Transcript Highlights:

• :32:20.159><c> runway</c><00:32:20.559><c> to</c><00:32:20.720><c> scale</c><00:32:21.120><c> the</c>
• ><c> schools</c><00:32:25.120><c> uh</c><00:32:25.200><c> to</c><00:32:25.440><c> implement</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:26.880><c> Uh</c><00:32:27.200><c> this</c><00:32:27.360><c> was</c><00:32:27.519><c> a</c
• Uh it was supported<00:32:34.799><c> by</c><00:32:35.039><c> Ed</c><00:32:35.279><c> Allies</c><00:32
• 32:42.799><c> up</c><00:32:43.120><c> and</c><00:32:43.360><c> tell</c><00:32:43.519><c> us</c><00:32

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of “same and similar” provisions between the House and Senate higher education bills and adopted them one by one, with brief explanations from members and staff. The items included a cybersecurity addition for a doctoral degree program, Northstar Promise definitions and eligibility limits, self-loan provisions on institution eligibility and data disclosure, and dual training language requiring certificates, diplomas, or degrees to come from accredited postsecondary institutions. The committee also adopted an amendment to the private career school provisions that clarified exempt institutions remain within the act, and removed certain limited-license and renewal fees for institutions participating in dual training grants or the eligible training provider list. Each of these motions prevailed by voice vote. The committee then moved into policy differences between the House and Senate bills, beginning with emergency grants and hunger-free campus grants. Members discussed shifting funding from OHE-administered competitive grants to direct appropriations for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, while the Senate retained competitive grant access for private and tribal colleges and added reporting requirements. OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said the added reporting would be an extra administrative task but raised no significant concerns. Testifiers from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the private college sector supported faster, more direct funding and described the grants as important for emergency housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other student basic needs. A LeadMN representative also supported the changes, saying campus staff and students wanted funds delivered more quickly. The committee also discussed direct admissions on R31. The Senate proposal would require public and charter high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by the 2029-2030 school year. Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson said OHE supports statewide expansion and that the program has improved FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and student retention in Minnesota. Members noted the bill had bipartisan support and heard from advocates such as Ed Allies and Students United. No votes were taken on the policy-difference items during this portion of the meeting, and the chair said further discussion of state grant and sexual misconduct policy differences would be held at a later hearing with additional OHE staff present.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:11.919><c> Chair,</c><00:32:12.240><c> I</c><00:32:12.320><c> I</c><00:32:12.640><c> have<
• </c><00:32:14.000><c> Yeah,</c><00:32:14.240><c> I</c><00:32:14.399><c> just,</c><00:32:14.799><c> uh
• 00:32:19.200><c> to</c><00:32:19.360><c> have</c><00:32:19.519><c> it</c><00:32:19.840><c> subject</c
• like</c><00:32:21.600><c> all</c><00:32:21.760><c> the</c><00:32:21.919><c> other</c><00:32:22.080><
• :32:45.519><c> who</c><00:32:45.840><c> are</c><00:32:46.000><c> on</c><00:32:46.159><c> the</c><00:32

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:32:04.880><c> Tommy</c><00:32:05.200><c> Johnson</c><00:32:05.720><c> from</c><00:32:06.000><c>
• .<00:32:12.040><c> We</c><00:32:12.120><c> stand</c><00:32:12.400><c> on</c><00:32:12.480><c> our</c>
• Offers<00:32:26.880><c> comments,</c><00:32:27.280><c> Brian</c><00:32:27.560><c> Miyamoto,</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:30.880><c> The</c><00:32:31.000><c> Hawaii</c><00:32:31.240><c> Farm</c><00:32:31.480><c>
• And<00:32:45.440><c> Frederick</c><00:32:45.800><c> from</c><00:32:45.960><c> HAPA,</c><00:32:46.800>

Bills: SB2706 , SB2320

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation

Summary: The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers. The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG. The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:07.200><c> Uh</c><00:32:07.840><c> saw</c><00:32:08.159><c> on</c><00:32:08.320><c> the</c
• This<00:32:22.159><c> this</c><00:32:22.480><c> is</c><00:32:22.640><c> going</c><00:32:22.720><c> to
• </c><00:32:22.880><c> be</c><00:32:23.039><c> the</c><00:32:23.279><c> this</c><00:32:23.519><c> is</
• </c><00:32:23.919><c> be</c><00:32:24.080><c> the</c><00:32:24.320><c> workforce</c><00:32:24.799><c>
• And<00:32:30.559><c> to</c><00:32:30.720><c> me,</c><00:32:30.960><c> this</c><00:32:31.200><c> is</c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met and approved the July 15, 2025 minutes before hearing a presentation from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA/KIA) on student financial aid ahead of the January biennial budget session. KHEAA outlined its role administering 17 state-funded grant and scholarship programs, 529 plans, and outreach services, and emphasized that net lottery proceeds after a $3 million literacy appropriation are statutorily dedicated to student aid. The agency focused on the major need-based programs—College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES—along with dual credit, Work Ready Kentucky, teacher scholarship, and National Guard tuition assistance. Officials said the new federal FAFSA methodology created a major increase in eligible students, especially for CAP, and thanked lawmakers for adding substantial funding this biennium to meet the higher demand. Staff explained that CAP is for Pell-eligible, low-income students, while KTG is a need-based grant for students at private Kentucky colleges; both use FAFSA data, but schools verify final eligibility. They said CAP awards are first-come, first-served and that the higher funding level allowed the program to last the full 21-month application cycle in FY 2024-2025, compared with much shorter periods in earlier years. KHEAA reported about $232 million spent on CAP for roughly 72,000 students last year, with current applications running about 10% ahead of the prior year. Members asked about the difference between applicants and recipients, the effect of lower lottery revenues, and whether recent federal legislation would affect state aid; KHEAA said it does not expect major impacts on grants and scholarships, though student loan changes could affect graduate students. The committee also discussed KEES and dual credit. KHEAA said KEES has been fully funded since its creation and that its forecast was within $76,000 of actual need last year. For dual credit, staff said a recent bill consolidated work-ready dual credit and career/technical education under one scholarship program, and KHEAA will seek growth funding because participation and costs continue to rise. The agency said FY 2025 dual credit spending reached $26.4 million across dual credit and work-ready funding, requiring transfers from Work Ready Kentucky to keep dual credit fully funded. Members asked about transferability of dual credit hours and whether the program reduces later college costs; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit transfer, but it does see higher bachelor’s completion rates and lower student debt, suggesting positive effects. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; I<00:32:18.400><c> don't</c><00:32:18.840><c> have</c><00:32:19.160><c> a</c><00:32:19.200
• However,<00:32:22.920><c> the</c><00:32:23.200><c> contract</c><00:32:24.000><c> does</c><00:32:24.280
• that<00:32:30.280><c> seven</c><00:32:30.600><c> counties</c><00:32:30.960><c> provides</c><00:32:31.600
• So,<00:32:35.280><c> it</c><00:32:35.480><c> runs</c><00:32:35.760><c> down</c><00:32:35.960><c> at</
• c><00:32:36.040><c> the</c><00:32:36.160><c> end</c><00:32:36.360><c> when</c><00:32:37.000><c> we</c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11.840><c> able</c><00:32:12.040><c> to</c><00:32:12.120><c> hear</c><00:32:12.440><c> even</c><00:32
• Um<00:32:24.679><c> I</c><00:32:24.840><c> trust</c><00:32:25.320><c> me,</c><00:32:25.480><c> I'm</c
• ><00:32:25.640><c> not</c><00:32:26.320><c> um</c><00:32:26.800><c> you</c><00:32:26.880><c> know,</c
• ><c> the</c><00:32:30.679><c> reality</c><00:32:31.160><c> is</c><00:32:31.320><c> we</c><00:32:31.440
• <c> in</c><00:32:32.960><c> their</c><00:32:33.200><c> 70s,</c><00:32:33.800><c> 80s,</c><00:32:34.120

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:10 SB 6 Discussion 00:40 SB 6 Vote 00:13:30 Cochlear Implants 00:16:25, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee heard Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers, which would create an endowed research fund to support collaborative university research in Kentucky. Stivers described the bill as an extension of earlier higher-education research efforts, arguing that Kentucky should build research “hubs” by requiring or encouraging partnerships among universities and outside entities, with potential focus areas including health care, engineering, aerospace, agriculture, and other emerging fields. He said the proposal would establish five research tranches over five years and sought a $30 million endowment for each, generating annual interest to fund consortium-based research and leverage additional private and federal dollars. Senators Frommeyer, Neal, Givens, Boswell, and Richardson spoke in support, emphasizing economic development, job creation, and examples from other research clusters such as Boston and North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The committee voted 12-0 to report the bill favorably to the Senate floor. The committee then received a presentation from Dr. Matthew Bush of the University of Kentucky on pediatric hearing loss and cochlear implants. Bush explained that early hearing detection and intervention is critical because hearing loss in newborns is a neurocognitive emergency that affects language, literacy, and long-term outcomes. He outlined national screening benchmarks, Kentucky’s incidence of childhood hearing loss, and the high educational and societal costs of untreated hearing loss. Bush also highlighted disparities in rural and western Kentucky, where children face delayed diagnosis, longer waits for hearing aids or cochlear implants, and more difficulty accessing follow-up care. He described cochlear implants, the multidisciplinary care they require, and research showing improved language development, quality of life, and cost savings when children are treated early.

Transcript Highlights:

• wouldn't</c><00:32:18.159><c> you</c><00:32:18.240><c> agree</c><00:32:18.559><c> we</c><00:32:18.799
• :32:28.159><c> comments</c><00:32:28.480><c> and</c><00:32:28.720><c> advice</c><00:32:29.039><c> and
• </c><00:32:32.159><c> Yes,</c><00:32:32.399><c> I</c><00:32:32.559><c> I</c><00:32:32.960><c> do</c><
• </c><00:32:41.039><c> So,</c><00:32:41.279><c> are</c><00:32:41.519><c> any</c><00:32:41.760><c> of</
• Uh<00:32:55.120><c> I</c><00:32:55.360><c> don't</c><00:32:55.519><c> know.</c><00:32:56.480><c> it.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened by approving the September 5, 2025 minutes, with one member asking that future minutes use honorifics such as Mr. or Ms. The agenda was then adjusted so Police Standards and Training could present first. Director John Skipa reported on the 2019 performance audit, saying 12 of 16 findings were fully resolved and the remaining items were substantially or partially resolved. He highlighted work on a job task analysis to update curriculum and develop a more realistic physical aptitude test, including possible replacement of the long-used Cooper test and a shift away from mandatory baton training toward electronic weapons training. He said stakeholder work groups would meet in October and November, with a goal of completing the work by the first quarter of 2026. On the strategic planning and performance measurement finding, Skipa said the agency had relied on the 2019 audit and the LEAC report as guides while also implementing a digital records system. He acknowledged that a formal forward-looking strategic plan with the council had not yet been completed, but said he and the council chair wanted to do so, possibly through a retreat-style planning session. Members asked how many LEAC recommendations had been fully implemented; Skipa said he did not know the exact number but believed nearly all of the 22 items assigned to his agency were complete. On the administrative rules finding, he said a part-time former director had been brought back to help revise outdated rules, the council subcommittee had finished its work, and proposed changes would be sent to the full council, then to stakeholders and the public, with a public hearing expected and implementation targeted for 2026. For the Corrections Advisory Committee finding, Skipa said the committee had been reconvened in 2020 and 2021 but had limited usefulness because the statutorily named members were mostly high-level administrators rather than line supervisors or newer corrections staff. He said some positions later went unfilled because of budget and staffing issues, and the committee had not been called back, but he was open to either informal adjustments or possible legislative changes to make the committee more useful. Committee members suggested that the statute may need to be amended to allow more appropriate designees or supervisors to participate. After Police Standards and Training concluded, the committee moved on to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, where the executive director said he would focus on the partially resolved items in the dental examiner audit and the National Path audit, noting that many changes were tied to recent statutory revisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:07.360><c> Okay,</c><00:32:07.679><c> moving</c><00:32:07.919><c> on</c><00:32:08.159><c> to</
• :32:14.559><c> Status</c><00:32:14.799><c> of</c><00:32:14.960><c> Women</c><00:32:15.360><c> to</c>
• > a</c><00:32:16.080><c> working</c><00:32:16.320><c> group</c><00:32:16.559><c> to</c><00:32:16.880>
• Uh<00:32:22.240><c> first</c><00:32:22.480><c> up</c><00:32:22.720><c> we</c><00:32:23.080><c> have</
• :32:55.760><c> 9</c><00:32:56.080><c> is</c><00:32:56.320><c> dear</c><00:32:56.559><c> to</c><00:32:

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 20, 2025, to hear a series of Human Services and Health resolutions. HCR 146, which asks the Department of Human Services to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project, drew strong support from disability, public health, and hunger advocates. Testifiers emphasized that the measure could create a more uniform benefits application, reduce repeated paperwork, extend certification periods from one year to three years, and ease burdens on both applicants and DHS staff. DHS said it stood on its written testimony and was available for questions. The committee also heard that a universal application could help people with disabilities avoid delays and denials caused by complex or duplicative forms. The committee then heard HR 170/HCR 174, which requests review of Aloha-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system. Supporters from Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaii and DebtFree Justice Hawaii said the resolution would help advance restorative justice, community service, and culturally grounded rehabilitation, especially if youth fees and fines are reduced or eliminated. Testimony also supported HR 133/HCR 139, which asks the Office of Wellness and Resilience to report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnesses from the developmental disabilities council, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Hawaii Community Foundation, and others said the pandemic’s trauma and behavioral impacts justify a multidisciplinary, evidence-based report, and the office requested more time to complete its findings, suggesting a deadline at the end of 2026. The committee also heard HR 88/HCR 92, proposing a two-year homelessness sanctuary pilot program in Honolulu. One testifier described sleeping in a car and said the pilot could provide a safer option, while the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions said it supported the intent but stressed that a sanctuary is still an unsheltered situation and should lead people toward permanent housing. HCR 180, calling for collaboration among homelessness and law enforcement agencies, received comments that many of the issues are already being addressed locally. HR 103/HCR 107, which would convene a working group to strengthen Title 9 protections, received support from education, women’s, and LGBTQ advocates, who asked for student and queer representation on the working group and said federal Title 9 changes make state action important. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the committee moved from one resolution to the next after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.200><c> uh</c><00:32:24.320><c> the</c><00:32:24.399><c> department</c><00:32:24.760><c> did</c><
• ><c> and</c><00:32:32.080><c> we're</c><00:32:32.240><c> working</c><00:32:32.480><c> on</c><00:32:32.639
• 32:35.919><c> of</c><00:32:36.080><c> those</c><00:32:36.240><c> amendments</c><00:32:36.600><c> so</
• so at a<00:32:36.880><c> future</c><00:32:37.159><c> hearing</c><00:32:37.480><c> we'll</c><00:32:37.679
• </c><00:32:41.840><c> to</c><00:32:41.919><c> be</c><00:32:42.080><c> done</c><00:32:42.399><c> thank

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support. The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse. During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.

Transcript Highlights:

• substitute<01:32:37.120><c> one</c><01:32:37.280><c> to</c><01:32:37.440><c> House</c><01:32:37.600><
• :32:44.639><c> of</c><01:32:44.800><c> the</c><01:32:44.880><c> day.
• Next<01:32:45.360><c> order</c><01:32:45.600><c> of</c><01:32:45.679><c> business</c><01:32:45.920><c
• ><c> the</c><01:32:53.600><c> rules</c><01:32:53.920><c> committee</c><01:32:54.560><c> uh</c><01:32:
• &gt;&gt; Let's<01:32:58.320><c> hold</c><01:32:58.480><c> your</c><01:32:58.639><c> motion</c><01:32:

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:32:04.159><c> Motion</c><01:32:04.480><c> is</c><01:32:04.800><c> ought</c><01:32:04.960><c>
• &gt;&gt; It<01:32:40.159><c> would</c><01:32:40.239><c> pull</c><01:32:40.400><c> it</c><01:32:40.560
• 01:32:51.360><c> can</c><01:32:51.520><c> decide</c><01:32:51.760><c> if</c><01:32:51.840><c> you</c>
• <01:32:52.000><c> want</c><01:32:52.080><c> to</c><01:32:52.159><c> do</c><01:32:52.239><c> a</c> &gt
• You don't<01:32:54.159><c> have</c><01:32:54.320><c> to,</c><01:32:54.480><c> but</c><01:32:54.880><c

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Um Um but<00:32:02.520><c> if</c><00:32:02.640><c> I</c><00:32:02.720><c> had</c><00:32:02.920><c>
• to</c><00:32:03.000><c> do</c><00:32:03.200><c> it</c><00:32:03.320><c> all</c><00:32:03.680><c> all
• </c><00:32:33.160><c> Uh</c><00:32:33.280><c> he</c><00:32:33.440><c> did</c><00:32:33.640><c> travel
• Um Um Um I<00:32:39.600><c> was</c><00:32:39.760><c> asked</c><00:32:39.920><c> to</c><00:32:40.000><
• c> come</c><00:32:40.160><c> here</c><00:32:40.320><c> today</c><00:32:40.600><c> to</c><00:32:40.720

Bills: HB339

Committee: Joint Local Government

Keywords: Civil Air Patrol, CAP, emergency leave, job protection, employment discrimination, leave of absence, volunteer service, emergency response, Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, state employee leave, military leave, public employees, local government employers, reinstatement rights, seniority protection, unpaid leave, Meeting Start 00:00:03 Roll Call 00:00:14 Discussion of Local Law Enforcement Issues 00:03:08 Discussion of Civil Air Patrol Employment Protections 00:50:46 Adjournment 01:06:07, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:14.160><c> only</c><00:32:14.400><c> one</c><00:32:14.640><c> probably</c><00:32:15.160><c
• for</c><00:32:20.040><c> politics,</c><00:32:20.640><c> but</c><00:32:20.800><c> I</c><00:32:20.840>
• </c><00:32:24.640><c> that</c><00:32:24.800><c> our</c><00:32:24.960><c> job</c><00:32:25.280><c> up<
• And<00:32:28.480><c> everybody</c><00:32:29.160><c> I</c><00:32:29.240><c> believe</c><00:32:29.520><
• :32:32.360><c> tell</c><00:32:32.720><c> you</c><00:32:33.560><c> that</c><00:32:33.720><c> their</c>

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:22 Overview/Impact of Executive Order 47:02 General Funds in Road Plan 50:37 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met for its first meeting and received an overview from Transportation Cabinet officials on the governor’s executive order responding to high gas prices. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock and budget director Shawn McKiernan explained that the order declared a state of emergency, reduced the state motor fuels tax by 10 cents per gallon, froze the tax rate for FY27, and urged Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. They said the emergency regulation would remain in effect until the war in Iran ends or Kentucky gas prices fall below $3 per gallon, and that any transportation budget shortfalls could be covered by the state budget reserve trust fund if requested later by the governor. McKiernan estimated the 10-cent reduction would reduce the road fund by about $26.8 million per month, with roughly 44% flowing to county road aid, rural secondary, and municipal road aid. He said the immediate impact to counties and cities would be about $11.8 million for one month, while the cabinet would see about $15 million per month less available for its own use. He also said the freeze on the FY27 motor fuels tax rate would prevent a scheduled increase and, compared with the budget assumption, would produce about $42 million in net additional revenue, split between local governments and the cabinet. He added that if the reduction lasted through December, the major transportation programs could be down about 16.9% from budgeted levels. Members focused on the effect on local governments, the road fund, and the cabinet’s cash management process. Several senators and representatives criticized the executive order as short-sighted or political, while others emphasized the need for a long-term solution to transportation funding. Questions were raised about how make-whole payments to counties and cities would be handled, how the cabinet manages cash flow, and whether the state should continue relying on general fund transfers to support the road plan. Cabinet officials said they would work with lawmakers, explained that project authorizations are managed based on cash flow and seasonal spending patterns, and noted that construction and maintenance costs have risen sharply, making revenue adequacy a continuing concern.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Yeah,<00:32:01.919><c> this</c><00:32:02.080><c> is</c><00:32:02.159><c> a</c><00:32:02.559>
• <c> for</c><00:32:02.799><c> me</c><00:32:02.960><c> this</c><00:32:03.120><c> is</c><00:32:03.200><c
• </c><00:32:06.320><c> This</c><00:32:06.559><c> this</c><00:32:06.880><c> is</c><00:32:07.279><c> u</
• c><00:32:11.200><c> many</c><00:32:11.519><c> more</c><00:32:11.760><c> employees</c><00:32:12.080><c
• I<00:32:12.799><c> think</c><00:32:12.880><c> you're</c><00:32:13.120><c> trying</c><00:32:13.279><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:06.320><c> um</c><00:32:06.480><c> like</c><00:32:07.360><c> any</c><00:32:07.679><c> other
• <00:32:23.039><c> into</c><00:32:23.279><c> the</c><00:32:23.519><c> child</c><00:32:23.840><c> care<
• ><c> a</c><00:32:25.440><c> lot</c><00:32:25.519><c> of</c><00:32:25.600><c> liability</c><00:32:26.640
• </c><00:32:31.039><c> say</c><00:32:31.519><c> not</c><00:32:31.760><c> for</c><00:32:31.919><c> m</c
• want</c><00:32:33.600><c> to</c><00:32:33.760><c> do</c><00:32:33.840><c> it</c><00:32:34.320><c> but

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:04.760><c> red</c><00:32:05.159><c> fifth</c><00:32:05.440><c> in</c><00:32:05.559><c> the</c>
• vulnerable<00:32:10.000><c> which</c><00:32:10.200><c> are</c><00:32:10.559><c> four</c><00:32:10.960
• times more likely<00:32:11.960><c> to</c><00:32:12.120><c> be</c><00:32:12.320><c> targeted</c><00:32
• number</c><00:32:41.760><c> two</c><00:32:42.480><c> protection</c><00:32:43.120><c> is</c><00:32:43.639
• 32:51.120><c> of</c><00:32:51.399><c> sex</c><00:32:51.720><c> tortion</c><00:32:52.320><c> and</c><00

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call: 00:00:14 SB 26: 00:01:50 SB 64: 00:18:29 SB 73: 00:22:54, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Chair Storm, would protect parents and prospective parents with disabilities by barring disability alone from being the sole basis for denying an adoption petition or terminating parental rights. Testimony from Judge Marcus Vanover and Crystal Adams described the bill as a product of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health and its work groups, cited Kentucky and national cases and federal ADA guidance, and said the bill would require consideration of supportive services, clearer documentation, retention of records, and conforming language changes. Senator Carroll asked how the bill would apply to a hypothetical adult child with special needs; witnesses said the bill is aimed at adoption and termination proceedings where the Cabinet is already involved, not proactive service requests. The committee approved SB 26 by a unanimous 7-0 vote and sent it to the floor with favorable expression. The committee next considered Senate Bill 64, also sponsored by Chair Storm, which would expand the definition of key infrastructure assets to include telecommunications services such as telephone lines and broadband and make damaging, tampering with, or rendering those services inoperable a Class D felony. Representatives from Charter/Spectrum and AT&T testified that copper theft and vandalism have increasingly damaged fiber and other facilities, citing more than 20 incidents in Kentucky in 2024 affecting over 30,000 customers and diverting resources from broadband expansion. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then passed SB 64 by a 7-0 vote with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Julie Adams, which would create a felony offense for sexual extortion, allow victims or their representatives to bring civil actions, include the offense in Kentucky’s sex-crime definitions, and require school-based notification and education efforts along with resource information for students. Senator Adams and witness Lady T. Thompson described sextortion as a fast-growing online crime targeting minors, often through social media, gaming, and messaging apps, and argued that stronger penalties and prevention efforts are needed. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SB 73.

Transcript Highlights:

• caucuses.<00:32:03.679><c> I</c><00:32:03.919><c> want</c><00:32:04.000><c> to</c><00:32:04.240><c>
• Our country<00:32:27.840><c> is</c><00:32:28.399><c> fastly</c><00:32:28.960><c> approaching</c><00:32
• it because<00:32:33.279><c> of</c><00:32:33.440><c> the</c><00:32:33.679><c> bravery</c><00:32:34.720
• </c><00:32:36.799><c> Before</c><00:32:37.200><c> I</c><00:32:37.440><c> let</c><00:32:37.600><c> the
• Their efforts<00:32:53.919><c> over</c><00:32:54.240><c> the</c><00:32:54.399><c> last</c><00:32:54.720

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:03.000><c> industry</c><00:32:03.480><c> to</c><00:32:03.840><c> step</c><00:32:04.280><c>
• and um and<00:32:07.200><c> the</c><00:32:07.520><c> the</c><00:32:07.600><c> last</c><00:32:07.920>
• <c> one</c><00:32:08.080><c> I</c><00:32:08.160><c> think</c><00:32:08.480><c> was</c><00:32:09.000><
• > make</c><00:32:24.000><c> sure</c><00:32:24.240><c> it's</c><00:32:24.840><c> We</c><00:32:24.960><
• I mean,<00:32:27.640><c> if</c><00:32:27.760><c> there's</c><00:32:28.000><c> a</c><00:32:28.040><c>

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:04.240><c> members</c><00:32:04.480><c> in</c><00:32:04.720><c> this</c><00:32:04.960><c> in</c><00
• <c> outcomes</c><00:32:06.880><c> we</c><00:32:07.039><c> we</c><00:32:07.600><c> uh</c><00:32:07.760
• Um, Um, Um, I<00:32:42.720><c> just</c><00:32:42.880><c> want</c><00:32:43.039><c> to</c><00:32:43.279
• :51.440><c> I</c><00:32:51.679><c> love</c><00:32:51.919><c> you</c><00:32:52.159><c> both,</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:53.760><c> the</c><00:32:54.240><c> I</c><00:32:54.720><c> tell</c><00:32:54.880><c> you</

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:11.519><c> has</c><00:32:11.639><c> a</c><00:32:11.760><c> history</c><00:32:12.039><c> of
• ><c> together</c><00:32:16.600><c> we</c><00:32:16.720><c> can</c><00:32:16.840><c> meet</c><00:32:17.080
• ><c> Community</c><00:32:20.799><c> for</c><00:32:20.960><c> the</c><00:32:21.080><c> future</c><00:32
• Health<01:32:20.400><c> also</c><01:32:20.679><c> not</c><01:32:20.960><c> present</c><01:32:21.920>
• center of<01:32:54.360><c> the</c> Pacific<01:32:58.280><c> not</c><01:32:58.480><c> pres</c><01:32:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief. Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility. Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.