Transcript Highlights:

• 02:44.560><c> name</c><00:02:44.760><c> is</c><00:02:44.920><c> Jan</c><00:02:45.640><c> and</c><00:02
• Jan and I'm a graduate<00:02:47.000><c> student</c><00:02:48.000><c> at</c><00:02:48.200><c> the</c><
• um</c><00:02:52.200><c> I'm</c><00:02:52.760><c> expressing</c><00:02:53.280><c> this</c><00:02:53.599
• :54.879><c> my</c><00:02:55.040><c> own</c><00:02:55.519><c> and</c><00:02:55.879><c> does</c><00:02:
• school</c><00:02:59.280><c> um</c><00:02:59.640><c> I</c><00:02:59.920><c> I</c><00:03:00.159><c> am<

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing heard three bills. HB 1428 would appropriate funds for HHFC to distribute to HUD-certified housing counseling agencies and require a report to the Legislature. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including HHFC, the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, and individual testifiers who said housing counseling, financial education, and one-on-one guidance can help keep residents housed. In response to a question, HHFC said there are five certified agencies in the state and requested $1.5 million for one year, noting uncertainty around federal funding. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. HB 833 would create a five-year Community Land Trust Equity pilot program through HHFC, using Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund money to provide lines of credit for acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support. HHFC said the needed funding depends on the size of the pilot and estimated that 50 homes at $500,000 each would require about $25 million; members discussed how the funds would revolve as loans are repaid. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including replacing the income restriction with qualified residents under HRS 20-32 and prioritizing applications requiring the lowest funds per unit per year. The recommendation was adopted. HB 286 would increase the maximum annual deduction and account limits for Individual Housing Accounts. The Department of Taxation testified, with support also noted from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and several individuals, and one individual in opposition. In response to questions, DOTAX said the change would likely have limited impact because fewer than 100 IHAs have been reported and suggested the deduction would need to be above the Roth IRA limit to matter. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments and reported the proposed limits as $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married filing jointly. The committee adopted the recommendation, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:24.400><c> As</c><00:02:24.720><c> the</c><00:02:25.040><c> designated</c><00:02:25.920><c
• As the designated community action<00:02:26.879><c> agency</c><00:02:27.360><c> for</c><00:02:27.599>
• George's County,<00:02:29.360><c> UKAP</c><00:02:30.000><c> has</c><00:02:30.239><c> spent</c><00:02
• UKAP remains committed<00:02:42.959><c> to</c><00:02:43.120><c> improving</c><00:02:43.599><c> the</c
• Today,<00:02:57.760><c> we</c><00:02:58.160><c> proudly</c><00:02:58.800><c> recognize</c><00:02:59.280

Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.319><c> young</c><00:02:12.480><c> lady</c><00:02:12.800><c> I</c><00:02:12.959><c> said</c><00:02
• 00:02:15.440><c> does</c><00:02:15.599><c> she</c><00:02:15.760><c> want</c><00:02:15.920><c> me</c><
• <00:02:16.480><c> task</c><00:02:16.720><c> force</c><00:02:17.280><c> is</c><00:02:17.440><c> it</c>
• ><c> to</c><00:02:23.920><c> do</c><00:02:24.000><c> that</c><00:02:24.160><c> and</c><00:02:24.319><
• don't ask her so<00:02:27.200><c> she</c><00:02:27.520><c> called</c><00:02:27.760><c> me</c><00:02:

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• And say<00:02:05.480><c> all</c><00:02:05.600><c> that</c><00:02:05.800><c> to</c><00:02:05.960><c> lead
• Um Um Um With<00:02:45.000><c> that,</c><00:02:45.320><c> I</c><00:02:45.480><c> I</c><00:02:45.560><
• c> would</c><00:02:45.760><c> like</c><00:02:46.200><c> to</c><00:02:47.000><c> have</c><00:02:47.200
• ><c> from</c><00:02:47.960><c> you</c><00:02:48.760><c> um</c><00:02:48.840><c> and</c><00:02:48.960>
• ><c> that</c><00:02:53.520><c> you</c><00:02:53.720><c> will</c><00:02:53.920><c> look</c><00:02:54.120

Committee: Joint Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida<00:02:00.960><c> did</c><00:02:01.200><c> this</c><00:02:01.439><c> recently</c><00:02:02.240
• </c><00:02:27.280><c> law</c><00:02:27.440><c> enforcement</c><00:02:28.000><c> agency</c><00:02:28.879
• &gt;&gt; Yeah,<00:02:30.160><c> I</c><00:02:30.319><c> would</c><00:02:30.400><c> say</c><00:02:30.480
• <00:02:40.959><c> them,</c><00:02:41.200><c> but</c><00:02:41.360><c> let</c><00:02:41.519><c> me</c>
• </c><00:02:43.040><c> Does</c><00:02:43.280><c> DMR</c><00:02:44.080><c> go</c><00:02:44.319><c> on</

Committee: Joint Ports and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:03.759><c> can</c><00:02:04.000><c> go</c><00:02:04.159><c> to</c><00:02:04.320><c> the</c
• Do I have a<00:02:23.360><c> motion</c><00:02:23.680><c> on</c><00:02:23.920><c> the</c><00:02:24.080
• All<00:02:28.239><c> in</c><00:02:28.480><c> favor</c><00:02:28.800><c> say</c><00:02:29.040><c> I.
• Okay.<00:02:33.440><c> We</c><00:02:33.680><c> have</c><00:02:33.760><c> the</c><00:02:33.920><c> sub
• </c><00:02:40.239><c> Um</c><00:02:41.519><c> I</c><00:02:41.840><c> am</c><00:02:41.920><c> the</c><

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• So from the shooting in Minnesota last year, where the shooter never even went inside the church, he
• Perhaps something that would contribute to that fact is that existing statutes do not Specifically require
• we've done this for decades with Fire, one example of that would be the school building protection statute
• Last I read of existing statute, I believe the mandate is approximately 6 safety drills per year of some
• adoption normalization and the continuance of intruder drills at school. last I read of existing statute

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Oklahoma school safety from Commissioner Tipton, OSSI director Mike Fike, OACTIC director Alan Young, OSBI lieutenant Isiles Keene, and Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton. The main focus was a statewide school-safety framework built around response, prevention, and recovery. Witnesses described training law enforcement in the LASER active-shooter response model, adding A-TURK training for coordinated law enforcement/fire/EMS response, expanding run-hide-fight and Stop the Bleed instruction for educators and staff, conducting risk and vulnerability assessments, and using the Rave panic-button system and the ProtectOK tip app to speed reporting and dispatch. They also emphasized behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) teams as a prevention tool to identify and support at-risk students before violence occurs. Members asked about administrator and teacher training, school counselor involvement, how apps are deployed on personal versus school devices, and whether schools are actually using the programs. Witnesses said administrators, counselors, and SROs should be part of BTAM, that training is most effective when it is realistic and repeated, and that Rave is geofenced and typically invited onto devices by schools. Several members stressed that school leaders must buy in for safety plans to work, and one member raised concerns about traumatic training and the need for mental-health support as part of prevention. Witnesses said mental-health referral and monitoring are part of BTAM, but the school and local partners must manage the process. OSBI’s lieutenant added broader context, comparing school safety to fire safety and noting that Oklahoma still lacks some statutory requirements for intruder drills and stronger penalties for school threats. He also discussed possible future tools such as surveillance analytics, gunshot detection, ballistic-rated doors and walls, and better access controls, while warning that technology should supplement, not replace, basic safety systems and training. Sheriff Walton closed by describing rural response challenges and his foundation’s effort to place ballistic shields in schools and police cars, arguing that human resources and rapid communication remain the biggest gaps. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you'll find those in the New Mexico statutes on the next page.
• Practitioners sometimes paid attention to the statutes and regulations.
• But in the personal income tax, statutes again in the definitions, we've got the definition of adjusted
• There are other references to the Internal Revenue Code throughout the section of the statutes on personal
• It was great because Colorado and Minnesota said it’s working for us, generating $62 million in new money

Committee: House Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> in</c><00:02:22.600><c> the</c><00:02:22.680><c> amount</c><00:02:23.000><c> of</c><00:02:23.120
• </c> This<00:02:26.760><c> is</c><00:02:26.920><c> funded</c><00:02:27.320><c> from</c><00:02:27.520>
• Uh<00:02:30.000><c> project</c><00:02:30.480><c> is</c><00:02:30.600><c> going</c><00:02:30.720><c> to
• including uh<00:02:35.480><c> buildings</c><00:02:35.840><c> at</c><00:02:35.959><c> the</c><00:02:36.040
• These repairs will<00:02:43.040><c> include</c><00:02:43.959><c> uh</c><00:02:44.040><c> the</c><00:02

Summary: The committee first discussed and approved a new airport-related project involving two 60-by-80 corporate hangars. Members asked about how the project would generate revenue, and staff explained that hangar rent and fuel sales would help repay the costs, with more than half of the funding coming from the FAA. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved two large capital pool projects: a $1,715,120 roof replacement and skylight project for the Libraries and Archives building in Frankfort, and a $2,105,400 exterior renovation project for several state buildings, including Health and Family Services, the Kentucky History Center, and the State Office Building. After that, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented one loan increase and five grant reallocations. The loan increase was for Springfield’s wastewater treatment plant project, rising by $262,300 to just over $2.88 million because bids came in higher than estimated. Members asked about the delay between approval and bidding, and staff explained the design, environmental review, and state approval process can take one to two years. The committee approved the six action items, and then received informational updates on additional water projects that required no action. The Cabinet for Economic Development next presented one forgivable loan and 11 KPDI/KPDI EDF grant projects. The loan was a $1 million forgivable loan for the Perry County Economic Development Board to acquire the Coalfields Industrial Building, with repayment forgivable if a project creates at least 75 jobs. The grant projects included site-readiness and industrial development work in Pendleton, Elizabethtown/Hardin, McCreary, Floyd, Marion, Fleming, Graves, Eddyville/Lyon, Caldwell, Mercer, and Johnson counties. Members asked how local match percentages are set and were told they are based on county population and updated every two years; staff also explained that beneficiaries usually provide the match and are reimbursed after submitting costs. The committee approved the action items. Finally, the Office of Financial Management presented two new debt issues and three SFCC debt issues. The new debt items were a Kentucky Housing Corporation bond authorization of up to $600 million for single-family mortgage revenue bonds, including a $100 million initial transaction, and a $5.5 million multifamily conduit bond for 98 apartments in Lexington. Informational items covered University of Kentucky refunding bonds and Turnpike Authority refunding bonds, both of which produced savings. The three SFCC debt issues for Campbell, Edmonson, and Perry counties were then approved by roll call vote. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the upcoming calendar and scheduling before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:26.440><c> will</c><00:02:26.560><c> we</c><00:02:26.720><c> lose</c><00:02:27.720><c> when</c> How
• I mean, if<00:02:31.959><c> if</c><00:02:32.200><c> it</c><00:02:32.240><c> stayed</c><00:02:32.520><
• :02:40.240><c> to</c><00:02:40.320><c> go</c><00:02:40.400><c> back</c><00:02:40.600><c> and</c> know
• ><c> going</c><00:02:42.760><c> to</c><00:02:42.800><c> be</c><00:02:42.880><c> very</c><00:02:43.120
• <c> if</c><00:02:45.360><c> you</c><00:02:45.480><c> see</c><00:02:45.680><c> a</c><00:02:45.760><c>

Committee: Senate Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Yeah,<01:02:14.720><c> I</c><01:02:14.880><c> think</c><01:02:14.960><c> we</c><01:02:15.200
• Then<01:02:19.040><c> we</c><01:02:19.280><c> just</c><01:02:19.520><c> take</c><01:02:19.760><c> the
• &gt;&gt; Could<01:02:48.559><c> do</c><01:02:48.720><c> that</c><01:02:49.359><c> or</c><01:02:49.839
• I think<01:02:51.599><c> the</c><01:02:52.480><c> the</c><01:02:53.359><c> chair</c><01:02:53.760><c>
• ><c> of</c><01:02:57.680><c> the</c><01:02:58.000><c> report</c><01:02:58.400><c> to</c><01:02:58.720

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the September 24 and September 27 meetings unanimously. It then reviewed a spreadsheet and draft report tracking the status of various dedicated funds, with members deciding which items should be kept active, removed, or flagged for follow-up next year. Several funds were identified as no longer needing action because they had been repealed, terminated, or were already handled elsewhere, including mosquito-related funding, child care licensing, and the prescription drug affordability board item. In other cases, members agreed to keep the fund on the list but remove question marks and add notes for future review or for another committee to address. A number of funds drew more detailed discussion. Members agreed that the Fish and Game fee increase issue should not be handled by this committee directly, but that staff should notify the relevant sponsor/department that a legislative change would be needed. They also discussed a medical cannabis fund that was running down significantly; the committee agreed to keep it active, note the concern, and send a letter to the department and Representative McDonald suggesting that HHS review whether fees or another revenue source should be changed, with the possibility of a late bill if needed. The lead poisoning prevention fund was also kept, with a note that the department should take action if it wants changes, and the committee discussed a grants-and-aid escrow-related item, concluding it should remain active and be kept on the list. Members also discussed several legacy or special-purpose funds. They agreed to recommend deleting the broodstock reference, to keep the emergency fund while asking for a better explanation of its funding source, and to retain the building maintenance fund as active. The Recovery Monument fund was identified as inactive and likely eligible for transfer of its remaining $1,000 to the addiction treatment and prevention fund. The Matthew Elliott Trust Fund prompted the most extended discussion; members concluded it should not continue as-is and agreed to draft a letter to the Attorney General recommending that the fund be closed through probate court and the remaining $5,657 transferred to Fund 122, or otherwise handled as unclaimed property if appropriate. The committee also discussed a firemen’s association-related transfer and agreed it should remain, while noting that any broader change would require legislation and a sponsor in the relevant policy committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:27.760><c> certainly</c><00:02:28.080><c> through</c><00:02:28.239><c> the</c><00:02:28.400
• :02:31.520><c> policy</c><00:02:32.239><c> to</c><00:02:32.400><c> let</c><00:02:32.560><c> other</c>
• > uh</c><00:02:34.319><c> and</c><00:02:34.480><c> achieve</c><00:02:34.800><c> what</c><00:02:34.959
• </c><00:02:35.599><c> while</c><00:02:35.840><c> working</c><00:02:36.000><c> as</c><00:02:36.160><c>
• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:02:38.319><c> you</c><00:02:38.480><c> for</c><00:02:38.640><c> being</c><00:02:38.879

Committee: Senate Confirmations

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:31.560><c> answers</c><00:02:32.120><c> to</c><00:02:32.319><c> our</c><00:02:32.640><c> questions
• /c><00:02:34.920><c> a</c><00:02:35.120><c> member</c><00:02:36.000><c> of</c><00:02:36.120><c> the</
• </c><00:02:37.640><c> Council</c><00:02:38.640><c> so</c><00:02:38.920><c> next</c><00:02:39.200><c>
• 02:49.519><c> Legal</c><00:02:49.879><c> Clinic</c><00:02:50.280><c> in</c><00:02:50.519><c> support<
• ><c> we</c><00:02:53.640><c> have</c><00:02:54.000><c> Amy</c><00:02:54.480><c> Dr</c><00:02:54.800><

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and we will be implementing<00:02:07.439><c> the</c><00:02:07.680><c> 24-hour</c><00:02:08.239><c
• :14.800><c> the</c><00:02:14.959><c> rule</c><00:02:15.200><c> is</c><00:02:15.680><c> the</c><00:02:
• Uh<00:02:18.000><c> before</c><00:02:18.239><c> we</c><00:02:18.319><c> get</c><00:02:18.480><c> started
• we get started, would any members<00:02:19.440><c> like</c><00:02:19.599><c> to</c><00:02:19.760><c>
• recognize</c><00:02:20.160><c> or</c><00:02:20.400><c> welcome</c><00:02:20.720><c> any</c> members

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum, and opened with the pledge and prayer. Members then made several brief introductions of interns and guests from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. The chair also reminded members about microphone use, cell phones, and the 24-hour rule for committee amendments and substitutes. The sole substantive item was House Resolution 7, sponsored by Representative Hodgson, which set out guiding principles for Kentucky elections. Hodgson described principles including fair and secure elections, accessibility balanced with security, citizen-only voting, stability and uniformity in election procedures, prompt and accurate results, transparency, accountability, and preservation of state control over elections. Members generally supported the resolution; Representative Marzian asked whether Kentucky already follows these principles and raised the issue of low poll-worker pay, while Representative Hancock asked about protecting voter registration data and privacy. Hodgson responded that transparency applies to the process, not personal information, and that Kentucky protects ballot secrecy and voter data. Representative Chester Burton also asked about election security, and Hodgson said Kentucky’s system relies on bipartisan poll workers and mutual oversight at polling places. Representative Marzian asked whether Social Security numbers are still required for voter registration, and members indicated they are, with a follow-up promised to the committee. The committee then voted 15-0 to pass the resolution with favorable expression. Before adjournment, Hodgson encouraged additional co-sponsors, and the chair noted the committee would likely meet again the following Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:35.120><c> fiscal</c><00:02:36.080><c> amount</c><00:02:36.800><c> of</c><00:02:36.959><c> about<
• .<00:02:38.720><c> And</c><00:02:38.959><c> so</c><00:02:40.239><c> um</c><00:02:40.319><c> that</c><
• :02:49.840><c> amount</c><00:02:50.080><c> that</c><00:02:50.400><c> you</c><00:02:50.560><c> said</c
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:54.400><c> That's</c><00:02:54.560><c> our</c><00:02:54.720><c> base</c><00:02:55.040
• &gt;&gt; No<00:02:56.239><c> base</c><00:02:56.560><c> student</c><00:02:56.879><c> is</c><00:02:57.599

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• What I would like<00:02:02.799><c> to</c><00:02:02.960><c> do</c><00:02:03.680><c> uh</c><00:02:03.920
• :02:05.680><c> going</c><00:02:05.759><c> to</c><00:02:05.840><c> change</c><00:02:06.079><c> the</c>
• </c><00:02:11.039><c> from</c><00:02:11.200><c> Uvel</c><00:02:11.599><c> and</c><00:02:11.760><c> UK
• :02:19.760><c> her</c><00:02:20.000><c> bill</c><00:02:20.239><c> that</c><00:02:20.480><c> she's</c>
• > that,</c><00:02:24.400><c> uh,</c><00:02:24.560><c> I'll</c><00:02:24.800><c> take</c><00:02:24.959

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings. A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting. Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

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Summary: The Committee on Higher Education heard Senate Bill 101, which would require University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine graduates who paid in-state tuition to serve as physicians in Hawaiʻi for at least two years after residency or fellowship, beginning with the class of 2029. The Deputy Attorney General said the bill addressed a matter of statewide concern. JABSOM Dean Sam Shoemaker testified in opposition, arguing the school already uses scholarships, loan repayment, and other incentives, and that the strongest predictor of where physicians practice is where they complete residency; he said the school is working to expand residency slots, neighbor-island training, and class size. Supporters argued the state faces a severe physician shortage and should do more to ensure publicly subsidized students remain in Hawaiʻi. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including a statewide concern statement, and deferred the measure to July 31, 2025; the vote was adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 19, which creates funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on Maui. University of Hawaiʻi and nursing workforce representatives testified in support, saying there is ample capacity on Maui and strong demand for higher nursing education. Members discussed the broader nursing pathway, including existing associate and bachelor’s programs at UH campuses and the need to improve access for Maui and nearby communities. The measure was moved to decision-making and adopted with amendments and a deferred date. Senate Bill 637, appropriating funds for various University of Hawaiʻi nursing programs, also received support from UH nursing leaders, who said the funding would support the final phase of the West Oʻahu-Manoa collaboration and an online RN-to-BS program. The Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing said its research showed capacity and demand for these programs. The committee recommended amendments to blank out appropriation amounts for the committee report and deferred the measure, then adopted it. The committee also adopted Senate Bill 741, which establishes an external audit committee within the UH Board of Regents, and deferred or amended several other measures, including a wastewater technology pilot program, a coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, and a climate-resilient development appropriation.

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• &gt;&gt; Yeah.<01:02:14.319><c> No,</c><01:02:14.480><c> they</c><01:02:14.640><c> they</c><01:02:14.960
• Does anyone<01:02:35.920><c> care</c><01:02:36.160><c> to</c><01:02:36.400><c> change</c><01:02:36.640
• If not,<01:02:37.680><c> the</c><01:02:37.920><c> clerk</c><01:02:38.240><c> would</c><01:02:38.480><
• There<01:02:41.599><c> being</c><01:02:42.079><c> 111</c><01:02:42.799><c> votes</c><01:02:43.040><c>

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• ><00:02:54.440><c> it</c><00:02:54.560><c> a</c><00:02:54.640><c> little</c><00:02:54.800><c> bit</c>

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• Uh<00:02:56.880><c> and</c><00:02:57.080><c> we</c><00:02:57.240><c> wanted</c><00:02:57.640><c> to</

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity convened its first meeting of the 2026 interim, established a quorum, and introduced staff and a summer student intern. The chair explained that the commission’s first topic would be crime, public safety, violence prevention, and mentoring, and invited the police chiefs of Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green to discuss how the legislature could help them do their jobs more effectively. The chiefs described a shift in policing from a more enforcement-only approach to community policing built on relationships, trust, and prevention. They said community engagement and mentorship are central to reducing violence, and cited examples such as community engagement teams, youth programs, and efforts to build trust through regular presence in neighborhoods. Louisville’s chief said the department’s community engagement work has helped improve homicide solvability, while Bowling Green’s chief emphasized that juvenile crime and stolen guns are major concerns and that the state cannot arrest its way out of the problem. All three stressed that policing depends on cooperation with residents, prosecutors, and courts. Members then asked about recruiting officers who reflect the communities they serve. The chiefs said successful recruitment depends on personal relationships, officers serving as ambassadors, and reaching people through community presence rather than only traditional ads. Bowling Green described junior police academy and cadet programs that begin with youth and often lead to hiring, while Lexington said it uses social media, a community police academy, and outreach to keep local residents in the profession. They also said character matters more than background and that officers should be embedded in the neighborhoods they serve. A final exchange focused on immigrant and refugee communities and fear of police. The chiefs said they are trying to reduce fear through community police academies, multilingual outreach, neighborhood meetings, and clear communication that local police do not enforce civil immigration detainers. Louisville said it has marked SWAT vehicles more clearly and works with community organizations to spread accurate information. The chiefs repeatedly emphasized that their role is to keep people safe, protect constitutional rights, and make sure residents feel able to call 911 when they need help.