Transcript Highlights:

• So, Co-Chair Riley from way over there is going to pray for us, and then Co-Chair Banta is going to lead
• 00:48:11.760><c> a</c><00:48:12.000><c> day-long</c><00:48:12.560><c> legislative</c> partnered to lead
• a day-long legislative partnered to lead a day-long legislative guidance<00:48:14.000><c> retreat</c
• It's important to note that each one of these attorneys leads practice groups and has a full roster of
• program for me and then also WKU leads program for me and then also WKU um<01:08:43.839><c> with</c>

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a lead campaign organizer in Contra Costa ACE, and I'm urging you to support AB 1157.
• and be in places that they know may put them in danger, may put them at risk, and they may actually lead
• In the Singaporean model, in the nation of Singapore, one of the leading examples of social housing,
• In fact, California is now no longer in the lead in the race in social housing, even in America.
• At the Trans-Latina Coalition, I lead our cultural transformation training programs, and we have trained

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:03.320><c> Lee</c><00:22:03.799><c> up</c> um okay uh first off we have lead Lee up um okay
• uh first off we have lead Lee up unless<00:22:04.320><c> you</c><00:22:04.440><c> want</c><00:22:04.559
• have been considered an offline could have been considered an offline conversation<00:22:22.320><c> lead
• </c> conversation lead conversation lead Lee<00:22:24.640><c> send</c><00:22:24.840><c> it</c><00:22:
• 39.960><c> uh</c> answer uh Madam chair and members and uh answer uh Madam chair and members and uh lead

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• emotionally, maybe physically abusive about how you have that conversation, and that's why it might lead
• :18:19.559><c> might</c> conversation and that's why it might conversation and that's why it might lead
• something</c><00:18:20.640><c> besides</c><00:18:21.159><c> screening</c><00:18:21.600><c> it</c> lead
• to something besides screening it lead to something besides screening it out<00:18:22.520><c> is</c>
• to results that babies that was leading to results that babies with<00:33:58.760><c> nine</c><00:33:

Summary: The subcommittee met on House Bill 553, which concerns the definitions of child abuse and neglect in RSA 169-C, including psychological maltreatment and the rebuttable presumption of harm. The chair and members emphasized that the bill is intended to clarify definitions rather than create punishments, and they discussed concerns that had arisen after the bill’s earlier drafting. Representative Eimon stated his view that the bill is constitutional, citing case law, and members noted that amendment 114 would restore language refined by the prior study committee and address trauma-informed wording, especially around substance use disorder and newborns. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill could be read to treat ordinary parental discipline or disagreements with a child—such as grounding, taking away car keys or a phone, or refusing gender-affirming care—as abuse or neglect. DCF Deputy Director Jen Ross explained that screeners look at the nature of the allegation and whether the parent’s conduct is likely to cause serious psychological or emotional harm; she said routine discipline or prudent parenting would not be screened in, while persistent ridiculing, terrorizing, bullying, isolating, threats, or similar conduct could qualify. She also said that denial of gender-affirming care, by itself, would not be treated as neglect, but the agency would consider the full context and any resulting harm or need for mental health care. DCF General Counsel Susan Larby added that the legislature’s earlier definition of psychological maltreatment and related policy already focus on pervasive emotionally abusive behavior, and that the bill is meant to make the statute more understandable and transparent, not to change the core neglect standard. She and other speakers said the goal is to identify serious harm and provide services, not to remove children for ordinary parental decisions. Lisa Massio of the Office of the Child Advocate said the bill and related placement language are intended to preserve family unity and fill gaps where courts have interpreted neglect too narrowly or inconsistently. Members also discussed a proposed concise analysis from Representative Maral and asked about CPSW qualifications and training; DCF said staff generally have backgrounds in human services, social work, psychology, or education and receive a 12-week Core Academy on policy, law, investigations, and family engagement. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and members indicated they wanted to continue refining the amendment before sending anything to the Office of Legislative Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.
• But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask for your blessing upon all who lead and all who follow. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
• Stagni will lead us in the pledge.

Summary: The House met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up introductions of several resolutions and bills. Resolutions introduced included measures to recognize Funeral Directors’ Day, commend the crew of Eve, recognize Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, honor Nurse Practitioner Day, and express condolences for several deceased public figures and former members. Several resolutions were adopted immediately by suspension of the rules, including condolences resolutions and commendations for Bernardo de Gálvez, Codafield Day, Drew Brees, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and support for continued National Guard operations at Camp Beauregard. The House also received multiple bills and committee reports. Introduced bills included appropriations measures to pay consent judgments, a property tax exemption bill for certain trusts involving property owners age 65 or older, a nursing medication administration bill, and a prisoner transfer notification bill referred to the Committee on Justice. Committee reports were read showing numerous House bills reported favorably or with amendments from Civil Law and Transportation. No floor votes on those bills were taken in the transcript, and many items were noted as lying over. During personal privilege remarks, members discussed PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) data and transparency, with concerns about foregone revenue and local taxing authorities. The chamber also recognized visiting 7th grade students from Trinity Episcopal School and held a moment of silence honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson. Announcements were made for upcoming committee meetings, an ethics training after adjournment, and a Bible study event. The House then agreed to adjourn until 2:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will you please recognize Senator Pugh to lead us in the pledge of the U.S. flag and the flag of Oklahoma
• Senator Pugh, you are recognized to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and the

Bills: SB1423 , SB1426 , SB1502 , SB1377 , SB1983 , SB1466 , SB1645 , SB1647 , SB1847 , SB1565 , SB1562 , SB1329 , SB1383 , SB1833 , SB1555 , SB1344 , SB1839 , SB1280 , SB1832 , SB2001 , SB1405 , SB2143 , SB1989 , SB1393 , SB1392 , SB1395 , SB1400 , SB1220 , SB1516 , SB1239 , SB1531 , SB1349 , SB1221 , SB1538 , SB1309 , SB1434 , SB2108 , SB2121 , SB2171 , SB2061 , SB2112 , SB2138

Summary: The Senate convened, the roll was called, and a quorum was declared. The chamber opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded to a series of floor introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sameed Faruqi, and psychologist of the day, Dr. Jeffrey Martindale, along with several interns and guests on the floor and in the gallery. A major ceremonial item was the introduction of the Oakdale/Oktaha Lady Tigers fast-pitch softball team, which was recognized for winning the 2025 OSSAA Class 2A state championship. Senator Fricks presented a citation honoring the team’s resilience, sportsmanship, and community pride, and the coach briefly thanked the Senate and described the long-term connection between the players and the school program. The Senate also recognized the Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Association in the gallery. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript; the only formal action was a motion adopted to adjourn when the clerk’s desk was clear. Committee announcements noted that HHS would meet at 1:00 and Revenue and Taxation would meet later in the afternoon, and the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 10th at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• weaponize currency like the CBDC, and inflation creates a wealth gap that hurts the poor and will lead
• government borrowing necessary to refinance debt at higher yields, resulting in higher interest rates that lead

Committee: House House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Oversight heard two bills related to Arizona bullion and gold-backed transactions. HB 2123 would establish an Arizona bullion depository under the State Treasurer, allow third-party administration and electronic payment systems, require insurance for deposits, and recognize gold and silver as legal tender. Representative Lisa Fink presented the bill as a way to provide an optional, inflation-resistant payment method and to make gold and silver more accessible to ordinary Arizonans; a witness from the Transactional Gold and Silver Project described the depository as a fully allocated, insured warehouse system tied to a debit card and said the model had been used in other states. The committee voted 4-0 with one present to give HB 2123 a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 2140, which would allow state and local governments to use the Arizona bullion depository, permit the State Treasurer to place up to 10% of state monies in bullion there, and require rulemaking by the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Representative Fink again argued that holding some bullion could diversify state assets and reduce counterparty risk, citing Utah’s treasurer and broader central bank gold accumulation. A member asked about the bill’s rulemaking language and the sponsor said she was open to discussing changes with the State Treasurer. With no public testimony, the committee voted 4-0 with one present to recommend HB 2140 do pass, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• weaponize currency like the CBDC, and inflation creates a wealth gap that hurts the poor and will lead
• government borrowing necessary to refinance debt at higher yields, resulting in higher interest rates that lead

Bills: HB2123 , HB2140

Committees: House Regulatory Oversight , House House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference

Keywords: bullion, depository, legal tender, Arizona, finances, precious metals, financial transactions, investment, state treasurer, gold bullion, treasury management, financial regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• believe that judges are always well-intentioned in their decisions, the best intentions do not always lead
• But the best intentions do not always lead to the best decisions.

Committee: Senate Codes

Summary: The Senate Standing Codes Committee held its first meeting of the year with a 10-bill agenda, opening with brief remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Palumbo emphasizing the committee’s bipartisan tone and noting that several bills related to National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The chair also announced quorum, identified members present, and introduced the clerk and counsel. The committee discussed and reported a series of bills, many involving criminal procedure, penal law, and civil rights. Several measures focused on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, including bills addressing statutes of limitation for sex trafficking cases and a new bill to close a loophole involving 16- and 17-year-olds in commercial sex offenses. Other bills dealt with appellate review, plea-related criminal procedure issues, consent and autonomy, and executive-law changes. Some sponsors and members explained their support or concerns, particularly on appellate finality and judicial economy, but the overall tone remained respectful and collaborative. Most bills were reported out of committee, several to the Finance Committee. Recorded negatives or without-recommendation votes appeared on a few measures, including opposition from Senators Palumbo, Murray, and Gallivan on one criminal procedure bill and mixed votes on others. The final bill, Senator Mayer’s measure on commercial sex involving minors, was praised as closing a dangerous loophole and was reported unanimously, concluding the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But even on that front, the House has taken the lead, and while we have offered five specific proposals
• But even on that front, the House has taken the lead, and while we have offered five specific proposals

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received a Senate message regarding SB 2510, the pre-K through grade 12 education conforming bill. Representative Persons-Mulicka explained that the bill was a Senate conforming measure tied to budget policy, including changes affecting acceleration course weighting and the CAPE program. The House adopted a strike-all amendment to place the bill in the proper posture for conference, then advanced and passed SB 2510 on final passage by a vote of 88 yeas to 10 nays. After SB 2510 passed, the House agreed to accede to the Senate’s request for a budget conference. Speaker Perez then delivered extended remarks criticizing the Senate for breaking the budget framework agreement and arguing that the state budget has grown too large. He said the House remained committed to reducing state spending and revenue, discussed possible budget and tax-cut alternatives, and emphasized that property tax reform and state revenue reduction were separate issues. He also noted the House’s work on property tax relief and said the chamber would continue negotiating. The House then took up HCR 1633, a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 regular session until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. Representative Garrison explained that it was identical to an earlier extension resolution except for the new end date. The resolution was adopted, and the House then approved a motion to adjourn for committee and subcommittee meetings and other House business, to reconvene upon call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• But even on that front, the House has taken the lead, and while we have offered five specific proposals
• But even on that front, the House has taken the lead, and while we have offered five specific proposals

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then approved the journal and received a Senate message transmitting SB 2510, the pre-K through grade 12 education conforming bill. The House waived rules, read the bill by title, and heard brief explanation that the Senate version contained budget-related funding and policy changes, including adjustments to acceleration course weighting and CAPE funding. Members adopted a blank strike-all amendment to place the bill in the proper posture for conference, then advanced it to third reading and passed SB 2510 on final passage by a vote of 88 yeas to 10 nays. After passage, the House agreed to accede to the Senate’s request for a budget conference. The Speaker then delivered extended remarks criticizing the Senate for breaking a prior budget deal and arguing that state government spending has grown too much. He said the House remained committed to reducing state revenue and spending, discussed possible budget and tax-cut approaches, and emphasized that property tax reform and state revenue reduction were separate issues. He also noted that the House select committee on property taxes would continue its work and rejected the idea of mailing $1,000 checks as a substitute for tax relief. Finally, the House took up HCR 1633, a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 regular session until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. The resolution was read by title, explained as identical to a prior extension resolution except for the new end date, and adopted. The House then approved a motion to adjourn subject to the call of the chair for committee and subcommittee meetings and other House business.

Transcript Highlights:

• and they do in general but they lead and they do in general but they will<00:20:03.760><c> take</c><
• be slow will take the lead and it will be slow to<00:20:05.360><c> resolve</c><00:20:05.679><c> them
• Um, which leads back to some of that overtime that you saw there.
• Um, which leads back to some of that overtime that you saw there.
• Um, which leads back to some of that overtime that you saw there.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• , every skill learned, every leading, every skill learned, every credential<00:42:25.200><c> earned,<
• Some of those was just simply market generation and lead generation, but there are those projects that
• </c><00:58:22.079><c> generation,</c> market generation and lead generation, market generation and lead
• It's the first time they ever had a meeting outside of Washington because we are leading the country
• the country in because we are leading the country in extended<01:28:53.520><c> learning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's important to understand from the beginning the events leading to these horrific scenes.
• </c><00:19:23.840><c> to</c> the beginning the events leading to the beginning the events leading to
• Lofrren who<00:24:52.720><c> uh</c><00:24:52.960><c> leads</c><00:24:53.279><c> the</c><00:24:53.600>
• /c><02:34:14.960><c> form</c><02:34:15.280><c> of</c> lead.
• In a Republican form of lead.

Transcript Highlights:

• heard in previous testimony, in situations where lack of service options or residential treatment beds lead
• In situations where lack of service options or residential treatment beds lead to children boarding in
• We have a nation-leading partnership between the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County and a number
• Some of the nation's leading affordable housing policy is not enough.
• </c><01:37:12.360><c> affordable</c> some of the nation's leading affordable some of the nation's leading

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say the Voyageurs Conservancy, which is our official philanthropic partner, organizes and leads
• I will say the Voyageurs Conservancy, which is our official philanthropic partner, organizes and leads
• </c> take the lead take the lead on on on so<00:54:54.000><c> next</c><00:54:54.520><c> on</c><00:54:
• I am volunteering my time to lead the advocacy around this legislation.
• And I think that's where your bill is leading.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• This past election, employees of our town's public library put together a politically biased and leading
• questionnaire to candidates they leading questionnaire to candidates they claimed<01:08:44.920><c> that
• This sets a bad precedent that seems to allow for electioneering that could lead to unequal access to
• And Section C includes organizing surveys that are political that just leads to a specific question,
• So that is a concern that this would lead to inadvertent issues there. testimony um in Roman in section

Committee: House Election Law

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Cork Silva will lead us in the pledge.
• Founded in Los Angeles in 1981, JAINA has become a leading voice for Jain communities in North America
• In 1981, JAINA has become a leading voice for Jain communities in North America.
• legislature has continuously recognized Dolores Huerta's leadership, and other states have followed our lead

Transcript Highlights:

• targeting certain lines coming from Africa, from Europe, and I don't have a sense yet of exactly how many leads
• So I think that that is important because it leads us right into what we're going to be developing with
• You know, our beach state parks are the shining star for our state, and they are really what leads a
• lot of people to come to Delaware. ...are really what leads a lot of people to come to Delaware.

Committee: Joint Capital Improvement

Summary: The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities. The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development. The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.