Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing<00:32:22.159><c> none,</c><00:32:22.720><c> thank</c><00:32:22.960><c> you</c><00:32:23.120><c
• ><c> point</c><01:32:16.800><c> we</c><01:32:16.960><c> have</c><01:32:17.120><c> to</c><01:32:17.199
• <01:32:22.159><c> that</c><01:32:22.400><c> the</c><01:32:22.560><c> voters</c><01:32:23.120><c> can<
• </c><01:32:24.320><c> what's</c><01:32:24.719><c> being</c><01:32:24.880><c> asked</c><01:32:25.199><
• 32:26.400><c> to</c><01:32:26.560><c> vote</c><01:32:26.800><c> yes</c><01:32:26.960><c> or</c> them

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:32:00.159><c> In</c><00:32:00.399><c> short,</c><00:32:00.720><c> she</c><00:32:00.960><c> could
• </c><00:32:07.039><c> When</c><00:32:07.279><c> she</c><00:32:07.440><c> turned</c><00:32:07.760><c>
• Our<00:32:20.240><c> department</c><00:32:20.640><c> was</c><00:32:20.880><c> fearful</c><00:32:21.440
• her safety<00:32:22.320><c> when</c><00:32:22.559><c> she</c><00:32:22.720><c> would</c><00:32:22.880
• providing<01:32:13.920><c> that</c><01:32:14.159><c> kind</c><01:32:14.320><c> of</c><01:32:14.400><

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:05 25 RS HB 534 - AN ACT relating to actions for forcible entry and detainer: 00:01:45 25 RS SB 111 - AN ACT relating to juvenile justice: 00:23:46 Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky: 01:13:26 Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment in State and County Correctional Facilities: 01:25:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September 18 minutes and then heard testimony on House Bill 534, which would automatically seal dismissed eviction filings and protect youth from public disclosure in forcible detainer cases. Rep. Susan Tyler Whitten and George Ecklan of the Coalition for the Homeless said the bill is aimed at reducing housing barriers for Kentuckians, especially those with dismissed cases, while preserving landlords’ rights to pursue rent, collections, damages, and other legal remedies. They said the proposal was developed with input from landlords, clerks, judges, AOC, and service providers, and noted that similar laws exist in other states. Several members, including Sen. Neimes, Rep. Deetsz, Rep. Cole Carney, and Sen. Thomas, expressed support while emphasizing that the bill is narrowly tailored to dismissed cases and should not affect legitimate landlord claims; Sen. Wheeler raised concerns about cases involving settlements or delays and whether future landlords should know about them. The sponsors responded that the bill only covers dismissed actions, that dismissals require a judge’s order, and that the goal is to remove barriers created by records that remain publicly visible even when a case is resolved. The committee then took up Senate Bill 111 on juvenile justice. Commissioner Randy White, Kentucky Hospital Association President Nancy Galvanny, and Dr. Clark Lester of the University of Kentucky said the bill would require a secure state-run facility for youth with high-acuity mental health needs in detention and, until that is built, create a process with incentives for private hospitals to provide inpatient treatment with safeguards and increased compensation. They argued that detention is not an appropriate setting for severely mentally ill, violent youth and that private psychiatric hospitals often refuse these referrals or discharge them early. Dr. Lester cited recent referral data showing high denial rates for juvenile justice youth in private hospitals in August and September, often due to aggression, and described a case in which repeated placement attempts failed because of violent and self-harming behavior. The presenters said the bill is intended to fill a service gap and improve safety and outcomes for youth, staff, and hospitals, but no vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• of</c><00:32:01.960><c> Education</c><00:32:02.960><c> um</c><00:32:03.120><c> the</c><00:32:03.240><
• <00:32:06.679><c> a</c><00:32:06.840><c> hold</c><00:32:07.120><c> harmless</c><00:32:07.600><c> for<
• > fiscal</c><00:32:13.360><c> year</c><00:32:13.639><c> 26</c><00:32:14.600><c> only</c><00:32:15.600
• :32:18.039><c> fiscal</c><00:32:18.440><c> year</c><00:32:18.760><c> 24</c><00:32:19.480><c> pupil</c
• counts or<00:32:20.480><c> fiscal</c><00:32:20.840><c> year</c><00:32:21.120><c> 26</c><00:32:21.880>

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:32:18.720><c> I</c><00:32:18.880><c> I</c><00:32:19.360><c> think</c><00:32:19.760><c> um</c><00
• :32:20.240><c> you</c><00:32:20.480><c> know</c><00:32:20.640><c> this</c><00:32:20.880><c> is</c><00
• asking for and<00:32:25.360><c> um</c><00:32:25.840><c> I</c><00:32:26.159><c> think</c><00:32:26.679
• </c><00:32:35.360><c> share</c><00:32:35.679><c> a</c><00:32:36.880><c> um</c><00:32:37.840><c> a</c>
• /c><00:32:47.679><c> from</c><00:32:47.840><c> the</c><00:32:48.000><c> federal</c><00:32:48.240><c>

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky<00:32:13.360><c> who's</c><00:32:13.679><c> had</c><00:32:14.000><c> a</c><00:32:14.320><c>
• </c><00:32:21.200><c> were</c><00:32:21.360><c> a</c><00:32:21.519><c> big</c><00:32:21.679><c> part,
• :32:28.399><c> that</c><00:32:28.640><c> we</c><00:32:28.880><c> don't</c><00:32:29.120><c> do</c><00
• </c><00:32:32.960><c> And</c><00:32:33.120><c> if</c><00:32:33.360><c> you</c><00:32:33.440><c> look<
• And if you look at<00:32:33.679><c> our</c><00:32:33.919><c> road</c><00:32:34.159><c> map</c><00:32:

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Discussion of Nickels and School Facility Funding 00:02:13 Economic Development Projects in Elizabethtown and Hopkinsville 00:29:33 Correspondence and Reports Received 01:09:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an informational presentation from the Kentucky Department of Education and the School Facilities Construction Commission on school facilities funding. Staff explained the main funding sources used for school construction and renovation, including the mandatory “nickel” property tax levy, growth and equalized growth nickels, the equalized facility funding nickel, the Fort Knox/BRAC-related nickel for Hardin County, and the recallable nickel that districts can adopt locally. They also described the state equalization formula, noting that local construction costs have risen and that state support is formula-driven rather than a dollar-for-dollar match. The SFCC outlined how unmet facility need is calculated through district facility plans, which are developed locally with community, staff, and board input and then reviewed by KDE staff for consistency and reasonableness. The commission said it will update the statewide unmet need report this fall, adopt it in December, and provide the figure to the committee in January 2026. It reported that the statewide unmet facility need was about $7 billion in 2023, with about $951 million in local revenue available, and said its offers of assistance are paid as debt service over eight years. The commission also said the most recent legislative offer of assistance was its smallest since SFCC’s creation in 1985, and requested an additional $60 million for the next biennium. Members asked about how districts use nickel tax levies, who determines facility need, whether the process includes physical inspections, and how bonding capacity affects offers of assistance. Staff said nickel levies are generally adopted with regular tax rates, that facility need is locally developed but reviewed by KDE, and that KDE project managers and district-hired architects review plans on paper rather than through in-person inspections. They also explained that bonding capacity can affect a district’s ability to use or receive assistance. Questions were also raised about federal funds tied to earlier KIX grants and about districts with zero remaining offers of assistance; staff said most grant-funded projects are underway or complete, and that a zero balance means a district has spent its available assistance. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.919><c> be</c><00:32:02.080><c> a</c><00:32:02.159><c> lot</c><00:32:02.320><c> of</c><
• </c><00:32:17.200><c> So,</c><00:32:17.919><c> I</c><00:32:18.159><c> just</c><00:32:18.320><c> think
• Um, this is two<00:32:25.200><c> words</c><00:32:25.519><c> that</c><00:32:25.840><c> most</c><00:32:
• My weight's<00:32:31.360><c> going</c><00:32:31.519><c> up,</c><00:32:31.760><c> my</c><00:32:31.919>
• ,</c><00:32:40.000><c> half</c><00:32:40.960><c> half</c><00:32:41.360><c> of</c><00:32:41.519><c> our

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Jack on behalf of the American Beverage Association and Kentucky Beverage Association. Dr. Jack argued that the “totality of the science” supports low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe and useful tools for reducing sugar and calories, citing FDA and other domestic and international reviews, clinical trials, and the FDA’s recent healthy-label rule. He also described the industry’s transparency efforts, including a “Good to Know” database compiling ingredient and safety information, and said the beverage industry has voluntarily worked to offer more choices with less sugar. Members questioned him about whether beverage ingredients are restricted in other countries, possible health effects beyond weight and cancer, concerns about metabolic issues and gut microbiome effects, whether sweeteners are addictive, and why companies do not simply remove sweeteners. Dr. Jack responded that most ingredients are permitted in many jurisdictions, that broad food-safety reviews have looked at multiple endpoints and found the ingredients safe, that the gut microbiome is still being studied, and that recent clinical evidence does not show increased sweetness preference. He also said business decisions about formulations are up to companies and noted that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are metabolically similar. The committee also discussed consumer apps and ingredient-scoring tools; Dr. Jack said the industry’s website presents facts without interpretation and is based on food-safety agency assessments. At the end of his testimony, the chair accepted additional fact sheets for the committee. The meeting then moved on to introduce Dr. Gary Huber, who began testimony by emphasizing integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and the role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress in health, but his full presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:32:04.960><c> get</c><00:32:05.120><c> credit</c><00:32:05.360><c> for</c><00:32:05.519><c> it.
• </c><00:32:06.559><c> know</c><00:32:06.640><c> which</c><00:32:06.880><c> area</c><00:32:07.120><c>
• , but a 1-hour class.<00:32:09.039><c> I</c><00:32:09.360><c> I</c><00:32:09.760><c> talked</c><00:32
• c><00:32:13.279><c> hours</c><00:32:13.600><c> is</c><00:32:14.240><c> is</c><00:32:14.559><c> way</c
• </c><00:32:16.799><c> And</c><00:32:17.039><c> you</c><00:32:17.120><c> know,</c><00:32:17.200><c> we

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:15.360><c> for</c><00:32:15.960><c> tuition</c><00:32:16.960><c> at</c><00:32:17.279><c> a</c>
• school<00:32:19.760><c> uh</c><00:32:19.880><c> with</c><00:32:20.039><c> a</c><00:32:20.200><c> regular
• 00:32:29.320><c> we've</c><00:32:29.519><c> noted</c><00:32:30.159><c> some</c><00:32:30.559><c> on</
• is an<00:32:35.360><c> issue</c><00:32:35.880><c> in</c><00:32:36.360><c> Washington</c><00:32:37.360
• uh 9462<00:32:47.039><c> that</c><00:32:47.519><c> would</c><00:32:47.840><c> seek</c><00:32:48.279>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• my name is Matt mushan<00:32:25.880><c> I</c><00:32:25.960><c> live</c><00:32:26.120><c> in</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:27.480><c> Advocate</c><00:32:28.159><c> engagement</c><00:32:28.639><c> director</c><00:32
• ><00:32:35.559><c> New</c><00:32:35.760><c> Hampshire</c><00:32:36.760><c> I</c><00:32:37.000><c> am<
• c> today</c><00:32:37.519><c> to</c><00:32:37.679><c> testify</c><00:32:38.039><c> in</c><00:32:38.200
• 01:32:49.639><c> bill</c><01:32:50.000><c> I'm</c><01:32:50.119><c> going</c><01:32:50.239><c> to</c>

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns. Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency. A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• How<00:32:26.880><c> confident</c><00:32:27.360><c> are</c><00:32:27.600><c> you</c><00:32:28.480><c>
• /c><00:32:30.480><c> out</c><00:32:30.720><c> there</c><00:32:30.880><c> that</c><00:32:31.120><c> are
• So,<00:32:36.000><c> um</c><00:32:36.320><c> we</c><00:32:36.559><c> have</c><00:32:36.799><c> six</c
• So,<00:32:44.000><c> it</c><00:32:44.159><c> was</c><00:32:44.320><c> the</c><00:32:44.480><c> most</
• came into<00:32:53.440><c> there,</c><00:32:53.679><c> they</c><00:32:53.919><c> really</c><00:32:54.159

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• care uh<00:32:09.120><c> long-term</c><00:32:09.600><c> services</c><00:32:09.919><c> and</c><00:32:
• :12.399><c> the</c><00:32:12.640><c> fact</c><00:32:12.720><c> that</c><00:32:12.960><c> a</c><00:32:
• 00:32:42.080><c> which</c><00:32:42.399><c> resulted</c><00:32:42.799><c> in</c><00:32:42.960><c> the
• :43.679><c> of</c><00:32:44.000><c> step</c><00:32:44.320><c> two</c><00:32:45.039><c> are</c><00:32:
• <00:32:55.279><c> costs</c><00:32:56.000><c> and</c><00:32:56.240><c> not</c><00:32:56.559><c> seeing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee to study long-term managed care met to approve the prior meeting minutes, with a clarification that “OB3” referred to the “one big beautiful bill.” The minutes were then approved. Chair Jim Kofalt outlined the day’s agenda, which included testimony from the Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, the New Hampshire Association of Counties, and later DHHS. He also noted that future meetings were expected soon and that the meetings were being livestreamed on YouTube. Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, represented by Kellyanne Totten and Amy Moore, urged inclusive planning and a cautious, phased approach if managed care is considered. They emphasized that home care providers are not uniform, with different licensing and service models, and said any pilot should include varied provider types, rural and southern regions, and agencies of different sizes. They warned that workforce shortages, inflation, and a possible 9% CMS cut to Medicare home health payments could force agencies to reduce service areas or service types. They also said the 2023 Medicaid CFI rate increase has begun to lose its effect. In response to questions, they said the rural health transformation fund may help with planning and telehealth but likely cannot be used directly for rates or recruitment/retention. They also described the New England Home Care Nurse Residency Program, a Department of Labor grant, as a way to bring new registered nurses into home care with added training and school partnerships. The New Hampshire Association of Counties, through county nursing home administrators Craig Labore and David Ross, revisited the earlier Step Two managed care discussions from 2016-2018. They said prior consultants found the long-term services and supports system was underfunded and needed investment to stabilize providers and expand community-based care. They argued the same concerns remain today and said a managed model would jeopardize the Medicaid quality incentive payment program and, for county nursing homes, the proportionate share payment program. Their testimony was generally opposed to moving forward with managed long-term services and supports without significant additional funding and safeguards.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:32:04.480><c> be</c><00:32:04.640><c> able</c><00:32:04.799><c> to</c><00:32:04.880><c
• ><c> types</c><00:32:05.519><c> of</c><00:32:05.679><c> training</c><00:32:05.919><c> that</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:07.919><c> Why</c><00:32:08.159><c> does</c><00:32:08.480><c> USDA</c><00:32:09.120><c> do
• Because the best<00:32:12.080><c> way</c><00:32:12.720><c> to</c><00:32:13.039><c> overcome</c><00:32
• > job</c><00:32:16.480><c> or</c><00:32:16.720><c> a</c><00:32:16.960><c> better</c><00:32:17.200><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:12.240><c> aware</c><00:32:13.120><c> that</c><00:32:14.080><c> Nasha</c><00:32:14.720><c>
• 00:32:16.320><c> safety</c><00:32:16.720><c> program</c><00:32:17.039><c> in</c><00:32:17.200><c> it<
• Not in<00:32:20.480><c> the</c><00:32:20.640><c> eight</c><00:32:20.880><c> years</c><00:32:21.120><c
• c> Um</c><00:32:27.760><c> I</c><00:32:28.000><c> was</c><00:32:28.159><c> wondering</c><00:32:28.399
• </c><00:32:35.679><c> like</c><00:32:35.919><c> that</c><00:32:36.240><c> is</c><00:32:37.200><c> um<

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:32:33.360><c> And</c><01:32:33.520><c> so,</c><01:32:33.840><c> I</c><01:32:34.239><c> am</c>
• But that<01:32:40.159><c> is</c><01:32:40.400><c> not</c><01:32:40.560><c> on</c><01:32:40.800><c> the
• And<01:32:45.360><c> we're</c><01:32:45.600><c> not</c><01:32:46.480><c> delaying</c><01:32:47.040><c
• ><01:32:49.600><c> a</c><01:32:49.920><c> time</c><01:32:50.320><c> specific</c><01:32:50.800><c> for
• </c><01:32:57.520><c> Chamber</c><01:32:57.760><c> of</c><01:32:57.920><c> Commerce</c><01:32:58.159>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Joint</c><00:32:36.480><c> Air</c><00:32:36.640><c> Force</c><00:32:36.880><c> Base</c><00:32:37.200
• <00:32:40.960><c> home</c><00:32:41.760><c> and</c><00:32:42.240><c> representative</c><00:32:42.880>
• :43.600><c> 14</c><00:32:44.000><c> was</c><00:32:44.480><c> 40</c><00:32:44.880><c> was</c><00:32:45.120
• c><00:32:47.039><c> Faith</c><00:32:47.360><c> Chase</c><00:32:47.600><c> of</c><00:32:47.840><c> Reuse
• > and</c><00:32:49.760><c> talking</c><00:32:50.159><c> to</c><00:32:50.640><c> AD</c><00:32:50.960><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:28.399><c> Um</c><00:32:29.279><c> this</c><00:32:29.519><c> was</c><00:32:29.600><c> an</
• <00:32:34.240><c> without</c><00:32:34.799><c> expanded</c><00:32:35.360><c> access</c><00:32:35.679>
• </c><00:32:39.360><c> Uh</c><00:32:39.679><c> the</c><00:32:39.919><c> benefits</c><00:32:40.240><c>
• </c><01:32:02.239><c> The</c><01:32:02.480><c> scope</c><01:32:02.719><c> of</c><01:32:02.880><c> the
• Today in America,<01:32:13.840><c> nearly</c><01:32:14.159><c> 90%</c><01:32:14.560><c> of</c><01:32:

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:32:06.840><c> the</c><00:32:06.960><c> city</c><00:32:07.799><c> and</c><00:32:08.200><c> the</
• :12.840><c> lot</c><00:32:12.960><c> of</c><00:32:13.080><c> funds</c><00:32:13.320><c> for</c><00:32
• 32:16.639><c> to</c><00:32:16.760><c> be</c><00:32:16.919><c> a</c><00:32:17.279><c> a</c><00:32:17.519
• okay</c><00:32:33.399><c> so</c><00:32:33.679><c> that</c><00:32:33.840><c> being</c><00:32:34.120><c
• :32:36.120><c> in</c><00:32:36.279><c> this</c><00:32:36.440><c> at</c><00:32:36.559><c> all</c><00:32

Bills: HF1833 , HF148 , HF1127 , HF1227 , HF1681 , HF1974 , HF1106 , HF1016 , HF2197

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: sales tax, education funding, construction, Aitkin Public Schools, tax exemption, refundable credit, HF148, use of force training, deadly force, peace officer training, police training, law enforcement, POST Board, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, scenario-based training, de-escalation, defensive tactics, force-on-force training, stress management, officer wellness

Transcript Highlights:

• house<02:32:03.319><c> calendar</c><02:32:03.880><c> is</c><02:32:04.120><c> is</c><02:32:04.319><c>
• speaker's<02:32:08.680><c> office</c><02:32:09.120><c> but</c><02:32:09.960><c> uh</c><02:32:10.080>
• ><c> I</c><02:32:16.840><c> think</c><02:32:17.160><c> we</c><02:32:17.439><c> may</c><02:32:18.120><
• :32:26.960><c> meet</c><02:32:27.960><c> so</c><02:32:28.279><c> I</c><02:32:28.399><c> have</c><02:32
• > either</c><02:32:31.920><c> but</c><02:32:32.160><c> we</c><02:32:32.319><c> might</c><02:32:32.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on HR 18, a resolution urging New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to seek federal changes that would let very small slaughter plants use custom-exempt inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present, so beef, pork, lamb, and goat could be sold as individual cuts directly to consumers. Representative Judy Aron said the resolution was drafted in lieu of state legislation because the issue is governed by USDA rules, and she noted she was also working on an amendment to ensure the measure covered federal “very small” plants. Representative Miner asked for clarification about custom slaughter versus retail sales, and Representative Scully supported the resolution while suggesting language to make clear it applied only to local end consumers. Joyce Brady of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the state’s four USDA slaughterhouses and the bottleneck in custom cutting made the issue important. After no further testimony, the chair closed the hearing. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. For HB 616, members discussed an amendment that had been revised after public comments and Commissioner Jasper’s feedback; Representative Guber said it balanced the competing positions, and Representative Penza and Representative Ger said the language now addressed concerns about animal suffering by allowing euthanasia if a treating veterinarian determines the animal is in extreme suffering. The committee then discussed HB 77, with Representative Penza describing changes to landfill-related standards, including replacing aquifer references with drinking water wells, removing a penalty section, changing discretionary language to mandatory language for the department, and adjusting an in situ soils standard. Members praised the compromise, though Representative Scully raised concerns about the 1,500-foot setback and suggested engineering controls such as berms; Penza responded that current rules do not include such controls and that the setback was intended to address surface spills. Several members said the bill reflected a hard-fought balance and should not be rewritten at the last minute. For HB 505, the freeze-dried food bill, Representative Aron explained that the amendment replaced a simple exemption with a requirement that homestead food operations selling freeze-dried foods from a farm stand, farmers market, or retail food store obtain a homestead food license under RSA 143-A:4. She said the amendment defines freeze-dried foods as fruits, vegetables, and commercially prepared dairy products, and delays the effective date 120 days to allow rulemaking. Members generally supported the approach as a light-touch oversight mechanism for potentially hazardous foods, though Representative Ktoa asked for clarification about how the amendment interacts with existing licensing and inspection exemptions, and Aron clarified that these products would not be exempt from licensing under the relevant law. The committee then turned to HB 250, concerning local authority over dog muzzling, where members broadly supported the amendment as a simple solution, while Representative Ktoa asked about the underlying definition of a vicious dog and whether all listed behaviors would warrant muzzling. The discussion noted that the amendment would allow towns to require muzzling for dogs meeting the statutory definition, while excluding hunting, working, herding, and similar dogs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:05.279><c> And</c><00:32:05.600><c> so,</c><00:32:06.159><c> you</c><00:32:06.320><c> know
• ><00:32:08.240><c> last</c><00:32:08.480><c> year</c><00:32:08.640><c> we</c><00:32:08.960><c> had</c
• ><00:32:13.519><c> we</c><00:32:13.760><c> still</c><00:32:13.919><c> have</c><00:32:14.080><c> to</c
• ><c> share</c><00:32:23.039><c> to</c><00:32:23.279><c> grow</c><00:32:23.440><c> our</c><00:32:23.679
• 32:25.679><c> what</c><00:32:25.919><c> we</c><00:32:26.080><c> have</c><00:32:26.240><c> as</c><00:32

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of economic development, tourism, and tax measures. SB 2411 drew broad support from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the University of Hawaiʻi, the Chamber of Commerce, and Retail Merchants, with one technical amendment suggested to change a partnership term from six to seven years. Members asked about implementation and annual costs, and the department said it would follow up with cost information. HB 2583 HD1, relating to economic development and a loan loss program, also received support, but DBED noted the state already has the CBED loan program and suggested the proposal could be placed under that existing framework rather than creating a new program. HB 1612, based on business revitalization task force recommendations, was supported by DBED and several business and advocacy groups, including the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and Grassroot Institute. Testimony emphasized improving Hawaii’s business climate and using a ranking/reporting tool to measure progress, while one senator questioned whether the bill would simply fund another study instead of direct improvements. HB 1613, relating to HTDC, was supported by HTDC, the Chamber of Commerce, and startup and industry representatives who said a permanent marketing/branding specialist would help attract tech talent, founders, and investors; a member asked why the position was not in the budget, and HTDC said federal NIST funding uncertainty affected the request. HB 1614, also on economic development, was supported by HTDC and business groups, and members discussed whether the state was missing federal funds due to lack of matching dollars; HTDC said it was difficult to know, but matching funds could help leverage more federal grants. The committee then took up HB 2590 on taxation for creative industries. The Motion Picture Association and Hawaii Film Alliance strongly supported the bill, saying it would correct GET treatment for payroll service companies, restore motion picture and TV production as manufacturing, and repeal a 2022 provision affecting qualified expenses; the Department of Taxation said it would provide revenue-impact information later. Finally, HB 1950 HD1 on the transient accommodations tax drew strong support from DBED, HTA, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, hotel and resort groups, and others, who argued for a dedicated tourism marketing fund and said the state needs more stable, long-term marketing investment. The Tax Foundation opposed the special fund approach, arguing it would reduce legislative flexibility. Members pressed witnesses on the appropriate percentage for the fund, with HTA suggesting 10% to 12% of TAT collections, and the discussion focused on how marketing spending relates to visitor spending, tax revenue, and long-term tourism competitiveness.

Transcript Highlights:

• were<00:32:00.960><c> out</c><00:32:01.120><c> this</c><00:32:01.360><c> weekend</c><00:32:02.000><c>
• :32:09.840><c> crews</c><00:32:10.159><c> as</c><00:32:10.320><c> well</c><00:32:10.480><c> as</c><00
• </c><00:32:12.320><c> We</c><00:32:12.559><c> do</c><00:32:12.880><c> owe</c><00:32:12.960><c> them</
• bills 1<00:32:55.840><c> 3</c><00:32:56.640><c> 10</c><00:32:57.440><c> 13</c><00:32:57.840><c> and<
• </c><00:32:58.799><c> And</c><00:32:58.960><c> I</c><00:32:59.120><c> do</c><00:32:59.279><c> have</c

Keywords: 958, all