Transcript Highlights:

• We're not giving the World Health Organization more power or whatever else—a hoopla that they're throwing
• Yet the most powerful intervention we have is also the simplest: improving what we eat.
• Our model's been so great that we were honored to have the governor and the first lady come tour a few
• Together, these efforts increase purchasing power for fruits and vegetables while also strengthening

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re not giving the World Health Organization more power or whatever else — a hoopla that they’re throwing
• Yet the most powerful intervention we have is also the simplest: improving what we eat.
• Our model's been so great that we were honored to have the governor and the first lady come tour a few
• Together, these efforts increase purchasing power for fruits and vegetables while also strengthening

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2309, Representative Jones’ Oregon Harvesting bill, do pass by a vote of 13 ayes and no nays. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 1881, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. Representative Bill Allen said the bill is intended to address xylazine’s role in fentanyl-related overdoses, improve tracking and enforcement, and preserve legitimate veterinary use through carve-outs. A veterinarian from the University of Missouri testified in support, emphasizing xylazine’s long-standing and safe veterinary use and the need to protect agricultural practice while targeting illicit diversion. No opposition was presented, and testimony on the bill concluded. The committee then heard House Bill 1855, which would add alpha-gal syndrome to Missouri’s reportable conditions and create a reporting/surveillance framework. Sponsor Representative Matthew Overcast said the bill was revised to shift reporting from providers to private labs, create a standalone non-communicable disease reporting section, and support data collection for prevalence, education, and federal funding opportunities. Supporters included a lobbyist for the AlphaGal Alliance, a University of Missouri dermatologist/researcher, Extension staff, cattle industry representatives, and multiple patients and family members who described severe dietary restrictions, anxiety, school and work impacts, and the need for better public awareness and treatment research. Opponents argued the bill’s language would expand DHSS authority too broadly, especially the provision allowing the department to designate and enforce rules for noncommunicable diseases, and suggested narrowing the bill and adding opt-in protections. No vote was taken. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2355, Representative Holly Jones’ “food as medicine” bill. Jones argued that nutrition should be treated as a public health intervention and described medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and nutrition counseling as tools that can improve outcomes and reduce costs. In questions, members raised concerns about how the proposal would interact with existing food assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, school meals, and other federal nutrition benefits, and whether the bill would create a new entitlement or duplicate existing aid. The hearing on HB 2355 was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• doesn't</c><01:11:05.159><c> include</c> We're concerned that it doesn't include the fuel used for power
• we take a vote, I just want to acknowledge that the tinting bill was adopted on July 14, 1983, by Governor
• tinting bill was adopted in July 14 1983 tinting bill was adopted in July 14 1983 by<01:57:32.639><c> Governor
• 33.920><c> uh</c><01:57:34.040><c> and</c><01:57:34.159><c> we</c><01:57:34.280><c> haven't</c> by Governor
• AR Yoshi uh and we haven't by Governor AR Yoshi uh and we haven't amended<01:57:35.040><c> or</c><01

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, in 2022, I authored and this legislature passed AB 988, and it was signed into law by Governor
• Good afternoon, Georgia Postalides on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis in support.
• And the Governor actually signed the bill with a QR code, the first time it's ever been done.
• Last year, Governor Newsom signed into law the Real Food Healthy Kids Act, legislation that established
• I was calling the Governor at 5 o'clock in the morning and, you know, Dr.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard a series of bills focused on access to care, insurance coverage, and public health. AB 387 on youth sports AED access drew support from the author and safety advocates, but opposition from school, park, city, and county groups over liability, cost, and access concerns. The author said he would continue working on amendments to shift the bill toward requiring access to existing AEDs rather than mandating facility procurement. Committee members emphasized the life-saving purpose of the bill while also raising affordability and access concerns for youth sports programs. The committee also heard AB 1682, which would require health plans and insurers to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling devices for chemotherapy patients. Supporters, including breast cancer survivors and health groups, described the emotional and quality-of-life benefits of preventing hair loss and said cost is the main barrier to access. There was no formal opposition, though one senator raised concerns about whether the mandate could exceed essential health benefits. The chair and members expressed support for the bill’s goals and said it would be taken up when quorum was established. AB 2093, a follow-up to the 988 crisis line law, sought to clarify statewide leadership, improve coordination among 988, 911, and mobile crisis teams, and create a more sustainable funding structure. Behavioral health organizations and crisis center representatives supported the bill, saying implementation challenges and demand growth require statutory fixes. Committee members generally supported the concept but noted the bill was a gut-and-amend and that additional work was needed with county and behavioral health stakeholders. The committee then heard AB 1843 on hepatitis C treatment, AB 1629 on dental assignment of benefits, AB 2540 on community college access to medication abortion services, and AB 1929 on disclosure of health plan investments. AB 1843 had broad support from medical and public health groups but opposition from health plans, which argued it conflicted with the prior-authorization framework in SB 306 and could raise drug costs. AB 1629 was supported by dental and patient advocates but opposed by dental plans and insurers over concerns about network participation and out-of-pocket costs. AB 2540 drew strong support from reproductive health advocates and student representatives, while community college health services and some others opposed or were neutral pending amendments; the author said the bill was about equity and accepted amendments to reduce burdens. AB 1929 was backed by labor and immigrant rights groups as a transparency measure, but opposed by health plans and insurers who said Covered California was not the right entity to administer the disclosures and that the information was already publicly available. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly weighed public access and transparency against cost, administrative burden, and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that's a deal between the governors of both states. So it's a natural issue.
• We believe that's a deal<00:54:55.839><c> between</c><00:54:56.240><c> the</c><00:54:56.480><c> governors
• of both both deal between the governors of both both states.<00:54:58.079><c> So</c><00:54:58.160><c
• I want to begin acknowledging the powerful testimony that came before mine.
• And, you know, that's why you remember Governor Bevin had the scissors cutting the red tape.

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.

Transcript Highlights:

• So at the very least, the legislature should pass this bill to ensure that no governor will ever again
• a local focus and debate about our schools every two years, even though ballots have presidents, governors
• a local focus and debate about our schools every two years, even though ballots have presidents, governors
• a local focus and debate about our schools every two years, even though ballots have presidents, governors
• a local focus and debate about our schools every two years, even though ballots have presidents, governors

Bills: HF72 , HF66 , HF69 , HF73

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• one of those issues where I am very, very concerned about the influence of industry and corporate power
• ,</c><03:33:03.600><c> a</c> we're going to have a new governor, a we're going to have a new governor
• </c><04:11:18.080><c> county</c><04:11:18.440><c> attorneys</c><04:11:19.040><c> have</c> subpoena power
• the county attorneys have subpoena power the county attorneys have when<04:11:19.880><c> they</c><04
• must apply only unit's subpoena powers must apply only to<04:11:33.520><c> those</c><04:11:33.760><c

Transcript Highlights:

• Associated Electric is the power production co-op that supplies power to all the co-ops that are in our
• But your earlier question about utilizing a power line. question about utilizing power lines owned by
• But the power that goes across, we’ll call it power instead of electrons.
• But the power that goes across, we’ll call it power instead of electrons.
• So who will own the power plants?

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The committee first met in executive session, laying over H.J.R. 153 and H.J.R. 119, then unanimously advanced HB 2904 after adopting a committee amendment and substitute. HB 2904 passed 13-0. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2933 and sent that bill do pass by a vote of 11-3. The committee then moved into regular session and heard HB 2266, which would add the attorney general and staff, or as members suggested possibly assistant attorney generals, to the list of officials authorized to concealed carry while performing duties. The sponsor and an assistant attorney general testified that the bill was intended to protect AG staff who travel and work in courthouses and hotels; some members raised concerns about the breadth of the term “staff,” and one witness urged clearer limits and identification safeguards. No vote was taken on HB 2266 in the portion provided. The committee then heard HB 2207 and HB 2233 together, both aimed at restructuring Missouri’s electric industry to allow competitive generation while keeping transmission and distribution regulated. The sponsors argued that competition would lower costs, improve reliability, spur innovation, and let customers choose suppliers, while preserving PSC oversight of the grid and default service. Supporters, including a market think tank and retail energy advocates, said competitive states have seen more generation investment and that private generators bear their own risk rather than ratepayers. Opponents, including Evergy, argued deregulation has not delivered promised savings, can increase fraud and consumer confusion, and would force divestment of utility generation assets without clear guardrails. Members pressed witnesses on comparisons to Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, legacy costs, divestment mechanics, and whether the PSC would still set generation-related rates; witnesses disagreed sharply on the likely effect on residential prices and on whether the bill’s structure was sufficiently specific.

Transcript Highlights:

• Associated Electric is the power production co-op that supplies power to all the co-ops that are in our
• But your earlier question about utilizing a power line. question about utilizing power lines owned by
• But the power that goes across, we’ll call it power instead of electrons.
• Can you guys explain, as far as the power generation and the divesting of those power plants, can you
• “Who will own the power plants?

Committee: House General Laws

Transcript Highlights:

• hoping this committee will include the agencywide grant administration authority recommended by the governor
• President Rebecca Cunningham, who had the courage to try to end this tragedy as soon as she had the power
• Welcome. power to do so. And thank you Senator power to do so.
• cars</c><00:24:58.080><c> and</c><00:24:58.320><c> will</c><00:24:58.720><c> help</c> EVs and gas powered
• cars and will help EVs and gas powered cars and will help uh<00:24:59.279><c> stabilize</c><00:24:59.760

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• this case a baseload source of power.
• to look at other sources of power.
• to look at other sources of power, in this case a baseload source of power.
• We have Joe Hoppy with Otter Tail Power.
• </c> and affordability hydroelectric power and affordability hydroelectric power represents<00:04:26.479

Transcript Highlights:

• In another sense, it doesn't have running water or power on a continuous basis.
• Our original requests from the governor was $143 million.
• Our original requests from the governor was $143 million.
• Our original requests from the governor was $143 million.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on proposed improvements to the State Police gun range and related Public Works estimates. Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and Major Brendan Davy explained that the range is used for realistic, scenario-based training that includes vehicle work, movement, cover, elevation, and stress inoculation, and that it also supports requalification and special unit training for state, local, and federal partners. They said the current facility lacks running water, continuous power, and permanent restrooms, and that the PSTC range cannot accommodate rifles because its backstop is handgun-caliber only. Public Works Director Theodore Copper said the project estimate is $2.3 million, including $1.5 million for the building and site work plus soft costs, inflation, and design fees; he described the proposed building as basic, with office space, classrooms, restrooms, and HVAC. Committee members asked about the cost and scope, and Copper provided a breakdown of the estimate. The committee also heard from Commissioner Edelblute and Milford School District Superintendent Christy Misho regarding career and technical education capital funding. Edelblute urged the committee to include $10 million for the Milford CTE project, saying the district had reduced the scope after a prior bond vote and that the project would support high-demand workforce programs. Misho said Milford’s initial bond vote received 42 percent and the revised proposal received 56 percent, short of the 60 percent needed, but that the community still supports the project; she said the district plans to move forward with a CTE-only ballot and a smaller local bond. Committee members expressed concern about holding state funds for a project that has not yet won local approval, but said the request would be taken under advisement. In work session action, the committee corrected a prior vote on the Market Street Marine Terminal warehouse removal and office replacement project, increasing the appropriation by $353,300 to $1,973,300 and raising the agency subtotal to $4,155,300. The committee also accepted a motion to add $1.8 million for the community college system, including $1.3 million for critical maintenance and $500,000 for an energy management system. The committee then discussed a Fish and Game request for a $350,000 backhoe, with members debating whether it should be funded with general funds or other funds and whether the cost was excessive; no final objection was recorded in the portion provided. Later discussion also referenced the new parking garage project, with staff saying it is expected to be operational in March 2026 and fully completed by May or June 2026, with 409 spaces and a mix of assigned and open parking.

Transcript Highlights:

• The relationships are powerful.
• The relationships are powerful. them. The relationships are powerful.
• So thank you so much. powerful stuff. If you ever done that powerful stuff.
• </c><01:12:16.239><c> We</c> powerful stuff. It really, really is. We powerful stuff.
• That seems so minimal, and I just don't understand why the governor waived that. >> Well, one of the

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then approved an agency amendment to a health and family services regulation. The amendment reversed a prior change so that neonatal ICU beds would remain subject to regular review rather than nonsubstantive review. The remaining administrative regulations were then reviewed without objection. The main presentation was from State Auditor Allison Ball on a report finding $836 million in concurrent Medicaid capitation payments from 2019 through 2022, involving individuals enrolled in Kentucky and at least one other state. Ball said Kentucky relied on the PARIS system, which has limitations because it is updated quarterly and depends on voluntary state participation, while a better federal data source, T-MSIS, was not fully available to the state. She said the audit found weak internal controls, siloed processes, outdated guidance, and a low-priority attitude toward residency checks, all of which contributed to missed alerts and improper payments. She also said the report identified additional problems, including payments made after beneficiaries died and cases involving multiple states paying for the same person. Ball recommended better access to federal data, stronger MCO contract provisions, and more active oversight by the Department for Medicaid Services and managed care organizations. She said the contracts reviewed did not provide a clear way to recoup the improper payments, though she and her counsel suggested possible equitable legal theories might be explored. Members expressed concern about the scale of the waste and the lack of contract enforcement, and asked whether any money could be recovered. Ball said the audit did not identify a clear contractual path to recoup the funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• of power.
• One power generation total power.
• </c> computing power. computing power.
• So, you need power to to run and power. So, you need power to to run the<00:59:37.040><c> chips.
• It's power.

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• and council and presented to governor and council and they<01:54:10.400><c> are</c><01:54:10.480><c>
• She also said the certification or license piece gave her pause because there had been a former governor
• </c><04:22:56.319><c> over</c> of the state's regulatory power over of the state's regulatory power over
• And like the good governor, we have Kelly Ayotte, who is, uh, famous for saying, "Let's not mass up New
• And like the good governor, we have Kelly Ayotte, who is, uh, famous for saying, "Let's not mass up New

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Transcript Highlights:

• rules process is designed so that the legislation that we pass, that the Senate approves, that the governor
• 00:05:11.280><c> approves</c><00:05:12.240><c> that</c><00:05:12.479><c> the</c><00:05:12.639><c> governor
• </c> the Senate approves that the governor the Senate approves that the governor signs<00:05:13.680><
• </c><00:28:30.240><c> wanted</c><00:28:30.559><c> to</c> very first term, the governor wanted to very
• Um, and, uh, you know, there's general rulemaking powers for, uh, I can only speak to our department.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> none of you nor I have the power to fly. none of you nor I have the power to fly.
• </c><00:16:25.440><c> The</c> gives them all of their powers. The gives them all of their powers.
• property, the power to sign power to own property, the power to sign contracts,<00:16:28.720><c> everything
• We're going to, this general grant of powers does not include the power to spend in politics.
• </c> the powers that the state gives it. the powers that the state gives it.

Bills: SB2004 , SB2039 , SB2042 , SB2043 , SB2044 , SB2132

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee opened its first hearing of the year with remarks from Chair Jared Kohole outlining hearing procedures, a two-minute testimony limit, rules for remote testimony and decorum, and a revised testimony-publication pilot that keeps 96-hour notice but returns to a standard 24-hour testimony deadline. He then moved through the agenda, beginning with SB 2004 on outdoor advertising, which would increase penalties for violations of billboard and outdoor advertising laws. Testimony on that measure was limited; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land was first up, and written support was noted from Hawaiian Electric and the Outdoor Circle. The committee then heard SB 2039 on election campaign finance, which would prohibit certain business entities from engaging in campaign finance activities. The Attorney General’s office offered comments and did not take a formal position at the hearing. Several proponents testified in support, including Josh Frost, Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress, Hapa/Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, and Common Cause Hawaiʻi, all arguing the bill would curb corporate and dark-money influence and return elections to the people. Moore distinguished between regulating corporate “rights” and limiting corporate “powers,” and said the state can redefine the powers it grants corporations. In questions, Senator McKelvey asked whether the bill could be expanded to include unions; the Attorney General said he would need to get back with legal analysis, while Moore said his preferred approach would include all entities and that leaving out nonprofits or unions would create problems. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect PACs, and Moore explained that the proposal would prohibit corporate and dark-money flows into PACs while leaving individual political giving and existing political committees in place. The committee then moved on to the next measure. SB 2042, relating to insurance, was heard next. The bill would reduce the unimpaired minimum capital and surplus required of class 4 sponsored captive insurance companies under certain circumstances. The DCCA Insurance Division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii Captive Insurance Council testified in support, describing the change as a narrow, risk-based adjustment that would not affect the commissioner’s authority where actual risk resides and would help keep Hawaii competitive. The committee noted additional written support and proceeded without a vote or final action in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to the power premium, these voluntary tariffs allow large power rate class customers to procure
• How can you tell what power was generated...
• So, this is what virtual power plants are.
• Virtual power plants can provide low-cost, clean, firm power by utilizing existing generation, storage
• I'm Joe Hoppe with Otter Tail Power.

Bills: HF2928 , HF2912 , HF2297

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And the statute to Governor Wyman, I think it was, I think uh got handed over to some nonprofit that
• And the the statute to Governor &gt;&gt; Yeah.
• And the the statute to Governor Wyman,<00:30:16.960><c> I</c><00:30:17.200><c> think</c><00:30:17.279
• So it's just right now the statute just requires it to be through Governor and Council, but not fiscal
• Because all they seem to be interested in is the power plants. >> Okay. >> Okay.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our country was built off those who shunned the pursuit of power for selfless gain.
• Our country was built off those who shunned the pursuit of power for selfless gain.
• Are you aware that both the governor, our prior governor, Governor Sununu, and the Secretary of State
• These are two measures that indicate a sense of fear in the legislature regarding the power of student
• of student voting in regarding the power of student voting in 2016<00:56:04.160><c> current</c><00:56

Committee: House Election Law