Transcript Highlights:

• politics, whether it's the current President of the United States or the former Speaker of the House of Minnesota
• I guess, speaking of the Minnesota case, the only thing that I would ask, or perhaps we consider as far
• we changed the language to reflect how premeditated this assassination of an elected official in Minnesota
• . ...how premeditated this assassination of an elected official in Minnesota was.

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Civic Health met to revisit its work and discuss next steps before the committee’s resolution expires unless reenacted. The chair updated members on related efforts, including the Project for Civic Health’s three principles—engage with respect, seek common ground, and disagree constructively—and a successful WASLE training program for newly elected city council members. Members also reviewed a draft committee statement condemning political violence and supporting nonviolent, non-abusive, productive dialogue. The group made several edits, including removing the word “crazed,” adding “non-abusive,” and changing the closing language to be more inclusive of nonreligious members by using “hope and pray.” The committee then discussed a proposed Evans School research project to survey legislators about civility, collaboration, and legislative working relationships. Members generally supported the idea, while one member asked how the project would measure progress and achieve its goals. The chair said the survey would help gather broad input and that the committee would encourage participation, with results expected by December. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on how to improve civility and relationship-building in the legislature. Members described the value of informal dinners, breakfasts, and one-on-one conversations across party lines, and several said there are now fewer opportunities for such interaction than in the past. Suggestions included in-person committee meetings, a retreat, mentoring newer legislators, and bringing back outside facilitators such as Tom Little from the National Institute for Civil Discourse. No formal votes were taken, but the committee agreed to proceed with the violence statement and to move forward with the Evans School survey, pending remaining digital signatures from several members.

Transcript Highlights:

• politics, whether it's the current President of the United States or the former Speaker of the House of Minnesota
• I guess, speaking of the Minnesota case, the only thing that I would ask, or perhaps we consider as far
• we changed the language to reflect how premeditated this assassination of an elected official in Minnesota
• ... ...how premeditated this assassination of an elected official in Minnesota was.

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Civic Health met to discuss next steps for its work on civic health, including related efforts by the Project for Civic Health and a proposed Evans School research survey of legislators. The chair reviewed the committee’s mandate and described ongoing partner initiatives, including shared principles of engaging with respect, seeking common ground, and disagreeing constructively. Members generally supported the Evans School proposal, though one member asked how the project would measure success, and the chair said the goal was to gather broad input from legislators on strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. A major portion of the meeting focused on a draft committee statement condemning political violence. Members agreed to remove the word “crazed” from the description of a recent assassination, with concerns raised that the term implied irrationality and could stigmatize disability. Members also suggested broadening the language to include non-abusive and productive dialogue, and replacing or supplementing “pray” with more inclusive wording; the final phrasing settled on “hope and pray.” The committee also briefly debated whether to describe the United States as a democracy or a representative republic, ultimately agreeing on “representative democratic republic” and approving the statement for posting and distribution, with several members still needing to provide digital signatures. The rest of the meeting was an open discussion about how to improve civility and relationship-building in the Legislature. Members emphasized the value of in-person meetings, shared meals, mentoring newer legislators, and more intentional cross-party conversations. Several said there are fewer informal opportunities now than in the past, especially after the pandemic, and suggested ideas such as retreats, regular gatherings, and bringing in outside experts like the National Institute for Civil Discourse. The chair said he would relay the committee’s support for the Evans School survey and adjourned the meeting after noting the discussion had produced several constructive ideas for future work.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.360><c> LifeKY,</c><00:02:02.640><c> a</c><00:02:02.960><c> nonprofit</c><00:02:03.920><c> life</
• We<00:02:46.160><c> all</c><00:02:46.400><c> know</c><00:02:46.720><c> that</c><00:02:47.280><c> Kentucky
• invests<00:02:48.959><c> heavily</c><00:02:49.920><c> in</c><00:02:50.720><c> research,</c><00:02:51.840
• But<00:02:54.800><c> there's</c><00:02:55.200><c> a</c><00:02:55.440><c> point</c><00:02:55.760><c> where
• :02:59.040><c> needs</c><00:02:59.280><c> to</c><00:02:59.519><c> move</c><00:02:59.920><c> from</c>

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh correct.<01:02:08.720><c> The</c><01:02:08.960><c> the</c><01:02:09.440><c> our</c><01:02:09.760><
• c> we</c><01:02:13.119><c> do</c><01:02:13.359><c> have</c><01:02:13.520><c> funds</c><01:02:13.839><
• :14.720><c> 15th,</c><01:02:15.359><c> but</c><01:02:15.520><c> we</c><01:02:15.760><c> are</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:19.119><c> And</c><01:02:19.280><c> then</c><01:02:19.440><c> we</c><01:02:19.680><c> do</
• </c><01:02:27.200><c> would</c><01:02:27.359><c> have</c><01:02:27.520><c> available</c><01:02:28.160

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.719><c> If</c><00:02:00.960><c> not,</c><00:02:01.439><c> Senator</c><00:02:01.759><c>
• :53.920><c> and</c><00:02:54.080><c> harassment</c><00:02:54.480><c> by</c><00:02:55.120><c> stalking
• preventing<00:02:56.319><c> continued</c><00:02:56.720><c> abuse</c><00:02:56.959><c> and</c> preventing
• continued abuse and preventing continued abuse and harassment.<00:02:58.319><c> Uh</c><00:02:58.560>
• <c> we</c><00:02:58.720><c> do</c><00:02:58.800><c> have</c><00:02:58.879><c> a</c><00:02:59.040><c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in a room change and first considered two judicial confirmations. It recommended consent for Governor’s Message 767, confirming Kanoi A.D. Jackson as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) for a 10-year term, and the motion was adopted with members voting aye and some members excused. The committee then recommended consent for Judicial Communication 28, confirming Sonia H. Toma as district family court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County) for a 6-year term. The chair noted prior concerns about the nominee, but said staff reviewed court records and found nothing problematic; the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously among those present. After a brief recess, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 55, which asks the judiciary to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of existing laws on domestic violence, temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and harassment by stalking in preventing continued abuse and harassment. Testimony was generally supportive. The Office of the Public Defender asked to be included on the working group and requested representation from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also supported including public defenders and said the effort needs funding to be effective. Other testimony emphasized survivor experiences, privacy concerns, and the need for broader research and protections for injured parties. The chair recommended passing HCR 55 with amendments to include the public defender and a representative from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to allow the judiciary authority to add other participants, and to make additional text changes including removing redundant language. The committee voted to adopt the amended recommendation, and the resolution passed with members voting aye and some excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> measures</c><00:02:00.920><c> that</c><00:02:01.119><c> we</c><00:02:02.000><c> deferred<
• </c><00:02:20.200><c> with</c><00:02:20.760><c> amendments</c><00:02:21.760><c> we</c><00:02:21.920><
• we are going to<00:02:22.680><c> allow</c><00:02:23.120><c> a</c><00:02:23.480><c> fiveyear</c><00:02
• to to allow a fiveyear trial period to allow<00:02:26.319><c> for</c><00:02:26.480><c> the</c><00:02
• :26.640><c> exemption</c><00:02:27.160><c> of</c><00:02:27.360><c> an</c><00:02:27.959><c> actively</

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services began by explaining strict one-minute testimony limits, reliance on written testimony, and that it had quorum and would move directly to decision making on deferred measures. It first adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 8 with amendments, creating a five-year trial period for a jury-duty exemption for actively practicing APRNs, delaying implementation to January 1, 2027, and adding a defective date. It then adopted amendments to SB 189 on breast cancer screening, replacing references to “woman” with “patient,” clarifying that supplemental imaging and mammograms must be medically necessary and ordered by the patient’s provider, deleting one subsection, and adding a defective date. The committee then heard testimony on several bills. SB 46 on insurance/mental health coverage drew support from a member of the public and others, but later the chair said it would be deferred indefinitely pending a required sunrise analysis and a concurrent resolution. SB 642 on fertility preservation services received broad support from providers, advocacy groups, and an individual who described facing cancer treatment and high out-of-pocket costs; the chair later amended it to make coverage optional, limit it to those over 26, and add a defective date. SB 49 on terminal illness had limited testimony and was later passed with amendments incorporating agency and professional association changes plus a defective date. The committee also heard strong support for SNAP-related bills. SB 53, expanding SNAP eligibility to 300% of poverty, drew testimony about the “benefits cliff,” but the chair later deferred it indefinitely, citing uncertainty about costs and system issues. SB 58 on public assistance had no testimony. SB 960 and SB 961, both SNAP-related, drew extensive support from nonprofits, health groups, and others; DHS said its modernization work would not be ready until fall 2026 and that current systems could not automatically extend certification periods. SB 963 on SNAP also received support, including testimony from a volunteer reentry advocate and a public health advocate, but the chair later said it would be deferred indefinitely because the committee could not determine the fiscal impact and wanted to wait until next year. Finally, the committee heard SB 798 on child welfare and SB 974 on foster care. Testimony on SB 798 included support from child welfare and advocacy organizations, but also criticism from a witness who said the bill lacked voices of those harmed by the system and another who emphasized the need for independence, implementation, and accountability. The committee then recessed to regain quorum and later returned to decision making, where it deferred SB 46 indefinitely, passed SB 642 with amendments, passed SB 49 with amendments, and deferred SB 53 indefinitely. The transcript ends while the chair is continuing through the remaining measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:03.799><c> not</c><00:02:03.960><c> by</c><00:02:04.119><c> the</c><00:02:04.200><c> truth</c><00
• <00:02:06.560><c> very</c><00:02:06.759><c> much</c><00:02:07.719><c> um</c><00:02:08.360><c> okay</c
• ><c> the</c><00:02:46.480><c> state</c><00:02:46.800><c> and</c><00:02:47.239><c> uh</c><00:02:47.599
• :02:52.360><c> uh</c><00:02:52.519><c> government</c><00:02:53.519><c> we</c><00:02:53.720><c> have</
• permit uh percentage<00:02:57.920><c> which</c><00:02:58.040><c> is</c><00:02:58.239><c> the</c><00:02

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the Department for Medicaid Services’ program integrity work. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Program Integrity Director Jennifer Dudinsky outlined Kentucky Medicaid’s structure, funding, enrollment, and spending, including FMAP rates, the size of the Medicaid and KCHIP populations, the number of providers, and 2024 expenditures. They also described the managed care and fee-for-service populations, noting that managed care serves most members while fee-for-service is concentrated in long-term care and waiver populations. Most of the discussion focused on fraud, waste, abuse prevention, and provider oversight. The department described its provider enrollment and certification checks, revalidation requirements, site reviews, fingerprinting for some high-risk providers, and termination grounds such as false application information, Medicare actions, unreported ownership changes, and abandonment of a provider number. Members asked about nonprofit ownership reporting, MCO fraud oversight, and how the department tracks unusual CPT code utilization, especially in behavioral health. The department said it uses data analytics, audits, policy review, and collaboration with behavioral health staff to monitor those trends. Dudinsky explained the division’s four branches: provider licensing and certification, audits and compliance, recovery, and third-party liability/estate recovery. She described prepayment and postpayment audits, referrals of credible fraud allegations to the Attorney General, monthly meetings with the AG’s office, and coordination with the Office of Inspector General, CMS, HHS OIG, MCOs, and other partners. She also explained payment suspensions, stand-downs during law enforcement investigations, and recovery efforts for overpayments, provider/member fraud, and third-party liability. The department said its recovery and avoidance efforts produced more than $251 million in savings so far in 2025. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> the</c><00:02:00.640><c> public</c><00:02:00.960><c> utilities</c><00:02:01.439><c> terms
• the public utilities terms on the board<00:02:02.880><c> for</c><00:02:03.119><c> a</c><00:02:03.360
• ><c> year</c><00:02:04.159><c> if</c><00:02:04.399><c> the</c><00:02:04.560><c> municipalities</c> board
• </c><00:02:06.000><c> terms.
• </c><00:02:06.560><c> So</c><00:02:06.719><c> they</c><00:02:06.960><c> run</c><00:02:07.600><c> side

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:

• :55.280><c> um</c><00:02:55.440><c> this</c><00:02:55.640><c> bill</c><00:02:56.519><c> section</c><00
• :02:56.800><c> 20</c><00:02:57.080><c> the</c><00:02:57.159><c> commit</c> into um this bill section
• 20 the commit into um this bill section 20 the commit substitute<00:02:57.800><c> authorizes</c><00:02
• :58.280><c> the</c><00:02:58.360><c> department</c><00:02:58.760><c> to</c> substitute authorizes the
• department to substitute authorizes the department to submit<00:02:59.400><c> a</c><00:02:59.519><c>

Summary: The Appropriations and Revenue Committee met to consider House Bill 695 and first adopted a committee substitute. The substitute made a number of Medicaid-related changes, including adding the Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board, exempting federally required Medicaid changes from needing separate General Assembly authorization, revising the treatment of University Hospitals payment programs, clarifying that the community engagement program is mandatory, moving the Medicaid pharmaceutical rebate fund to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and narrowing reporting requirements. It also removed provisions on Medicaid coverage for psychoeducational services and replaced them with reporting on behavioral health and substance use disorder service utilization and expenditures. The substitute further added language allowing the Medicaid program to be administered through fee-for-service, managed care, or other federally permitted delivery systems, incorporated the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Bill, authorized a state plan amendment if needed, and made entities that failed to comply with prior Medicaid managed care reporting requirements ineligible for new MCO contracts. It also shifted responsibility for a behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment scorecard from MCOs to the Department for Medicaid Services. The sponsor noted that all language related to long-term managed care in the waiver program had been removed. After the explanation, Senator Richardson moved to adopt the substitute and Senator Nunn seconded. The committee then voted to pass the measure favorably; the transcript reflects a roll call with no nays and the bill reported out with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080><c> out</c><00:02:00.200><c> we</c><00:02:00.280><c> can</c><00:02:00.400><c> do</c><00:02:00.520
• So 250 250 250 2250 2250 2250 in<00:02:05.640><c> this</c><00:02:05.880><c> room.
• </c> Thank<00:02:08.880><c> you.</c><00:02:09.119><c> Thank</c><00:02:09.280><c> you.
• For<00:02:53.760><c> the</c><00:02:53.880><c> Senate</c><00:02:54.320><c> myself</c><00:02:54.920><c>
• </c><00:02:59.040><c> managers.

Summary: The conference committees met repeatedly on Friday, April 25, 2025, mostly to wait for finance releases and to roll bills to later times. Several measures were deferred or continued, including HB 1007 on HCDA, HB 987 on procurement, HB 620, HB 961, HB 1293, HB 1320, SB 1252, HB 1168, and others, with members often agreeing to reconvene later in the day when releases might be available. One higher education bill, HB 549 on an early learning apprenticeship grant program, was deferred because the requested expenditure of about $12.5 million could not be approved, and HB 563 on the UH Space Science and Engineering Initiative was also deferred after conferees could not reach agreement in time. Several bills were successfully amended and passed. HB 329 appropriated $2 million for the Mililani work-for-housing project and $2 million for Maui Central Middle School. HB 736 established a wastewater system technology testing pilot program at the UH Water Resources Research Center and included a $745,325 FY26 appropriation. SB 865 created a full-time permanent CTAHR extension position, funded at $76,570 in each of FY26 and FY27 through the Agribusiness Development Corporation. HB 442 funded two pre-nursing pathway positions at UH with $215,552 each year for two fiscal years, and HB 1146 funded UH graduate assistant positions and planning work for Ala Wai Canal debris management and water quality control, with the conferees correcting the FY26 amount during discussion before approving it. Later, HB 1168 on UH revenue bonds was approved with amendments, setting the bond amount at $30,750,000 and a July 1, 2025 effective date. HB 961, the librarian pilot program, was ultimately approved with a CD1 restoring the original $132,308 appropriation and two FTE librarian positions for a two-year pilot serving one Oahu complex area and one neighbor island complex area. HB 1293 on Department of Education procurement was also approved with amendments to support the DOE’s farm-to-school goals by exempting certain local food purchases under $250,000 from the electronic procurement system and requiring at least three written quotes instead, effective July 1, 2025, with repeal on June 30, 2028. SB 1252 on dementia was later approved with a CD1 funding two full-time positions in UH Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Geriatric Medicine at $525,000 each in FY26 and FY27.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now that we're going to put this bill in statute, is it reasonable to think that a teacher would not
• want to engage with a student if they were violent because now they're held to a statute?
• gentlelady, is it reasonable that teachers are going to stop engaging because now we've got them under statute
• gentlelady, is it reasonable that teachers are going to stop engaging because now we've got them under statute

Bills: HB111 , HB103 , HB60 , HB108 , HB120 , HB145 , HB154 , HB164 , HB291 , HJR6 , HR1 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB38 , HB47 , HB63 , HB64 , HB127 , HB165 , HB184 , HB200 , HM20 , HM51

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Bills: SB1265 , SB1198 , SB2046 , SB1415 , SB1714 , SB1962 , SB26 , SB172 , SB260 , SB264 , SB1525 , SB1332 , SB1998 , SB1378 , SB1771 , SB1919 , SB2018 , SB1936 , SB1612 , SB1543 , SB1260 , SB1988 , SB1859 , SB2041 , SB1257 , SB1726 , SB1236 , SB1633 , SB1413 , SB1317 , SB1360 , SB1342 , SB1477 , SB1189 , SB1546 , SB1524 , SB1338 , SB1193 , SB1812 , SB1617 , SB1638 , SB504 , SB2072 , SB1283 , SB1216 , SB1655 , SB2011 , SB1643 , SB1446 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1441 , SB1224 , SB1448 , SB1496 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1827 , SB2066 , SB2104

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, Oklahoma, municipalities

Transcript Highlights:

• We will meet tomorrow in room 206 at 1:02.

Bills: HB3281 , HB3320 , HB3081 , HB3127 , HB3128 , HB3498 , HB2035 , HB3765 , HB4324 , HB3678 , HB4170 , HB3495 , HB3040 , HB3062 , HB4140 , HB4106 , HB4109 , HB4104 , HB3581 , HB3620 , HB3942 , HB3279 , HB3378 , HB3383 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3420 , HB3130 , HB3700 , HB3379 , HB3129 , HB3132 , HB3315 , HB2950 , HB3242 , HB3041 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1064 , HB3265 , HB3721 , HB3028 , HB3313 , HB3588 , HB3020 , HB3724 , HB3392 , HB3466 , HB4060 , HJR1074 , HB3501 , HJR1070 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3928 , HB2955 , HB4453 , HB4460 , HB4128 , HB3659 , HB3270 , HB3145

Keywords: administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, sunset laws, statutory entities, regulatory compliance, emergency provisions, board re-creation, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, medical marijuana, employment rights, safety-sensitive positions, workplace policies, public assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also have Vice Chair M... haveo<00:02:19.440><c> Vice</c><00:02:19.640><c> chair</c><00:02:20.160
• ><c> m</c> is<00:02:24.800><c> organization</c><00:02:25.800><c> our</c><00:02:26.760><c> support</c>
• <00:02:27.319><c> just</c><00:02:27.440><c> want</c><00:02:27.560><c> to</c> is organization our support
• just want to is organization our support just want to the<00:02:28.519><c> that</c><00:02:28.640><c>
• :54.280><c> is</c><00:02:54.400><c> he</c><00:02:54.840><c> is</c><00:02:54.959><c> he</c><00:02:55.120

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The joint hearing of the Government Operations and Transportation, Culture and the Arts committees considered three bills. SB 1092 would establish a transportation demand management program for state employees, including a parking cash-out option. Testimony was largely in support, including from state planning, energy, labor, and several individuals, while committee members raised concerns about whether the program was mandatory and whether there was a full implementation plan. The bill’s proponents said it was voluntary and intended to reduce long parking waitlists by incentivizing employees to opt out of parking. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1092 be passed with amendments, and the measure was adopted in both committees. SB 1093 would create a parking demand management program and require DAGS to transition state employees from monthly parking to daily-rate parking. Testimony included strong opposition from most individuals and several agencies, with one supporter. A committee question focused on the loss of pre-tax payroll deductions under a daily-rate system, and the Deputy Attorney General explained that the current monthly arrangement allows deductions from gross pay, which would not work the same way with daily payments. Given the opposition and concerns, the committees recommended deferral indefinitely. SB 1121 would establish a procurement preference, beginning in 2027, for construction companies with electric vehicles. Testimony included comments from DAGS, the Department of Transportation, and others, with opposition noted from DOT. Committee members questioned charging infrastructure and battery disposal for electric vehicles used in construction. After discussion, the committees concluded it was in the best interest to defer the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joanne Conroy from All Nations Indian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
• Paul, Minnesota, Legislative Day, May 5th, 2025.

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:

• 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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair's recommendation<01:02:33.680><c> be</c><01:02:33.760><c> to</c><01:02:33.920><c> pass</c><01:02
• On SR84,<01:02:46.160><c> STR</c><01:02:46.799><c> 103</c><01:02:47.440><c> passing</c><01:02:47.839>
• </c><01:02:49.760><c> Vice</c><01:02:50.079><c> chair</c><01:02:50.319><c> votes</c><01:02:50.720><c>
• </c><01:02:55.200><c> Chair</c><01:02:55.520><c> have</c><01:02:55.680><c> five</c><01:02:55.839><c>
• </c><01:02:56.720><c> Thank</c><01:02:56.880><c> you</c><01:02:56.960><c> very</c><01:02:57.119><c> much

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 643, House Draft 2, which would create short-term management initiatives and appropriate funds for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Committee discussion focused on biocontrol efforts, including fungus and virus-based treatments, the need for a biosecure facility, and the timeline for testing and range studies. Department of Agriculture officials said initial testing is underway at the University of Hawaii, but full testing requires a higher-biosafety facility that is not yet available on island. Members also discussed funding levels, the possibility of a mobile facility, and whether the work could be accelerated. The committees later voted to pass HB 643 unamended. The committees also heard House Bill 736, House Draft 1, which would establish a three-year wastewater system and individual wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. Supporters said the bill could help certify new, lower-cost decentralized wastewater technologies and reduce the cost of cesspool upgrades while improving water quality. University of Hawaii witnesses explained that the center would test technologies, collect samples, analyze results, and provide reports to the Department of Health for certification. Members raised concerns about whether the program would help communities facing immediate wastewater issues, the length of the testing timeline, and whether technologies like the Genki ball could be included. The committee was told the pilot would likely test one technology at a time over about nine months each, though multiple tests could run in parallel later. The committees voted to pass HB 736 unamended. After those measures, the joint committee moved to an AEN-only agenda and began hearing STR 111 / SR 92, which declares a public health emergency relating to climate change and calls for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Testimony in support came from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others. Supporters said climate change affects public health through heat, wildfire risk, invasive mosquitoes, and other impacts, and argued that the response should involve agriculture, planning, transportation, and emergency management, not just the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:02:02.480><c> I</c><00:02:02.560><c> was</c><00:02:02.720><c> felt</c><00:02:02.960><c> patriotic
• &gt;&gt; [sighs] &gt;&gt; [sighs] &gt;&gt; [sighs] &gt;&gt; And<00:02:05.200><c> now</c><00:02:05.360
• ><c> this</c><00:02:05.560><c> year</c><00:02:05.680><c> in</c><00:02:05.800><c> our</c><00:02:05.880
• :08.800><c> hope</c><00:02:09.000><c> we</c><00:02:09.119><c> bring</c><00:02:09.320><c> that</c><00:
• 02:09.479><c> back.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.200><c> HD1</c><00:02:01.400><c> relating</c><00:02:01.920><c> to</c> Next we have SB99 SD1 HD1 relating
• to Next we have SB99 SD1 HD1 relating to government.<00:02:03.240><c> I'm</c><00:02:03.400><c> sorry
• ,</c><00:02:03.920><c> since</c><00:02:04.160><c> this</c><00:02:04.280><c> is</c> government.
• I'm sorry, since this is Senate<00:02:04.680><c> bill</c><00:02:04.840><c> did</c><00:02:05.000><c> you
• </c><00:02:05.080><c> want</c><00:02:05.240><c> to</c><00:02:05.520><c> Yeah,</c><00:02:05.880><c> we'll

Bills: HB2315 , SB2471 , HB306 , HB1692 , HB1842 , HB2171 , HB2207 , HB2343 , HB2296 , HB389 , HB469 , HB1510 , HB1573 , HB1705 , HB1858 , HB1875 , HB1946 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB2001 , HB2093 , HB2096 , HB2097 , HCR200 , HCR144 , HCR33 , HCR154 , HCR165 , HCR186 , HCR206 , HCR166 , HCR31 , HCR85 , HCR103 , HCR117 , HCR180 , HCR112 , HCR18 , HCR105 , HCR173 , HCR137 , HCR179 , HCR32