Transcript Highlights:

• national board teachers and also allows KDE to prorate the stipend if funds are not sufficient to cover
• national board teachers and also allows KDE to prorate the stipend if funds are not sufficient to cover
• national board teachers and also allows KDE to prorate the stipend if funds are not sufficient to cover
• With entities that discharge into the waters of the Commonwealth.
• This specifies that revenues from IGTs are contingent upon agreement by all governmental entities.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• They hid the high ground in time to find good cover and concealment.
• Licks was like a peninsula covered three Licks was like a peninsula covered three quarters<00:43:29.040
• We cover 24 Eastern Kentucky counties. And that's my position. My name is Eric Elie.
• But also you need to be aware that inside the facility is upon the entity holding the facility.
• is upon the entity holding the facility.<01:20:28.400><c> So</c><01:20:28.560><c> a</c><01:20:28.880

Committee: Joint Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this would allow federal subsidies to cover this care and reduce the financial burden on the state
• ,</c> different not only government entities, different not only government entities, but<00:52:20.600
• But before we lose more, you know, individuals, we did want to at least kind of cover some of this, and
• But before we lose more, you know, individuals, we did want to at least kind of cover some of this, and
• We want to help them transition out into the community a lot sooner, and what you've covered is very

Bills: SR185 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2335 , HB1656 , HB2207 , HB2289 , HB1854 , HB2581 , HB20 , HB2296 , HB1707 , HB2297 , HB1890 , HB2241 , HB2474 , HB1688 , HB2546 , HB1574 , HB1546 , HB2218 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1749 , HB2385 , HB1576 , HB1974 , HB2022 , HB1973 , HB2005 , HB1894 , HB1515 , HB1718 , HB1591 , HB2475 , HB1721 , HB1864 , HB1946 , HB1920

Keywords: Department of Education, capital improvement program, performance audit, infrastructure, transparency, state bonds, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, bond authorization, state debt limit, constitutional debt limit, Article VII Section 13, Hawaii bonds, state borrowing, public finance, capital improvement projects, supplemental appropriations, judiciary appropriations, refunding bonds, reimbursable bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• We also cover how the team is organized, what the different roles are, and disaster medical operations
• and</c><00:29:42.399><c> whole</c><00:29:43.600><c> great</c><00:29:43.840><c> shakeddown</c> drop cover
• and whole great shakeddown drop cover and whole great shakeddown shakeout<00:29:45.679><c> um</c><00
• And part of this is from Craig's experience in covering numerous disasters from tsunamis in Southeast
• ,</c><01:09:14.480><c> nonprofits</c> for for private entities, nonprofits for for private entities,

Bills: HB2437 , HB1815 , HB1614 , HB1613 , HB1612 , HB2411 , HB2597 , HB2583 , HB2474 , HB1863 , HB2590 , HB1813 , HB1838 , HB2138 , HB1967 , HB1576 , HB2139 , HB1605 , HB2113 , HB812 , HB1831 , HB1707 , HB2561 , HB1805 , HB2469 , HB2472 , HB2387 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1859 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB1656 , HB2116 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2340 , HB2158 , HB2339 , HB2489 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2338 , HB2005 , HB1952 , HB1872 , HB1676 , HB2384 , HB2614 , HB20 , HB1776 , HB1565 , HB2310 , HB1975 , HB1801 , HB1668 , HB2114 , HB1972 , HB1546 , HB1518 , HB1131 , HB2208 , HB2156 , HB2268 , HB2622 , HB2581 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB1577 , HB2033 , HB2031 , HB2023 , HB1969 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2315 , HB2343 , HB2501 , HB2505 , HB816 , HB1562 , HB1591 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1871 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB276 , HB2606 , HB2270 , HB1920 , HB1756 , HB1727 , HB1718 , HB1715 , HB1713 , HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:31.520><c> to</c> federal government the state entities to federal government the state entities
• </c><00:32:30.640><c> And</c><00:32:30.799><c> again,</c> didn't cover federal agents.
• And again, didn't cover federal agents.
• </c><01:44:48.320><c> And</c><01:44:48.480><c> the</c> of municipal entity and ICE.
• And the of municipal entity and ICE.

Bills: HF3405 , HF3413 , HF3769 , HF3768 , HF3771 , HF3465

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes minuscule differences to larger entities, such as a percent of interest, a percent and
• The rest of it I raise. larger entities, larger public entities larger entities, larger public entities
• Well, the volunteer fire departments are a tax-exempt entity.
• It seems like a tax exempt entity.
• And then the county commission in Elmore County makes a contribution to the fire association to cover

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:57:50.359><c> the</c> cover the cover the expenditures<00:57:52.640><c> coming</c><00:57:52.960><
• The question is, are your costs being covered?
• </c><03:35:51.120><c> well</c> it but are the costs being covered well it but are the costs being covered
• Does it cover all the expenses of the turnpike system?
• </c> really want to make sure it's covered really want to make sure it's covered thank<04:58:43.958><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee heard an overview and budget presentation from New Hampshire Fish and Game, led by new Executive Director Stephanie Simi and Business Division Chief Kathy Leonti. The agency described its mission to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and emphasized growing pressures from disease, climate impacts, habitat change, and increased public demand. Simi said the department is largely funded by hunting and fishing license revenue and federal grants, is reviewing staffing and internal processes, and faces critical needs including permanent funding for environmental review staff, infrastructure and IT modernization, and possible service reductions if additional support is not found. Members asked about specific program and policy issues, including chronic wasting disease in deer, hemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, moose population decline, and a proposed bait-disease bill. The department said it is actively monitoring diseases and did not see a need for the bait bill at this time. Legislators also discussed the Hike Safe program, which the department said has grown from an expected $100,000 annually to more than $300,000, and a possible boating version of that program, which the department said remains under consideration but would involve complex logistics and multiple agencies. Questions were also raised about rescue costs, out-of-state hikers, and whether boat registrations could be used as a revenue source; Fish and Game said boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, though the department receives $5 per registered boat for the public boat access program. The budget discussion focused on revenue projections, use of unrestricted Fish and Game funds, and dependence on federal reimbursements. Leonti said the department met the governor’s general fund target but not the Fish and Game fund target without using surplus unrestricted funds, leaving only about $100,000 in the fund by the end of the biennium. She said the budget uses more than $18 million in Fish and Game funds annually against about $14 million in unrestricted revenue, and that five of 193 full-time positions remain unfunded. The department warned that if federal grants were halted, it could cost about $5 million over five months and force the Fish and Game fund to cover the gap. Committee members also requested that future presentations be sent electronically in advance, and the department agreed to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• and state entities for cyber response and cyber needs if needed.
• </c><00:15:11.760><c> state</c> which is basically enough to cover state which is basically enough to
• cover state tuition<00:15:12.760><c> reimbursement</c><00:15:13.760><c> plus</c><00:15:14.079><c> a<
• also helped cover and Silver Bay. also helped cover expected<00:25:09.120><c> growth</c><00:25:09.360
• Again, help to cover subsequent year.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :08:46.880><c> that</c><00:08:47.360><c> uh</c><00:08:48.320><c> essentially</c><00:08:48.880><c> covers
• </c><00:08:49.760><c> uh</c><00:08:49.839><c> the</c> fee that uh essentially covers uh the fee that
• uh essentially covers uh the amount<00:08:50.320><c> of</c><00:08:50.480><c> tax</c><00:08:50.800><c>
• </c><00:13:46.079><c> into</c> to to make that that entity into to to make that that entity into compliance
• </c> the money that we they get doesn't cover the money that we they get doesn't cover the<00:51:58.079

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met with a quorum, approved the June 3, 2026 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Mike Proctor of Evolve Kentucky on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Proctor described Evolve Kentucky as a nonprofit formed in 2016 to promote EV adoption and charger deployment, said the group has helped place more than 135 chargers at 65 locations, and reported that Kentucky EV registrations have grown rapidly but still represent about 1% of the state’s roughly 3 million vehicles. He also outlined the group’s view that EV drivers and charger operators already contribute to state revenue through annual vehicle fees, charger taxes, utility taxes, and related business taxes, and cited figures showing rising revenue collections as EV adoption increases. A major theme of the presentation was that EV owners are paying their “fair share” rather than being overcharged. Proctor said the current $126 annual EV fee is roughly comparable to the fuel tax a typical gasoline vehicle would pay, and noted that public charging can add additional tax burdens for drivers who cannot charge at home, such as those living in apartments or condos. He also argued that EVs provide broader benefits, including lower noise and air pollution, grid-stabilizing nighttime charging, tourism spending at destination chargers, and reduced road wear for passenger EVs compared with much heavier vehicles. Members questioned Proctor about whether EV owners are paying more than their fair share, how the fee compares with gasoline taxes, and whether apartment and condo residents are disproportionately affected because they rely on public chargers. Proctor responded that the fee was intended to bring EV owners into parity with gas vehicles, not to overcharge them, and said some public chargers are free while others are used by drivers who cannot charge at home. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the minutes approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our entity, the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight, saw some retail stations charging two or even
• Yeah, I think the points are well covered by Professor Bronson early on.
• Yeah, I think the points are well covered by Professor Bronson early on.
• I'll start, and I think there's a lot of points to cover.
• I know the hour is late, but I think we have actually got a lot of ground to cover, so I think we are

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the impact of the Iran conflict and global oil supply disruption on California fuel markets. Committee members and administration witnesses from the California Energy Commission and the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight described California’s heavy reliance on imported crude and refined products, the state’s shrinking refining base, current inventory levels, and how global supply tightness is affecting gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prices. CEC officials said near-term supply looked adequate for roughly the next six weeks, but warned that continued disruption would likely raise prices further and increase competition for imports. DPMO said the conflict is a real supply shock, but also emphasized a separate, longstanding problem of unusually high California retail gasoline prices, especially among major branded stations. Witnesses and members debated the causes of high prices and the state’s longer-term fuel strategy. Professor Severin Borenstein argued that much of the price gap beyond taxes and environmental costs comes from a “mystery gasoline surcharge” downstream of refineries, while also noting that California’s shrinking number of refineries creates market-power and supply-resilience concerns. Western States Petroleum Association CEO Jody Mueller argued that state policies have weakened California’s refining system and made it more vulnerable to global shocks, urging the state to protect remaining refining capacity and improve infrastructure for imports. United Steelworkers Local 675 Vice President Norman Rogers stressed the need for safe, reliable refinery operations and adequate staffing. Several members pressed witnesses on whether California should rely more on imports, how to manage inventories and port/storage capacity, and whether the state needs clearer authority and better data collection to coordinate fuel policy. Discussion also covered branded versus unbranded gasoline pricing, the role of California fuel specifications, and whether a floating gas tax or other policy tools could buffer consumers from global price spikes. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That response, beginning almost instantly and covering hours and days and weeks, reflected that Oklahoma
• That response, beginning almost instantly and covering hours and days and weeks, reflected that Oklahoma
• Instantly and covering hours and days and weeks, reflected that Oklahoma standard, that Oklahoma way
• In Ohio, Black mothers are more likely to rely on Medicaid to cover their births.
• In Ohio, Black mothers are more likely to rely on Medicaid to cover their births.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll cover those at the end really quickly.
• So, we had a budget entity that it was Ice Miller.
• So, we had a budget<00:26:39.080><c> entity</c> budget entity budget entity that<00:26:41.080><c> it<
• I think I covered all of them.
• Uh but was there a third-party entity.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Report of KCNA Board Meeting 00:00:09 KCNA Transition to COT 00:35:55 KCNA Request for Proposals 00:42:00 Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:42:30, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met, approved the January 12, 2026 minutes, and then heard testimony from KCNA Chair David Couch, KCNA Director Jim Barnhart, and KCNA General Counsel Adam Adkins about the ongoing dispute involving KCNA, Excelacom, and the implementation of House Bill 314. Couch said the board and vendor had recently shown some willingness to work toward a settlement, and he emphasized the importance of KCNA’s broadband service to K-12 schools, noting that litigation had already cost about $1.4 million and could cost another $1.4 million if it continued. He also said the board had identified five immediate goals, including reconnecting 38 K-12 sites, de-escalating disputes, better understanding KCNA finances, protecting the state’s bonding rating, and examining whether duplicate networking hardware could be consolidated. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether House Bill 314 changed KCNA’s authority and how much control the Finance and Administration Cabinet and KCNA’s legal counsel have over operations and contracts. Senator Williams argued that the board now has authority to set policy, implement policy, and approve budgets, and questioned why the cabinet appeared to be exercising operational control. Adkins responded that HB 314 changed the reporting chain from the general government cabinet to the finance cabinet but did not alter the board’s authority, and said budget work on the Ice Miller contract predated HB 314. Couch and other members disputed that interpretation, saying the board had not been properly informed about a recent extension or increase in legal spending and that the board’s directives were not being followed. Representative Hodgson asked why the board could not terminate a contractor if it was not carrying out the board’s wishes, and Adkins replied that Ice Miller was not a party to the board’s contract and that the Finance and Administration Cabinet signs such agreements. The exchange ended with committee members and KCNA representatives agreeing to disagree on the meaning of the statute and the extent of board authority. No formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• A landlord that receives funding from a government entity, a quasi-governmental entity, or a nonprofit
• by the subsidy using a uh not covered by the subsidy using a ratio<01:25:11.840><c> substantially</c
• The second one adds a National Guard to the coordinating entities in the bill.
• The second one adds a National Guard to the coordinating entities in the bill.
• It strikes several entities in the bill.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > a</c><00:15:18.880><c> a</c><00:15:19.279><c> utility</c><00:15:20.079><c> a</c> between other entities
• a a utility a between other entities a a utility a developer<00:15:21.440><c> um</c><00:15:21.839><c
• Senator Carol covered that, but the primary concern is how the bill shifts the substantial financial
• Senator Carol covered that, but the primary concern is how the bill shifts the substantial financial
• c><00:37:47.680><c> therefore</c> Upon delivery of energy, and therefore leaving the ratepayers to cover

Committee: Senate Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 03:09 SB 57 Discussion 04:03 SB 57 Roll Call Vote 38:37 SB 172 Discussion 41:27 SB 172 Roll Call Vote 50:23, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This system will reduce the human interaction currently required to place and remove barge covers, which
• Just as a reminder, these are owned, operated, installed, and maintained by private entities.
• /c><00:39:29.760><c> private</c> maintained uh by the uh private maintained uh by the uh private entities
• 31.200><c> not</c><00:39:31.520><c> uh</c><00:39:31.680><c> operated</c><00:39:32.079><c> by</c> entities
• They're not uh operated by entities. They're not uh operated by KYTC.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Approval of Minutes 01:07 Airport Projects 12:17 Riverport Projects 38:27 Electric Vehicle Charging Program 54:10 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I'll skip the background since the work session covered the fund split.
• That leaves our students on the hook to cover about half of those expenses.
• It allows us to use tuition revenue to actually enhance educational quality rather than just covering
• Alicia Kinney Claussen, guest starring here in higher education today, covering for Kelly.
• Alicia Kinney Claussen, guest starring here in higher education today, covering for Kelly.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Workforce Education Investment Act (WEA) Oversight Board, hearing from board co-chair Jane Broome and Joel Anderson of WASAC. They described the account’s origins as a public-private partnership intended to supplement, not replace, existing higher education funding, and emphasized the board’s role in oversight and outcomes. Members discussed the need for better data, especially outcome-based data, and concerns that recent budget actions have used WEA funds to supplant general fund support for higher education, particularly at the University of Washington. The presenters said WASAC staffing has improved transparency, but they urged the committee to preserve the original “do not supplant” intent and to keep WEA focused on high-demand programs, financial aid, and student success. The committee then held public hearings on three bills. SB 6251 would require public medical schools to use letter grades or a tiered grading system; the sponsor said the bill was meant to standardize grading, while both Washington State University and UW Medicine testified in opposition, arguing that pass-fail and competency-based systems better support collaboration, student mental health, and residency competitiveness. SB 6259 would make students ineligible for state aid and require repayment of aid if they are found by a court to have caused major damage to a public institution; the sponsor framed it as accountability for serious vandalism, while the lone testifier from WSU student government supported free speech but opposed the bill’s penalties as inequitable for lower-income students. SB 6235 would address the higher education “fund split” by requiring state funding of compensation and central services to return to 2023-25 levels over time and directing a study on essential student services; nearly all testimony from university, faculty, and community college leaders supported the bill, saying the current approach shifts costs to tuition, creates instability, and forces cuts to classes, staffing, and student services. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It adopted proposed substitutes and gave do-pass recommendations to SB 5978, SB 6209, SB 6217, and SB 6227, sending them to the Ways and Means Committee. The committee did not take action on SB 6235 in executive session. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the we're not going after covered up.
• When the program began, Safe Schools revenue covered that expense. Today, it does not cover half.
• Today, it revenue covered that expense.
• </c> does not cover half. does not cover half.
• Security covered by this funding stream.

Bills: HF3653 , HF2717 , HF3451 , HF3857

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education finance, safe schools revenue, school safety, charter schools, funding, safe schools, school security, school levy, pupil units, safe schools aid, cooperative units, intermediate school district, school resource officer, peace officer liaison, sheriff liaison, drug abuse prevention, gang resistance education, violence prevention, suicide prevention, mental health services

Summary: The committee first adopted the March 3rd minutes by voice vote after Representative Lee moved them and there was no discussion. Members then reviewed hearing rules on decorum, safety, and participation before taking testimony from Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. The presenters summarized research on mass shootings and K-12 school shootings, drawing on a database of homicides in school settings from 2000 to 2025 and a smaller set of 15 K-12 mass shooting cases. They said school shooters are usually insiders, most often current or former students, and typically young males. They described common patterns including a noticeable crisis before attacks, perpetrators viewing the shooting as a final act, studying prior shooters online, and “leakage” in which most tell someone in advance. They also emphasized that many perpetrators use unsecured firearms from family members and argued that prevention should combine reporting systems, behavioral threat assessment, counseling, mentoring, secure storage, and other layered interventions rather than rely on a single solution. The presenters also discussed broader violence trends in the Twin Cities, saying much school violence is spillover from community violence and that pandemic-era disruptions and weakened trust in institutions contributed to serious violence. They cited a national survey finding that exposure to gun violence is associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces, especially among young people. During member questions, Representative Wam asked for clarification on the data set and the rural/small-town share of the survey sample.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I mentioned, the operating adjustment in the governor's recommendation doesn't cover the full cost
• in the governor's recommendation doesn't in the governor's recommendation doesn't cover<00:12:43.120>
• the full cost of what we're cover the full cost of what we're projecting<00:12:44.800><c> to</c><00:
• </c> Redwing Sho company Foundation to cover Redwing Sho company Foundation to cover gaps<01:06:02.480
• Previously, a child with an early learning scholarship would receive about $8,500 to cover 12 months

Bills: HF2436 , HF470 , HF2643 , HF2456 , HF102 , HF1367

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:03:55.760><c> be</c> Maintenance that would otherwise be Maintenance that would otherwise be covered
• by MSA we must use local covered by MSA we must use local property<00:03:59.360><c> taxes</c><00:03:
• Once again, we opted to advance our MSA dollars to cover as much of the cost for the regional project
• as much of the cost dollars to cover as much of the cost chair<00:05:28.199><c> for</c><00:05:28.360
• </c> update after the 20123 session to cover update after the 20123 session to cover the<01:27:34.280

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• similar to the notification that we all get when our financial disclosures are pulled by an outside entity
• I'm still now overwhelmed because I'm taking on two entities that have a multi-billion-dollar budget,
• And just to follow up on that question, and all the entities in due diligence, which is incredible, and
• But it's the drivers who are making that decision, not Uber as a corporate entity. That's all.
• It was just the microphone cover fell off. It's fine; it happens all the time.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with the co-chairs introducing House and Senate members and explaining the hybrid format, three-minute testimony guidance, and the deadline for written testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on S. 2665, which would require employers to post notice to employees when an I-9 audit or similar federal immigration inspection is underway. Supporters, including immigration attorneys, a pediatrician, a labor leader, and an affected family member, argued the bill would protect privacy, give workers time to gather documents and consult counsel, and reduce fear and wrongful arrests. One witness from Illinois described a similar law there and said it had not caused the problems employers feared, while others said recent ICE enforcement has made notice especially important. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1360, a bill affecting collective bargaining rights for State Police, with the State Police Association arguing that a statutory gap lets departmental rules override their contract and that the bill would restore intended bargaining protections. A separate labor bill, S. 1305, was also briefly supported by the AFL-CIO as part of broader worker-classification protections for app-based delivery drivers. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 2066, which would impose fines on transportation network drivers who refuse rides to people with disabilities using service animals. Testimony from blind and disabled riders, service dog users, advocates, and the Disability Law Center described repeated ride cancellations, drivers pulling away after seeing a service animal, and the difficulty of enforcing existing anti-discrimination laws through MCAD or other agencies. Witnesses said the current system leaves riders without practical recourse because drivers are hard to identify and complaints can take years, and they argued that fines on individual drivers would create a real deterrent. Several witnesses also described the impact on employment, medical appointments, and daily independence. Committee members asked about service-animal verification, whether refusals are ever appropriate, and whether penalties should target drivers or companies; witnesses said legitimate refusals are limited to misbehaving or unsafe animals and that companies already have policies and some training, but enforcement remains weak. The committee also heard from a witness supporting a related bill on rideshare accessibility and from advocates describing broader transportation discrimination issues. One witness discussed a separate proposal to study service-animal denial, and others noted that Uber’s self-identification feature and company policies have not solved the problem. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting ended after the final witnesses on the service-animal bill and a brief organizational discussion about related legislation and committee business.