Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:07.760> Would<00:14:08.000> it<00:14:08.160> be<00:14:08.320> more
• Again,<00:14:20.800> you<00:14:20.959> know,<00:14:21.440> section<00:14:21.839>
• <00:14:24.480> We<00:14:24.800> didn't<00:14:25.040> really,<00:14:25.360>
• ><00:14:26.480> get<00:14:26.639> any<00:14:26.959> testimony<00:14:27.440> on
• <00:14:31.760> If<00:14:32.000> you<00:14:32.240> want<00:14:32.399> to

Keywords: 12:30pm HB 421 2:00pm HB 701 3:00pm HB 377 4:00pm HB 712, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference first took up House Bill 421FN, concerning notice of tax-exempt status filing procedures by town officials. Members reviewed the Senate changes and focused on whether the amended language would require multiple mailings to charitable organizations. House conferees said the Senate wording appeared to create more than one mailing and asked for clarification; Senate members explained the intent was to reduce clerk workload by posting forms and sending a follow-up notice only to organizations that failed to file after the deadline. After a brief caucus, the House concluded there were too many unresolved changes to work out in conference and moved to non-concur with the Senate amendment. The House motion to non-concur passed unanimously, 4-0, and the committee agreed to place the conference report on the House consent calendar. The chair then closed the committee of conference on House Bill 421FN. The transcript then shifted to a separate committee of conference on another bill, where members discussed revisions involving direct supervision at an eligible facility, federalwide assurance requirements, and immunity language. Testimony focused on whether the bill should require supervision at a specific facility or allow broader supervision arrangements, whether rulemaking should define direct supervision, and whether the immunity provision should cover reckless as well as willful misconduct. No final vote or action on that second bill was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well,<00:14:04.959> so<00:14:05.199> one<00:14:05.360> of<00:14:05.440>
• :14:13.279> by<00:14:13.440> operation<00:14:13.839> of<00:14:14.079> law
• <00:14:14.959> can<00:14:15.120> take<00:14:15.279> a<00:14:15.519> long<
• especially<00:14:16.560> if<00:14:16.800> it's<00:14:17.199> land<00:14:17.519><
• So,<00:14:19.680> Um<00:14:20.399> but<00:14:21.199> when<00:14:21.519> you

Bills: SB2613, SB2147

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts. Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain. The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<01:14:39.719> just<01:14:39.840> want<01:14:39.960> to<01:14:40.120><
• ><01:14:47.280> about<01:14:48.120> um<01:14:48.480> but<01:14:48.639> just
• c> couple<01:14:49.159> of<01:14:49.280> quick<01:14:49.520> questions<01:14
• :14:50.800> success<01:14:51.080> of<01:14:51.239> this<01:14:51.360> program
• c> going<01:14:52.040> back<01:14:52.199> to<01:14:52.400> your<01:14:53.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, if you will please turn with me to page 14.
• You all know there's a special session that was called yesterday for October 1st.
• The next item on your agenda is all behind tab 14.
• We're going to be playing softball in early October up in Santa Fe.
• I hope to see you all down in the hangar in Las Cruces in October.

Transcript Highlights:

• paragraph that says any person charged with a felony offense or an offense punishable pursuant to R.S. 14
• I am concerned with line, page one, lines 14 through 16, page 2, lines 7 through 10.
• You see, my mother was 14. And in 1958, you just didn't have a baby out of wedlock.

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 19, 2026, with a long agenda and several members’ bills and resolutions. The committee first considered HB 255, as substituted, which would add up to two years of imprisonment for a person charged with a felony or rioting offense who wore a mask or face covering to evade identification, with exceptions for religious coverings, motorcycles, and medical use. Supporters said it targeted concealment during felonies; the ACLU opposed it as redundant and potentially overbroad, while the Louisiana District Attorneys Association clarified the enhancement would apply only to felony convictions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 255 favorably by a vote of 8-3. It then advanced HB 378, which creates penalties for using a vehicle to obstruct first responders and law enforcement; after an amendment narrowed the bill to first responders, it was reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, also passed favorably after testimony emphasizing attacks on houses of worship. HR 272, requesting a study on parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably as well. The committee also heard HB 479, the Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act, which would require more detailed reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts. Supporters, including the ACLU, said the bill would improve transparency and help lawmakers make better fiscal decisions; clerks of court opposed it as an unfunded mandate. Despite amendments shifting reporting duties and clarifying compliance with Children’s Code Article 412, the bill failed on a 4-7 roll call. The committee then deferred HCR 99 and took up HR 278, which asks the Attorney General to consult stakeholders and review electronic monitoring laws and regulations; supporters described serious failures in the current GPS monitoring system, and the resolution was reported favorably. HR 273, creating a task force to study work release programs, was also reported favorably after members said it would help refine the system and gather cost data. Later, the committee heard SB 448 on the Office of the State Public Defender. After discussion of a recent Supreme Court ruling and concerns about expert-witness funding and indigency determinations, the committee adopted an amendment adding a contradictory-hearing process and appellate review protections, then reported the bill as amended. HCR 100, concerning casino property sales, was amended to remove specific property references and instead urge the Gaming Control Board to consider economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the casino association withdrew opposition after the amendment, and the resolution was reported favorably as amended. The committee also voluntarily deferred SB 278 and HCR 91. HB 261, which would create exceptions to abortion laws for rape and certain sex offenses, drew extensive emotional testimony from supporters and opponents, including survivors and legislators discussing rape, incest, and fetal life; the bill was defeated 2-10. Finally, the committee took up HB 778 on kratom possession, with the author arguing for a distinction between natural kratom and synthetic products, and supporters and opponents offering conflicting testimony about safety, addiction recovery, and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This window is set at no fewer than 14 days and no more than 30 days before the... program begins.
• at least, we've been very proactive in adopting the most up-to-date flood data, such as SEMA's Atlas 14
• to plant the seed and see if you would consider adding on page three, section in lines 12, 13, and 14

Bills: HB48, HB 66, HB 68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB 3, SB 18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Transcript Highlights:

• We voted to renew it for two years, to October 1, 2027. Uh, and it has...
• We reviewed them and are also recommending a two-year renewal to October 1, 2027.
• Recommending a two-year renewal to October 1, 2027.
• They operated without a contract in place for three periods of time between October 21 and October 23
• We examined them at Sunset as well and recommended a four-year renewal to go through October 1 of...

Bills: HB25, HB108, HB109, HB111, HB112, HB113, HB117, HB118, HB119, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB131, HB25

Keywords: emergency services, 911, local districts, joint operations, contracting, HB108, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset reauthorization, board continuation, speech-language pathology, audiology, licensing board, professional regulation, healthcare regulation, occupational licensing, speech therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, Sunset Committee, Code of Alabama 1975

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but Mary loved<00:14:00.639> flowers<00:14:01.040> and<00:14:01.199> I<00:14
• > this<00:14:03.120> uh<00:14:03.279> we<00:14:03.600> have<00:14:04.000>
• have um here and<00:14:04.560> so<00:14:04.720> Mary<00:14:04.959> and<00:14:05.199
• > I<00:14:05.360> talked<00:14:05.760> flowers<00:14:06.160> and And so Mary
• The<01:14:53.600> clerk<01:14:53.920> will<01:14:54.080> call<01:14:54.239> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• we<00:14:11.120> can<00:14:11.320> help<00:14:11.640> more<00:14:11.920>
• We're<01:14:05.520> in<01:14:05.600> the<01:14:05.680> process<01:14:06.080>
• of<01:14:06.200> trying<01:14:06.440> to<01:14:07.040> get<01:14:07.160>
• And<01:14:17.960> so,<01:14:18.680> you<01:14:18.760> know,<01:14:18.880> one
• <01:14:21.480> that,<01:14:21.680> but<01:14:21.840> we<01:14:22.320> we<

Keywords: Roll Call - 00:10 Discussion on SCR 61 – 01:46 Vote on SCR 61 – 11:33 Discussion on SR 18 – 12:30 Vote on SR 18 - 30:01 Discussion on Ky Residential Autism Services – 32:34 Questions & Comments – 56:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lockett. The resolution, as amended by committee substitute, would create a legislative task force tied to the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) framework to study Kentucky health policy, including Medicaid drug approvals, preventive and alternative therapies, holistic health education, oversight and transparency in health care, and research into integrative approaches. Supporters said the goal was to address chronic disease and reduce over-medication, while emphasizing the effort was not intended as an attack on agriculture or the pharmaceutical industry. The resolution received favorable expression and passed the committee 9-0. The committee then heard Senate Resolution 18 from Senator Neal, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. Testimony from Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Secretary Eric Friedlander explained that SNAP E&T provides job training, education, and support services for SNAP participants, and that the program is federally matched and does not require additional General Assembly funding in the normal course. Members discussed how the program works, whether it could create new state costs, and how it fits with efforts to connect food assistance, workforce development, and local agriculture. Questions also focused on whether SNAP spending can be steered toward healthier foods and farmers markets, including Kentucky’s Double Dollars program, which was described as helping participants buy produce, meat, and dairy at participating markets and some retailers. Several members expressed support for the workforce goals but asked for more information on fiscal impacts and purchasing data. Secretary Friedlander said the SNAP E&T funds are separate from nutrition benefits, and that the state match generally comes from employer, university, or workforce partner contributions rather than new state appropriations. Senator Herron explained her vote in favor by saying the program could help people gain education and employment and reduce reliance on SNAP over time. Senate Resolution 18 was then adopted by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:14:19.519> Chairman,<00:14:19.839> with<00:14:20.000> that,<00:14:20.160>
• > Senator<00:14:21.680> Office<00:14:22.399> uh<00:14:22.560> clean<00:14
• <00:14:37.760> Chairman,<00:14:38.320> on<00:14:38.560> the<00:14:38.720>
• <00:14:44.079> You<00:14:44.240> all<00:14:44.399> may<00:14:44.560> have
• <00:14:45.519> We<00:14:45.760> got<00:14:45.839> a<00:14:46.079> few

Bills: HB0159

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:13.920> uh<00:14:14.120> to<00:14:15.120> reach<00:14:15.720> to
• <00:14:16.680> to<00:14:16.880> try<00:14:17.040> to<00:14:17.279> bridge
• > not<00:14:19.199> convinced<00:14:19.680> that<00:14:19.880> that's<00:14:
• c><00:14:23.279> the<00:14:23.759> this<00:14:23.959> bill<00:14:24.480> 748<
• <00:14:49.240> the<00:14:49.480> the<00:14:50.120> kneecap<00:14:50.759>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility. Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability. Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You<00:14:03.000> know,<00:14:03.400> a<00:14:03.480> few<00:14:03.680> years
• > before<00:14:05.480> a<00:14:05.520> lot<00:14:05.720> of<00:14:05.800>
• <00:14:12.200> Eddie<00:14:12.400> was<00:14:12.600> the<00:14:12.959> uh
• And<00:14:44.400> I<00:14:44.480> think<00:14:44.680> maybe<00:14:44.920> it's
• > we<00:14:46.520> step<00:14:46.839> up<00:14:47.720> and<00:14:48.079><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:03.839> walkways<00:14:04.959> and<00:14:05.279> replace<00:14:05.680>
• covered walkways.<00:14:09.279> Those<00:14:09.440> are<00:14:09.600> the<00:14
• And um<00:14:20.320> relative<00:14:20.639> to<00:14:20.880> Lake<00:14:21.199><
• :14:33.360> due<00:14:33.760> to<00:14:35.120> um<00:14:35.519> construction<
• Is it solely<00:14:39.440> uh<00:14:39.600> based<00:14:39.920> on<00:14:40.079>

Keywords: Reuploaded tor restore the roll call and minutes approval 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:20 Approval of Minutes 0:00:50 Information Items 0:01:39 Project Rpt from Eastern KY University 0:06:54 Lease Rpt from University of KY 0:11:33 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:18:50 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:29:33 OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 0:38:27 OFM – Debt Issues 0:46:27 Louisville Arena Authority 1:24:30 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the November minutes and received information items on University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts reporting upcoming bond issues with no additional tax levies needed, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues for fiscal year 2026. It then considered an appropriation increase for a University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. University officials said the project is 100% federally funded and will construct a terminal building tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school. Members asked about the relationship to aviation expansion and whether the flight school would be publicly operated; the witnesses said EKU would operate it, public appropriations had already been applied, and student revenue would help offset costs. The committee approved the item by roll call vote. Next, the committee approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for property at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead, Rowan County, for $6.4 million. UK said the property, which includes an 85,000-square-foot facility on 9.6 acres, is directly across from UK St. Clair and was offered by the Rowan County Board of Education after it moved to a new location. Members questioned why the payment schedule was structured as quarterly installments and why the price was below two appraisals; UK said the board requested the arrangement and did not want the full amount upfront, and there was no interest on the purchase price. The committee also approved this item. The deputy state budget director then reported three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Ballard Wildlife Management Area pump station project, Lake Barkley State Resort Park emergency repairs, and Lake Barkley lodge wing exterior repairs. After questions, staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies because bids came in close to available funding. The committee approved the action items, then heard four no-action pool projects: HVAC upgrades at the FFA leadership training center in Hardinsburg, Kentucky School for the Blind’s McDaniel Scoggin building, KSD’s Brett Brady Hall, and a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation for the School of Engineering Technology. Finally, the committee heard two real property items: a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the high per-square-foot cost and whether another county location could be used; CHFS said it maintains offices in every county seat, this lease would replace an existing 1977 office, and the new construction was negotiated down from a higher initial bid. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing space, with renovation costs partly absorbed by the lessor and the remainder amortized over the lease term.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:38.560> back<00:14:38.800> in<00:14:38.880> the<00:14:39.000> heart
• <00:14:42.080> But,<00:14:42.200> he<00:14:42.320> was<00:14:42.560> actually
• And Cordell<00:14:45.680> said,<00:14:45.880> "We're<00:14:45.960> going<00:14:46.080
• <00:14:47.160> I<00:14:47.200> want<00:14:47.440> you<00:14:47.520> to
• So, all<00:14:50.560> of<00:14:50.640> those<00:14:50.800> go<00:14:50.960> back

Bills: SB8

Keywords: utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51 Approval of Minutes 00:02:07 Legislator Comments 00:02:18 LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19 PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18 WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :06.639> coming<00:14:06.959> at<00:14:07.199> us<00:14:07.600> so<00:14:
• And I know legislating<00:14:11.760> is<00:14:12.079> a<00:14:12.320> slow<00:14
• <00:14:18.720> This<00:14:18.959> isn't<00:14:19.199> about<00:14:19.519>
• vote<00:14:32.160> count<00:14:32.320> for<00:14:32.480> any<00:14:32.720><
• <00:14:38.000> So<00:14:38.240> I<00:14:38.480> I<00:14:38.959> know

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:05.920> a<00:14:06.160> question<00:14:06.800> yes<00:14:07.000> thank
• :14:11.199> and<00:14:11.480> having<00:14:12.240> uh<00:14:12.440> been
• <00:14:18.959> look<00:14:19.680> just<00:14:20.000> explain<00:14:20.320> to
• to the committee<00:14:20.880> how<00:14:21.000> would<00:14:21.160> that<00:14
• <00:14:22.519> because<00:14:22.680> I<00:14:22.720> know<00:14:22.880> we

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:23 Discussion of 25RS HB 219 06:40 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 219 07:44 Discussion of 25RS HCR 20 09:36 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HCR 20 10:58 Discussion of 25RS HB 303 17:02 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 303 18:38 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 21:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 219, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Raymer. The bill requires emergency services to provide mandatory training for emergency medical staff on sexual assault emergency response requirements, with the training developed in collaboration with the Sexual Assault Response Team advisory committee. Testimony from Jenna Cassidy of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and WN Stevens of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky explained that the training would help emergency department staff properly respond to sexual assault patients, preserve evidence, and connect patients to needed resources; the committee also clarified that the bill is training-focused and not a certification requirement. HB 219 received favorable expression and was reported to the House floor. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 20, also from Representative Raymer, which directs the Legislative Research Commission to study gaps in sexual assault nurse examiner coverage, why those gaps exist, and what hospitals do when no SANE nurse is available. Raymer said the study was intended to gather data for future legislation, and members noted the importance of documenting current practices and supporting efforts to expand SANE coverage. The resolution was adopted with 16 favorable votes and recommended for passage on the House floor. Next, the committee took up House Bill 303, sponsored by Representative Steve Bratcher, which creates a pathway for military medical personnel to translate their training into civilian Kentucky credentials through colleges and universities. The committee substitute broadened participation beyond KCTCS to any Kentucky institution with accredited programs, and Bratcher explained that schools would evaluate military experience, award applicable credit, identify gaps, and still require the relevant licensure exam. Members asked about university participation, credentialing standards, and how prior military radiology training would transfer; Bratcher said the program is voluntary for institutions and works with existing SkillBridge and veterans’ programs. HB 303, as amended by committee substitute, passed unanimously and was recommended for passage. At the end of the meeting, the committee briefly reviewed administrative regulations. Representative Fleming asked about a behavioral regulation that had previously been found sufficient, and staff indicated it had been deferred, later found deficient again in the Senate Health Services Committee, and may be addressed through Senate Bill 65. The chair then allowed members to record additional votes before adjourning and announced the next Health Services meeting would be February 20 at noon in Room 149.

Transcript Highlights:

• His care is $16,000<00:14:24.959> a<00:14:25.199> month<00:14:26.079> and<00:14:
• She<00:14:30.639> has<00:14:30.800> no<00:14:31.040> idea<00:14:31.360> what<
• <00:14:33.519> She<00:14:33.760> was<00:14:33.920> in<00:14:34.079> tears
• <00:14:35.920> I<00:14:36.240> want<00:14:36.399> to<00:14:36.639> hear
• and<00:14:50.639> how<00:14:50.720> it<00:14:50.880> impacts<00:14:51.199>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any<00:14:01.960> other<00:14:02.120> questions<00:14:02.560> for<00:14:02.680><
• And<00:14:04.520> thank<00:14:04.760> you<00:14:05.360> uh<00:14:05.800> Ms.
• Um Um Um the<00:14:15.520> what<00:14:15.760> the<00:14:16.520> one<00:14:17.360
• > from<00:14:19.040> and<00:14:19.200> I<00:14:19.240> know<00:14:19.400>
• :14:40.320> we<00:14:40.440> can<00:14:41.120> use<00:14:41.920> to<00:14

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 5040, the “Take It Back Act,” presented by Representative Anderson. The bill, as amended by the DE1 amendment, would impose a 100% tax on amounts a person is convicted of stealing through fraud against Minnesota public programs, with the stated goal of recovering taxpayer dollars. Anderson said the measure is bipartisan, has many co-authors, and was developed with the Department of Revenue to ensure it could be administered without undue burden. Joanna Bears of the Department of Revenue testified in support of the bill’s administration and thanked the authors for working with the department. She explained that the bill has two parts: a conviction-based tax that would be assessed after a fraud conviction, and a penalty piece tied to fraud identified through the department’s existing review and tip processes. In response to member questions, Bears said the department already receives tips and information from other agencies, reviews them carefully, and would use the bill as another tool to address public fund fraud. Members also asked about timing, restitution, and whether the bill could be misused by bad-faith tips; Anderson and Bears said the conviction-based portion is not tip-driven and that the bill is intended to be administered legally and efficiently. Representative Smith asked about the relationship to the Fraud Restitution Fund and whether the bill would apply to private-sector tax fraud. Bears said restitution would likely be collected first depending on statutory priority, and clarified that the new 100% penalty would apply only to public fund fraud, not general tax fraud, and only to the fraudulent public-fund amount. Representative Witty and others expressed support for the bill as a tool to combat fraud. At the end of the hearing, Representative Anderson renewed her motion to lay over House File 5040, as amended, for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, and the chair indicated that was the plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would come October, October, October, we might do that. Yes. Okay. Come October.
• 14:02.560> is<00:14:02.959> kind<00:14:03.120> of<00:14:03.199> a<00:14:03.440
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• >> Yeah.<00:14:58.079> All<00:14:58.240> of<00:14:58.399> this<00:14:58.639
• >> Can<00:14:59.519> I<00:14:59.600> just<00:14:59.760> call<00:14:59.839>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by discussing 15 retained bills and the chair’s preference to keep them alive through interim study rather than kill them, using them as vehicles for further discussion and possible later amendments. The chair said the bills would be executed out by November and then move to the House floor in January, and members generally agreed that interim study was the prevailing motion for the retained bills. Several health-related bills were then discussed. On Senate Bill 247, concerning pharmacy network exclusion when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost, members said the issue had been presented differently in prior discussions and noted unfamiliar intermediaries such as PSAOs; the bill was viewed as too complex to resolve immediately, so interim study was favored. A bill on treatment alternatives to opiates was said to need an amendment from the Insurance Department, and a bill on self-funded employer access to claims data was described as having changed substantially through amendment; the sponsor explained it was intended to incentivize self-funded plans to opt into the state’s all-payer claims database (CHIS) so their data could be used for cost analysis, and members indicated a separate bill would be brought later. The committee spent the most time on a glucose monitoring bill, with testimony from a sponsor and a parent of a type 1 diabetic describing the medical benefits of continuous glucose monitors, especially for preventing dangerous lows and managing fluctuations. Opponents and committee members raised concerns about the cost of a mandate, the effect on premiums in the individual and small-group markets, and whether the bill should require coverage without a prescription; one member cited medical literature suggesting limited evidence for non-insulin users. The chair concluded the bill was headed to interim study and said the committee would do further homework on the economic impact, especially for type 1 coverage. The meeting then moved on to a bill about insurer audits and clawbacks, where the Insurance Department commissioner explained that the issue involved several separate provider-payment problems that had recently come to the department’s attention and that the department would provide a report and work with the sponsor on next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading, House File Number 14 as amended. Third reading.
• House File 14. The member for Minoka, Representative Stevenson.
• Fundamentally, House File 14 is not about opposing transit.
• House File House File 14 is a common-sense pause.
• I move that House File 14 be laid on the table.