Transcript Highlights:

• Our current budget is underfunded, and it's currently running on reserves.
• 35:08.840><c> currently</c><01:35:09.200><c> running</c><01:35:09.560><c> on</c><01:35:09.760><c> reserves
• </c> it's currently running on reserves. it's currently running on reserves.

Bills: HF4740, HF3940

Keywords: financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• .. they are overseen, of course, very closely by the Department of Commerce, by the FDIC, Federal Reserve
• the department of commerce by FDIC by the department of commerce by FDIC federal<00:54:24.880><c> reserve
• > national</c><00:54:25.760><c> bank</c><00:54:26.079><c> by</c><00:54:26.160><c> the</c> federal reserve
• or national bank by the federal reserve or national bank by the OC.<00:54:27.040><c> So</c><00:54:27.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, the bill makes clear that it allows the appropriate use of capital reserve funds to fund
• appropriate use clear that it allows the appropriate use of<00:43:37.680><c> capital</c><00:43:38.079><c> reserve
• </c> of capital reserve funds to fund leases. of capital reserve funds to fund leases.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Latina Latino community, I know that we will create a new holiday that we can all celebrate without reservation
• 00:43:43.760><c> without</c> that we can all celebrate without that we can all celebrate without reservation
• . reservation. reservation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The SMI designation is reserved for severe disabling brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and severe
• If the department is approved by Social Security, we would reserve those funds for the child and preserve
• She had called 911 one evening from the reservation, and she was picked up by Game and Fish and taken
• She had called 911 one evening from the reservation, and she was picked up by Game and Fish and taken

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to radiation protection in cardiac catheterization labs and later a stem cell/regenerative therapy bill. On SB 1121, which would allow hospitals with radiation protection systems to let clinicians forgo lead aprons if they work in the designated safety area and use real-time dosimetry, testimony was largely supportive or neutral after a late amendment gave radiation safety officers discretion to require protective gear if exposures approach thresholds. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-1 vote. SB 1120, a more prescriptive bill requiring at least 50% of cath lab rooms in hospitals to be equipped with the radiation protection system, drew divided testimony: sponsors and several physicians argued it would reduce orthopedic injury and radiation exposure and improve recruitment and retention, while hospital and radiology groups objected to the mandate, cost, limited vendor pool, and lack of clarity in the bill’s definitions. After adopting an amendment excluding children’s hospitals, the committee deadlocked 6-6 and SB 1120 failed to pass. The committee then considered SB 1118, which would appropriate $3 million to help rural hospitals install radiation protection systems in cath lab rooms. The sponsor said the funding would help rural facilities meet the same safety goals, and the committee passed the bill 6-5. The committee also heard SB 1214, a “guardrails” bill regulating non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, requiring informed consent, sourcing and reporting standards, advertising limits, and civil penalties for violations. Supporters said it would protect patients while allowing access to promising therapies; some members raised concerns about evidence and commercialization, but after adopting a technical amendment, the bill passed 9-3. The transcript ended as the committee moved on to SB 1630, which would seek federal approval for a home- and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness; the sponsor described it as a capped, Medicaid-based community care option, and Access testified neutral while estimating a fiscal impact, but no final action on SB 1630 appears in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Senator and I have no reservations about this bill.
• Uh Senator and I have<00:31:13.640><c> no</c><00:31:13.800><c> reservations</c><00:31:14.480><c> about
• </c> have no reservations about this bill. have no reservations about this bill.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One in four cultural organizations is operating with both a deficit and dangerously low cash reserves
• Sixty-nine percent saw their reserves decline year over year.
• One in four cultural organizations is operating with both a deficit and dangerously low cash reserves
• Sixty-nine percent saw their reserves decline year over year.

Summary: The hearing in Barnstable opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs about the importance of holding Ways and Means budget hearings on the Cape, especially given the region’s seasonal economy and infrastructure needs. The committee then heard testimony from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones on the governor’s FY27 budget proposal. She highlighted funding for workforce programs including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, registered apprenticeship, YouthWorks, reentry workforce programs, and services for young adults with disabilities. She also discussed MassHire career centers, the MassHire Innovation Project, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance modernization effort, noting improved call wait times and claims processing, but acknowledging continued challenges and federal funding uncertainty. Members asked about job-seeker barriers such as child care, housing, and transportation; domestic outmigration of young workers; youth work permits; unemployment insurance costs and the COVID assessment on employers; and the state’s unemployment rate and UI trust fund solvency. Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler explained the difference between workforce training funds and the unemployment trust fund, described the statewide trigger that extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 30 weeks when regional unemployment averages 5.2 percent, and said the administration is reviewing the trust fund with labor and business stakeholders. They also said the administration is trying to preserve front-line DUA staffing while shifting resources to customer service and adjudication, including a Friday adjudication pilot and seasonal hires. Senators and representatives also pressed the administration on regional equity in workforce funding, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, which was described as serving a large rural area with fewer resources than other regions. Administration officials said they are reviewing MassHire funding formulas and modernizing the system with a policy committee and state workforce board input, but did not offer an immediate fix. The committee also heard that early childhood education apprenticeships are expanding quickly, with state funding leveraged to secure federal grants and support new Grow Awards. The hearing then moved to the Executive Office of Economic Development, where Secretary Eric Paley outlined House 2 proposals for economic development, including support for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, workforce partnerships, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, small business assistance, tourism, and tax incentives. Undersecretary Leila D’Amilia followed with testimony on consumer affairs and business regulation, describing funding for consumer protection, banking oversight, occupational licensure, and public safety inspections.

Transcript Highlights:

• trends: one in four cultural organizations is operating with both a deficit and dangerously low cash reserves
• Sixty-nine percent saw their reserves decline year over year, and smaller organizations with budgets
• One in four cultural organizations is operating with both a deficit and dangerously low cash reserves
• Sixty-nine percent saw their reserves decline year over year.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Sergeant Amr was a member of the Army Reserve 103rd Sustainment Command.
• member</c><00:20:33.039><c> of</c><00:20:33.120><c> the</c><00:20:33.280><c> Army</c><00:20:33.600><c> Reserve
• </c><00:20:34.080><c> 103rd</c> a member of the Army Reserve 103rd a member of the Army Reserve 103rd

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• all their capital and their proposed rates, projected premiums are coming from, what their claim reserving
• what projected premiums are coming from, what their<00:43:32.880><c> claim</c><00:43:33.119><c> reserving
• </c><00:43:33.520><c> practices</c><00:43:34.079><c> are</c> their claim reserving practices are their
• claim reserving practices are going<00:43:34.400><c> to</c><00:43:34.480><c> be.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis Federal Reserve looking at Minnesota building permits.
• Louis, Missouri<00:17:53.760><c> Federal</c><00:17:54.080><c> Reserve</c><00:17:54.559><c> looking</c
• ><00:17:54.799><c> at</c> Missouri Federal Reserve looking at Missouri Federal Reserve looking at Minnesota

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For our younger Guard and Reserve veterans, just understanding what they're eligible for can be a barrier
• 00:53:20.720><c> younger</c><00:53:21.440><c> guard</c><00:53:21.760><c> and</c><00:53:22.079><c> reserve
• </c> For our younger guard and reserve For our younger guard and reserve veterans,<00:53:23.040><c> just

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• How you reserve and how we deliver that service differs slightly from the state-mandated area, which
• How<00:57:01.839><c> you</c><00:57:02.079><c> reserve</c><00:57:02.559><c> and</c><00:57:02.799><c> how
• </c><00:57:02.960><c> we</c><00:57:03.200><c> deliver</c><00:57:03.520><c> that</c> How you reserve and
• how we deliver that How you reserve and how we deliver that service<00:57:04.319><c> differs</c><00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, a friend at the club suggested I join ROC, Reserve Officer Training Corps, a program I am currently
• friend at the club suggested I<00:38:14.960><c> join</c><00:38:15.280><c> ROC,</c><00:38:16.240><c> Reserve
• </c><00:38:16.640><c> Officer</c><00:38:17.040><c> Training</c> I join ROC, Reserve Officer Training
• I join ROC, Reserve Officer Training Corps,<00:38:17.760><c> a</c><00:38:18.000><c> program</c><00:38

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• statute, they require collateral when they offer guarantees, and the BFA is also required to set aside reserves
• required<00:26:19.520><c> to</c><00:26:19.919><c> set</c><00:26:20.159><c> aside</c><00:26:20.960><c> reserves
• ><00:26:21.679><c> to</c><00:26:22.080><c> pay</c><00:26:22.400><c> if</c> required to set aside reserves
• to pay if required to set aside reserves to pay if the<00:26:22.880><c> guarantees</c><00:26:23.440>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 1042, which would increase the BFA contingent credit limit. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli explained that under RSA 66, state debt capacity is tied to unrestricted revenue and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is contingent rather than direct debt. She said the state currently has about 4.2% to 4.3% debt-to-revenue ratio, about $120 million in additional capacity, and that approving the bill’s proposed increase would reduce available capacity for future state borrowing, including capital budgets. She noted the BFA has a long history of using guarantees without a state payout, but said the legislature should consider whether the full additional $250 million is needed and whether unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Pease Development Authority, should be reviewed in the future. Committee members asked whether guarantees have the same effect as actual debt for bonding capacity, and the treasurer confirmed that they do for purposes of the formula. Members also asked about the usual level of debt relative to the statutory 10% cap, and she said the state generally stays well below that limit. BFA Executive Director James Key Wallace then testified that the request was driven by rising project costs, inflation, and the need for more runway so the agency does not have to return to the legislature in an emergency. He said the BFA is self-supported, has never had a guarantee paid out by the state, requires collateral and reserves, and believes the appropriate range is closer to $400 million to $450 million; he also said a Senate bill would raise the limit to $400 million. He added that the BFA’s pipeline includes projects from about $15 million to $100 million and that housing availability is an important factor in business location decisions. After closing the work session on House Bill 1042, the committee opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage for pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Dave Nagel, the prime sponsor, gave extensive background on his long career in pain medicine and said the bill is intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies and evidence-based pain management. He described the broad population affected by chronic pain and opioid use disorder, and said the proposal has long had bipartisan and stakeholder support. No vote or final action was taken on House Bill 241 in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mentioned that because, uh, well, and actually let me reserve that for a moment and go into a little
• ><01:09:57.520><c> me</c> because uh well and actually let me because uh well and actually let me reserve
• 01:09:58.400><c> and</c><01:09:58.640><c> go</c><01:09:58.719><c> into</c><01:09:58.880><c> a</c> reserve
• that for a moment and go into a reserve that for a moment and go into a little<01:09:59.040><c> bit<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not the Federal Reserve, but through some incentives and other things, we can help incentivize
• U, you know, we're not the Federal<00:06:55.360><c> Reserve,</c><00:06:55.680><c> but</c><00:06:56.080
• ><c> through</c><00:06:56.400><c> some</c> Federal Reserve, but through some Federal Reserve, but through

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23 Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32 How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40 Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18 Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22 Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46 Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47 Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects. The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers. The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as we um as we do address the needs um that reserves these services by our safety net providers for
• the<00:10:48.640><c> needs</c><00:10:49.680><c> um</c><00:10:50.000><c> that</c><00:10:50.320><c> reserves
• </c><00:10:50.880><c> these</c> the needs um that reserves these the needs um that reserves these services

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• With all members present, are there any votes or reservations? Hearing none, the measures adopted.
• /c> all members present, are there any votes all members present, are there any votes or or or reservations
• Hearing</c><01:31:52.239><c> none,</c><01:31:52.480><c> the</c><01:31:52.639><c> measures</c> reservations
• Hearing none, the measures reservations?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I sit down with children on the reservations and outside who have this disease that they contracted
• When I sit down with children on the reservations and outside who have this disease that they contracted
• When I sit down with children on the reservations and outside who have this disease that they contracted
• When I sit down with children on the reservations and outside who have this disease that they contracted

Bills: HF2367, HF2319, HF2523, HF1742, HF671, HF2331, HF2722, HF2406, HF1674

Keywords: HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust