Transcript Highlights:

• She currently lives in Georgetown.
• Welcome and thank you for your service. This is Dr. of the Day.
• And it's community service, but for the person that Carl was.
• Your work is demanding, yet it saves lives.
• Live long and prosper, guys. And gals.

Bills: SJR1 , SB9 , SB40 , SJR36 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB9 , SB40 , SJR1 , SB9 , SB40 , SR62 , SR92 , SR95 , SR108 , SR110 , SR111 , SR113 , SR114 , SR117 , SR120 , SB314 , SB314

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, El Paso, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• It's service to patients.
• It's service to patients.
• </c><00:41:41.599><c> it</c> explain this is the life I I live it explain this is the life I I live it
• </c> that's not the entirety of the services that's not the entirety of the services we<00:45:03.640>
• </c><00:45:37.640><c> rather</c> doors to offer them that service rather doors to offer them that service

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position. Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program. Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to transition into some of the licensing because we're hearing about regulation, etc.
• Very much concerned, many of them who have PTSD, emotional issues. other pains and aches from service
• So the Department of State Health Services does not have the power to make something illegal. trying
• Truly two differences. point I'm making is Department of State Health and Services does not have the
• That is a federally illegal transition.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB9 , SB42 , SB15 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• As best I can tell, they did find an agreement that everyone can live with.
• So I'll be a yes vote on the amendment. orderly transition to newer technologies orderly transition to
• As best I can tell, they did find an agreement that everyone can live with.
• And at that time we were right in that transition to where you could exclude certain things from coverage
• And once that transition was made, it was found that it was very expensive for health insurance companies

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I live in Jefferson County.
• I live in Louisville, but my family lives in Christian County in Hoptown.
• So, you theoretically three service.
• </c> promoting transit oriented development. promoting transit oriented development.
• There are rural schools in counties near where I live that are being converted into senior living.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:14 Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:01 Discussion of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit 01:11:13 Adjournment 01:40:27, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Housing Task Force met and heard first from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which presented findings from a housing study done with the Home Builders Association. The chamber said housing is now a major economic-development issue, citing survey results that 90% of community leaders said their region could not absorb a major job announcement and 66% said housing is holding back Kentucky’s economy. The chamber described Kentucky’s housing shortage, rising home prices, declining permits since 2008, and the need for more production to support growth. It urged policy changes including zoning and land-use reform, tax incentives, regional approaches, and especially a residential infrastructure fund modeled on Indiana’s low-interest loan program to help communities finance roads and other infrastructure needed for new housing. Members asked about the severity of the problem, workforce shortages in permitting and construction, the loan interest rate, repayment, and whether Kentucky could replicate Indiana’s results; the witness said the issue is a crisis and that the program would be a revolving public-private partnership, likely around 3% interest, with implementation details still to be worked out. The Kentucky Bankers Association then testified that the housing gap is especially acute for households at 80% of area median income and below, which it said represents about 70% of Kentucky’s housing need. It emphasized that the shortage affects both urban and rural counties and pointed to examples such as Rowan County, where workers at major employers must commute long distances because local housing is unavailable or unaffordable. The bankers said high interest rates remain a major barrier and proposed a $20 million bank commitment for a revolving fund tied to tax credits to finance new housing, not refinances. They cited Hope of the Midwest as an example of a successful tax-credit housing model with a long track record and no defaults, and said the proposal would leverage public-private partnerships to create new units. Committee members questioned how the proposed fund would compare with industrial revenue bonds and whether it could be structured like Kentucky’s tobacco settlement fund, with seed money, a review board, scoring criteria, and possible population thresholds to ensure smaller communities benefit. The bankers said the proposal would be another tool for cities and counties, specifically tied to residential infrastructure, and that larger cities should not be able to capture all of the resources. No formal votes or actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And personal ambition over service to the country.
• Many of them risked their lives, and some gave their lives in defense of this building.
• I was on the ground in service of...
• Have you worked in public service? About 16, Senator.
• Patel, his organization, a group called the Article Three Project, would make their lives a living hell

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• It can provide internet service where people might not be able to afford internet service on their own
• It can provide internet service where people might not be able to afford internet service on their own
• ><c> service</c><00:43:01.200><c> capability</c> expansion of Lifeline service capability expansion of
• </c><02:27:13.720><c> to</c> provide internet and voice service to provide internet and voice service
• </c> increases to basic telephone service increases to basic telephone service which<02:28:23.279><c>

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I live in a very remote area of the county. I'm an hour away from any hospital service.
• And some of those services were just as you directed, emergency services, et cetera.
• And most of those people don't live in our county.
• We have had to cut services.
• Germany County 911 Services Tax Board. The impact on 911 services is especially concerning.

Committee: House Rules - Legislative

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State Police examination, notwithstanding the maximum age requirement, to the Committee on Public Service
• We are also proposing basic service reforms.
• Shifting the burden from one pocket to another is not the same as lowering the cost of living.
• It wouldn't bar any taking to public services.
• across the margin and who live month to month.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:09.600><c> of</c> budget and Finance in the service of budget and Finance in the service of
• Historically, it's been the baseload plants that have provided those services.
• Historically, it's been the baseload plants that have provided those services.
• </c> office of County Clerk Council services office of County Clerk Council services division<00:46:39.440
• </c><01:36:27.639><c> in</c> I was exposed four years I lived in I was exposed four years I lived in

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• on time, this can disenfranchise voters for no fault of their own, such as in cases where the mail service
• Many of which could undermine worker protections, public health systems, mental health services that
• That's led to failed measures for affordable housing, education, public transit, and even emergency services
• Over 600 jurisdictions have transitioned their election systems to comply with the CVRA.
• CVRA, there have been a select few that have challenged such a transition.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> system live. system live.
• . service. service.
• > service.
• This would assist with the purchase of past service credit to ease the transition for the people who
• </c> that time in service. that time in service.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to be some like I say as you transition to be some like I say as you transition eventually<02:03
• Services. Services.
• ,</c><03:18:13.680><c> an</c><03:18:14.080><c> essential</c> To provide the service, an essential service
• Live with the standard budget.
• </c> physician services to 105% of Medicare. physician services to 105% of Medicare.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This one deals with veteran services assets, so real property, personal property, those...
• Veterans services assets, so real property, personal property, those used to be held in trust by the
• That was changed in the year 2000 when those assets were moved to the Division of Veteran Services.
• This deletes Idaho Code 59-60-4, which was related to transition of former county public defender employees
• As you know, the state took over the system, and those folks largely transitioned from county employment

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee first considered two gubernatorial reappointments. It voted to send Senator Todd Lakey’s reappointment to the State Insurance Fund Board to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation, and then did the same for Kevin Settles’ reappointment to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board. Both motions passed without opposition, though members joked about the Lakey appointment and one senator noted he would reserve the right to change his vote on the floor. The committee then heard three RS drafts from Senator Lakey as part of a code cleanup effort tied to the DOGE Task Force. RS 32897 would repeal outdated veterans-related provisions tied to transferred assets and the completed construction of the North Idaho Veterans Home; RS 32901 would remove obsolete provisions related to county public defender employee transitions and old employee procedure language; and RS 32906 would repeal outdated PERSI-related provisions involving former community college employees, city employees, and certain firefighters. Each RS was moved to print, and Lakey said there had been no pushback on the repeals. Finally, Representative Skaug presented House Bill 514, which would allow cosmetology and barber students to take the state exam once they reach 80% of their program requirements, rather than waiting until full completion. He said the bill had unanimous House support and no known opposition from schools, students, or salons. The committee voted to send HB 514 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This one deals with veteran services assets, so real property, personal property, those...
• Veterans Services assets, so real property, personal property, those used to be held in trust by the
• That was changed in the year 2000 when those assets were moved to the Division of Veteran Services.
• This deletes Idaho Code 59-60-64, which was related to transition of former county public defender employees
• As you know, the state took over the system, and those folks largely transitioned from county employment

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The live and archival video of this hearing can be found on the Senate's YouTube channel. written testimony
• as</c><00:01:22.240><c> well</c><00:01:23.240><c> um</c><00:01:23.759><c> the</c><00:01:24.040><c> live
• </c><00:01:24.640><c> and</c> committee as well um the live and committee as well um the live and archival
• Is it the highest and best use of the land for a transit...
• I'm happy to continue in service and can answer any questions that you may have.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• People have passed away waiting for ambulance services because there aren't enough.
• They are both governor's bills, and I think it's important to call out that emergency medical services
• It impacts whether families can receive timely services, and whether employees can recruit and retain
• Underserved communities can continue to provide essential health care services.
• They desperately need these services. Thank you.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Just living expenses. Just living expenses. Thank you.
• Yeah, I have insecurity around my health care, even my living.
• to provide those services, which is 8.5.
• to provide those services, which is 8.3% of the charges.
• We've had to close our OB services, and in 2024, we closed our MRI.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 2689 on Working Connections Child Care. Staff explained that the proposed substitute would keep eligibility at 60% of state median income, eliminate scheduled expansions to 75% and 85%, reduce future subsidy rates from the 85th to the 75th percentile of market, end enhanced regional rates, and change reimbursement rules from prospective enrollment-based payments back to attendance-based payments with a reduced monthly payment after 11 absent days. Child care advocates thanked the committee for removing the proposed cap on the program but opposed the cuts to provider rates and eligibility expansions, warning of harm to families and providers. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5124 on Medicaid network adequacy for post-acute care, with staff noting administrative costs and indeterminate fiscal effects; hospitals supported the bill as a way to reduce discharge delays and reliance on single-case agreements. Senate Bill 5832, which would raise the new motor vehicle arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to support the Lemon Law arbitration program, drew support from the Attorney General’s Office and auto dealers, who said the fee had not been updated since 1995 and the program was underfunded. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5862, providing a one-time 3% COLA for certain PERS 1 and TRS 1 retirees, with retirees testifying in favor and local government representatives warning about added employer costs. The committee next heard Senate Bill 5922, allowing school districts to transfer money from the Transportation Vehicle Fund to other funds if they reduce their fleet and receive OSPI approval; staff said the bill would mainly add administrative work for OSPI, and no one testified. Substitute Senate Bill 5923 would allow a hospital on an island in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital if federally certified; Island Health testified that the designation would help sustain rural services, and a committee member asked about bed count and Medicaid/charity-care pressures. Senate Bill 5944 would require language access providers to bargain over compensation for missed or canceled appointments and clarify that statutes prevail over conflicting contract terms; WFSE supported the bill, saying it would equalize bargaining rights across agencies. Substitute Senate Bill 5972 would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of population size; labor supported the bill as a retention tool, while cities and counties opposed it, arguing it would raise costs and should include ability-to-pay protections. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5988, authorizing the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge accreditation fees, which DOH said was needed to avoid winding down the program. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 6151, which would move Ecology fee revenues for landfill methane emissions and laboratory accreditation into dedicated accounts; Ecology supported the bill as improving transparency and reinvesting fees into the programs, and staff said the lab fee shift would be offset by a related budget action. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6194 would pay a rural hospital on a federally recognized Indian reservation, specifically Astria Toppenish, at 150% of the Medicaid fee-for-service rate beginning in 2027; hospital leaders and community members testified that the hospital serves a high-Medicaid, rural, and tribal population and faces persistent losses. Finally, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302 would direct L&I to investigate possible misclassification of independent contractors on public works projects involving multiple workers doing the same finishing work; labor and business representatives both described it as a negotiated compromise to address underground economy abuses. The committee took no final votes during the hearing and ended by reiterating amendment deadlines for bills scheduled for executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Those<02:51:12.680><c> services</c><02:51:13.240><c> are</c> Those services are Those services are
• </c> know, suicide in their lives. know, suicide in their lives.
• And where are the services? And where are the services?
• </c> These folks are going to need services the rest of their lives. It's never going to end.
• It will save in Medicaid services down the road, IEP services down the road, social services, all kinds

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:20:36.000><c> providing</c> Department of Human Services providing Department of Human Services
• And we, Department of Human Services.
• ,</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you very much for your service, &gt;&gt; Thank you very much for your service, Dr
• Um, as a health services New York.
• </c> and limited access to special services. and limited access to special services.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.