Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:02:38.040><c> we</c> And we And we think<00:02:39.480><c> about</c><00:02:39.840><c> and</c><00
• :02:39.960><c> salute</c><00:02:40.320><c> all</c><00:02:40.480><c> those</c><00:02:40.880><c> who</c
• </c><00:02:41.600><c> their</c><00:02:41.760><c> life</c><00:02:42.080><c> and</c><00:02:42.640><c> for
• And<00:02:44.320><c> um</c><00:02:44.640><c> on</c><00:02:44.800><c> March</c><00:02:45.120><c> the</
• <00:02:53.080><c> the</c><00:02:53.160><c> ultimate</c><00:02:53.520><c> sacrifice</c><00:02:54.240><

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:02:44.480><c> that's</c><00:02:44.720><c> not</c><00:02:45.080><c> a</c><00:02:45.160><c> violation
• The<00:02:46.920><c> second</c><00:02:47.320><c> thing</c><00:02:47.680><c> they</c><00:02:47.880><c>
• :49.880><c> told</c><00:02:50.840><c> is</c><00:02:51.040><c> that</c><00:02:51.200><c> they</c><00:02
• And<00:02:55.240><c> of</c><00:02:55.280><c> course,</c><00:02:55.520><c> I</c><00:02:55.600><c> don't
• </c><00:02:55.840><c> think</c><00:02:56.120><c> any</c><00:02:56.320><c> of</c><00:02:56.440><c> us<

Bills: HB128 , SB297 , HB128 , SB297

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: HB128, Alabama Board of Nursing, Sunset Law, sunset review, nursing board, nurse licensure, registered nurse, RN, licensed practical nurse, LPN, advanced practice nursing, certified registered nurse anesthetist, CRNA, consumer member, board appointments, congressional districts, geographic representation, nursing regulation, nursing education programs, licensure compact

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet<00:02:21.560><c> a</c><00:02:21.600><c> high</c><00:02:21.800><c> school</c><00:02:22.040><c> still
• </c><00:02:22.320><c> in</c><00:02:22.400><c> the</c><00:02:22.480><c> 41st</c> Yet a high school still
• Thank<00:02:25.280><c> you,</c><00:02:25.400><c> Mr.</c><00:02:25.680><c> Speaker.
• </c> Mr.<00:02:29.920><c> Speaker,</c><00:02:30.200><c> permission</c><00:02:30.640><c> to</c><00:02:
• On<00:02:35.600><c> behalf</c><00:02:36.280><c> of</c><00:02:37.000><c> delegates</c><00:02:37.560><c

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have<01:02:05.200><c> some</c><01:02:05.440><c> need</c><01:02:05.680><c> for</c><01:02:06.000
• Uh, and<01:02:30.559><c> what</c><01:02:30.720><c> are</c><01:02:30.880><c> the</c><01:02:31.040><c>
• </c><01:02:31.440><c> Do</c><01:02:31.760><c> you</c><01:02:32.000><c> know</c><01:02:32.480><c> is</
• &gt;&gt; So<01:02:45.280><c> it</c><01:02:45.520><c> would</c><01:02:45.599><c> be</c><01:02:45.760><
• :47.359><c> as</c><01:02:47.599><c> long</c><01:02:47.680><c> as</c><01:02:47.839><c> that</c><01:02:

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• :44.760><c> has</c><00:02:44.920><c> come</c><00:02:45.080><c> down</c><00:02:45.239><c> to</c><00:02
• :45.360><c> be</c><00:02:45.480><c> a</c><00:02:45.599><c> page</c><00:02:45.879><c> for</c> School has
• come down to be a page for School has come down to be a page for the<00:02:46.159><c> day</c><00:02:
• 46.440><c> so</c><00:02:46.840><c> members</c><00:02:47.120><c> of</c><00:02:47.200><c> the</c><00:02
• :02:57.599><c> probably</c><00:02:58.280><c> okay</c> Thank you for your patience.

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum after some initial roll-call and IT issues, and recognized several guests, including a student page, local tourism representatives, and Scott Smith of the East Kentucky trail authority. Members also briefly highlighted ongoing tourism and trail development efforts in eastern Kentucky and thanked guests for their work and local support. The main item of business was Senate Bill 245, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith. He explained that the bill closes a loophole in the confirmation process for board appointments and reappointments, so that if the Senate declines to confirm a reappointment—or takes no action on it—the person cannot continue serving for an extended period without confirmation. In response to questions, he clarified that the bill is aimed narrowly at preventing unconfirmed members from remaining in office and making major fiduciary decisions, while preserving the governor’s appointment authority. After discussion, a motion and second were on the bill, the clerk called the roll, and the committee voted to pass Senate Bill 245 favorably. The chair announced that the bill is now eligible for consideration on the House floor, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.680><c> esteemed</c><00:02:01.200><c> lieutenant</c><00:02:01.840><c> governor</c><00:02:02.320><
• :02:29.599><c> last</c> in the last in the last two<00:02:30.680><c> years</c><00:02:31.360><c> in</c
• ><00:02:31.519><c> the</c><00:02:31.680><c> next</c><00:02:31.920><c> two</c><00:02:32.120><c> years<
• and</c><00:02:36.640><c> this</c><00:02:36.840><c> bill</c><00:02:37.200><c> will</c><00:02:37.480><c
• ><c> the</c><00:02:38.599><c> teachers</c><00:02:39.000><c> and</c><00:02:39.200><c> teacher</c><00:02

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:02.279><c> a</c><01:02:02.559><c> presence</c><01:02:03.119><c> in</c><01:02:03.359><c> every</c>
• region of<01:02:04.279><c> the</c><01:02:04.559><c> state</c><01:02:05.559><c> by</c><01:02:06.039><
• > you'll</c><01:02:36.240><c> see</c><01:02:36.960><c> 93%</c><01:02:37.960><c> of</c><01:02:38.079><
• ><c> are</c><01:02:38.839><c> from</c><01:02:39.039><c> New</c><01:02:39.279><c> Hampshire</c><01:02:
• </c><01:02:49.279><c> main</c><01:02:49.599><c> if</c><01:02:49.760><c> you</c><01:02:49.960><c> will

Summary: The committee received an orientation from University System of New Hampshire Chancellor Katherine Preventure and Senior Director of Government Relations Lauren Banker on the system’s enrollment, finances, workforce role, and academic programs. They described the system as consisting of UNH, Keene State, and Plymouth State, with about 23,000 students, $928 million in FY24 operating expenses, a $3.7 billion economic impact, and UNH’s R1 research status. They emphasized the system’s role in graduating students into the New Hampshire workforce, its statewide Cooperative Extension and regional campus presence, and its alignment of degree offerings with top occupations identified by New Hampshire Employment Security. The presentation also highlighted partnerships with businesses, internships, and collaboration with the community college system, including 100 transfer pathways and a direct-admit program. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on tuition, state support, and student costs. The chancellor said the state invested $95 million in FY25, with about $81 million used to reduce resident tuition and about $14 million for statutory programs such as Cooperative Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station. She said the state subsidy is about $7,300 per New Hampshire student, and that resident net tuition averages about $7,000, while nonresident net tuition averages about $16,600. She provided published tuition figures for UNH, Plymouth State, and Keene State, and explained that resident tuition has been held flat for five years while financial aid has increased, reducing average net tuition and fees for New Hampshire students from about $10,500 in 2020 to $9,800. Members asked for clarification on how residency and workforce-retention percentages were calculated, and the chancellor said she would follow up. Members also asked about comparisons with peer institutions, housing and meal costs, research funding, and the reasons for declining enrollment and staffing reductions. The chancellor said peer comparisons were based on flagship universities for UNH and smaller regional publics for Plymouth and Keene, and noted that out-of-state tuition has risen about 2.5% annually. She said housing for a UNH double room is $8,536 and a meal plan is $5,100, and offered to provide a consolidated cost document. On research, she said the system’s direct research spending includes federal funding and that indirect costs were about $34 million last year, with a follow-up promised on the federal/state and direct/indirect split. She attributed enrollment declines largely to demographics and said the system is responding by reducing costs, selling buildings, exiting leases, moving the system office to NHTI, and implementing Workday. She also noted that Plymouth received approval for five three-year bachelor’s degree programs and that members praised the shorter, workforce-focused pathways, especially for manufacturing and other in-demand fields.

Transcript Highlights:

• example, is one of those, and we're also seeing a lot of this data being tracked in places like Minnesota
• example, is one of those, and we're also seeing a lot of this data being tracked in places like Minnesota
• example, is one of those, and we're also seeing a lot of this data being tracked in places like Minnesota
• example, is one of those, and we're also seeing a lot of this data being tracked in places like Minnesota
• example, is one of those, and we're also seeing a lot of this data being tracked in places like Minnesota

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up HB 110, as amended by a committee substitute, which would require quarterly public reporting of housing development and permitting data by Class A counties and municipalities over a population threshold. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to improve transparency, identify bottlenecks in housing approvals, and help policymakers and developers understand permitting timelines and staffing needs. Support came from home builders, realtors, economic development, housing advocates, and some local officials, who argued that consistent data would help address New Mexico’s housing shortage and support better policy decisions. Opponents, mainly from the Municipal League and several smaller cities, argued the bill was an unfunded mandate, a step toward state preemption of local control, and a burden on municipal staff; they also warned it could expand to smaller communities later. Committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, the lack of penalties in the bill, whether the data already exists and could be obtained voluntarily, and what the state would do with the information after collection. The sponsor said the bill was only a reporting measure, not a preemption bill, and that the data would help identify where resources or staffing support are needed. During discussion, the sponsor agreed to amendments discussed with the Vice Chair to raise the population threshold from 30,000 to 40,000 and add a five-year sunset, which would remove several smaller municipalities from coverage. The committee then voted 4-3 to give the committee substitute a do pass recommendation, with the bill itself receiving a do not pass recommendation; several members explained their votes by emphasizing either support for the data effort or concern about mandates and future expansion. The committee then heard HM 24, which asks the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty Division of the Department of Justice and the Land Grant Council to study the potential consequences of restructuring the Las Vegas land grant. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the Las Vegas land grant is uniquely managed through the Fourth Judicial District Court and that the memorial would help explore the historical basis for that arrangement and possible paths toward greater autonomy. Supporters said the study could help the land grant move toward independent governance and clarify procedures and policies. The committee approved the memorial on a do pass motion without opposition, and the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• :28.879><c> hi</c><00:02:29.879><c> Senator</c><00:02:30.160><c> ma</c><00:02:30.440><c> blo</c><00:02
• :31.120><c> hi</c><00:02:31.800><c> Senator</c><00:02:32.560><c> Neil</c> Maiden hi Senator ma blo hi
• Senator Neil Maiden hi Senator ma blo hi Senator Neil Senator<00:02:34.440><c> nun</c><00:02:35.440>
• <c> Senator</c><00:02:35.840><c> Rawlings</c><00:02:36.720><c> hi</c><00:02:37.680><c> Senator</c> Senator
• ><c> Senator</c><00:02:41.480><c> Webb</c><00:02:42.480><c> chair</c><00:02:43.000><c> McDaniel</c> I'm

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered two items tied to prior budget appropriations. The first was House Joint Resolution 31, described as relating to a $5 million appropriation to the Department of Economic Development from the previous year’s budget. Senator Boswell moved approval, Senator Maiden seconded, and the resolution passed on a roll call vote with all members voting aye. The second item was House Joint Resolution 53, which would release design funds for Kentucky State University’s Health Services Center project. Members discussed the amount, with one senator estimating it at about $5.3 million, though the resolution did not specify a dollar figure. Several members expressed concern that they had not met with Kentucky State University and did not have enough detail about the project or the underlying budget, and one member said he wanted to see more sustained improvement from the university before supporting the measure. After the roll call began, multiple members changed their votes from aye to no. The chair noted that the measure failed by a vote of three ayes to five noes. No other business was taken up, though the chair said another committee meeting might be held later that day and members should watch for an announcement from the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh but at any rate<01:02:00.079><c> uh</c><01:02:00.640><c> has</c><01:02:00.880><c> there</c><01:02:
• It's<01:02:25.280><c> a</c><01:02:25.440><c> very</c><01:02:25.839><c> it's</c><01:02:26.160><c> very
• Um Representative<01:02:35.760><c> Weber</c><01:02:36.160><c> has</c><01:02:36.319><c> been</c><01:02
• c><01:02:37.760><c> other</c><01:02:38.240><c> other</c><01:02:38.480><c> of</c><01:02:38.640><c> you
• </c><01:02:40.960><c> Um</c><01:02:41.839><c> we</c><01:02:42.079><c> have</c><01:02:42.240><c> good<

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on April 17 and approved the prior meeting minutes, then set its next meeting for May 29 at 9:30 a.m. Members also discussed a New Futures effort to collect questions about Medicaid changes and post answers as an FAQ, with a preference that the FAQ live on New Futures’ website rather than the state website. The commissioner’s office said it would coordinate responses and that the issue is still evolving. The main presentation was an HHS update focused on the state public health laboratory and its work during Public Health Lab Week. Officials reviewed the lab’s history, its biosafety functions, and its role in disease prevention, food safety, preparedness, and response. They highlighted mosquito surveillance for eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Jamestown Canyon virus, noting that the lab tested more than a quarter million mosquitoes last year and that mosquito testing helps provide early warning for local public health decisions. They also discussed rabies testing, saying New Hampshire’s lab is the only one in the state that performs it, that rabies is fatal once symptoms begin, and that the work is preventable through early prophylaxis. Members asked about federal funding cuts, water testing, and whether CDC changes to rabies testing would affect New Hampshire. The department said it had been affected by an $80 million federal clawback but was managing through other funds and staff reassignments; for the water lab, temporary staff had been hired to continue swimming-area testing. Officials said the state remains able to handle rabies testing and that federal changes would mainly affect areas without similar services. They also answered questions on Jamestown Canyon virus, saying New Hampshire had one human case in 2025 and three in 2024, compared with zero West Nile cases in 2025 and one in 2024, and that weather and protective measures influence mosquito-borne disease levels. Additional questions covered biosafety levels, cyanobacteria coordination with the Department of Environmental Services, and the Brown Building flood mitigation, which was described as about halfway complete with a hoped-for reopening of the west side by June.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> uh</c><00:02:43.959><c> cat</c><00:02:44.200><c> Brady</c><00:02:44.560><c> testifying</c><00:02
• :46.040><c> support</c><00:02:46.400><c> of</c><00:02:46.599><c> this</c><00:02:46.800><c> measure</c
• of this measure uh for Community<00:02:48.640><c> Alliance</c><00:02:49.120><c> on</c><00:02:49.599>
• ><c> that</c><00:02:51.959><c> I</c><00:02:52.159><c> noticed</c><00:02:52.640><c> in</c><00:02:52.959
• help<00:02:56.959><c> people</c><00:02:57.280><c> get</c><00:02:57.480><c> driver's</c><00:02:58.360

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is. SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes. SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition. The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:25.440><c> Aiden</c><00:02:25.920><c> Manley</c><00:02:26.640><c> which</c><00:02:26.879><
• Aiden is the state FFA president and<00:02:32.400><c> does</c><00:02:32.640><c> a</c><00:02:32.800><c
• :02:35.200><c> in</c><00:02:35.440><c> my</c><00:02:35.599><c> seat</c><00:02:35.840><c> someday</c><
• [laughter] I<00:02:37.519><c> have</c><00:02:37.680><c> no</c><00:02:37.840><c> doubt</c><00:02:38.080
• </c><00:02:40.400><c> He</c><00:02:40.640><c> is</c><00:02:40.959><c> he</c><00:02:41.200><c> is</c><

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; You<00:02:27.520><c> got</c><00:02:27.599><c> a</c><00:02:27.760><c> bill</c><00:02:27.920><
• </c> &gt;&gt; We<00:02:34.480><c> got</c><00:02:34.879><c> her</c><00:02:35.040><c> or</c><00:02:35.200
• </c><00:02:35.440><c> I</c><00:02:35.599><c> don't</c><00:02:35.599><c> know</c> &gt;&gt; We got her
• I don't know how<00:02:35.920><c> she</c><00:02:36.080><c> doing</c><00:02:36.319><c> it.
• </c><00:02:38.640><c> That</c><00:02:38.800><c> was</c><00:02:38.959><c> his</c><00:02:39.200><c> cousin

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be a new statute to have a badge and have a badge.
• Turns out it's not actually in statute.
• So the issue, and this just puts it in the nuisance statutes.
• Madam Chair, members, current statute allows...
• They're listed in statute.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills dealing with elections, juvenile representation, paternity, and campaign finance. SB 1489 would require paid petition circulators to disclose their name, residence, and paid status, wear a badge, register in some local petition efforts, and subject local initiatives to stricter compliance and fiscal disclosure rules. Supporters said it would standardize rules and improve transparency; opponents, including the ACLU, argued it would chill core political speech and compel identification. The bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote. SB 1609, an emergency measure restricting political party names from using terms like “independent” or “unaffiliated,” drew support from county election officials who said it would reduce voter confusion, and opposition from the Arizona Independent Party, which called it retroactive and anti-competitive. The committee adopted an amendment and then passed the bill 7-0. SCR 1040, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 subject to voter approval, was supported as reflecting longer life expectancy and retaining experienced judges, but opposed by some who favored age limits; it passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1234, which would change juvenile court representation by requiring a guardian ad litem in dependency and termination cases and allowing, rather than requiring, separate child counsel in some circumstances. Sponsor Senator Werner said the bill was part of a broader child-safety package and was informed by cases involving children who died after alleged system failures. Child welfare attorneys and advocates opposed the bill, warning it would weaken attorney-client privilege and take away children’s independent voice, while DCS said the bill was intended to clarify the GAL role and could work alongside child counsel. The committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill 5-2. SB 1661, allowing child support obligations to be terminated when genetic testing shows a presumed father is not the biological father, received broad support from the sponsor, a fathers’ advocacy group, and a family representative, and passed 6-0. Later, the committee considered election-administration and campaign-finance measures. SB 1392 would give governing bodies canvassing elections access to election-material locations to observe procedures and review records, while protecting privacy and security; county officials supported access but raised concerns about the term “agent,” and the bill passed 4-3. SB 1634 would require ADOT to provide county recorders with applicants’ handwritten signatures collected during voter registration; county officials said it would improve signature verification, and the bill passed 5-2 after some members noted amendment concerns. SB 1743 would redact donors’ employer street addresses and residence addresses from campaign finance reports; supporters framed it as a privacy measure, while opponents said employer information is important for transparency and identifying influence. It passed 5-2. SB 1099, a strike-everything amendment defining defamation standards for public and private figures, was presented as narrowing and clarifying defamation law and passed 4-3. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1535, which would make paying for sexual conduct a prostitution offense and add a $200 assessment to fund anti-human-trafficking services. Survivors, law enforcement, and neighborhood advocates supported stronger penalties aimed at buyers and demand reduction, while criminal-defense and victim-advocacy groups said the bill needed a rebuttable-presumption amendment to better protect trafficking victims. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on SB 1535.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079><c> ulations</c><00:02:01.079><c> uh</c><00:02:01.240><c> at</c><00:02:01.399><c> the</c><00:
• uh at the end uh for<00:02:02.719><c> the</c><00:02:02.960><c> transportation</c><00:02:03.719><c> cabinet
• transportation cabinet so with that<00:02:05.880><c> uh</c><00:02:05.960><c> we'll</c><00:02:06.159>
• <c> begin</c><00:02:06.360><c> our</c><00:02:06.600><c> agenda</c><00:02:07.079><c> with</c> that uh
• :07.880><c> 20</c><00:02:08.800><c> uh</c><00:02:08.959><c> with</c><00:02:09.200><c> representative<

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting’s minutes, and heard two House bills plus several Transportation Cabinet regulations. House Bill 20, sponsored by Rep. Hodson, would restrict the retention and sale of automated license plate reader data, limit storage to 60 days, and prohibit nonconsensual tracking devices such as micro-trackers and subcutaneous trackers. Hodson said the bill was aimed at protecting citizens’ privacy and noted it had passed the House previously; members asked about enforcement and deletion responsibility, and one member suggested criminal penalties might be worth considering in the future. The committee voted to report HB 20 favorably. House Bill 188, sponsored by Rep. Duvall, addressed driveaway plate businesses that transport vehicles for others. Duvall said Kentucky law had created confusion about how many vehicles could be on the road and had driven up insurance costs, hurting a Warren County business; the bill would let such companies purchase the exact number of plates needed, which he said would reduce exposure and premiums. He emphasized the bill would not affect dealer tags or trailer transport and said he was working on a floor amendment to make that clear. The committee reported HB 188 favorably as well. The committee then reviewed five administrative regulations, including Transportation Cabinet rules allowing technology to be used in title examinations, extending an off-road vehicle pilot program to July 2026 and updating the definition of local government, aligning truck weight-mass rules with statute, adopting the MUTCD traffic control manual, and an emergency Kentucky State Police regulation adjusting a TSA-related hazardous materials endorsement fee because the federal change came too quickly for the normal regulatory process. Members asked whether the title rule covered rebuild titles, and staff said it applied to all titles. The committee noted the regulations had been reviewed and then adjourned, with the next meeting tentatively set for the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, The Chaplain for today is Pastor Noah Mooney from Eagle Brook Church in Maplewood, Minnesota
• There being no quorum under the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, the House is adjourned until

Transcript Highlights:

• One<00:02:01.840><c> that</c><00:02:02.159><c> requires</c><00:02:02.640><c> not</c><00:02:02.960><c>
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Transcript Highlights:

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Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its September 24 meeting after a motion and second. It then heard a presentation from New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Gragensky on that state’s early childhood system and planned universal child care rollout. She described how New Mexico consolidated multiple prenatal-to-age-five programs into a cabinet-level department, expanded pre-K to a longer day, and uses a cost model to set reimbursement rates intended to cover true provider costs, including wages, benefits, occupancy, food, and reserves. She also said the state created an Early Childhood Trust Fund and secured a constitutional amendment to dedicate 0.60% of the land grant permanent fund to early care and education, with the department’s budget growing from about $400 million in 2021 to just under $1 billion this year. Gragensky said families can begin applying for universal child care on November 1, with participation voluntary for both families and providers. She reported that New Mexico is aiming to expand capacity by adding 1,000 registered home providers, 120 group homes, and about 55 more centers, supported in part by a $13 million low-interest loan fund and a request for an additional $20 million. She said the state has seen growth in early childhood professionals, including a 64% increase over the last three to four years, and pointed to reported outcomes such as a 21% increase in literacy and a 75% kindergarten readiness rate, while noting that some measures are new and baseline comparisons are still being developed. Members asked about the funding sources, provider profitability, workforce development, and measurable outcomes. Gragensky said the program is designed to support provider sustainability through rates tied to true cost and includes allowances for sick leave, vacation, benefits, and reserves. She also said maternal labor force participation is 10% higher than the national rate and attributed that in part to child care access. The committee then moved to a separate presentation by Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Family Support Director Roger McCann on anticipated cuts to TANF and SNAP, beginning with an overview of TANF as a federal block grant with a fixed annual Kentucky allocation of about $180.7 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act amending sections 44-13-22, 49-5-01, 49-02, 49-06, and 49-88-1, Arizona Revised Statutes, and
• House Bill 2015, enacting Section 35-131.31, Arizona Revised Statutes.
• We already have a long-arm statute on the books.
• Senate Bill 1235 amends a series of statutes relating to emergency medical services.
• Senate Bill 1235 amends statutes relating to emergency medical services.

Summary: The Senate met in floor session, began with prayer and the Pledge, approved the journal, received communications, and handled a return of Senate Bill 1456 from the House for reconsideration. Members then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering and amending bills on court fees, information technology, environmental quality, agricultural property inspections, property tax notices, veterans services, zoning and electric generation siting, fuel and gas resilience, and disturbing religious services. Several amendments were adopted, including changes to HB 2265 on criminal court fees, HB 2311 on conversational AI disclosures and privacy limits, HB 2986 on environmental quality/fuel resilience, HB 2104 and HB 2105 on agricultural property inspection rules, HB 2406 on veterans services, HB 2494 on electric generation siting and environmental compatibility, HB 2696 on fuel and gas prices, and HB 4117 on interference with religious services. Most of these bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, though members raised concerns on HB 2311 and HB 4117 about privacy, free speech, and prosecutorial discretion. The chamber then took up a long series of third readings and final votes. Bills passed included HB 2015 on single-audit compliance, HB 2041 on child neglect and poverty factors, HB 2048 on AHCCCS prescription drug coverage, HB 2417 on excessive speed, HB 2611 on child welfare, HB 2793 on annexation, HB 2950 on special districts, HB 2995 on family law, HB 4018 on county officers, HB 2404 on mental health services, HB 2279 on limitations of actions, HB 2502 on the state retirement system, HB 2733 and HB 2953 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2979 on credit unions, HB 4042 on parent-child relationship determinations, HB 4010 on health professional regulatory boards, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4049 on the Attorney General, HB 2265 on court fees, HB 2311 on information technology, and HB 2986 on environmental quality. HB 2601 on state highways and routes failed. Several members explained votes on bills involving fiscal impacts, child welfare, road safety, annexation, and criminal justice concerns. The Senate also adopted a group concurrence motion on several conference committee reports, including HB 2003, HB 2010, HB 2133, and HB 2874, and then voted on those measures. HB 2003 on driver’s license instruction permits, HB 2010 on advertising, HB 2133 on disclosure of sexual material and synthetic depictions, and HB 2874 on campaign committees and termination statements were all advanced after conference committee action, with debate on HB 2133 focusing on First Amendment and content-moderation concerns. The session ended with introduction of a large package of transportation-related appropriations bills and a motion to suspend certain committee notice rules for Appropriations to hear legislation and strike-everything amendments on short notice.

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Committee: Senate Judiciary

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.