Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> be</c><00:32:07.440><c> part</c><00:32:07.679><c> of</c><00:32:08.240><c> you</c><00:32:08.399><
• .<00:32:23.039><c> Also,</c><00:32:24.080><c> with</c><00:32:24.399><c> respect</c><00:32:24.720><c>
• 00:32:38.799><c> cost</c><00:32:39.039><c> to</c><00:32:39.279><c> that</c><00:32:39.519><c> project<
• &gt;&gt; Uh,<00:32:46.960><c> up</c><00:32:47.120><c> next</c><00:32:47.279><c> is</c><00:32:47.519><
• Uh,<00:32:56.159><c> that's</c><00:32:56.399><c> everyone</c><00:32:56.640><c> who</c><00:32:56.799><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several housing-related measures. On SB 2068, which would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to study how to maximize housing on transit-oriented development and other state and county lands, testimony was mostly supportive from agencies and housing groups, with one opposition witness. In response to questions, OPSD said it was already working on a list of potential parcels but could not yet identify unit counts or a timeline, and estimated about $250,000 would be needed for staffing and contractual support. The committees also heard SB 2227 on rental assistance, which would require HPHA to make monthly rent supplement payments, prioritize certain tenants including kupuna, allow agreements with counties and nonprofits, and create a special fund supported by a transaction fee on recordings. HPHA supported the bill, and the Department of the Attorney General said it recommended amending the measure to describe the fee as a tax. Additional testimony included support from elder and community organizations and one opposition witness. For SB 2061, relating to residential condominiums and the 99-year leasehold program, HCDA and the project developer testified in support of amendments intended to preserve owner-occupant requirements while making the project more marketable and financially feasible. Members focused heavily on parking, affordability, and financing. HCDA and the developer said the parking stalls would be unbundled from the units, that the project would be a 99-year leasehold with 60% of units reserved for buyers at or below 140% AMI and 40% market-rate, and that the state’s $15 million equity contribution would cover only part of the parking garage and commercial component. The hearing then moved on to SB 3327, relating to HCDA and complete communities, but the transcript cuts off before that measure was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is uh<01:32:00.800><c> lines</c><01:32:01.360><c> on</c><01:32:01.520><c> the</c><01:32:01.760><
• </c><01:32:24.960><c> Uh</c><01:32:25.199><c> but</c><01:32:25.440><c> you</c><01:32:25.679><c> can</
• ><c> there</c><01:32:28.800><c> are</c><01:32:28.960><c> no</c><01:32:29.120><c> particular</c><01:32
• And<01:32:30.000><c> I</c><01:32:30.159><c> think</c><01:32:30.320><c> I</c><01:32:30.480><c> have</c
• c> that</c><01:32:32.080><c> may</c><01:32:32.320><c> have</c><01:32:32.560><c> some</c><01:32:32.719

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. It adopted motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be taken up throughout the day. The chamber received multiple House messages and a gubernatorial confirmation, including House Bill 1 on motor vehicles, Senate Bill 170 on health insurance, and Senate confirmation 90 for Chenica Johnson Anom to the Alabama Cickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission, all of which were referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate later concurred in the House amendment to Senate Bill 170 by a 29-0-1 vote. Committee reports covered a wide range of measures, with favorable reports and, in several cases, amendments or substitutes. Judiciary reported favorably on House Bills 228, 132, 347, 405, 86, 263, and 302, and on Senate Bills 318 and 260; State Government Affairs reported favorably on House Bills 435, 97, and 407 and Senate Bill 361; Education Policy reported favorably on Senate Bills 337 and House Bills 520 and 75; Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported favorably on House Bills 303 and 477 and Senate Bills 360, 325, 329, and 330; Transportation and Energy reported favorably on Senate Bills 341, 354, and 340; Veterans and Military Affairs reported favorably on House Bills 465 and 307 and Senate Bills 338 and 359; and Local Legislation reported favorably on Jefferson County Senate Bill 243 and Shelby County House Bill 532. These reports generally advanced the bills to second reading and placement on the next legislative day’s calendar. The Senate also confirmed George Pierce to the Alabama Ethics Commission by a 33-0 vote after a favorable committee report, with several senators offering brief remarks of congratulations. In motions and resolutions, the chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 77 honoring the Section boys basketball team and Senate Joint Resolution 78 honoring the North Sand Mountain girls basketball team for state championships. It also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 79 establishing a legislative study commission on child sexual abuse laws and policies. A senator additionally urged colleagues to support broadband expansion efforts in rural Alabama and to ask the education chair to place HB 4 on the agenda. The most substantial floor discussion concerned Senate Bill 146, the state general fund budget substitute. The sponsor explained several budget provisions, including a $12 million transfer and an additional $5 million for the judiciary to address funding for newly created judgeships, a conditional $40 million for the Department of Corrections tied to progress on the Elmore and Escambia prison projects, conditional funding for DHR tied to reducing its federal error rate and developing a SNAP-related plan, conditional mental health funding tied to reporting and data requirements, and language preserving legislative control over certain federal rural health care funds. The Senate adopted the committee substitute for SB 146 by a 32-0-1 vote and then continued with the budget explanation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Judiciary<00:32:03.440><c> um</c><00:32:04.399><c> uh</c><00:32:04.559><c> full</c><00:32:04.880
• </c><00:32:06.799><c> at</c><00:32:07.679><c> uh</c><00:32:08.000><c> 100</c><00:32:08.640><c> p.m.
• And we will<00:32:10.080><c> have</c><00:32:10.480><c> a</c><00:32:10.880><c> subcommittee</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:13.760><c> And</c><00:32:13.919><c> check</c><00:32:14.080><c> your</c><00:32:14.240><c> emails
• Have<00:32:25.039><c> a</c><00:32:25.120><c> great</c><00:32:25.360><c> weekend.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:32:02.400><c> who</c><01:32:02.639><c> specialize</c><01:32:03.360><c> in</c><01:32:03.600><c> in<
• </c><01:32:05.440><c> But</c><01:32:05.679><c> I</c><01:32:05.840><c> think</c><01:32:06.000><c> what
• ><c> is</c><01:32:10.960><c> that</c><01:32:11.120><c> we're</c><01:32:11.360><c> planning</c><01:32:
• ><c> is</c><01:32:23.760><c> not</c><01:32:23.920><c> to</c><01:32:24.159><c> hire</c><01:32:24.400><
• ><c> seeing</c><01:32:44.639><c> that</c><01:32:44.880><c> there's</c><01:32:45.360><c> not</c><01:32

Bills: SF2434

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:46.840><c> Thank</c><00:32:47.200><c> you,</c><00:32:47.280><c> Madam</c> Senator Linstead
• Thank you, Madam President.<00:32:47.920><c> I</c><00:32:48.000><c> move</c><00:32:48.240><c> for</c>
• <00:32:48.320><c> the</c><00:32:48.440><c> adoption</c><00:32:49.400><c> of</c> President.
• Will<00:32:53.200><c> the</c><00:32:53.280><c> clerk</c><00:32:53.520><c> please</c><00:32:53.920><c>
• Whereas<00:32:58.440><c> Colorado</c><00:32:58.960><c> has</c><00:32:59.160><c> one</c><00:32:59.280>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:21.360><c> work</c><00:32:21.760><c> and</c><00:32:22.080><c> never</c><00:32:22.399><c> would</c>
• </c><00:32:28.480><c> have</c><00:32:28.640><c> come</c><00:32:28.799><c> to</c><00:32:28.960><c> ask
• :01.360><c> and</c><01:32:01.840><c> we</c><01:32:02.080><c> were</c><01:32:02.239><c> able</c><01:32
• </c><01:32:16.000><c> Um</c><01:32:16.480><c> that</c><01:32:16.800><c> includes</c><01:32:17.440><c>
• Now,<01:32:23.280><c> so</c><01:32:23.520><c> if</c><01:32:23.679><c> we</c><01:32:23.840><c> take</c

Bills: HF3403 , HF2687 , HF2381

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, HF2687, single-family homes, corporate landlords

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:00.640><c> And</c><00:32:00.880><c> that's</c><00:32:01.120><c> kind</c><00:32:01.200><c>
• the</c><00:32:03.760><c> parameters</c><00:32:04.240><c> on</c><00:32:04.559><c> all</c><00:32:04.799
• :32:11.919><c> presenting</c><00:32:12.399><c> it</c><00:32:12.480><c> in</c><00:32:12.720><c> Senate
• ><c> question</c><00:32:16.960><c> is</c><00:32:18.000><c> could</c><00:32:18.240><c> could</c><00:32
• school and<00:32:22.240><c> turn</c><00:32:22.399><c> it</c><00:32:22.559><c> into</c><00:32:22.720>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met with a quorum, approved the August 20, 2025 minutes, and then heard a discussion tied to Constitution Day and Kentucky’s constitutional duty to provide an efficient system of common schools. Chairman James Tipton reviewed the history of Kentucky’s model laboratory schools, postsecondary academy programs such as Gatton and Craft, magnet schools, virtual learning, and computer science opportunities, arguing that Kentucky has long expanded educational opportunity through different school models. He described model schools and academy programs as hybrid or innovative approaches that serve specialized student needs and noted that some of these programs receive state appropriations and, in some cases, tuition. Senator Steve West then gave a retrospective on school choice in Kentucky, beginning with the 2017 charter school law and explaining that Kentucky’s charter framework was designed as public-only to comply with the state constitution. He said charter schools have remained largely dormant in Kentucky and used that as context for Senate Bill 207, the School Innovation Act, which he said was modeled on a South Carolina approach. Under SB 207, a local school board can contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, receive SEEK funding, and seek waivers from certain state regulations in order to innovate, while retaining limits on items such as school safety and attendance rules. Members asked about how the new model differs from charter schools, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the bill is intended to keep the school within the public system, with the local district initiating the process and maintaining accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school fails to perform. They emphasized that the school would serve the existing student population rather than select students, and that teachers would remain district employees with their pensions and related contributions unchanged. Representative Brown raised concerns that exceptions and charters could leave lower-income children behind, while West responded that the bill is meant to expand choice for families who otherwise lack access and cited examples from other states where outside management and parental involvement helped turn around low-performing schools. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.919><c> paying</c><00:32:02.200><c> attention</c><00:32:02.600><c> to</c><00:32:02.760>
• </c><00:32:20.360><c> in</c><00:32:20.559><c> life</c><00:32:20.960><c> receive</c><00:32:21.399><c>
• /c><00:32:33.320><c> serve</c><00:32:34.320><c> so</c><00:32:34.559><c> again</c><00:32:34.840><c> I<
• /c><00:32:43.559><c> the</c><00:32:43.720><c> vast</c><00:32:44.039><c> majority</c><00:32:44.399><c>
• say very comfortably<00:32:52.960><c> um</c><00:32:53.519><c> we</c><00:32:53.760><c> all</c><00:32:

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• department<00:32:05.600><c> thank</c><00:32:05.840><c> you</c><00:32:06.000><c> all</c><00:32:06.120>
• :32:10.000><c> cameras</c><00:32:10.519><c> working</c><00:32:11.519><c> uh</c><00:32:11.679><c> I'm<
• :32:16.760><c> I'll</c><00:32:16.960><c> try</c><00:32:17.120><c> to</c><00:32:17.320><c> kind</c><00
• </c><00:32:19.080><c> can</c><00:32:19.639><c> I</c><00:32:19.720><c> do</c><00:32:19.880><c> want</c
• ><00:32:20.000><c> to</c><00:32:20.159><c> start</c><00:32:20.480><c> with</c><00:32:21.279><c> it</c

Keywords: Due to a technical issue in the room, the quality of the stream will be diminished. We apologize for the inconvenience. Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:02:00 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:03:25 SB 13 Discussion Only 00:07:19 SJR 25 Discussion 00:25:33 SJR 25 Vote 00:28:40 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:29:44, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools, but initially had no representative from the governor’s office or cabinet available to explain the fiscal estimate. Senators questioned why the executive branch’s estimate was $4.25 million to $8.5 million while the committee’s internal fiscal note showed little or no impact. When Department for Public Health staff later joined, they explained their estimate was based on a roughly $85,000 cost for a large outbreak investigation, using a 2014 outbreak as a benchmark, and said the bill could increase workload and outside laboratory costs if private swimming pools became more common as rental properties. They reported 822 waterborne cases in 2024, with 8 tied to private swimming pools, and later corrected an earlier figure to 14 private-pool-related investigations over five years. Senators pressed on the discrepancy between those numbers and the projected 50 to 100 incidents, and staff said the higher figure was a ballpark estimate. The discussion also clarified that private pools are generally excluded by definition, while pools held out for rent may be treated as public pools under current definitions. No vote on SB 61 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13, concerning the reprocurement of managed care organizations for Medicaid. Department for Medicaid Services officials said the bill would require work on a new RFP, system changes, and oversight improvements, and estimated the cost at $2.8 million based on prior procurement spending of about $2.5 million in 2018-2019, with a 10% growth adjustment. They explained that the work is administrative and therefore matched at 50/50 federal-state funding, not the 80/20 rate used for benefits, and said the expense would be incurred whether the bill passed or not if the state proceeded with an RFP. Senators discussed possible savings from reducing the number of MCOs from five to three, but agency staff said those savings were hard to quantify and that provider and member disruption could create offsetting costs. The committee later moved on to Senate Joint Resolution 25, which would ask the Revenue Department to report on the cost of issuing farmers a wallet-sized tax-exempt card instead of a paper certificate. The resolution was adopted by roll call, with all members present voting aye, and it was reported favorably to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:32:01.840><c> and</c><00:32:02.000><c> the</c><00:32:02.159><c> west</c><00:32:02.399><c> coast
• ><c> it</c><00:32:05.440><c> and</c><00:32:05.760><c> sell</c><00:32:06.000><c> it</c><00:32:06.240><
• </c><00:32:15.039><c> And</c><00:32:15.279><c> so,</c><00:32:15.519><c> I</c><00:32:15.760><c> think<
• </c><00:32:17.360><c> in</c><00:32:17.760><c> every</c><00:32:18.080><c> way</c><00:32:18.240><c> we<
• Uh from<00:32:23.039><c> that</c><00:32:23.279><c> aspect,</c><00:32:23.840><c> do</c><00:32:24.000><

Bills: SF0050 , SF0068 , SF0084 , HB0087 , HB0029 , HB0061 , HB0090

Committee: House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.480><c> to</c><00:32:50.720><c> the</c><00:32:50.880><c> future</c><00:32:51.200><c> of</c><00:32
• And<00:32:53.919><c> this</c><00:32:54.080><c> anniversary</c><00:32:54.720><c> also</c><00:32:54.960
• Mr.<03:32:14.399><c> Speaker,</c><03:32:14.800><c> this</c><03:32:15.359><c> bill</c><03:32:15.600><c
• These<03:32:26.080><c> changes</c><03:32:26.479><c> will</c><03:32:26.720><c> help</c><03:32:26.880><
• 03:32:30.640><c> ring</c><03:32:31.200><c> and</c><03:32:31.439><c> that</c><03:32:31.600><c> the</c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:32:03.960><c> 49</c><00:32:04.519><c> is</c><00:32:04.720><c> going</c><00:32:04.840><c> to</c><
• 32:08.320><c> um</c><00:32:09.120><c> and</c><00:32:09.360><c> the</c><00:32:09.600><c> last</c><00:32
• 00:32:34.120><c> which</c><00:32:34.320><c> we</c><00:32:34.559><c> have</c><00:32:34.880><c> some</c
• quickly um<00:32:41.960><c> but</c><00:32:42.080><c> we</c><00:32:42.159><c> won't</c><00:32:42.360>
• think</c><00:32:47.679><c> you</c><00:32:47.760><c> were</c><00:32:47.880><c> going</c><00:32:47.960>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining how agencies assess facility needs, rank projects, and submit requests to the governor’s office. DAS described its Plant and Property division, which maintains 96 state buildings, and Public Works, which develops detailed cost estimates for selected projects. Officials said the governor’s office has traditionally narrowed requests into priority tiers, but this year all projects were estimated, creating more work and less detail. They also emphasized that the capital budget book functions as legislative intent and can be binding on how approved funds are used. On the substance of the request, DAS highlighted several priorities: continued funding for the state ERP system upgrade to the cloud, with about $5 million requested for sustainability and related Treasury functions; emergency fund and annex renovation work; a sprinkler replacement at DMV; and elevator repairs at the main building. Karen Rocky also identified maintenance projects that rose in priority after a facility condition assessment, including HVAC work for Portsmouth Circuit Court and Coos County Courthouse, boilers and controls for Carroll County and Lebanon Circuit Court, brick repointing at the main building and annex, window replacement at Spalding, and Brown building elevator replacement. Officials noted that the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and no projects for the Bureau of Court Facilities. The committee also discussed lapses and reprogramming of prior appropriations. DAS said the first eight projects approved in 2023 remain under construction and should be extended, while many 2021 projects are delayed because of ARPA-related workload and broader construction backlogs. Members reviewed a 2019 project list and agreed to lapse project number 49, the Spalding roof project, with about $81,000 remaining. DAS also said some small 2019 balances, including courthouse generators, a boiler, cooling and controls, roof and exterior repairs, and the State House Annex elevator, could be redirected through Capital Budget Overview toward the Hillsboro County South Cell Block project. The hearing ended with questions about project schedules, ARPA deadlines, and the division of authority between DoIT and DAS for the ERP system.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:03.360><c> level</c><00:32:03.680><c> increase</c><00:32:04.280><c> pursuant</c><00:32:04.760>
• funded<00:32:30.920><c> from</c><00:32:31.040><c> the</c><00:32:31.160><c> county</c><00:32:31.520><
• And<00:32:33.320><c> from</c><00:32:33.560><c> round</c><00:32:33.920><c> two</c><00:32:34.200><c> of
• ><00:32:36.680><c> under</c><00:32:37.040><c> House</c><00:32:37.360><c> Bill</c><00:32:37.640><c> 1<
• </c><00:32:39.600><c> There</c><00:32:39.760><c> are</c><00:32:39.880><c> three</c><00:32:40.440><c>

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:54 Approval of Minutes 0:01:08 Information Items 0:03:18 Postsecondary Institutions - UK 0:18:10 Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:30:13 KY Infrastructure Authority 0:37:30 Cabinet for Economic Development 0:52:11 Office of Financial Management 0:59:20 Remaining 2026 Mtg Dates 1:00:49 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 27 minutes and then received several informational reports, including University of Kentucky medical equipment purchases, UK’s use of $200 million in Ever funds for a public-private partnership, school district debt issuances, UK’s planned use of construction manager-at-risk delivery on five projects, Kentucky Communications Network Authority capital projects under House Bill 6, and 14 UK lease improvements. Members were told the House Bill 6 item was also being discussed in the Information Technology Oversight Committee and could return later if needed. The main action item was University of Kentucky’s request to approve a $600 million public-private partnership for central plants and utility infrastructure tied to the Chandler expansion. UK said it would shift $200 million from previously authorized restricted funds into the P3, leaving the project financed through private equity and nonprofit debt with no UK or Commonwealth debt. UK representatives said the project is necessary to support 24/7 hospital operations, expand and modernize utility systems, improve redundancy and efficiency, and reduce long-term operating risk. Members asked about the source of the availability payments, which UK said would come from UK Healthcare revenues, and the committee approved the P3 agreement unanimously. The committee also approved a UK lease renewal for a 20,000-square-foot College of Medicine annex near the Bowling Green Medical Center. UK said the lease costs $38 per square foot, or $912,000 annually, and supports medical education expansion in the region, including growth from 120 to 160 students over four years. Members voiced support for the local impact, and the lease passed unanimously. Later, the committee approved a Transportation Cabinet aviation project for two medium box hangars at Capital City Airport, funded by $1,153,000 in federal money and $950,000 from the Aviation Economic Development Fund, which is supported by a 6% jet fuel tax with a $1 million annual cap per company. Members asked about the fund balance, the cap, and airport revenue sources, and staff said the airport also receives entitlement and federal infrastructure funds and earns revenue from hangar rent and fuel sales. The committee then approved two Finance and Administration Cabinet pool projects: a roof and skylight replacement at the Libraries and Archives building and exterior repairs at several state buildings. Finally, the committee approved six Kentucky Infrastructure Authority action items after hearing about one loan increase for the Springfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and five grant reallocations tied to Cleaner Water Program and county allocation pool funds. Members asked why one project approved in 2024 was only now increasing, and KIA explained that design, water division review, environmental review, and bidding can take one to two years. KIA also reported additional no-action items, including a Brandenburg water grant split among two projects and 17 Kentucky Waters projects provided for information. The meeting ended with approval of the action items and no further action on the informational grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.600><c> that</c><00:32:13.760><c> they</c><00:32:14.000><c> can</c><00:32:14.159><c> get</c><00:32
• Mr.<00:32:32.640><c> President,</c><00:32:33.039><c> there's</c><00:32:33.840><c> four</c><00:32:34.320
• </c><00:32:40.960><c> So</c><00:32:41.200><c> I</c><00:32:41.360><c> will</c><00:32:41.519><c> yield<
• President, I'm<00:32:55.600><c> not</c><00:32:55.679><c> going</c><00:32:55.760><c> to</c><00:32:55.919
• </c><00:32:57.760><c> I</c><00:32:58.000><c> understand</c><00:32:58.880><c> the</c><00:32:59.200><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:32:03.120><c> 12</c><00:32:03.360><c> billion</c><00:32:03.840><c> dollars</c><00:32:04.640><c
• :32:13.840><c> justifiable</c><00:32:14.640><c> getting</c><00:32:14.880><c> those</c><00:32:15.120><
• :15.919><c> I</c><00:32:16.080><c> know</c><00:32:16.159><c> that</c><00:32:16.399><c> like</c><00:32
• /c><00:32:32.640><c> say</c><00:32:32.960><c> more</c><00:32:33.200><c> than</c><00:32:33.440><c> 60%
• So,<00:32:39.440><c> in</c><00:32:39.600><c> other</c><00:32:39.760><c> words,</c><00:32:40.080><c> we

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I I'm looking<00:32:00.640><c> at</c><00:32:01.200><c> um</c><00:32:01.679><c> a</c><00:32:01.919><c>
• :32:04.960><c> total</c><00:32:05.360><c> award</c><00:32:06.000><c> term</c><00:32:06.320><c> of</c>
• and<00:32:08.480><c> uh</c><00:32:08.720><c> I</c><00:32:09.039><c> I</c><00:32:09.120><c> I</c><00:
• 32:09.760><c> think</c><00:32:10.559><c> uh</c><00:32:10.880><c> the</c><00:32:11.200><c> simple</c>
• ><00:32:12.640><c> this</c><00:32:13.440><c> um</c><00:32:13.919><c> information</c><00:32:14.640><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 21 minutes and then took up a consent calendar, withdrawing several items before adopting the remainder. It also moved item FIS 25103 to the table by a 6-4 vote after Senator Gray argued the Executive Council had not yet acted on a prior $5 million approval and that the committee should avoid adding to the rainy day fund draw. The committee then approved item 25106 for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/State Library after hearing that the department expected about a $400,000 lapse to return to the state. A major discussion centered on New Hampshire Police Standards and Training (item 2577). Senator Gray questioned whether a proposed equipment purchase could be delayed to the next biennium in light of the state’s deficit and rainy day fund use. The agency said the equipment was needed now for scenario training, vendors had already been identified, and delaying would likely increase costs and force continued reliance on unpaid volunteer help. The committee ultimately approved the item. The committee also approved Department of Energy item 2587 after hearing that federal weatherization funds are drawn down on a reimbursement basis, and item 2588 after similar testimony that weatherization work must be completed and inspected before reimbursement, limiting how quickly funds can be expended. Item 250094 had been withdrawn. Later, the committee discussed Senator Carson’s request for an LBA review of the YDC claims settlement fund, with members expressing concern about administrative costs, attorney fees, settlement-loan payoffs, and the need for more detailed reporting. The committee voted to direct LBA to conduct the audit described in Senator Carson’s memo, with the additional request that the review include the term over which attorney fees are paid. The meeting then moved on to an HHS staff item, where members began questioning the timing of dashboard data and reporting delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> information</c><00:32:03.919><c> like</c><00:32:04.240><c> that</c><00:32:05.200><c> uh</c><00:32:
• 32:08.919><c> you</c><00:32:09.039><c> know</c><00:32:09.279><c> the</c><00:32:09.440><c> demise</c><
• <00:32:10.559><c> media</c><00:32:10.960><c> specialists</c><00:32:11.600><c> in</c><00:32:12.039><c>
• 32:14.720><c> you</c><00:32:15.200><c> is</c><00:32:15.960><c> how</c><00:32:16.200><c> do</c><00:32:
• :32:43.279><c> kind</c><00:32:43.519><c> of</c><00:32:44.120><c> uh</c><00:32:45.080><c> outcomes</c>

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:19.279><c> you</c><00:32:19.440><c> look</c><00:32:19.639><c> at</c><00:32:19.919><c> like</c><00
• </c><00:32:27.360><c> program</c><00:32:28.279><c> fees</c><00:32:28.720><c> forever</c><00:32:29.120
• </c><01:32:02.960><c> um</c><01:32:03.159><c> as</c><01:32:03.320><c> well</c><01:32:03.600><c> so</c
• were</c><01:32:04.040><c> able</c><01:32:04.239><c> to</c><01:32:04.360><c> use</c><01:32:04.639><c>
• </c><01:32:37.679><c> uh</c><01:32:37.840><c> I</c><01:32:38.000><c> now</c><01:32:38.239><c> present

Bills: HF1250

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're<00:32:18.559><c> getting</c><00:32:18.799><c> kind</c><00:32:19.039><c> of</c><00:32:19.519>
• </c><00:32:21.200><c> and</c><00:32:21.440><c> we</c><00:32:21.679><c> wind</c><00:32:21.919><c> up</
• </c><00:32:24.080><c> So</c><00:32:25.279><c> yeah,</c><00:32:25.519><c> I</c><00:32:25.679><c> don't
• 00:32:26.720><c> do</c><00:32:26.799><c> with</c><00:32:26.960><c> that,</c><00:32:27.039><c> but</c>
• I want<00:32:27.519><c> to</c><00:32:27.600><c> verbalize</c><00:32:28.080><c> that</c><00:32:28.240

Bills: HF3694 , HF3844 , HF4006 , HF3785 , HF3849 , HF4102 , HF3441 , HF3507 , HF3562

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:32:09.919><c> we</c><00:32:10.080><c> also</c><00:32:10.320><c> like</c><00:32:10.480><c> to</c>
• </c><00:32:11.760><c> And</c><00:32:11.919><c> you</c><00:32:12.080><c> can</c><00:32:12.159><c> see<
• /c><00:32:25.120><c> narrow</c><00:32:25.440><c> as</c><00:32:25.679><c> we</c><00:32:25.760><c> get<
• &gt;&gt; Uh<00:32:29.760><c> on</c><00:32:29.919><c> the</c><00:32:30.240><c> just</c><00:32:30.480><
• c> the</c><00:32:30.720><c> data,</c><00:32:31.279><c> how</c><00:32:31.519><c> much</c><00:32:32.720

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.