Transcript Highlights:

• Catheter care.
• And when hospitals have to start deleting service items, the result is Coloradoans who need health care
• </c> We<02:05:17.920><c> care.</c><02:05:19.360><c> RJBC</c> We care. RJBC We care.
• </c> THEY CAN AFFORD HEALTH CARE. THEY CAN AFFORD HEALTH CARE.
• You see, health care is important. People having the services they need is essential.

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent daily time on the faithful implementation of the state park service.
• The improved pastures came to the Park Service during an acquisition.
• Yet many still lack access to basic dental care.
• more veterans to qualify for preventive and essential dental care services.
• It simply ensures that more of our heroes can get the care they deserve.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with HB 4087, which authorizes the Highlands County Hospital District to evaluate options to sell, lease, or manage its hospital. An amendment adding fair market value as a consideration was adopted, and the bill then passed unanimously. HB 841, which eliminates the requirement for validation stickers on license plates and moves registration verification to electronic systems, also passed after questions about law enforcement procedures, pretextual stops, and consumer savings; a technical amendment was adopted first. HB 593, dealing with campaign fundraising while on official time, lobbying rules for water management districts, agency secretary travel reimbursement, and settlement conditions involving third parties, passed without opposition. CS for HB 1019, the PFAS-related bill phasing out aqueous film-forming foam and requiring testing of treated effluent and biosolids, passed after an amendment limiting local utility liability until EPA standards are set; speakers emphasized firefighter and water-quality concerns. Several local and administrative measures also advanced. HB 4089 conveyed the Trenton Train Depot to the City of Trenton, HB 6011 updated ethics disclosure procedures for Form 10 filings, and PCS for HB 1051 created a recall process for community development district board members while also addressing synthetic turf deed restrictions and landowner-control timelines. HB 1031 established a pilot callback system for state agency customer service lines, and CS for HB 961 removed a burdensome electronic signature requirement for salvaged titles. HB 1421, which requires land managers to consider cattle grazing on conservation lands, drew substantial debate over state parks, water quality, and land management; an amendment added ecological guardrails and the bill passed 20-3. CS for HB 253 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program and passed unanimously, while HB 4039 required Broward County to study and hold a hearing before enlarging the Monarch Hill landfill landmark and passed despite opposition from the waste industry. CS for HB 755 eased Habitat for Humanity bond requirements in the Florida Keys and extended the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, and HB 1035 promoted nature-based coastal resiliency projects and permitting; both passed unanimously. The committee then considered major foreign influence and election integrity measures. CS for CS for HB 905, the FIRE Act, was substantially revised by strike-all to expand registration and disclosure requirements for foreign agents and foreign-supported political organizations, restrict gifts and contracts tied to foreign countries of concern, terminate sister city agreements with such countries, and strengthen penalties for transnational repression; members debated the treatment of Qatar, linkage institutes, and the broader impact on international students, and the bill passed 24-1. Finally, CS for HB 991 proposed sweeping election changes, including citizenship verification at registration, a citizenship oath, new voter ID rules, paper ballots except for disability accommodations, candidate party-affiliation timing rules, stronger foreign-money restrictions, and other enforcement provisions. Members raised extensive concerns about document submission, data retention, student IDs, seniors, disability access, and the burden of proof for citizenship, and the committee was still in the middle of that discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> emergency medical services aid program. emergency medical services aid program.
• </c> emergency emergency medical services emergency emergency medical services special<00:59:08.000><
• </c><01:43:25.360><c> spending</c> 11.5 million in local direct spending 11.5 million in local direct
• </c> the city services. Thank you. Um Mr. the city services. Thank you. Um Mr.
• It is direct property tax relief that provides funding for essential services for residents across this

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> serviced, we also do a voter service serviced, we also do a voter service center<01:42:19.840><c
• It's not clear to me whether this bill is directing the counties to open additional voter service centers
• It's not clear to me whether this bill is directing the counties to open additional voter service centers
• It's not clear to me whether this bill is directing the counties to open additional voter service centers
• It's not clear to me whether this bill is directing the counties to open additional voter service centers

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I know that the minority leader cares about a communities.
• So I know that the minority leader cares about affordability, so do I.
• I know he cares about energy use costs, so do I.
• For the next nine years, his military service took him a For the next nine years, his military service
• for veterans and active duty service members.

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0. The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill. In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was talking to the police to give them directions from his GPS to get to the bus.
• Minister Rojas Escalante is a distinguished career diplomat with over three decades of service to his
• Thought you guys cared about me more than this. Members, it's a real treat today.
• We've recognized those that can no longer care for themselves. We've made a difference.
• Balance your family and career with your service here.

Bills: HR1052 , SB2184 , SB171

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine floor business. The chamber recognized a number of guests and groups, including family members of members, Horizon Bankers from the Oklahoma Community Bankers Association, the Edmond Democratic Women’s Group, the Red Oak basketball team, the Union wrestling teams, the Doctor of the Day, and a Peruvian consul general and guest commemorating U.S.-Peru diplomatic relations. The House also announced Earth Day-related activities and 4-H Day at the Capitol. A major focus of the day was 4-H. House Resolution 1052 was presented and adopted without objection, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol. Two 4-H members, Cian Tarafet and Kate Sherrill, addressed the chamber about the program’s impact on leadership, citizenship, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Members and program leaders also recognized the contributions of extension agents, land-grant universities, and 4-H participants across the state. The House also held several special presentations honoring student achievements and public service. Kane Lee of Sand Springs was cited for calling 911 and helping calm students during a school bus medical emergency. The Red Oak basketball team and the Ponca City High Steppers were recognized for state and national championships, and the Union girls wrestling program was honored for multiple state titles. Representative Ken LaTrell delivered a farewell address reflecting on his legislative service, veterans’ issues, tribal policy, energy work, and family, with members offering remarks in response. No substantive legislation beyond the 4-H resolution was debated in the transcript, and the only formal action recorded was unanimous adoption of H.R. 1052. The House then adjourned until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But on page two, rural healthcare facilities are closing and losing important specialty services due
• </c><00:17:12.400><c> talks</c><00:17:12.720><c> without</c> straight to direct talks without straight
• to direct talks without worrying<00:17:13.360><c> about</c><00:17:13.600><c> any</c><00:17:15.039><c
• 00:17:39.600><c> two,</c><00:17:40.080><c> rural</c><00:17:40.400><c> healthc</c><00:17:40.720><c> care
• </c> uh uh on page two, rural healthc care uh uh on page two, rural healthc care facilities<00:17:41.440

Bills: SB367 , SB368 , SB350 , SB351

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: rural health, healthcare access, state funding, health transformation, appropriations, fiscal policy, healthcare funding, economic development, mental health, maternal health, antitrust, competition, market regulation, business practices, consumer protection, anaphylaxis, epinephrine, auto-injector, public health, school safety

Transcript Highlights:

• affordable housing for people in institutions like Publix, Walmart, institutions like janitorial services
• affordable housing for people in institutions like Publix, Walmart, institutions like janitorial services
• This has been a major step forward in improving health care access to Blountstown and the surrounding
• HUD refers to these as in... sewer services.
• So in addition to the funding that the state directly received, more than $3 billion in total direct

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum and heard two bills, a confirmation, and two agency presentations. SB 48 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead exemption for the owner-occupied portion, limit parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum leases, extend density bonuses for military-family housing, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. SB 34 by Senator Sharief would expand the Historic Cemetery Program, particularly to help historic African-American cemeteries preserve and maintain themselves by allowing sale of excess vacant land only if proceeds are used for long-term upkeep; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors by unanimous vote. In addition, the Department of Commerce presented on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida, describing more than $4.3 billion in HUD disaster recovery funds since 2017, housing repair and replacement efforts that have completed more than 5,200 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects across the state. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and clawbacks from a prior vendor; Commerce said it had ended the earlier vendor relationship, imposed about $3.6 million in financial consequences, and now uses stronger oversight and competitive procurement for contractors. The Division of Emergency Management then presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds used. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is intended to reduce repetitive flood losses, keep homeowners in their communities, and serve as a national model; he reported more than 12,000 applications, about 1,500 prioritized for review, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about assistance for seniors who cannot meet the 25% match, the wait-list process, contractor selection, and the mix of project types, and Guthrie said contractors were selected through competitive procurement and that most projects are elevations, though some may become reconstructions or acquisitions depending on inspection results. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• If anyone has any questions, I'll direct those to him. If not, we'll call the roll. Chairman Diehl.
• this legislature in 1976 for the purpose of making medical malpractice insurance available to health care
• Well, at this point in time, the $150,000 a year would be to be able to service outstanding claims.
• And a half a million bucks is going to take care of the stolen cars throughout the entire state.
• Well, that certainly is a step in the right direction, gentlemen.

Committees: House Insurance , House Insurance and Banking

Transcript Highlights:

• Certainly what you're describing could be taken care of through internal processes. So.
• They're coming up with directions in terms of programming and vision and relevancy.
• Pino, who was Director of Child Protective Services.
• It's 26% in the Protective Services Division. It was 21 then.
• So, Madam Chair, Senator, Representative, I shot an email to the council service.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• What about the child care workers who were getting those vouchers for working in child care?
• you were still getting free child care, even though your eligibility was because you were a child care
• So if we're taking away the way that home care and child care centers, whomever, is subsidizing that
• So if we're taking away the way that home care and child care centers, whomever, is subsidizing that
• We would look at providing direct services to children.

Committee: All EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met to receive an update from the Office of Early Childhood on Arkansas child care and early learning programs. Committee members discussed the state’s child care crisis, including reported economic losses from lack of access, the need to track access, affordability, workforce shortages, rural and infant/toddler care gaps, and the role of local leads in identifying needs across the state. The committee also approved the February 17 minutes. Office of Early Childhood staff explained their responsibilities under the LEARNS Act, including kindergarten readiness, provider quality, and access to affordable seats. They reviewed licensing, quality efforts, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federally funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of more than 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 23,000 children, with approval to increase to 24,000 slots. Members asked about the difference between market rate surveys and cost analyses, and staff said the office is procuring both, with results expected by the end of the year. Several members raised concerns about funding levels, especially that ABC reimbursement has not kept pace with K-12 funding increases and that child care reimbursement remains below the true cost of care. Staff said ABC requires certified teachers and lower ratios than SRA, but pays less, and that some federal pre-K slots were moved into ABC to preserve continuity of care. They also explained that SRA eligibility changes, including a higher work requirement and ending a child care worker eligibility category, were made to reduce spending and serve families on the wait list. The committee discussed communication with providers and parents, technical assistance for centers, and possible future legislative action to stabilize providers and expand access, but no votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commissioner and the Department of Financial Services does underneath the CFO CFO handles insurance
• Everything went up during that period and that has had a direct impact on the premium costs.
• of direct written premium collective, which is the total collection of premium in the state.
• Exactly says, well, you just had a bad person that took care of you.
• Everything seems to be looking to play in the right direction for 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Stanley, care to close. She waves. Clerk will call the roll.
• Senator Hicks, care to close. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Seeing no debate, Senator Dossett, care to close. She waves. Call the roll.
• federal service.
• Senator Seifried, care to close. Yes, thank you.

Bills: SB1726 , SB1236 , SB1633 , SB1413 , SB1317 , SB1360 , SB1342 , SB1477 , SB1189 , SB1546 , SB1524 , SB1338 , SB1193 , SB1812 , SB1617

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard and advanced a large slate of education bills. Early measures included SB 1726, requiring formal training for university teaching assistants before they teach classes and evaluate students, with emphasis on First Amendment rights; SB 1236, creating an Administrative Report Consolidation Act to reduce duplicative reporting by schools and agencies; SB 1633, codifying existing higher education residency tuition practices; SB 1413, requiring notice to parents when a teacher is emergency certified and limiting adjunct teachers to 270 clock hours per semester; SB 1317, allowing career teacher status to be portable across districts with local board approval; and SB 1360, expanding the state’s math initiative by restoring instructional coaches and creating a math office at the State Department of Education. Most of these bills passed on favorable votes, with SB 1413 drawing some concern over teacher shortages and the adjunct-hour cap, but still passing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They need and they deserve better care and better resources than that.
• In House Bill HB1766. is a step in the right direction to doing that.
• Kind, caring, a great athlete. Loved his family.
• None of my comments are directed at that particular prison system.
• For three decades, MTC has remained committed to quality care and transparency.

Bills: HB153 , HB1410 , HB1461 , HB1760 , HB1762 , HB3261 , HB3773 , HB153

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, private prisons, inmate confinement, criminal justice reform, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, government contracts, inmate housing

Transcript Highlights:

• We will start off with co-insurance and the health care practitioner gross receipts deduction, then a
• And as it says, it was the final step in a policy direction that had been taken in the 1970s.
• services.
• How do you know that's going to get us more doctors and other health care providers?
• I don't care. But we need to be very careful when we're talking about municipalities and counties.

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Within 90 days of service, the municipality has to file the record.
• But we treat them as an electronic voting implementation service.
• In our open town meeting, how may we build better direct democracy?
• In our open town meeting, how may we build better direct democracy?
• These essential free services cannot be provided by solar panels.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions. Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record. The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , energy, health care.
• , energy, health care.
• Take care of your health. Thank you. Take care of your health. God bless.
• And when federal policies threaten access to health care, civil rights, or basic essential services,
• Our elder care delivery service infrastructure would come crumbling.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness. A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law. Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a joint resolution directing the Department for Medicaid Services to provide the Legislative
• </c> functions reimbursement for services functions reimbursement for services Personnel<00:19:11.039
• </c> beforehand and coming in and taking care beforehand and coming in and taking care of<00:27:53.960
• This is hemp-derived, that's right. this has a small direct cost anticipated this has a small direct
• ><c> with</c><01:00:52.720><c> the</c> Services we had communicated with the Services we had communicated

Summary: The committee met on March 11, 2025, with a quorum present and first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28. The bill would create a framework for using $5 million previously set aside for agricultural economic development through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, including loan and grant programs. Members asked about changes in the substitute, and the sponsor explained that it revised the board composition to include members with more experience in finance, lending, and economic development. SB 28 was approved 20-0 and reported favorably. The committee then approved Senate Joint Resolution 26, which directs the Department for Medicaid Services to provide the Legislative Research Commission a report on pharmacist pay parity and the cost of allowing independent pharmacists and pharmacies to be reimbursed by Medicaid for services within their scope of practice. The sponsor and Kentucky Pharmacists Association representative described it as a request for information rather than a policy change. The resolution passed 20-0 and was reported favorably. House Bill 741, relating to public water and wastewater systems, was next. The sponsor said the substitute incorporated Kentucky Infrastructure Authority recommendations, clarified best management practices, and allowed storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration reduction projects to be scored more fairly alongside water projects. Members discussed how the bill narrows eligibility to systems most in need and refines the scoring process for the program created last session. HB 741 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and received a title amendment. The committee also considered House Bill 544, a branch budget bill amendment creating a new SAFE fund for the most recent Eastern Kentucky flood disaster, indexed to the relevant presidential disaster declaration. The bill would allow state money and other funds to support local governments, utilities, school districts, and other eligible recipients for recovery costs, planning, and short-term liquidity, with reimbursement provisions if FEMA or other sources later pay. Members discussed the amount of available funding, the use of prior SAFE fund balances, and the emergency clause. HB 544 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and a title amendment was adopted. The committee then began House Bill 775, relating to development areas, and adopted PHS 2 and a committee amendment; the sponsor started explaining the bill’s provisions on development areas, tax increment financing, brewers’ electronic filing, distilled spirits property tax language, income tax reduction conditions, tourism development incentives, and other tax-related sections, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Meija Hanlon, the director of Lewis County Public Health and Social Services.
• It directs Commerce and the UTC to create new reporting standards to improve our forecasts.
• They would have to utilize their backup generation to provide essential services.
• They also provide weatherization services, which reduce home energy use by an average of 25%.
• Thank you. give them direction.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2343, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain CAFO or individual discharge permit coverage for its game farms, and to treat game farms with at least 5,000 birds as large CAFOs. The prime sponsor and local officials from Centralia said the WDFW pheasant farm has contributed to nitrate contamination in a critical aquifer, affecting drinking water and public health, and argued the state should be held to the same standards as private operators. WDFW testified that it has already voluntarily secured the permit the bill would require and is working with Ecology and local partners. Testimony from county health and residents largely supported the bill, citing elevated nitrate levels and health risks, especially for infants and pregnant people. The committee then heard House Bill 2301, which expands Washington’s paint stewardship program to cover additional paint-related products, aerosol paints, and certain non-industrial coatings. The sponsor and industry supporters said the existing paint recycling program is working well and should be broadened to keep more materials out of landfills and reduce local hazardous waste costs. Local government witnesses supported the expansion but asked for changes on convenience standards, packaging coverage, and reimbursement for local collection costs. Ecology supported the overall concept but raised implementation concerns, including the need for uniform standards, full reporting, and more time for rulemaking. A wood preservatives industry representative opposed including wood preservatives, saying they are not paint and have different handling requirements. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2515, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, defined mainly as large data centers and virtual currency mining facilities. The bill would require utilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts, demand response or curtailment provisions, reporting on energy and water use, and new clean energy targets for these facilities, while also changing how no-cost allowances under the Climate Commitment Act are allocated and creating an annual fee for the facilities. Supporters, including environmental groups, community action agencies, some utilities, and labor and tribal representatives, said the bill would protect ratepayers, improve transparency, and keep Washington on track for climate goals. Opponents, including data center and business groups, some ports, and several labor organizations, argued the bill is too prescriptive, could raise costs or discourage investment, may affect existing contracts and other large industrial loads, and could reduce construction jobs. No votes or final actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• services.
• services.
• </c> and we also had one directed and we also had one directed specifically<00:22:11.840><c> to</c><00
• </c> build these facilities and the care build these facilities and the care that's<01:06:00.400><c>
• </c><01:26:37.679><c> communication</c> maybe um having uh direct communication maybe um having uh direct

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy