Transcript Highlights:

• Rate analysis is a big thing.
• Uh rate<01:02:56.000><c> analyst</c><01:02:56.559><c> rates</c><01:02:56.880><c> is</c><01:02:57.119>
• </c> rate analyst rates is is a big thing. rate analyst rates is is a big thing.
• High-pressure system common leak rates: 20%.
• </c> high-pressure system common leak rates high-pressure system common leak rates 20%.<01:37:02.480>

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the minutes, and brief remarks, including birthday recognition for Representative Maseroni and a moment of reflection for a soldier who died during training at Fort Knox. The committee then heard a presentation from Tony Hatton, commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection and acting director of the Kentucky Division of Water, with Amanda Lefer, deputy commissioner, on the state’s water and wastewater programs and planning. Hatton described Kentucky’s water resources and the Division of Water’s responsibilities, including watershed and nonpoint source work, KPDES discharge permitting, PFAS response, engineering review of water infrastructure, inspections, public outreach, and sampling. He said Kentucky has 428 public water systems, 263 water treatment plants, about 1.9 million service connections, and nearly 97% of the population has access to municipally treated water. He also noted that the state has 43 systems receiving awards for EPA areawide optimization and emphasized operator training, regionalization, and use of GIS mapping and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority data to support planning and funding decisions. Members raised concerns about aging infrastructure, water loss, staffing shortages, and wastewater problems in local systems. Representative Blandon described severe failures in a city system, including major water loss and sewer backups, and asked whether the state could intervene; Hatton said the division inspects treatment facilities and provides compliance assistance but is not authorized to manage delivery systems, though third-party help and emergency funding can be used in some cases. Senator Smith and others shared similar experiences with line loss and system failures, while Hatton pointed to regionalization and funding support as the main tools available. The discussion also highlighted PFAS as an emerging issue, with Hatton saying the department is working with systems to meet anticipated federal requirements by 2029.

Transcript Highlights:

• A 100% pass rate for BSN this past year.
• For the last several years, 100% pass rate for ASN, 100% pass rate for our doctor of occupational therapy
• And these are rates if they want a job. And these are good<00:48:42.160><c> jobs.
• Um, and our graduation rate and our speed to graduation has been improving.
• Uh the six-year graduation rate is 2020.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, through all of this, I don’t hear anybody talking about the maternal mortality rates in our country
• Also, through all of this, I don’t hear anybody talking about the maternal mortality rates in our country
• rates in the hospital<00:58:50.520><c> it's</c><00:58:50.799><c> ridiculous</c><00:58:51.400><c> to<
• We have an extremely high maternal death rate. We need to bring that down.
• or limited health care rates or limited health care infrastructure<01:24:47.119><c> divers</c><01:24

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1194 HD2, a bill to regulate midwifery and require accredited education for licensed midwives. Supporters, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, ACOG, a pediatrician, and several licensed midwives, argued the bill would improve maternal and newborn safety, clarify the definition of midwife, strengthen accountability, and align Hawaii with national education standards. They said accredited training is necessary to avoid gaps in knowledge and to support safe transfers and collaboration with hospitals. Opponents, including many midwives, parents, cultural practitioners, and community groups, argued the bill would restrict access to care, criminalize traditional and apprenticeship-based midwifery, and undermine reproductive autonomy and Native Hawaiian and other cultural birthing practices. Several asked for amendments to preserve a birth attendant exemption, the PET/portfolio pathway, and cultural and religious protections. Others said the bill would disproportionately harm rural, Indigenous, and low-income families by making training and licensure less accessible. The committee also heard testimony from state and county entities and professional organizations, with some standing on written testimony and others offering brief comments. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers of the one-minute limit and the possibility that final decision-making would be deferred if quorum was lost. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The average rate was 6.72, and the lowest weight was 2.67, which required centers to post their license
• </c> take the top 10% of the highest rated take the top 10% of the highest rated items<00:08:28.759><
• They'll be able to provide care longer at lower rates, so thank you.
• They'll be able to provide care longer at lower rates, so thank you.
• We have meanwhile been focused on the Parent Aware ratings.

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
• , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
• , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
• , high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median household income.
• </c><01:26:02.520><c> or</c> necessitating increased Levy rates or necessitating increased Levy rates

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul had a solve rate of about 35%.
• <c> of</c> solve rate, the clearance rate of solve rate, the clearance rate of nonfatal<01:37:56.560>
• Paul had a solve rate of city of St. Paul had a solve rate of about<01:38:00.719><c> 35%.
• </c> clearance rate to 70 over 70% 70.1%. clearance rate to 70 over 70% 70.1%.
• Uh, but rate went from 35 to 70%.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's that nearly one-third attrition rate.
• </c> our state and that's our attrition rate our state and that's our attrition rate for<00:48:21.920
• </c> that nearly one-third attrition rate. that nearly one-third attrition rate.
• So that's a 77% retention rate when we look at a five-year retention period.
• He said 418 of 560 districts in Minnesota responded, a remarkably high response rate for a survey.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, Minnesota has an incarceration rate of 151 people per 100,000 residents.
• Why is our incarceration rate so low?
• Minnesota has actually a very low crime rate. It's 30% lower than the national average.
• It is what is the rate of crime and, when they're released from corrections, what is the rate of recidivism
• It is what is the rate of incarcerated.

Transcript Highlights:

• as well as in the waiver system, the disability waiver rate system.
• as well as in the waiver system, the disability waiver rate system.
• as well as in the waiver system, the disability waiver rate system.
• as well as in the waiver system, the disability waiver rate system.
• </c> mental health rates and sud rates as mental health rates and sud rates as well<01:08:44.920><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:58:24.880><c> If</c><00:58:25.119><c> you</c> reduce chronic absenteeism rates.
• If you reduce chronic absenteeism rates.
• Some districts are as high as 40 rate.
• Uh line 156 um you know last year rates.
• maybe get more eyes on our absenteeism rates.

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• There will be fewer students ready for STEM careers, which are expected to grow at twice the rate of
• There will be fewer students ready for STEM careers, which are expected to grow at twice the rate of
• There will be fewer students ready for STEM careers, which are expected to grow at twice the rate of
• Typically, Minnesota's FAFSA completion rate is around 45% to 50%, which puts us in the bottom 10 to
• Typically, Minnesota's FAFSA completion rate is around 45% to 50%, which puts us in the bottom 10 to

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But you're not thinking that we need rate increases like Medicaid did, rate increases to match Medicare
• did need rate increases like Medicaid did rate<00:44:33.760><c> increases</c><00:44:34.400><c> to</c
• did rate increases to sorry Medicaid did rate increases to match<00:44:38.160><c> Medicare.
• </c> rates for primary care services. rates for primary care services.
• </c><00:46:56.800><c> And</c> rates. Um that's that's our concern. And rates.

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do graduate persistence rate; graduation rate is really high.
• </c> Um we do graduate persistence rate Um we do graduate persistence rate graduation<01:16:08.719><c
• </c> atherton and what was the vacancy rate atherton and what was the vacancy rate and<01:32:00.080><
• These are all bed rates, not unit rates. But how do you come up with the unit rate?
• These are all bed rates, not unit rates. But how do you come up with the unit rate?

Transcript Highlights:

• , a good interest rate, I shall say, for our purposes, less likely to get a good interest rate, less
• , a good interest rate, I shall say, for our purposes, less likely to get a good interest rate, less
• Remember, interest rates are up.
• </c><04:22:19.120><c> We</c> Remember, interest rates are up. We Remember, interest rates are up.
• It's a crap rate of return.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:31:34.080><c> for</c> go down and then insurer rates for go down and then insurer rates for everyone
• Speaker. hepatitis B infection or death rates. hepatitis B infection or death rates.
• However, when setting local tax rates.
• And yet, the Eversource all-in electric rates in Massachusetts are over 30% higher than their rates in
• </c><05:30:19.120><c> in</c> the Eversource all-in electric rates in the Eversource all-in electric rates

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> them and because because of lower rates them and because because of lower rates or<03:41:19.520>
• </c> look at the revenue the the rating look at the revenue the the rating agencies<03:47:50.120><c>
• </c> rating and and of course with the rating rating and and of course with the rating agencies<03:49
• If our ratings are, um, if we maintain the highest ratings, our borrowing costs are going to be low,
• are um if we maintain the ratings are um if we maintain the highest<03:51:22.920><c> ratings</c><03:

Summary: The committee first heard from the Personnel Appeals Board, which explained that it became an independent state agency after Senate Bill 487 and was presenting its first standalone operating budget. The board described its quasi-judicial role in hearing appeals from classified state employees over disciplinary actions such as warnings, suspensions, and terminations, and said it handles about 25 to 35 cases a year, with some cases lasting longer because of their complexity. Members also outlined the need for a chair and vice chair who are attorneys, the board’s current staffing and space needs, and its plan to move away from reliance on Administrative Services for office support and website functions. The board requested about $353,500 for fiscal year 2026, including startup costs, routine operating expenses, and two new part-time positions: a program director and a paralegal. Members said the budget reflects the new independent status, includes funding for only four board members rather than the authorized five, and is designed to avoid full-time staffing costs and benefits. Legislators asked about the cost per case, the board’s relationship to DAS, whether appeals must go through the board before court, and how often cases are appealed further. The board said appeals must first go through it, that court appeals are infrequent but have increased recently, and that the board’s process is intended to resolve disputes more quickly and less expensively than court litigation. Committee members also asked about the board’s caseload, outcomes, and staffing. The board said that in the prior year there were 22 cases, with four decisions overturned in favor of employees, nine dismissals, and nine settlements, and that many disputes are resolved before reaching the board through a multi-step internal process. A member noted the governor and council had recently approved a new board member and were expected to approve a fifth soon. The discussion ended with questions about the board’s website and records access, which members said would need to be moved from Administrative Services as part of the agency’s transition. The committee then moved to the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities. The executive director explained that the council is 100 percent federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and develops a five-year plan to address the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said the council works with state agencies and advocacy organizations on quality-of-life issues, accessibility, voter rights training, and plain-language or easy-to-read materials, and that 60 percent of its membership must be individuals with disabilities or family members/guardians. She also described the council’s funding structure, including reimbursement to the state for operating costs, and noted that it currently has three full-time and three part-time positions, with no new positions requested but one full-time position being eliminated and replaced after a pandemic-era staffing change did not work out as planned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> plus interest at a rate of 10%. plus interest at a rate of 10%.
• </c><04:39:16.721><c> So,</c> some ability to offer varying rates.
• So, some ability to offer varying rates.
• </c><04:39:23.881><c> that</c> rate must include one or more rates that rate must include one or more
• </c> Um and then some other the initial rates Um and then some other the initial rates for<04:39:42.640

Transcript Highlights:

• , House No. 4289, local approval received; the House bill further regulating the year-round market rate
• An act further regulating the year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown
• An act further regulating the year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring Oxford Fire Chief Laurent R. McDonald for 45 years of public service. Members also adopted an order creating a special joint committee on initiative petitions to review petitions transmitted by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. In addition, House Bill 862, providing for the recall of elected officers in the town of Sharon, was passed to be enacted. The House then acted on several procedural and scheduling matters. It suspended Joint Rule 12 to send three petitions to committee, and the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a group of local and special bills for consideration, including measures on home insurers and tree removal, housing for families with pets, public safety in Stoneham, community housing funds in Chatham, the Provincetown rental housing trust fund, a disability pension for Christopher Taylor, and a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix. These bills were ordered to a third reading. The House also welcomed visiting students from Four Rivers Charter Public School and the Medfield Girls Soccer State Champions. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed four police-age waiver bills for Antonio Perez, Sherell Malas, Jonathan Telford, and Jose Ortiz, all directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement. The chamber also observed a moment of silent tribute for the late Honorable Francis J. Larkin of Hopedale, recognizing his long career in public service, law, and education. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The shortage is income, and market rate.
• </c> and that includes luxury and market rate and that includes luxury and market rate development.<01
• ><c> we're</c><01:43:46.400><c> not</c> market rate construction, we're not market rate construction,
• or below-market-rate housing cost.
• So, but at any rate, um... [laughter] Take care of it while he's not around.

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> question and rather shocking rate question and rather shocking rate however<00:26:26.919><c> uh<
• </c><00:39:55.920><c> of</c> their estimates on the assumed rate of their estimates on the assumed rate
• be considered a fair market value or rate, unless a submarket rate is agreed to by the property owner
• </c> beat each other up and get the best rate beat each other up and get the best rate for<01:09:39.319
• Again, following that state rate fee, making sure folks aren't charging abnormally high rates.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.