Transcript Highlights:

• There's 35,000 acres of land being purchased... BY THE LEGISLATURE.
• That's being purchased here, and probably around 10 in Lake, 10 in Lake County.
• be structured as a partisan group depending on who is in charge, and Sen.
• ITS A BIPARTISAN GROUP BUT IT COULD BE STRUCTURED AS A PARTISAN GROUP DEPENDING ON WHO IS IN CHARGE AND
• The childcare modernization—we heard groups in support and we heard groups in opposition.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:06:48.400> all<01:06:48.559> these um now we're going to purchase all these um
• now we're going to purchase all these needles<01:06:49.520> when<01:06:49.839> we<01:06
• What I mean to say is that this bill, um, similar to the other bill, um, purchasing a lot of needles
• What I mean to say is that this bill, um, similar to the other bill, um, purchasing a lot of needles
• ,<01:39:46.040> schedulingformational working groups, schedulingformational working groups

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1608 also gives us purchasing authority up to a million dollars.
• So you purchased fewer cars. Thank you. ...purchase, not the price of the new cars. Correct.
• And then more cars purchased...
• And we hope we can get more cars purchased or whatever.
• We hope we can get more cars purchased or whatever.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several budget and policy items, beginning with the DMV’s proposal for the federal state-to-state verification system and the Digital Experience Platform (DXP). DMV officials said the state-to-state system is required for Real ID compliance and functions as a pointer system that shares only limited identifying information to help states verify whether an applicant has records in another jurisdiction. Members pressed hard on privacy, access, hacking, notification, and misuse concerns, including whether other states or federal actors could use the system to target Californians. DMV said access is limited to member jurisdictions, requests are transaction-based, records are encrypted, California can see when its data is requested, and legal remedies would include working through AAMVA and the Attorney General if misuse occurred. On DXP, DMV said the project has been reset, is on its revised schedule and budget, occupational licensing is complete, vehicle registration is targeted for completion by the end of the calendar year, and the full modernization is expected by fiscal year 2028-29. The committee then took up the High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General trailer bill and AB 1608. The Inspector General said current law does not clearly authorize public reports or establish a work-paper retention and disclosure framework, and that the trailer bill and AB 1608 would codify those powers, add access to needed job classifications and purchasing authority, and require public reporting with temporary confidentiality only in limited circumstances such as pending litigation, security vulnerabilities, or fraud-detection weaknesses. Members debated how broad the confidentiality language should be, whether reports could remain confidential too long, and whether the bill should define “proposed agreements” and require notice to the Inspector General when agreements are being reviewed. The Inspector General said he had already found at least one procurement-related state law violation involving an amendment that added services not in the original contract, and members discussed the project’s large cost growth and the need for stronger oversight. No vote was taken on the item in the portion provided. Finally, Caltrans began presenting a trailer bill proposal related to workforce development under SB 150, explaining that it would amend Government Code 14017, which governs use of federal highway formula funds and related workforce development efforts. The transcript cuts off as Caltrans starts its overview, so no further discussion, vote, or action on that item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative, you got a group there that you would like to introduce? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• They're a great group. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing...
• <00:02:09.399> thank County FFA they're a great group thank County FFA they're a great group
• Great big group. We appreciate it.
• we appreciate it there great big group we appreciate it the<00:02:36.879> chairman<00:02:37.239

Keywords: 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – Attendance Roll Call 01:42 – Introduction of guests 09:15 – House Bill 278 18:16 – Roll Call Vote 19:33 – House Bill 527 23:03 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Agriculture met on March 5 and began with roll call, confirming a quorum. The committee spent much of the opening portion introducing guests, including FFA groups from Barren, Christian, and Pulaski counties, a fifth-grade student shadowing a member, and other visitors connected to agriculture and public service. The chair also recognized former Senator Joey Pendleton, who spoke briefly about his background and mentorship in Frankfort. The committee then heard House Bill 278, sponsored by Representative Josh Bray, which would allow Kentucky to use an existing USDA exemption for small poultry producers to process and sell poultry directly at farmers markets and similar venues. Testimony emphasized that the bill would not loosen food safety standards, but would instead require compliance with federal commercial food processing rules, sanitation requirements, HACCP plans, and labeling tied to the USDA exemption. Members raised questions about avian flu, traceability, refrigeration, and inspection; the sponsor and witnesses said the bill would preserve traceability by limiting sales to direct channels and that avian flu response would remain with the state veterinarian. The committee voted favorably on HB 278. The committee also considered House Bill 527, sponsored by Representative Susan Whitten, which would authorize licensed veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, and ferrets under direct veterinarian supervision on the premises. Supporters said the measure would help free veterinarians for other work while maintaining safety, and noted rising rabies concerns in Kentucky. Members asked why ferrets were included, and witnesses explained that ferrets can contract rabies like other mammals and are routinely vaccinated along with cats and dogs. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed HB 527 with favorable expression. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also would like to group real quick. Also would like to group real quick.
• Restaurant shall not purchase seafood from any shall not purchase seafood from any shall not purchase
• Seafood dealers may purchase seafood Seafood dealers may purchase seafood Seafood dealers may purchase
• I remember when we set that group up remember when we set that group up remember when we set that group
• That's only the group that might need only the group that might need only the group that might need additional

Bills: HJR 4, HJR 6, HB 195, HB 13, HB 143, HB 135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• I can answer questions about HOV lanes, but it allows electric vehicle owners to purchase a decal to
• vehicle uh owners of electric<00:01:11.280> vehicles<00:01:12.240> to<00:01:12.560> purchase
• <00:01:13.159> a electric vehicles to purchase a electric vehicles to purchase a decal<00:
• battery electric or plug-in purchase battery electric or plug-in vehicles<00:02:42.840> and<00
• your electric vehicle uh to purchased your electric vehicle uh to enroll<00:03:14.720> in<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• purchases and staff decisions. purchases and staff decisions.
• the purchase orders for these?
• Did you submit purchase orders you? Did you submit purchase orders to to to who?
• Do you approve those purchase orders? How do they know to purchase them?
• come How do they know to purchase them? come How do they know to purchase them?

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Report of KCNA Board Meeting 00:00:09 KCNA Transition to COT 00:35:55 KCNA Request for Proposals 00:42:00 Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:42:30, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met, approved the January 12, 2026 minutes, and then heard testimony from KCNA Chair David Couch, KCNA Director Jim Barnhart, and KCNA General Counsel Adam Adkins about the ongoing dispute involving KCNA, Excelacom, and the implementation of House Bill 314. Couch said the board and vendor had recently shown some willingness to work toward a settlement, and he emphasized the importance of KCNA’s broadband service to K-12 schools, noting that litigation had already cost about $1.4 million and could cost another $1.4 million if it continued. He also said the board had identified five immediate goals, including reconnecting 38 K-12 sites, de-escalating disputes, better understanding KCNA finances, protecting the state’s bonding rating, and examining whether duplicate networking hardware could be consolidated. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether House Bill 314 changed KCNA’s authority and how much control the Finance and Administration Cabinet and KCNA’s legal counsel have over operations and contracts. Senator Williams argued that the board now has authority to set policy, implement policy, and approve budgets, and questioned why the cabinet appeared to be exercising operational control. Adkins responded that HB 314 changed the reporting chain from the general government cabinet to the finance cabinet but did not alter the board’s authority, and said budget work on the Ice Miller contract predated HB 314. Couch and other members disputed that interpretation, saying the board had not been properly informed about a recent extension or increase in legal spending and that the board’s directives were not being followed. Representative Hodgson asked why the board could not terminate a contractor if it was not carrying out the board’s wishes, and Adkins replied that Ice Miller was not a party to the board’s contract and that the Finance and Administration Cabinet signs such agreements. The exchange ended with committee members and KCNA representatives agreeing to disagree on the meaning of the statute and the extent of board authority. No formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our<00:52:29.200> group<00:52:29.440> says Our group says Our group says >> It<00
• Wells Fargo purchased the Series B and Raymond James purchased Series C. >> All right.
• Wells Fargo purchasing the series B and Raymond<00:58:28.040> James<00:58:28.400> purchasing
• Raymond James purchasing series C. Raymond James purchasing series C.
• We We implemented those outside group.

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:28 Approval of Minutes 0:00:40 Information Items 0:01:13 Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:26:46 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:30:53 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:39:20 Rpt from OFM – KIA 0:52:42 Econ Development – EDF Grants 0:55:15 OFM Debt Issues 0:58:43 Informational Discussion 1:44:36 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of minutes, and informational items on school district financing and KCTCS equipment purchases. It then considered two KCTCS capital projects after initially rolling them together and later unrolling them: a Fire Commission Fire Academy maintenance building project that had grown from an original $2 million authorization to $4.7 million because of design changes, soil issues, and higher mechanical costs, and a $1.5 million renovation of the Blake Lee building at Somerset Community College for a health science simulation lab. Members questioned the large cost increase on the fire academy project and the adequacy of front-end due diligence, while KCTCS said the project was bid and ready to proceed and that a 15% contingency had been included. Both projects were approved by roll call vote, with the Blake Lee project ultimately approved after the committee unrolled the items and took them separately. The committee next heard and approved a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for the Hamburg East Medical Office Building, a five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility with a not-to-exceed budget of $275 million. UK said the project is intended to expand outpatient access, consolidate some services, and support projected growth in patient volume; the building will house multiple specialties, urgent care, therapy, imaging, and a retail pharmacy. Members asked about possible community uses, consolidation of services, and whether the project would free up other space, and UK said it hopes to consolidate some services and free campus space. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved three UK lease renegotiations: a specialty pharmacy and infusion services lease at Wellington Way in Lexington, a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences lease at Conte Terrace, and a College of Social Work lease at McGrath Park Way. Members asked about rising lease rates, occupancy, and whether space needs should be reduced; UK and the lessor’s representative said the pharmacy space remains busy, the ophthalmology lease was lower than before, and the social work lease had been negotiated down from a higher request. The committee also approved a Department of Military Affairs project amendment for a Mutual Field Maintenance Shop Restoration project, increasing federal funding by $1 million to $4.5 million because of higher construction costs, and approved a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation project funded by bond and HBCU Title III funds. Finally, it approved a new lease for the Office of Mines and Minerals in Pike County, a new lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Pulaski County, and a lease renewal for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County after questions about rent increases and office utilization; the cabinet said the Kenton County space still has limited vacancy and remains in use by field staff. The meeting ended as the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority began presenting six sewer and water loans and six cleaner water program grant reallocations, with members agreeing to roll those items for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• purchasing power. purchasing power.
• purchasing power by remaining at 1%. purchasing power by remaining at 1%.
• purchase power over the last 20 years. purchase power over the last 20 years.
• <01:21:04.080> It workg group. It's a 13page document. It workg group.
• group which is a piece of legislation. group which is a piece of legislation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we don't have to be apologized for what his trade group had done, because he knew what I knew.
• Card interchange fees are charged every time a customer swipes to make a purchase, and they cost many
• They may have to purchase new ones.
• My name is Nancy DePina, and I am from Mitch Hospitality Group.
• So we are a seven-location restaurant group.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on several bills focused on financial security, banking regulation, and payment-card fees. Treasurer Deborah Goldberg supported the Massachusetts baby bonds proposal (H. 48) and also endorsed bills on matched savings (H. 1158/S. 737) and retirement planning/Secure Choice (H. 1143/S. 722), arguing these measures would help address wealth inequality, build assets, and improve retirement readiness. Supporters of baby bonds included policy experts and health advocates from Children’s Health Watch and Boston Medical Center, who said early-life asset building could improve long-term economic and health outcomes for children in low-income families. AARP also urged passage of the retirement planning bill, citing the large share of private-sector workers without access to an employer retirement plan. Representative Donato testified for H. 1143, describing it as a voluntary retirement-savings opportunity for workers at small employers. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3933, concerning the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation, from former Bank Commissioner Mike Hanson, who defended the state’s full deposit insurance system for credit unions and savings institutions as a longstanding consumer-protection model. The Massachusetts Bankers Association raised concerns about the bill’s technical provisions and broader credit union/bank competitive issues, while the Cooperative Credit Union Association supported related legislation allowing modest compensation for credit union directors (S. 821/H. 1338) and flexibility for state financial institutions to grow through partnerships (S. 723). Bankers opposed those credit union bills, arguing they would upset a level playing field and blur long-standing distinctions between banks and credit unions. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1259/S. 688, which would prohibit card interchange fees on the tax and gratuity portions of restaurant transactions. Restaurant owners and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association testified in favor, saying the fees are a significant and growing expense, especially as most customers now pay by card; they argued the bills would save restaurants money without affecting state revenue. Credit union, banking, and payments-industry representatives opposed the bills, saying interchange helps fund fraud protection and payment infrastructure, that the proposal would create compliance burdens and likely litigation, and that it would mainly affect Massachusetts-chartered institutions while national banks could be preempted. Committee members noted that a commission on payment-card fees is being established and said the issue would be studied further. The hearing also included support for a separate bill on virtual credit cards for dental providers, with dentists saying automatic virtual-card payments impose hidden processing fees and fraud risks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, these are going to be broken out into each of the working groups.
• Again, these are going to be broken out into each of the working groups.
• I think that there will be a lot of overlap between the different groups.
• So we'll start with the working group name, the membership.
• So I really thank the members of this working group for their efforts. Thank you. Thank you, Jay.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special commission on xylazine met virtually to review and discuss the first draft of its final report. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, confirmed quorum, and the commission approved the minutes from its December 11 public meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the proposed report structure, including background on xylazine as both an FDA-approved veterinary drug and an illicit drug supply contaminant, as well as appendices for public meeting materials and public resources. The commission discussed findings and recommendations for several working groups. For oversight and enforcement, members focused on licit versus illicit sources of xylazine, noting that the illicit supply is typically obtained through online vendors rather than diverted from veterinary use. Recommendations included better storage and reporting practices in authorized settings, review of manufacturing and distribution information, and focusing enforcement on fentanyl trafficking and large-scale xylazine importation rather than personal possession. Commissioners also discussed whether xylazine should remain in Schedule 6 or be subject to additional penalties, and several members emphasized the need for coordination, information-sharing, and possibly a DPH task force or advisory body to monitor emerging drug threats. For outreach and treatment, staff summarized strong existing programs such as drug checking, wound care education, naloxone distribution, mobile and low-threshold care, and self-directed wound kits, while noting gaps including the lack of an FDA-approved reversal agent for xylazine, difficulty distinguishing xylazine from other exposures, and uneven access by geography, insurance, and audience. Commissioners stressed the need for provider education, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, family support networks, and first responders, and for clear guidance on wound care and when more intensive treatment is needed. The education and training section identified first responders, clinicians, non-clinicians, and people who use drugs and their families as key audiences for tailored, stigma-free materials, with emphasis on real-time, centralized data, naloxone and breathing support, recognition of overdose versus xylazine exposure, and adapting materials as the drug supply changes. The meeting ended with discussion of next steps: staff will circulate a revised draft by March 2, the commission will meet again on March 9 to consider the report and recommendations, and an additional late-March meeting was reserved if needed before the statutory deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not to purchase them; it is simply to pack and transport them.
• I will run by any legislation that I come by your group before I put it out there.
• Legislation that I come by your group before I put it out there.
• And the State Purchasing Division.
• If you are not aware, we purchase everything from pencils to construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• > generated<00:06:28.639> from RAR purchases the heat generated from RAR purchases the heat
• through a negotiated power purchase through a negotiated power purchase agreement.<00:06:46.800>
• Um, I'm on the Minnesota Wastewood stakeholder group that's run by the MPCA.
• Um, I'm on the Minnesota Wastewood stakeholder group that's run by the MPCA.
• Um, I'm on the Minnesota Wastewood stakeholder group that's run by the MPCA.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:13.599> walley incentive to use to purchase walley incentive to use to purchase walley
• <00:03:47.440> of we could incentivize the purchase of we could incentivize the purchase of
• The next slide talks a little bit about the purchase options that would exist.
• <00:29:14.720> of<00:29:14.880> the parks with the purchase of the parks with the purchase
• the purchase options that would exist. the purchase options that would exist.

Bills: HF624

Keywords: HF624, Minnesota fishing law, game and fish, walleye stamp, walleye stamp validation, angling, angler, fishing lines, two lines, four lines, open water fishing, ice fishing, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, fishing regulations, fish harvest, conservation, Minnesota Statutes 97C.315, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And what he did was he purchased a T-28, a Navy T-28 fighter airplane from, I believe, North Carolina
• And what he did was he purchased a T-28, a Navy T-28 fighter airplane from, I believe, North Carolina
• And what he did was he purchased a Eng.
• And what he did was he purchased a T-28,<00:13:03.600> a<00:13:04.160> Navy T-28, a Navy
• So, some things some auxiliary groups.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, on a side note, the only group Also, on a side note, the only group without<00:45:46.960> a<
• but not a specific group for moderators. but not a specific group for moderators.
• purchases with These lease purchases with non-appropriation<01:24:47.679> clauses<01:24:48.560
• city council would rather purchase it city council would rather purchase it for<02:28:43.840>
• restaurant that then could purchase restaurant that then could purchase Kino.<02:56:13.840> Um

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What I think has transpired is that one group probably puts five miles, and then the next group responds
• To ensure that those are purchased for schools. Thank you so much.
• We have currently purchased the land for 2023.
• So that would be... ...the representation, along with other interest groups.
• I represent a group of state employees who are not able to collectively bargain.

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• It's really, what are you delivering to the homeowner who is not a sophisticated purchaser?
• But that's available to the consumer when making that purchasing decision.
• Well, they, I mean, that's a, To look like when they purchase a home.
• I'm sure we have a state Builders Association—but what group...
• Real quick, on the two houses you described, what were the purchase prices? I don't remember.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How many are critical enough to be in the highest group? Are there 20 or 100?
• How many are critical enough to be in the highest group? Are there 20 or 100?
• Both, NASIR, which is the group of state energy offices, and NARUC, which is the state PUC group, have
• next batch or the next group, however it ends up working out.'
• And historically, we have thought of industrial load as one big group.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• NDSU land purchase using local funds, $65,000. NDSU land purchase using local funds, $65,000.
• So really open and receptive to what this group would want to say about that.
• So really open and receptive to what this group would want to say about.
• So really open and receptive to what this group would want to say about that.
• All right, so we have a motion to add $5.6 million for the purchase. Who would be purchased?

Bills: SB2003

Keywords: higher education, student loans, scholarships, capital projects, workforce development, funding, North Dakota university system, 908, all

Summary: The committee met to work through the higher education budget, beginning with a conflict-of-interest request from Representative Martinson, who was excused from voting because of a partnership that leases office space to Bismarck State College. Members then reviewed the higher education institution budget sheets, covering ongoing and one-time funding items for campuses and system projects such as BSC housing, Lake Region roof repairs, UND’s STEM and National Security Crossroads projects, the UND allied health facility, NDSU projects including New Horizons, DSU deferred maintenance and campus security, Mayville’s Old Main, Minot projects, and the regional health institutes. Members also discussed student financial assistance, the professional student exchange program, IT security funding, and workforce/education innovation grants. Several amendments and policy questions were debated. The committee adopted an amendment to make workforce education innovation grants competitive rather than automatically distributed, and then voted to remove language prohibiting those funds from being used to duplicate academic programs. Members also removed similar anti-duplication language from the New Horizons section. They agreed to extend the UND hyperbaric chamber transfer authority to 2027 and clarified language around UND land-sale proceeds. A proposed amendment to add $5.6 million for the Wahpeton State School of Science building purchase failed for lack of a second, and a proposal to restore fetal alcohol spectrum disorder funding to UND was left for conference. The committee also discussed, but did not add, a tuition cap change, a study on the Praxis exam, and several governance-related provisions. The committee spent significant time on broader higher education policy items, including a $3 million enterprise resource planning request for the university system, a $2 million grant program for students who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are caring for young children, and a $1.1 million request for library age-verification software tied to the Odin system. Members also discussed dual-credit authority for UND and NDSU, a goal for the UND medical school to increase North Dakota resident enrollment, and intent language regarding the commissioner/chancellor model and presidential search authority. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the amendments and then gave the higher education budget a do-pass recommendation as amended, with Representative Sanford designated as the carrier. The Forest Service budget was also approved, including two additional FTEs, and the committee adjourned after noting it would continue with other budgets the next day.