Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:44.960><c> Um,</c><00:32:45.360><c> but</c><00:32:45.600><c> it's</c><00:32:45.919><c> out
• </c><00:32:46.159><c> there</c><00:32:46.399><c> and</c><00:32:46.640><c> it</c> I believe.
• But I will<00:32:49.760><c> note</c><00:32:50.080><c> when</c><00:32:50.320><c> we</c><00:32:50.480><
• c><00:32:52.640><c> bill</c><00:32:53.200><c> that</c><00:32:53.760><c> the</c><00:32:53.919><c> the<
• <00:32:58.080><c> a</c><00:32:58.320><c> lot</c><00:32:58.399><c> from</c><00:32:58.720><c> what</c><

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00 Introduction of Board Members – 00:02:04 Overview of the Purpose and Goals of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board – 00:12:46 Medicaid Legislative Update - 00:20:26 Discussion of Next Steps and Future Meeting Dates – 01:04:06 Adjournment – 01:06:37, 958, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board opened with Chair Ken Fleming and Co-Chair Rocky Adams welcoming members, explaining the board’s purpose, and introducing the diverse membership of legislators, providers, advocates, and state officials. Fleming said the board would meet monthly, allow public comment at the end of meetings, and operate transparently with materials posted online and distributed in advance. Both chairs emphasized that the board’s work would focus on improving Medicaid outcomes, efficiency, and oversight, while preparing for possible federal changes and avoiding premature assumptions about what Congress may do. Members then gave brief introductions describing their backgrounds in medicine, nursing, hospital administration, behavioral health, insurance, budgeting, pharmacy, and Medicaid administration. Several noted direct experience with Medicaid populations or managed care, including the Department for Medicaid Services commissioner, health plan representatives, hospital and clinic leaders, and legislators with health care backgrounds. The board also heard from Stephanie Bates of the LRC Office of Health Data Analytics, who said her office supports the General Assembly with health-related data, policy, and research and would serve as a resource to the board. Bates then began a presentation on Medicaid basics, explaining that House Bill 695 created the board and that the presentation would cover eligibility, enrollment, covered benefits, waivers, managed care, the budget, and the federal reconciliation bill. She described Medicaid eligibility as complex, noted that Kentucky had more than 1.4 million enrollees, and explained enrollment churn and the unwinding of pandemic-era continuous coverage. She also outlined mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits, the requirement that services be medically necessary and provided by enrolled providers, and the main waiver types used in Kentucky, including 1115, 1915(b), and 1915(c) waivers. No votes or formal actions were taken at this meeting beyond organizational setup and receiving the initial informational presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14.799><c> have</c><00:32:15.000><c> questions</c><00:32:15.960><c> thank</c><00:32:16.159><c> you</
• </c><00:32:18.880><c> in</c> support<00:32:25.720><c> he</c> support he support he hix<00:32:27.919><
• :54.679><c> that's</c><00:32:54.840><c> all</c><00:32:55.159><c> the</c><00:32:55.360><c> checked</c>
• :01.119><c> one</c><01:32:01.360><c> perm</c><01:32:01.639><c> FTE</c><01:32:02.280><c> and</c><01:32
• c><01:32:05.719><c> Kaho</c><01:32:06.239><c> Harbor</c><01:32:06.560><c> and</c><01:32:06.760><c> highways

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the proposed revisions to Chapter 123, Section 15, prioritizing competency evaluations in the
• Chapter 123, Section 12E, and Section 35 are of particular concern.
• It adds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine into Class A of Chapter 94C, the same category as heroin
• It adds my tragenine and 7 hydroxy mitraginine into Class A of Chapter 94C.
• Sections two and three of this bill expand section 12F of chapter 112 to allow minors of any age and

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you look to section two, this is in the obscenity control chapter.
• So getting kind of to the meat of the bill that is in section 8, and we're now moving into chapter 27.1
• So getting kind of to the meat of the bill that is in section 8, and we're now moving into chapter 27.1
• So getting kind of to the meat of the bill, that is in Section 8, and we're now moving into Chapter 27.1
• we're using, and we're not having to page through 13 different chapters in order to determine which

Committee: Joint Protection and Victim Services Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4141, amending laws 2024, Chapter 211, Section 6.
• House Bill 4141, amending laws 2024, Chapter 211, Section 6, making capital outlay appropriations for
• House Bill 4143, amending Title 41, Chapter 11, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-1604, relating
• House Bill 4143, amending Title 41, Chapter 11, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-1604, relating
• House Bill 4153, an act amending Title 28, Chapter 2, Article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by heading

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Disability Rights Florida, the Florida Chapter
• Chapter 163 tells us that the legislature The legislature further recognizes the substantial advantages
• Senate Bill 530 amends Chapter 24 of the Florida Statutes relating to the Department of Lottery.
• And so they could use Chapter 120 in order to do that as well. Senator Polsky. Thank you.
• And so they could use Chapter 120 in order to do that as well. Senator Polsky.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several guest recognitions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up a series of claims and relief bills, including SB 6 for L.E. against DCF, SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, and later other measures such as child welfare, public records, and professional licensing bills. Most of these bills were explained by sponsors as targeted fixes or relief measures, and several were substituted with identical House bills before final passage. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable on these items, including unanimous or near-unanimous approvals on the claims bills and education-related measures. A major floor debate centered on CS/CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new framework for large-scale planned developments on at least 15,000 acres with substantial conservation set-asides. Supporters argued it would provide a structured path for long-term growth and development, while opponents from both parties warned it was too vague, could undermine local control, and lacked enough specificity on conservation, infrastructure, and land-use protections. After extensive debate, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 21 on land-use regulations tied to hurricane recovery, SB 530 on lottery operations, SB 556 on Special Olympics as a PE substitute for students with disabilities, SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, SB 758 on the Justice Administrative Commission, SB 830 creating public-records exemptions for certain local officials and their families, SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 914 on dry needling by occupational therapists, and SB 1002 on child welfare and parental drug abuse. Another lengthy and contentious discussion involved CS/CS/SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles, which included provisions on foreign law, domestic terrorist designations, and restrictions on public support for designated organizations. Senators debated an amendment to remove references to Sharia law; that amendment failed. A second amendment with broader revisions and notice procedures was then taken up, with questions focused on notice, appeal rights, and the designation process. The transcript ends during that amendment discussion, before final disposition is shown. Throughout the session, many bills were substituted with identical House companions and then passed by recorded vote, often with strong bipartisan support.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Disability Rights Florida, the Florida Chapter
• Senate Bill 530 amends Chapter 24 of the Florida Statutes relating to the Department of Lottery.
• And so they could use Chapter 120 in order to do that as well. Senator Polsky. Thank you.
• And so they could use Chapter 120 in order to do that as well. Senator Polsky. Thank you.
• Their willingness to relive such a painful chapter, knowing this bill will not change what happened to

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions before moving into a long special-order calendar. The chamber first considered two claims bills: SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents, and SB 26/HB 6509 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence. Both bills were substituted with their House companions and passed overwhelmingly. Members then approved several policy bills focused on child welfare, education, and professional regulation. CS/CS/SB 42/HB 47 required child protective investigators to consider certain medical diagnoses before proceeding in abuse cases; CS/SB 206/HB 851 expanded autism-related training and incentives for teacher preparation programs; SB 556/HB 453 allowed Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements for students with disabilities and clarified marching band credit; SB 688 reestablished licensure and regulation for naturopathic doctors; SB 878/HB 1347 addressed clinical laboratory personnel shortages by aligning more closely with federal CLIA standards; and SB 914/HB 867 clarified that licensed occupational therapists may perform dry needling. Each of these measures passed, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The chamber also approved bills on court administration, public records, financial disclosure, and child welfare. SB 326/HB 131 modernized rules for curators of estates; SB 758/HB 625 updated the composition of the Justice Administrative Commission, with an amendment broadening the judicial member to a judge or senior judge; SB 830 created a public records exemption for certain local government executives and their families; SB 964/HB 6011 revised how gifts and honoraria are reported and, via amendment, restored a percentage-based reporting option for financial disclosures; and SB 1002 clarified that acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow courts to order assessment and services. These bills all passed, with SB 830 drawing the most opposition among them. The most contentious debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a framework for very large planned communities with substantial conservation set-asides. Supporters argued it would provide a new growth-management tool and economic opportunity, while opponents warned it was too broad, lacked specificity, weakened local control, and could be exploited by large developers. After extensive debate and an amendment limiting data centers in commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 530 on lottery operations, SB 1632/HB 1471 on foreign law and domestic terrorist designations after a lengthy and divisive amendment debate over references to Sharia law, and SB 21/HB 218 on land-use regulations tied to hurricane recovery, which preserves SB 180 restrictions in storm-affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:36.720><c> So</c><00:32:36.880><c> that</c><00:32:37.039><c> to</c><00:32:37.279><c> me</c
• single</c><00:32:40.480><c> month</c><00:32:41.200><c> um</c><00:32:41.360><c> to</c><00:32:41.679><c
• &gt;&gt; Um<00:32:46.399><c> so</c><00:32:47.679><c> good</c><00:32:48.000><c> point.
• </c><00:32:48.240><c> I</c><00:32:48.480><c> think</c><00:32:49.519><c> as</c><00:32:49.840><c> I</c>
• <00:32:51.840><c> Roman</c><00:32:52.159><c> numeral</c><00:32:52.559><c> 3,</c><00:32:52.880><c> I</

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What<00:32:07.120><c> this</c><00:32:07.360><c> looks</c><00:32:07.600><c> like</c><00:32:08.240><c>
• 32:13.120><c> in</c><00:32:13.440><c> order</c><00:32:13.679><c> to</c><00:32:13.919><c> respond</c><
• <00:32:16.799><c> and</c><00:32:17.120><c> students</c><00:32:17.760><c> inquiring</c><00:32:18.480><
• Is<00:32:23.440><c> there</c><00:32:23.600><c> a</c><00:32:23.840><c> way</c><00:32:23.919><c> for</c
• ><00:32:24.159><c> you</c><00:32:24.399><c> to</c><00:32:24.720><c> change</c><00:32:25.120><c> our</

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:32:06.080><c> cost</c><01:32:06.360><c> structure</c><01:32:06.800><c> so</c><01:32:07.080><c>
• </c><01:32:44.400><c> or</c><01:32:44.639><c> the</c><01:32:45.600><c> okay</c><01:32:45.800><c> let's
• </c><01:32:46.480><c> on</c><01:32:46.800><c> though</c><01:32:47.280><c> because</c><01:32:48.280><c
• we have questions<01:32:49.199><c> and</c><01:32:50.199><c> we</c><01:32:50.480><c> probably</c><01:32
• </c><01:32:56.159><c> very</c><01:32:56.400><c> quickly</c><01:32:56.800><c> through</c><01:32:57.080

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• helpful manner. and um just very helpful manner. and um just very grateful<00:32:55.039><c> for</c><00
• :32:55.360><c> the</c><00:32:55.600><c> work</c><00:32:55.760><c> of</c><00:32:56.000><c> all</c><00:
• 32:56.159><c> of</c><00:32:56.480><c> you</c> grateful for the work of all of you grateful for the work
• of all of you colleagues<00:32:57.600><c> on</c><00:32:57.840><c> both</c><00:32:58.080><c> sides</c
• ><00:32:58.320><c> of</c><00:32:58.399><c> the</c><00:32:58.559><c> aisle</c><00:32:59.440><c> to</c>

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Clarity</c><00:32:04.320><c> um</c><00:32:04.880><c> basically</c><00:32:05.360><c> tying</c><00
• seems<00:32:09.080><c> like</c><00:32:09.240><c> we're</c><00:32:09.519><c> creating</c><00:32:10.080
• a similarly complex<00:32:11.919><c> system</c><00:32:12.279><c> now</c><00:32:12.440><c> on</c><00:
• <00:32:15.799><c> to</c><00:32:15.919><c> do</c><00:32:16.279><c> here</c><00:32:17.080><c> and</c><00
• ><c> me</c><00:32:27.039><c> reconcile</c><00:32:27.559><c> those</c><00:32:28.120><c> to</c><00:32:29.120

Bills: HF1005

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: health insurance, medical assistance, behavioral health, reimbursement rates, primary care services, physician fee schedule, managed care, residential services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Proclamation is<00:32:03.519><c> the</c><00:32:03.720><c> 103</c><00:32:04.279><c> D-</c><00:32:04.919
• ><c> 53</c><00:32:05.760><c> which</c><00:32:05.960><c> is</c><00:32:06.120><c> the</c><00:32:06.240>
• </c><00:32:09.760><c> we</c><00:32:09.919><c> had</c><00:32:10.080><c> a</c><00:32:10.320><c> RFP</c>
• cctld<01:32:17.280><c> another</c><01:32:18.000><c> mouthful</c><01:32:19.000><c> which</c><01:32:19.280
• c><01:32:21.600><c> the</c><01:32:21.840><c> Caribbean</c><01:32:22.840><c> um</c><01:32:23.080><c> but

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:32:17.880><c> okay</c><01:32:18.080><c> so</c><01:32:18.360><c> this</c><01:32:18.520><c> amendment
• <01:32:22.239><c> 10</c><01:32:23.000><c> 8</c><01:32:23.239><c> to</c><01:32:23.400><c> 10</c> okay<
• 01:32:35.239><c> that</c><01:32:35.520><c> the</c><01:32:35.639><c> amendment</c><01:32:36.040><c> fails
• ><c> yes</c><04:32:06.319><c> represent</c><04:32:06.640><c> of</c><04:32:06.760><c> NATO</c><04:32:07.319
• c> of</c><04:32:08.279><c> Cornell</c><04:32:08.880><c> no</c><04:32:09.840><c> represent</c><04:32:10.239

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0. Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted. The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted. Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I know that in our new nominee,<00:32:23.919><c> in</c><00:32:24.159><c> our</c><00:32:24.399>
• <c> new</c><00:32:24.640><c> speaker,</c><00:32:25.120><c> our</c><00:32:25.360><c> next</c> nominee,
• ><c> have</c><00:32:29.600><c> a</c><00:32:29.919><c> woman</c><00:32:30.159><c> who</c><00:32:30.480
• c><00:32:36.240><c> lead</c><00:32:36.559><c> a</c><00:32:36.880><c> state</c><00:32:37.279><c> house
• </c><00:32:38.799><c> the</c><00:32:39.039><c> United</c><00:32:39.440><c> States</c><00:32:39.679><c

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I want to first acknowledge the incredible<00:32:21.360><c> work</c><00:32:21.519><c> of</c><00:32
• ><c> of</c><00:32:22.960><c> their</c><00:32:23.200><c> members,</c><00:32:23.840><c> um</c><00:32:24.399
• Leyon, and you know,<00:32:27.760><c> all</c><00:32:27.919><c> of</c><00:32:28.000><c> our</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:29.679><c> really</c><00:32:30.000><c> started</c><00:32:30.320><c> to</c><00:32:30.640><c
• today</c><00:32:35.840><c> our</c><00:32:36.159><c> annual</c><00:32:36.640><c> reports.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.

Transcript Highlights:

• :08.679><c> and</c><01:32:09.080><c> that</c><01:32:10.080><c> a</c><01:32:10.159><c> lot</c><01:32:10.320
• ><c> and</c><01:32:12.000><c> I'm</c><01:32:12.119><c> not</c><01:32:12.320><c> talking</c><01:32:12.560
• :13.040><c> I'm</c><01:32:13.159><c> talking</c><01:32:13.400><c> about</c><01:32:13.679><c> on</c><01
• <01:32:22.719><c> here</c><01:32:23.000><c> is</c><01:32:23.280><c> responsible</c> Everyone here is
• :57.960><c> the</c><01:32:58.080><c> amendment</c><01:32:58.520><c> before</c><01:32:58.880><c> us</c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• RS 32-89 is first. Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and committee.
• Before you, you have RS 32-89.
• I move that we print RS 32-89. We have a motion and a second to print RS 32-89.
• So with that, I would ask you to print this RS 32-912. Committee, we have RS 32-912 before us. Mr.
• I move that we send RS 32-912 to print. We have a motion and a second to move RS 32-912 to print.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14.880><c> her</c><00:32:15.600><c> pay</c><00:32:15.919><c> for</c><00:32:16.080><c> that</c><00:32
• But there is<00:32:17.519><c> actually</c><00:32:18.320><c> there</c><00:32:18.559><c> was</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:21.200><c> to</c><00:32:21.679><c> even</c><00:32:21.919><c> as</c><00:32:22.080><c> it</c
• c> the</c><01:32:06.639><c> age</c><01:32:06.880><c> of</c><01:32:07.040><c> 65.
• </c><02:32:55.920><c> The</c><02:32:56.160><c> other</c><02:32:56.399><c> big</c><02:32:56.640><c> risk

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > seeing</c><00:32:33.360><c> none</c><00:32:33.559><c> are</c><00:32:33.679><c> there</c><00:32:33.799
• ><c> any</c> questions<00:32:37.799><c> um</c> questions um questions um okay<00:32:41.080><c> with</
• c><00:32:41.279><c> that</c><00:32:41.559><c> then</c><00:32:42.240><c> uh</c><00:32:42.360><c> why</
• c><00:32:42.440><c> don't</c><00:32:42.559><c> we</c><00:32:42.720><c> move</c> okay with that then uh
• c> HB</c> on to HB on to HB 1156<00:32:45.919><c> relating</c><00:32:46.320><c> to</c><00:32:46.639><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1422, which would exempt certain community-based organizations providing transportation services from motor carrier law, drew support from the Department of Transportation, PUC, DLNR, Kauaʻi County, the Hōnaunau Initiative, and others; members asked about narrowing amendments to prevent unintended use, and the bill later advanced with amendments, including a three-year sunset. HB 1162, requiring motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete a DOT-approved basic rider course, received support from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services; it advanced with amendments to address city and county concerns and to allow more implementation time. HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study when reducing speed limits by up to 10 mph, had mixed testimony and was deferred for further discussion. HB 1260, establishing summer streets pilot programs for counties other than Oʻahu, drew support from DOT, DOH, UH, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, bicycling and public health groups, and individuals; DOH and others asked that Oʻahu be included, but the measure was deferred for later decision-making. HB 177, making civil ID cards free, had opposition from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services and support from health advocates; DOT said the program costs about $1.3 million annually and would need replacement funding, and the bill was deferred. HB 862, authorizing motor coaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions, received broad support from disability advocates, DOE-related entities, neighborhood boards, and private providers, with testimony emphasizing flexibility and accessibility; it was deferred. HB 667, requiring microchip scanning and reporting when deceased cats or dogs are removed from roadways, was supported by DOT, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and many animal groups and individuals, and was passed unamended. HB 960, increasing the cap on certain DOT capital investment contracts, and HB 228, authorizing electronic license plates and banning plate-obscuring devices and flipping devices, were both heard and then deferred. HB 1156, increasing the amount of special facility revenue bonds available for harbor improvements, received support from DOT, the Island Chamber of Commerce, Alakaʻi Energy, and the Harbor Users Group, and was passed unamended to Ways and Means.