Transcript Highlights:

• , and part of it was completely mapping all of the ADTs into our programs and matching the tuition rates
• of the community colleges for students who come into National University to increase the completion rates
• for folks who are coming... ...to increase the completion rates for folks who are coming in.
• To improve the literacy rates of African American students.
• Another concern raised is about the experience modification rate safety standard and the interaction

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• That is, but regardless, we are increasing the family residential services framework rates for service
• Moving next to line 223, this is an increase rate for family residential services with high needs, the
• </c><01:11:15.200><c> study</c><01:11:16.120><c> um,</c> workgroup and rate study um, workgroup and rate
• </c><01:11:31.760><c> has</c><01:11:31.920><c> an</c><01:11:32.080><c> incre-</c><01:11:32.640><c> rate
• </c> um, this is um, it has an incre- rate um, this is um, it has an incre- rate increase<01:11:33.240

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So, they stepped forward with a higher rate to take care of this.
• This has pretty much been done, and now we want to lower that rate on them.
• So, we want to lower the rate.
• </c> now we want to lower that rate on them. now we want to lower that rate on them.
• In the amendment, what it does is rate.

Transcript Highlights:

• level so that we can pull that debt load down over time or at least not have it increasing at the rate
• level so that we can pull that debt load down over time or at least not have it increasing at the rate
• level so that we can pull that debt load down over time or at least not have it increasing at the rate
• Or six years is the rate of the increase. So, what does 38 trillion mean?
• </c><00:29:49.440><c> change</c> interest change, interest rate change interest change, interest rate

Summary: The joint meeting of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the House State Government Committee was called to consider House Concurrent Resolution 45, sponsored by Representative Jason Petri. The resolution would support calling for a federal balanced budget amendment through the Article V process. Petri argued that Kentucky’s own constitutional balanced-budget requirement shows the value of fiscal restraint, and he said decades of federal deficit spending and rising debt make a constitutional amendment necessary. Governor Ron DeSantis and Lauren Ends of the National Campaign for a Balanced Budget Amendment also testified in support, emphasizing the growth of federal debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and the view that Congress is unlikely to solve the problem on its own. Members asked about the mechanics and risks of an Article V convention, including whether the convention’s “sole purpose” language would be enforceable and whether a convention could become a “runaway” process. DeSantis and Ends said states can impose guardrails on delegates, including criminal penalties and delegate-limitation laws, and noted that any proposed amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. They also said that if Congress chose to draft the amendment itself in response to state pressure, that would be acceptable. One witness said 18 states have passed faithful-delegate or delegate-limitation laws. Representative Callaway asked what would happen if the debt issue is not addressed. Witnesses responded that continued borrowing could lead to economic dislocation, higher interest costs, and a debt crisis that would crowd out other federal spending. They said the current debt burden is already more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and roughly $300,000 per taxpayer, and that a balanced budget amendment would be a first step toward stopping the growth of debt before any long-term paydown could occur. The transcript provided does not show a final vote or other committee action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• that consumers have an idea of uh<00:04:35.199><c> at</c><00:04:35.440><c> what</c><00:04:35.680><c> rate
• insurers</c><00:04:36.800><c> are</c><00:04:37.199><c> paying</c><00:04:37.520><c> out</c> uh at what rate
• insurers are paying out uh at what rate insurers are paying out claims.<00:04:38.720><c> We'll</c><00
• With a 15% total tax rate, tax receipts will exceed $100 million each year.
• And so the the their their rates down.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused. The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused. In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations. The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will also be a 20-year loan with a 1.25% interest rate and was approved at the June 5 KIA board
• </c><01:15:02.800><c> and</c><01:15:03.040><c> was</c> with a 1.25% interest rate and was with a 1.25%
• So, um, I realize that when you look at this compared to a market-rate unit, it seems very high.
• </c><01:25:38.159><c> We</c> market rate unit, it seems very high.
• We market rate unit, it seems very high.

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:48:19.359><c> and</c><00:48:20.640><c> it's</c> multiply them by the rate and it's multiply them
• </c> Newcastle has a local education tax rate Newcastle has a local education tax rate of<02:28:00.960
• Most of them were designed at that time to address the high dropout rate.
• </c><04:39:30.080><c> So,</c> to address the high dropout rate.
• So, to address the high dropout rate.

Committee: House Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Our focus is on water safety education for our Native Hawaiian community, who drown at a higher rate
• Our focus is on water safety education for our Native Hawaiian community, who drown at a higher rate
• This is a large disparity compared to the rest of the state at an 86% graduation rate.
• </c><01:13:51.320><c> providing</c> reducing crime rates providing reducing crime rates providing opportunities
• Hawaii County faces the highest rate of food insecurity in the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Food processors are going out of business in the state of California at an alarming rate.
• And so anything that requires ...California at an alarming rate.
• pump back up the hill so during high peak hours you can unload this water storage, so it does reduce rates

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• Item E on page 25 is a request from OPM for the reinstatement of a labor market rate at the crime lab
• OPM has recommended the requested rate, and the action requires approval in lieu of review by the committee
• The $300,000 rate was approved last year, and the existing examiners are already there.

Committee: All JBC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee took up several budget and personnel items, first approving revised requests from the Auditor’s Office and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. The Auditor’s request lowered its salary-and-match increases to 10 percent, with operations and UCP amounts reduced to $245,490 and $109,711. The Lieutenant Governor’s revised request kept positions at line-item maximums and sought $99,876 in regular salary and match appropriations, or 17.43 percent. Both items were approved without objection. The main discussion centered on a member amendment from Senator Rice to Senate Bill 30 affecting the Governor’s Office. The amendment would eliminate one senior advisor position, reduce authorized positions from 59 to 58, and cut salaries and matching funds by a total of $264,895. Senator Rice argued the reduction was warranted because of concerns about former Corrections Secretary Joe Profury’s handling of corrections-related matters, including the Franklin County land purchase, transparency issues, and his refusal to appear before Joint Performance Review. Several members questioned the relevance of the testimony and noted the Governor could still hire him in another role if she chose. After discussion, a roll call vote was taken and the amendment failed. The committee then approved two routine items: OPM’s request to reinstate a labor market rate at the crime lab so it can offer up to $300,000 to recruit two medical examiners, and Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s request for 11 positions tied to the new veterinary medicine school. Both requests were approved, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it could have been because it was during that 4% rate reduction; people were really scrambling for
• requirements here about getting an assessment completed, but the way things are as far as maybe reimbursement rates
• really just the availability— ...it completed, but the way things are as far as maybe reimbursement rates

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• first year of a school dish of district that never even existed before standard diploma graduates rating
• able we're able to work with the with the children and get them to 25% chief ability or achievement rate
• So it's an acceptable rating. So is unacceptable. And that's below 25%.

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been many issues from water to gas, from gas to high rates in phone systems and things of
• SB330 does not allow the public to comment on water problems, bad service, ...rate increases, or other
• We have been dealing with this as have the water rate payers for ...years.

Bills: SB330

Committee: House Commerce and Small Business

Keywords: water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a cost-effective way to help reduce water rates in our district. It's really important.
• It's a cost-effective way to help reduce water rates in our district, and it's just really difficult
• It's a cost-effective way to help reduce water rates in our district and it's just really difficult with

Summary: The Local Government Committee met on March 26 and heard four bills, beginning as a subcommittee until quorum was established. The chair opened with housekeeping rules, including that testimony would be in person only and that disruptive conduct would not be tolerated. AB 59 by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry was heard first; it would remove the sunset on Reclamation District 108’s authority to participate in hydropower projects. The author, Colusa County representatives, and water district officials said the change would support long-term financing, lower energy costs, and help the district continue water stewardship. No opposition was presented, and the bill was later reported out 7-0. AB 417 by Assembly Member Carrillo was then presented as a measure to streamline and clarify laws governing enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) and community revitalization and investment authorities (CRIAs). Supporters, including the sponsor and planning, city, and flood control representatives, said the bill would improve local governments’ ability to fund affordable housing, climate adaptation, transit, fire mitigation, and other infrastructure without raising taxes. One opponent objected to the CRIA provisions, arguing that CRIAs retain eminent domain authority and asked for an amendment to remove that authority. The bill was passed after quorum was established, with the chair noting it would improve functionality while preserving transparency and public participation. AB 533 by Assembly Member Flora reauthorized health care districts that own or operate hospitals or clinics to use the design-build process for construction projects after the prior authority sunset on January 1, 2025. The author and supporters from the Association of California Health Care Districts, the Design-Build Institute of America, and engineering and hospital groups said the measure would restore a useful financing and construction tool without changing public contracting requirements. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee also approved AB 1030 on the consent calendar, and after roll calls on the remaining items, all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• COMBINED WITH HIGHER INTEREST RATES, THERE HAS BEEN A BIG IMPACT ON HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS ALIKE.
• WE WILL HOLD INSURANCE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE RATES THAT THEY CHARGE AND THE SERVICES THAT THEY
• DATA SHOWS THAT AUTISM IS IMPACTING MORE AND MORE FAMILIES ACROSS OUR STATE AT AN ALARMING RATE.

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SR44 , SR135 , SR171 , SR180 , SR185 , SR187 , SR188 , SR191 , SR197 , SR198 , SR199 , SR200

Transcript Highlights:

• Combined with higher interest rates, there has been a big impact on homeowners and renters alike, particularly
• We will hold insurance companies accountable for the rates that they charge and the services that they
• Data shows that autism is impacting more and more families across our state at an alarming rate.

Transcript Highlights:

• STC's impact is very clear, with an impressive 93% job placement. rates for their students.
• special connection to TSTC. got his welding degree from there and he is part of that 93% job placement rate
• As my colleague just said, 93% graduation and placement rate is ridiculous. and that's how they are paid

Transcript Highlights:

• Homes for persons experiencing homelessness or market-rate homes are just across the income spectrum.
• they go, oh, you see CSUs, we can build, but we're going to build maybe 10%, 25% lower than market rate
• So I'm saying it loud and clear. rate. That's not affordable. So I'm saying it loud and clear.
• At any rate, we are suggesting that making MHP a subject...
• At any rate, we are suggesting that making MHP a simpler, more basic program will provide a foundation

Summary: The committee held an outcome review hearing on AB 519, focused on streamlining California’s affordable housing finance system. State housing officials described the work group process and the resulting report, which calls for a consolidated application and coordinated review process across HCD, CalHFA, TCAC, and CDLAC, while preserving a separate direct path for projects that do not need state subsidy. They said the goal is to reduce duplication, align timelines, and get projects to construction faster, with implementation now being carried forward through the new Housing Development Finance Committee (HDFC) and related reorganization changes. Officials from HCD, CalHFA, and HDFC said the new committee launched July 1 and is developing regulations, a unified application workbook, and review procedures, with public comment and hearings planned before final adoption. They emphasized a two-track system: one for projects needing state subsidy and one for tax credits/bonds only. Members also discussed the transition period in 2027, the need to clear existing pipeline projects first, and the possibility of construction financing tools. Committee members raised concerns about transparency, stakeholder feedback, and whether additional statutory changes would be needed; staff said current authority appears sufficient. Affordable housing developers and advocates generally supported the reforms but said the work must go beyond a single application. They urged fully funding projects, simplifying post-award functions, modernizing asset management, preserving a direct path for locally funded and rehab projects, and improving geographic equity, especially for rural and farmworker housing. Several witnesses stressed that the system also needs stable funding, including general fund support and the proposed housing bond, and that the state should continue engaging stakeholders as the new process rolls out. Public comment echoed those themes and included a veteran describing the difficulty of navigating housing and VA-related systems, reinforcing the hearing’s focus on simplifying access to housing resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• foster care system as nonprofit agencies have had to close because of unaffordable liability insurance rates
• With a vacancy rate of more than 20% in direct care jobs in this industry, any barrier to passing the
• test makes reducing the vacancy rate very difficult.
• Transitional-aged youth have an incredibly high rate of homelessness in Massachusetts.
• spends more on health than any other country in the world, yet we have the highest maternal death rate

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of child welfare, family support, and human services bills. Testimony strongly supported a guaranteed cash stipend for young adults aging out of foster care (S.161), with the Attorney General’s Office, youth advocates, and foster care providers describing high rates of homelessness and poverty after exit from care. Providers also urged action on a resolve to study the foster care liability insurance crisis (H.197/S.1280), saying premiums and coverage losses are forcing program cutbacks and could reduce foster care capacity statewide. Another major topic was a direct care worker medication administration program registry (H.237/S.162), which supporters said would help recruit and train workers, especially bilingual staff, to address workforce shortages in human services. Several bills focused on child protection and child welfare system practices. Supporters of H.267/S.145 called for advance notice to children’s attorneys when placements or other major events change, arguing that timely communication is essential to prevent unnecessary disruption and improve advocacy. Testimony also backed legislation to formally recognize and strengthen children’s advocacy centers and the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (H.233/S.112), with prosecutors and CAC leaders describing the trauma-informed model as a longstanding, effective response to child abuse and trafficking. A bill to establish a Massachusetts children’s cabinet (S.115) drew support from advocates who said cross-agency coordination is needed to align policy and funding for children’s well-being. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing safety, equity, and family support. Senator Lovely and survivors supported S.152, which would create a civil cause of action for sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority or trust, with witnesses describing grooming and power imbalances in schools and youth-serving settings. H.274, a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, was supported by advocates who said it would add anti-discrimination protections and voting and privacy rights amid rising criminalization of homelessness. H.272/S.171 to protect maternal health received support from Rep. Montaño, MLRI, and a physician, who said the bills would make cash assistance available earlier in pregnancy and remove the medical-verification barrier. H.4216 on equitable hair care for children in state custody was supported by social workers and advocates who said hair care is tied to identity, dignity, and mental health. H.255 on empowering early educators drew testimony about barriers faced by renters and condo owners trying to open home-based child care programs. H.217, concerning resources and support for pregnant and parenting families, drew testimony from anti-abortion pregnancy resource center advocates. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several bills had no one signed up to testify or were deferred when witnesses were unavailable.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, S 1975 would increase the EITC match rate for workers without children and extend the $600
• It's really interesting to read those studies about how it helps kids, it helps graduation rates, it
• helps ultimate earning rates.
• It has never been more important to expand eligibility and rates of state earned income and child tax
• Harvard researchers estimate that even a modest tax could significantly reduce obesity rates and generate

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.