Transcript Highlights:

• they think it's abuse or not, but without proper training they don't have that balance, and it really leads
• </c><00:06:42.599><c> and</c><00:06:42.759><c> it</c><00:06:42.880><c> really</c><00:06:43.080><c> leads
• </c> have that balance and it really leads have that balance and it really leads them<00:06:43.680><c
• the idea that this may be intended to only defer to people who specialize only in child abuse may lead
• to over capture um so know may may lead to over capture um so I<01:05:24.160><c> was</c><01:05:24.279

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 493, a proposal to require physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to complete child abuse and neglect training as part of licensure and continuing education. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the measure addresses a gap in provider training, especially because abuse can be difficult to recognize and voluntary training has had low participation. They described a free Dartmouth online course and argued that mandatory, repeated education would help providers identify signs of abuse, know when to involve specialists or DCYF, and improve child safety. Supporters also noted the bill was amended to clarify coverage for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nursing hours, and to address language concerns raised by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Committee members and OPLC counsel raised implementation questions, including whether the bill would apply to all physicians regardless of specialty, whether it created a new licensure condition rather than only a continuing education requirement, how often the training would need to be repeated, and whether the accreditation language fit nursing rules. OPLC also noted that psychiatrists would be covered as physicians, while psychologists would not. A child abuse pediatrician testified that in his experience, children were sometimes seen by providers who missed early signs of abuse, leading to worse outcomes, and that mandatory education was needed because voluntary programs had poor uptake. The New Hampshire Hospital Association opposed the bill, saying health care professionals already have reporting duties and that the legislature should not single out one training mandate when similar requirements are generally left to licensing boards. The Office of the Child Advocate supported the bill, citing cases from 2023 involving non-ambulatory infants with fractures, conflicting medical testimony in court, and a low completion rate for the existing free online course. The Child Advocate said the bill should be mandatory and recurring so providers stay current on evolving science and law. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lead Pinto and members, this morning I'm glad to introduce House File 1325, a bill to help support our
• I've also been the lead policy advocate for earned sick and safe time at the state and municipal levels
• </c><00:31:34.519><c> policies</c> has on more generous paid lead policies has on more generous paid
• </c> well thank you chair uh thank you lead well thank you chair uh thank you lead Pinto<00:52:39.160
• I think a lot of comments that again lead Pinto made and others, the spirit of this is right.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing. Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• going to start today with the executive session, but before we do that, I'll ask Senator Apprentice to lead
• :47:34.359><c> she</c> with over the years and she um is she with over the years and she um is she leads
• 36.280><c> at</c><00:47:36.400><c> the</c><00:47:36.520><c> Department</c><00:47:36.839><c> of</c> leads
• this program at the Department of leads this program at the Department of Health<00:47:37.119><c> and
• ><00:49:58.680><c> that's</c><00:49:58.880><c> in</c><00:49:59.160><c> collaboration</c> that they lead

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• also</c><01:56:16.560><c> called</c><01:56:16.760><c> Nasco</c><01:56:17.440><c> so</c> NASCO is a leading
• For example, Exeter has an ordinance to deal with winter parking, a winter parking ban, or what parks

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Lead<00:15:37.360><c> Rasmmanson.</c> &gt;&gt; Lead Rasmmanson. &gt;&gt; Lead Rasmmanson.
• I will follow their lead. Members, any other comments or questions? Senator Adkkey.
• So, point well taken, and absolutely we'll take the lead on where you're going with that.
• &gt;&gt; Yep.<00:38:02.960><c> Lead</c><00:38:03.280><c> Rasmmanson.</c> &gt;&gt; Yep.
• Lead Rasmmanson. &gt;&gt; Yep. Lead Rasmmanson. &gt;&gt; Rasmmanson.<00:38:05.200><c> No.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committees resumed discussion of amendments to a bill dealing with licensing moratoria, change-of-ownership rules, and related provider oversight issues. Amendment A8 would prevent a licensing moratorium for certain intermediate care service settings from blocking a new license when the change is due to a change of ownership, including temporary licenses and transitional licenses. Department of Human Services staff said they were still reviewing the language but explained the department’s concern was maintaining program integrity and ensuring owners go through full change-of-ownership review so the agency can see who owns a provider and check compliance history. Senators supporting the amendment argued it would keep legitimate businesses from being harmed by a moratorium and could help preserve providers when ownership changes or family members take over after a death. A8 was adopted on a roll call, with both committees voting in support. Amendment A9, also on the moratorium topic, would exempt a change of ownership from the moratorium so long as it does not increase license capacity or service scope. The department said it needed more analysis to avoid unintended consequences, but the amendment was added to the working bill. Amendment A10 proposed a more detailed, data-driven framework for the moratorium and included a provision about refunds after implementation; department staff said the language would add cost and would require technical assistance, while senators emphasized the need to address licensure backlogs and avoid making provider delays worse. A10 was approved by the committees, though not unanimously. Amendment A11 would have set standards for how the commissioner designates provider types or program areas as moderate or high risk, with added transparency criteria. The department said the commissioner already has that authority and raised concerns about federal requirements and the state’s corrective action plan, and Senator Hoffman withdrew the amendment. Amendment A12, offered by Senator Fateh, would preserve remote supports by removing bill language that repealed the service and would add safeguards for remote overnight supervision, including staffing ratios to ensure emergency response times can be met. Several senators supported keeping remote services as an important, cost-effective option amid workforce shortages, while the department said it had program integrity concerns and supported the governor’s proposal to remove the service. The committee nevertheless advanced A12, with members noting the need to balance safety and integrity with access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. obligations or leading to new property obligations or leading to new property tax<00:12:50.680
• </c> times um and which which sometimes leads times um and which which sometimes leads to<01:03:01.839
• So with that, Chair Krisha and Lead You AE, I'd be open to some questions.
• Yeah, I'm going to go to questions, so Representative Perez-Vega, you got to lead us off.
• Yeah, I'm going to go to questions, so Representative Perez-Vega, you got to lead us off.

Bills: HF957 , HF877

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But these people that I've introduced are truly the backbone that have helped lead the department in
• She's going to lead us through a number of requests that we have, as I mentioned in my opening remarks
• The question he asked you is, you know, you should be leading this.
• The question he asked you is, you know, you should be leading this.
• aren't going to lead and tell us<01:28:32.840><c> we're</c><01:28:32.960><c> going</c><01:28:33.080>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And first we're looking at leading health indicators, performance indicators for Medicaid managed care
• And first we're looking at leading health indicators, performance indicators for Medicaid managed care
• And first we're looking at leading health indicators, performance indicators for Medicaid managed care
• And first we're looking at leading health indicators, performance indicators for Medicaid managed care
• And first we're looking at leading health indicators, performance indicators for Medicaid managed care

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee held its first meeting to discuss creating a Healthcare Transparency Dashboard focused largely on Kentucky Medicaid. Members introduced themselves and described their interest in using data transparency to improve policy, access to care, and program efficiency. The co-chairs said the dashboard should begin with a basic framework and expand over time, with a mission centered on collaboratively designing and maintaining a secure, data-driven dashboard housed with the Legislative Research Commission. Discussion focused on what should be measured and how data should be organized. Members agreed the dashboard should segment Medicaid populations rather than aggregate them, with separate attention to aged and disabled enrollees, expansion adults, and children. Suggested measures included emergency department utilization and follow-up, cancer screenings, child and adolescent well visits, adult well visits, postpartum care, newborn screenings and follow-ups, hospitalization and readmission rates, pharmacy, behavioral health, and claims data. Several members emphasized the need to include demographic and geographic information, while noting some items such as education may not be readily available in Medicaid data and that HIPAA and access issues will affect how detailed the public-facing dashboard can be. Members also discussed existing data sources and warned against duplicating work already being done by the cabinet, the Office of Data Analytics, CMS scorecards, and university Medicaid directed payment reporting. The group was encouraged to review the Medicaid and CHIP scorecard, which includes quality, administrative, and program characteristic measures, as a possible model. No formal votes were taken, but the subcommittee agreed to continue refining the mission statement, identify priority metrics, and consider benchmarking, outcomes, data-sharing, and technical platform issues before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you, leading on this committee, you understand that.
• But you, leading on this committee, you understand that, you know the value of that.
• It sort of leads into the next slide that talks about the net farm back to the farm.
• And Madam Chair, it leads in. The full study is on our website, so please, you can download it.
• So we have Lynette Flage, who is part of our workforce lead here.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of those leading recommendations, which I agree with, of course, is a sunset provision.
• But my commitment to that work and to the institutions that lead them in my community is steadfast.
• to lead and strengthen my district or dividing it more.
• To my leader, Leah Berman, thank you for leading our caucus with such grace.
• And Pizzo, I'm going to miss you because you do lead with your conscience, brother.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where a condition of the home would likely lead to or actually cause unjustifiable pain, malnourishment
• unsafe conditions in the home for a maximum of six months, where conditions of the home would likely lead
• They know how many leads they need to approach to get a conversation.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens in our state.
• We're the number one state in the country is the third leading cause of suicide is the third leading

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first deferred HB 374 without objection. It then heard SB 46, which creates the crime of unlawful operation of a group home aimed at protecting vulnerable adults living in unsafe, unlicensed residences where operators control residents’ assets. The Attorney General’s office described severe neglect and exploitation in some homes, while the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center opposed the bill over concerns it could create confusion, criminalize legitimate recovery or disability housing, and chill protected housing arrangements. After discussion, including assurances that the bill was narrowly targeted at bad actors, the committee reported SB 46 favorably. The committee next took up HB 276, which sets a statewide minimum bail amount for certain sexual offenses against minors. Testimony from a victim’s mother and an anti-trafficking expert supported the bill as a way to keep dangerous offenders detained and protect children, while members debated whether the original $50,000 minimum was too low and could be treated as a benchmark. The committee amended the bill in committee to raise the minimum to $1 million and to add human trafficking involving a victim under 18 to the covered offenses, then reported HB 276 favorably as amended. Members then heard SB 42 and SB 110, both addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. SB 42 expands the definition of child sexual abuse material to include digital and AI-generated depictions, while SB 110 prohibits using a child’s image to train AI to produce such material. The Attorney General’s office and survivor advocates supported the measures as necessary updates to keep pace with technology and protect children; the committee reported both bills favorably. HB 998, dealing with forensic medical exams and reimbursement for domestic violence victims, especially strangulation cases, was also heard and amended to remove human trafficking references and set implementation steps; advocates said the bill would improve evidence collection and reimbursement, and it was reported favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee heard SB 51 on fraudulent representation of military service or awards, which was supported as a tool to address stolen valor and was reported favorably, and HB 323 on notification and reporting of inmate deaths, which was presented as a transparency measure after a family testified about learning of a relative’s death from the news rather than the facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• At women's prisons, where the state has caused deep, documented harm, CDCR should be leading with urgency
• At women's prisons, where the state has caused deep, documented harm, CDCR should be leading with urgency
• Reporting misconduct leads to harassment, denied promotions, and fear of losing your job.
• And when I saw this video, it took me right back to that, where you see somebody leading and then so
• And if there’s anything in there, when they’re reviewing that initial information, that leads them to

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• care</c><00:35:56.200><c> team</c><00:35:56.680><c> if</c><00:35:56.920><c> the</c><00:35:57.080><c> lead
• </c> the continuity of care team if the lead the continuity of care team if the lead agency<00:35:57.960
• Which I hope you're leading us to the point of last year we had marked $178 million."
• Which I hope you're leading<00:57:13.760><c> us</c><00:57:13.880><c> to</c><00:57:13.960><c> the</c><
• us to the point of last year we leading us to the point of last year we had<00:57:15.640><c> marked<

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We must be prepared to lead again.
• That is an issue that leads people...”
• “That is an issue that leads people to forego care, to become sicker.
• And as it's been stated, and we know, after COVID, delayed care leads to more expensive care.
• Uncertainty for our patients leads to harm and even death when our patients cannot get access to care

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hit-and-runs are most problematic because they can lead to delays in care for injured victims.
• referred us to, where you start getting into various specific Penal Code violations that may even lead
• Now we're getting to enforcement and the enforcement actions that lead to the criminal legal process.
• to address gaps in the system and strengthen tools available to prevent impaired driving before it leads
• California should lead, not lag, in deploying this innovative technology and safety tools that can save

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, traffic violence, speed management, and how criminal and administrative systems interact. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the hearing was intended to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on that day. They emphasized the scale of roadway deaths and serious injuries, the need for a holistic Safe System approach, and the importance of hearing from law enforcement, researchers, victims’ advocates, judges, and DMV officials. The first panel reviewed current DUI law and research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalties, including escalating misdemeanor and felony consequences, ignition interlock device requirements, license suspensions, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, speed, and vulnerable road users, and the state’s Safe System and safety corridor efforts. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley presented research supporting systemic interventions such as self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders; she also noted that many DUI fatalities involve first-time offenders and that punitive measures alone have limited effect on high-risk drivers. Members pressed witnesses on ignition interlocks, speed governors, DUI treatment, diversion, and whether current penalties are strong enough. Several senators, including Archuleta and Blakespear, argued for stronger immediate consequences and better use of in-car technology, while witnesses said chronic offenders often need treatment and that some existing programs may be underused or inconsistently effective. The discussion also touched on data gaps, the need to distinguish alcohol- from drug-involved crashes, and the possibility of allowing diversion for some first-time DUI cases while preserving consequences for repeat offenses. The second panel addressed DMV and court processes. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the department handles mandatory, court-ordered, and administrative actions, and that recent process changes have reduced DMV hearing delays from roughly 170 days to under 70 days in many cases. Judge Lisa Rodriguez explained that county-by-county court practices, case filing delays, sentencing timelines, and paper or mixed electronic systems can slow reporting to DMV, especially for misdemeanors and felonies. She said courts are reviewing reporting requirements, training, and case-management coding to improve transmission of DUI orders, while DMV said it is open to simplification and better coordination but is constrained by aging systems and the motor vehicle account’s financial limits. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:02.680><c> states</c><00:28:03.280><c> or</c> you where some of the leading states or you
• where some of the leading states or states<00:28:04.120><c> who</c><00:28:04.200><c> are</c><00:28:04.240
• 00:29:50.200><c> it</c> So, these are the use cases that later today Nihar and Vikram are going to lead
• 31:28.560><c> CIOs</c><00:31:29.200><c> to</c><00:31:29.320><c> kind</c><00:31:29.520><c> of</c> to lead
• the CIOs to kind of to lead the CIOs to kind of identify<00:31:31.000><c> which</c><00:31:31.320><c>

Committee: Joint Technology

Keywords: Technology - Room 409, 5 March, 2026; 8:00 A.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the CEO of iFixit and the chairman of repair.org, which leads the right to repair coalition.
• </c><00:45:58.720><c> This</c><00:45:58.960><c> could</c><00:45:59.200><c> lead</c><00:45:59.839><c>
• This could lead this repair providers.
• This could lead this bill<00:46:00.480><c> to</c><00:46:00.640><c> become</c><00:46:01.440><c> could<
• lead to both bill to become could lead to both physical<00:46:02.560><c> safety</c><00:46:02.880><c>

Bills: SF0052 , SF0024

Committee: House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we're going to do something that's not on the agenda, but if we could stand and and uh I'm going to lead
• you in the pledge and then I've asked Representative Jackson to lead us in a prayer.
• </c> could stand and and uh I'm going to lead could stand and and uh I'm going to lead you<00:01:35.439
• ><00:01:38.720><c> us</c><00:01:38.799><c> in</c><00:01:38.960><c> a</c> Representative Jackson to lead
• us in a Representative Jackson to lead us in a prayer.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:30 Personnel Cabinet 00:03:25 Department of Veterans Affairs 00:12:40 Auditor of Public Accounts 00:22:39 State Treasurer 00:42:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard from Personnel Cabinet officials on House Bill 6, which required the Kentucky Employees Health Plan to offer a qualified high-deductible health plan by the 2026 plan year. Officials said the plan was already added for 2025, described it as the lowest-premium option with higher deductibles, and explained that federal rules prevent first-dollar coverage except for limited preventive services. They said 264 members had selected the plan out of about 142,000, and noted it also allows health savings accounts. Members asked about the plan’s benefits, what “catastrophic” meant, the deductible amounts, and whether employees were aware of the option; the cabinet said it would continue to highlight the plan in communications and that the deductible is above $8,000 for individuals and above $16,000 for families. The committee then received an update from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs on the Bowling Green veterans center. Officials said the current target is to move into the building on October 28, with first admissions about two months later, pending final fixes and certification steps for Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. They explained that about $7 million in FY25 appropriations lapsed because of construction delays, staffing ramp-up was postponed to avoid unnecessary spending, and the unspent funds should be considered in the next budget request. Members praised the project and asked about annual operating costs; officials said the current operating budget is about $15 million, though they do not expect to spend all of it this year. The commissioner also announced the fifth annual state commanders conference in Lexington, focused on veterans issues and featuring state, federal, and advocacy leaders. State Auditor Allison Ball then outlined her office’s budget priorities. She said the office is primarily a billing agency that charges audited entities for its work, and warned that some agencies are now signaling they may refuse to pay for audits related to kinship care and the medical cannabis application process. She said the office plans to continue requesting outlier credits for unusually burdensome county audit fees, funding for the ombudsman office’s transition and expanded in-office operations, and revenue replacement for local government audits and possibly state audits and special examinations. Ball also said the office conducts about 500 audits, reviews, and examinations a year and wants to restore performance audits with seed funding, as well as add investigators to the ombudsman office to focus more on child abuse and neglect cases. Members discussed the value of performance audits, the possibility of raising certain board thresholds to account for inflation, and the need for additional capacity to handle more audits.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Gulf Coast to West Texas, so that state government can meet our constituents where they are to lead
• Texas was leading the nation in Section 5 violations, and also, as Ms.
• So, registering now, oddly enough, will lead the federal court to rule against Texas.
• , more poverty, and the reality that poverty leads to death for members of our community.
• As a former lead epidemiologist for the Hidalgo County Health Department, I can attest that during the

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would lead to increased costs for both state and local governments. Thank you. Thank you.
• This would lead to increased costs for both state and local governments.
• I think it makes it a good bill, and hopefully this will lead to significant savings for our county,
• I think it makes it a good bill, and hopefully this will lead to significant savings for our county,
• Specifically, this bill provides an exemption from property taxation for ADUs that are rented or lead

Bills: AB6 , AB102 , AB131 , AB212 , AB213 , AB220 , AB259 , AB282 , AB376 , AB396 , AB479 , AB503 , AB570 , AB572 , AB574 , AB576 , AB593 , SB185 , SB207 , SB507 , AB6

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, FASD, prenatal alcohol exposure, children's health, developmental disability, early intervention, treatment assistance, Aging and Disability Services Division, Department of Health and Human Services, Autism Treatment Assistance Program, public health, parent education, evidence-based treatment, Nevada NRS 427A, disability services, behavioral health, emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district