Transcript Highlights:

• When we shine a light on performance, we create incentives for innovation, collaboration, and progress
• Speaker, I understand the bill handler's desire to move empty buildings into practical use, but I feel
• This is how we come up with best practices. I don't believe it does change liability.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can make a property practically new again in many respects.
• students and devoted families, and approximately 2,300 hardworking, amazing staff who've worked collaboratively
• He said the practical reality is that districts that have voluntarily rolled back their debt service

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Bill 2709, including a substitute that combined language from HB 2709 and HB 2671. Members debated an amendment that would have separated the Hancock-by-subclass portion from a personal property tax provision; supporters said it would make the bill cleaner and preserve a separate property tax issue already addressed elsewhere, while opponents argued it would create inconsistency. The amendment failed, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for HB 2709 and HB 2671 was voted do pass by a roll call of 14 yes and 5 no. The committee then passed HB 1759 do pass by a vote of 12 yes and 7 no, with one member noting that additional tweaks were expected on the floor. Next, the committee considered HB 2925, where Representative Fowler offered Amendment 04H to remove the requirement that property tax elections be held in November and replace it with an affirmative-consent standard requiring both a majority of votes cast and at least 25% of registered voters voting yes. Supporters said the change would avoid forcing local tax elections into a narrow election window and would require broader voter buy-in for long-term tax obligations; opponents argued it would be a major change that should receive more public review and could distort local election participation. The amendment failed 5 yes to 14 no, and HB 2925 was then voted do pass 11 yes to 8 no. In public testimony, Representative Van Schoiack presented HB 2415, which would require assessors to use a cost approach rather than a market approach for valuing buildings, while still valuing land through the market approach. He said the bill was intended to address over-assessment in larger counties and under-assessment in rural counties, and to make valuations more objective. Testimony was mixed: a public advocate supported the idea as a way to address rising taxes and tax sales, while county assessors and other witnesses said assessors already use multiple approaches, that cost approach works best for new or rural properties but can be subjective for older buildings, and that forcing one method statewide could create inaccuracies and large valuation swings. No action was taken on HB 2415 during the hearing. The committee also heard HJR 148 and HJR 111, presented by Representatives Coleman and Taylor, to bring Kansas City Public Schools under Hancock limits like other districts. Sponsors said KCPS is the only district still operating under a special court-imposed arrangement from desegregation-era orders and that the proposal would keep the district at its current levy while requiring voter approval for future increases. KCPS Superintendent Jennifer Collier opposed the measure as written, saying the district does want to come under Hancock but needs to do so on its own timeline and with a planned April 2027 levy proposal that would maintain the current rate; she said the district is now fiscally stronger and has community support, including passage of an 85% bond issue. Committee members questioned the legal basis, the effect on KCPS and charter schools, and whether the proposal would interfere with the district’s planned ballot strategy.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE CURRENT PRACTICE IS DEVELOPERS ARE RESPONSIBLE PAYING FOR THE COST TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE
• GEOGRAPHICALLY THERE SHOULD BE SOME PROVISION FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE BEACH EVEN IF IT IS NOT FEASIBLE OR PRACTICAL
• JOHNS COUNTY AND I SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS COLLABORATING WITH FELLOW ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES TO CLEAN UP

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that next year, but this one, HB 383, is an attempt to reform condominiums, some of whose voting practices
• are contrary to the existing practices are contrary to the existing law<00:22:44.760><c> on</c><00:22
• that are done in that farming practices that are done in that Community<01:50:00.880><c> that's</c><
• </c> howand thank you um for practical howand thank you um for practical purposes<03:26:11.600><c> why
• for burned down is the same mhm okay so for practical<04:34:21.639><c> purposes</c><04:34:22.639><c>

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What does that expectation look like in practice for schools?
• The statute would practice for schools?
• </c> typically includes several practical typically includes several practical elements,<01:09:45.600
• </c><01:12:02.600><c> already</c> modern evidence-based practices already modern evidence-based practices
• Stinson to take practice,<01:17:48.893><c> [laughter]</c> practice, [laughter] practice, [laughter] um

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we follow, uh, more stringent practices we follow, uh, more stringent practices today<00:04:39.360
• </c> business practice. business practice.
• </c> efficient in our regulatory practice efficient in our regulatory practice when<00:52:39.839><c>
• of a business operating and practices of a business operating and how<00:53:12.480><c> is</c><00:53:
• My sense is broadly business practices.

Bills: HF1546 , HF2403 , HF2389 , HF2398

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: fire safety, public safety, statewide fire code, code cleanup, repeal, obsolete statutes, matches, strike-anywhere matches, safety matches, match packaging, match storage, tent safety, flame resistant tents, public assembly tents, flammable materials, fire code modernization, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• I've practiced OB-GYN for 22 years, and I'm here to oppose House Bill 1811.
• I've practiced OB-GYN for 22 years, and I'm here to oppose House Bill 1811.
• Um, we know both practical and moral.
• </c> Hampshire resident and a practicing Hampshire resident and a practicing doctor<03:06:27.200><c>
• National Pediatrics Practice but I I National Pediatrics Practice but I I here<03:10:27.200><c> my</c

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Serving members of this committee, for all of his hard work and collaboration and commitment to public
• I'd like to thank the members of this committee for your thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach
• And again, I really want to thank you for your leadership in this area. ...leadership and collaborative
• legally compliant MCO tax in light of recent federal actions, any proposal should be developed collaboratively
• In light of recent federal actions, any proposal should be developed collaboratively with stakeholders

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This collaborative project created a prominent destination for our community and visitors.
• This collaborative project created a prominent destination for our community and visitors.
• This collaborative project created a prominent destination for our community and visitors.
• This collaborative project created a prominent destination for our community and visitors.
• This collaborative project created a prominent destination for our community and visitors.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Roll Call: 00:00:21 Visit Jessamine - Making an Impact: 00:03:15 Fort Knox Update & Impact: 00:27:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September minutes and heard two presentations focused on tourism and economic development. First, Visit Jessamine and local winery representatives described Jessamine County’s tourism branding, visitor center renovation at the old jail in Nicholasville, wayfinding signs, kiosks, murals, and the Jessamine Wine and Spirits Trail. They said Kentucky tourism generates more than $1 billion in taxes and $14.3 billion in economic impact statewide, and that Jessamine County tourism generates about $6.2 million in taxes and $87 million in economic impact. They emphasized that the wine trail and related events, including the Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival, draw repeat visitors, support surrounding counties, and attract visitors from across the country and overseas. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed local events such as Halloween activities in Nicholasville and Wilmore and the Great Jessamine Pumpkin event. The committee also received prepared comments on Fort Knox from Lance O’Brien of the Knox Regional Development Alliance after a Fort Knox representative could not attend because of the federal government shutdown. The remarks highlighted Fort Knox’s role as a military installation, economic engine, tourism draw, and workforce partner. The presentation cited an estimated $5.6 billion in annual output, about $1.3 billion in payroll, more than 60,000 retirees and veterans in the surrounding area, and roughly 11,000 to 13,000 soldiers stationed there at a time. It also noted major tourism-related activity such as Cadet Summer Training, the National Raider Challenge, and the George Patton Museum, along with more than $484 million in small-business contracts in fiscal year 2025 and Fort Knox’s role in IT and cybersecurity. Members discussed the importance of tourism revenue, out-of-state visitors, and the broader economic impact of both Jessamine County and Fort Knox.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank our partners at the Department of Finance for their collaboration in this work, for partnering
• I want to thank again all of the staff at the Department of Finance for their hard work, their collaboration
• implements the following notable labor proposals: it requires the Department of Human Resources, in collaboration
• So thank you for your good work there and also for your collaboration with the other subchairs.
• So thank you for your good work there and also for your collaboration with the other subchairs.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the final three-party budget agreement and related trailer bills, with the Department of Finance outlining the major budget bill and omnibus measures. Finance described a package built around balancing the state budget amid economic uncertainty, preserving core health and safety-net programs, and making significant ongoing reductions in some state programs. The budget bill included major items such as shifting $1 billion from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for Cal Fire, funding universal transitional kindergarten, deferring some UC and CSU funding, supporting foster care and homelessness programs, providing Proposition 36 implementation funding, and achieving Medi-Cal savings through changes to benefits and eligibility. The committee also heard that votes on the budget bills were expected later in the week and the following Monday. Finance then walked through the trailer bills, including health, human services, early learning, education, resources, energy, transportation, labor, housing, tax, public safety, courts, general government, cannabis, and energy-related measures. Notable provisions included a Medi-Cal enrollment freeze for certain adults, new premiums and benefit changes for some immigrants, child care COLA changes, education funding for literacy, teacher support, universal meals, and community college student support, as well as resource and climate measures affecting Cal Fire staffing and energy permitting. The housing trailer bill drew the most discussion, with provisions on CEQA streamlining, a vehicle miles traveled mitigation banking program, a renters’ credit trigger, and a six-year moratorium on new residential building standards. Members also discussed a film tax credit expansion, cannabis enforcement funding, a tribal police pilot program, and changes to tax policy, including military retirement income exclusions and wildfire settlement payment exclusions. Committee members largely praised the staff and the budget process, but several raised concerns and asked detailed questions, especially about the housing trailer bill’s new wage standards, tribal consultation provisions, and possible effects on prevailing wage protections. Finance explained that the housing language was intended to set wage floors for market-rate projects receiving CEQA streamlining, with different county-based tiers and a notwithstanding clause preserving existing prevailing wage laws. Members also questioned the size and timing of funding for the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, Clean Cars for All, Proposition 36, and the film tax credit expansion. Other members highlighted support for public safety, veterans’ tax relief, child care providers, housing production, and higher education, while some expressed concern that the budget’s policy changes were being negotiated too quickly or without enough stakeholder input.

Transcript Highlights:

• I practice in San Antonio.
• as physicians—practice sustainability and viability.
• So they want to collaborate with those pharmacies.
• I'm a practicing family doctor and the CEO of Waco Family Medicine.
• evidence-based medicine and don't practice in that way.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That are available to them, that, um, it sort of reaches that we're practicing medicine, so that creates
• :40.880><c> insurance</c> The necessity definition from the insurance department and the medical practice
• We always work collaboratively, and I appreciate the fact that it came together late so that we didn't
• But at the same time, if they want to collaborate and it’s good for the client and the lawyer approves
• I do practice. I don't just hang out with you guys up here as fun as it is.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

Transcript Highlights:

• very excited to be here today to support this bill as we have worked super hard in the interim to collaborate
• 00:43:09.119><c> to</c> worked super hard in the interim to worked super hard in the interim to collaborate
• </c><00:43:10.560><c> Uh,</c><00:43:10.880><c> my</c><00:43:11.119><c> mayor</c> collaborate on this.
• Uh, my mayor collaborate on this.
• Representative Haroldson. ...collaboration from local entities, but especially local sheriffs and chiefs

Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Pam Mink, who leads our collaboration with the Commerce Department on the mandate benefit analysis.
• What we were asked to do this morning is to talk a little bit about our collaboration with the Commerce
• </c> Pam mink who leads our collaboration Pam mink who leads our collaboration with<00:29:54.720><c>
• </c><00:31:15.559><c> with</c><00:31:15.840><c> the</c><00:31:16.320><c> uh</c> about our collaboration
• with the uh about our collaboration with the uh Commerce<00:31:17.000><c> Department</c><00:31:18.000

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm all about collaboration because realistically we can't be everywhere. generally you're not going
• ><00:09:58.240><c> you</c><00:09:58.360><c> know</c><00:09:58.760><c> one</c><00:09:59.440><c> collaborating
• </c> premise and you know one collaborating premise and you know one collaborating your<00:10:00.120>
• <00:10:12.040><c> I'm</c><00:10:12.160><c> all</c><00:10:12.360><c> about</c><00:10:12.680><c> collaboration
• </c><00:10:13.440><c> because</c> I um I'm all about collaboration because I um I'm all about collaboration

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Crimes Council, expands the duties of the Department of Agriculture to collaborate
• </c><01:08:25.239><c> with</c><01:08:25.920><c> and</c> Agriculture to collaborate with and Agriculture
• to collaborate with and support<01:08:26.719><c> the</c><01:08:26.880><c> council</c><01:08:27.759><
• I know that Chair is very passionate about addressing ag crimes, and obviously collaboration with DLE
• </c><01:13:41.360><c> with</c> crimes and obviously collaboration with crimes and obviously collaboration

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're doing is just putting the practice into statute to make sure that it's done.
• There is a handout in your materials that describes this national best practice further.
• ><c> excavation</c> Um specifically, in practice, excavation Um specifically, in practice, excavation
• </c> This bill makes targeted, practical This bill makes targeted, practical updates<00:46:52.520><c>
• </c><02:15:31.840><c> in</c> sounds like it's already the practice in sounds like it's already the practice

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This practice is designed to reduce fertilizer runoff.
• This practice is designed to reduce fertilizer runoff.
• and then describe the bill practice and then describe the bill itself<00:07:34.520><c> and</c><00:07
• </c><00:07:49.240><c> is</c> 16.5 ft along ditches this practice is 16.5 ft along ditches this practice
• As is my usual practice, I'm only interested in testifiers who oppose something.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expanding the powers and duties of the OIG to include establishing program integrity standards and best practices
• A third hallmark of this office is its transparency. and best practices for state agencies and best practices
• expanding the powers and duties of the OIG to include establishing program integrity standards and best practices
• We know that in fraud prevention across agencies, collaboration, data sharing, and data analysis are
• Uh, it has been an honor to collaborate with you.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• has been assigned to a cabinet-level agency here in Baton Rouge where they'll spend the summer collaborating
• If this bill, if it kind of seems like an affirmation of a good practice, if you're already doing it.
• under that section does not preclude disciplinary action against the judge concerning his license to practice
• board, powers, duties, administrative fees, civil penalties, violations, and unfair deceptive trade practices
• provision to the bill at the request of the local government that will extend the state's authority to practice

Bills: SCR59 , SCR70 , HR275 , HR279 , HR282 , HR289 , HR307 , HCR112 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB121 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HCR117 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , SCR30 , SCR40 , SCR65 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB54 , HB137 , HB321 , HB368 , HB386 , HB414 , HB431 , HB552 , HB555 , HB578 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB638 , HB670 , HB692 , HB707 , HB708 , HB715 , HB718 , HB732 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB796 , HB807 , HB822 , HB848 , HB856 , HB887 , HB888 , HB917 , HB921 , HB1082 , HB1243 , HB1246 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB159 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1126 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1235 , HB1249 , SB259 , SB295 , SB312 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , SB441 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB463 , HB998 , SB197 , SB268 , SB123 , SB276 , SB326 , SB80 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB479 , HB74 , HB119 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1117 , HB1236 , SB42 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB449 , SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star