:01.400><c> that</c><02:02:02.400
• <02:02:24.760><c> condition</c><02:02:25.760><c> uh</c><02:02:25.920><c> are</c><02:02:26.440><c> the
• <02:02:27.560><c> that</c><02:02:27.760><c> you</c><02:02:27.880><c> can</c><02:02:28.159><c> get</c>
• ><c> is</c><02:05:59.000><c> the</c><02:05:59.159><c> state</c><02:05:59.599><c> statute</c><02:06:00.239
• statute requires what we<02:06:01.559><c> call</c><02:06:01.960><c> generics</c><02:06:02.639><c> first

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<01:02:42.600><c> eyes</c><01:02:42.920><c> have</c><01:02:43.160><c> it</c><01:02:43.400><c> by</
• c><01:02:43.560><c> a</c><01:02:43.640><c> vote</c><01:02:43.960><c> of</c><01:02:44.200><c> 15</c><01
• :02:44.920><c> to</c><01:02:45.200><c> 8.
• And<01:02:46.960><c> the</c><01:02:47.040><c> motion</c><01:02:47.400><c> of</c><01:02:47.560><c> ought
• </c><01:02:49.680><c> and</c><01:02:49.800><c> the</c><01:02:50.000><c> bill</c><01:02:50.280><c> is<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :56.480><c> the</c><00:02:56.640><c> state.
• </c><00:02:57.599><c> Let</c><00:02:57.840><c> me</c><00:02:57.920><c> walk</c><00:02:58.160><c> you<
• Let me walk you through<00:02:58.400><c> the</c><00:02:58.640><c> key</c><00:02:58.800><c> advantages
• </c><00:02:59.360><c> in</c><00:02:59.599><c> a</c><00:02:59.760><c> little</c> through the key advantages
• Those voting machines, by statute and by law, they are not allowed to be connected to the internet.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:14 Approval of Minutes 00:00:40 State Board of Elections 00:00:56, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met to hear an update from the State Board of Elections on its Bluegrass Books electronic poll book system. Rachel Pointer and Richard House described the project as an in-house modernization effort intended to improve security, customization, integration with the voter registration system, reduce voter wait times, streamline supplemental and provisional ballot processing, and provide year-round local support to county clerks and poll workers. They emphasized that the system is already a working product, not just a concept, and showed a workflow demonstration of voter lookup, signature capture, ballot issuance, manual lookup, and handling voters who have already voted. The agency also outlined the financial rationale for the project, saying the state currently lacks dedicated funding for replacing the iPads used for election-day poll books and that counties now bear vendor maintenance and support costs. Under Bluegrass Books, the state would seek to cover hardware replacement, maintenance, and on-site support through future appropriations, potentially using bulk purchasing to lower costs. When asked about the size of the appropriation request, the presenters said it was not yet finalized but noted roughly 7,000 devices are deployed statewide and replacement would likely be phased rather than done all at once. Members asked about security and whether the e-poll book could affect vote totals. The Board explained that the e-poll book is separate from ballot casting, that voting machines themselves are not connected to the internet, and that the poll book is networked only to update check-ins and prevent double voting. They said the device is locked down to the poll book application and can operate offline until connectivity returns. A member also asked how to recruit more poll workers; the response suggested higher pay is the main incentive, along with outreach to schools, community colleges, and possible pilot programs involving professionals. The meeting concluded without any votes or formal action beyond approval of minutes, and the next meeting was announced for January 29, weather permitting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We submit it to<02:02:01.599><c> our</c><02:02:02.000><c> state</c><02:02:02.239><c> of</c><02:02:02.400
• c><02:02:03.920><c> as</c><02:02:04.080><c> an</c><02:02:04.239><c> approved</c><02:02:04.639><c> program
• </c><02:02:05.599><c> How</c><02:02:05.760><c> do</c><02:02:05.840><c> you</c><02:02:06.000><c> separate
• </c><02:02:28.719><c> logs</c><02:02:29.119><c> and</c><02:02:29.280><c> we</c><02:02:29.520><c> would
• c> to</c><02:02:56.000><c> pay</c><02:02:56.159><c> for</c><02:02:56.480><c> it's</c><02:02:56.639><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its second meeting on House Bill 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and discussed whether to also examine differentiated aid within the adequacy formula. The chair said the committee had previously heard from HHS/Medicaid officials and now wanted to hear from local special education directors about how the aid system works in practice, including billing, training, data collection, and whether districts handle claims consistently. Members also referenced Arkansas as a possible comparison state and said they hoped to develop ideas by November to address the current funding process. Committee members focused on the current special education aid thresholds and the impact of proration. The chair described the existing formula as requiring districts to absorb costs up to 3.5 times the state average per student, with the state paying 80% from 3.5 times through 10 times and paying above that, and said FY25 appropriated about $34 million while actual claims were about $50.1 million, leaving roughly a $16 million shortfall that caused proration. Members also raised the possibility of lowering the threshold to 2.5 times and asked how that would affect the number of eligible students and costs. Another member asked about how districts decide whether services are education-related or medical-related and how Medicaid or private insurance reimbursement affects later state aid claims. District representatives from Boothby Therapy Services, Bedford, and Guilford introduced themselves and described their roles. Guilford’s director said the district tracks students with paraprofessional support, nurses, transportation, or specialized programming, uses a data system to log every service touchpoint, and tries to maximize both Medicaid and special education aid; she said a lower threshold would likely capture all students with paras or nurses and that rising staffing and service costs would increase the number of students over the cap. Bedford’s assistant director said the district uses a different system, tracks roughly 60 to 80 students a year, and pursues Medicaid and special education aid simultaneously but does not pursue private insurance if it would affect FAPE; she said reducing the threshold to 2.5 times would likely double the number of qualifying students. Members asked follow-up questions about software, data entry, and how districts decide whether to bill Medicaid or seek state catastrophic aid, and the directors explained that their systems log services by staff type and student, with some districts using the same data for both Medicaid and state reimbursement claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• 05.280><c> and</c><02:02:05.599><c> the</c><02:02:05.920><c> rules</c><02:02:06.320><c> of</c><02:02:
• </c><02:02:08.639><c> the</c><02:02:08.800><c> the</c><02:02:09.119><c> feeling</c><02:02:09.360><c>
• that</c><02:02:09.840><c> the</c><02:02:10.000><c> board</c><02:02:10.239><c> had</c><02:02:10.560><c
• Um, next,<02:02:39.599><c> uh,</c><02:02:39.760><c> there</c><02:02:40.000><c> seems</c><02:02:40.239
• ><c> spoken</c><02:02:42.239><c> with</c><02:02:43.199><c> members</c><02:02:43.520><c> of</c><02:02:

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: 958, all