Transcript Highlights:

• help with this, I'm asking that $995,540 be appropriated in the 2026-2027 biennium from the veterans budget
• I led the budget department that funded Iraq.
• I do understand what the budget looks like this year, and everything is scalable, but to say no, I don't
• But I see, you know, that those investments aren't coming out of the public safety budget anymore.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• page two, line one, Speaker of the House and Speaker of Mera must jointly agree on the allocation of budgets
• 09.480><c> of</c> must jointly agree on the allocation of must jointly agree on the allocation of budgets
• 10.360><c> committee</c><00:04:10.640><c> and</c><00:04:10.799><c> caucus</c><00:04:11.799><c> and</c> budgets
• to each committee and caucus and budgets to each committee and caucus and then<00:04:12.079><c> line

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires that if a board proposes an annual budget exceeding 115% of the prior year, that the board
• shall simultaneously propose a substitute budget, not including any discretionary expenditures, and
• that such substitute budget shall be considered first.
• may obtain a line of credit in lieu of reserves for all or a portion of the required reserves for budgets

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with CS for SB 592, the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program. The bill was explained as revising condominium eligibility and grant rules, lowering the approval threshold to 75%, changing roof project rules, capping reimbursement at $175,000 per association, and excluding detached units. Two amendments were adopted, including one clarifying the three-story threshold and another adding wind-driven rain mitigation devices for sliding glass doors as an eligible improvement. A late-filed amendment to appropriate $500 million for the program was adopted on a roll call vote, but the bill itself was then reported favorably. Testimony generally supported the program, with members noting strong demand and the need for more funding, though one amendment drew concern from a window manufacturer and some members about product approval and fairness. The committee then approved CS for SB 622 on pari-mutuel permit holders, which would allow certain facilities to be leased to Hialeah permit holders and other same-class permit holders, with an amendment making the lessee eligible to apply for, rather than automatically receive, a license for inter-track wagering or Hialeah games. CS for SB 1404 on illegal gambling was also reported favorably after amendments added a declaratory judgment process for veterans organizations, strengthened ethics/revolving-door restrictions for Gaming Commission personnel, and then withdrew a late amendment concerning a Miami casino property. Prosecutors and the Gaming Control Commission supported the bill as a tool to target criminal gambling operations, while amusement machine operators and veterans groups raised concerns about overbreadth and uncertainty for lawful operators. SB 604 on residential swimming pool requirements was temporarily postponed after questions about how the new sale/transfer disclosure and safety-feature requirement would work in practice, especially for cash transactions and whether home inspectors would be involved. SB 1682, adding 911 dispatchers to the definition of first responder, was reported favorably with support from dispatchers and members who emphasized the trauma and public safety role of telecommunicators. SB 818 on utility relocation and SB 1228 on spring restoration were both reported favorably, with counties opposing the utility bill as a cost shift to taxpayers and the spring bill drawing support from JEA. The committee also approved CS for SB 948 on flood disclosures for tenants and condo buyers, and CS for SB 1742, a major condominium and cooperative association reform bill that would adjust reserve funding rules, allow temporary reserve pauses after milestone inspections, require substitute budgets over a certain threshold, permit lines of credit in lieu of reserves through 2028, expand disclosure and data reporting, and add conflict-of-interest and governance changes. The condo bill drew extensive discussion and testimony, with supporters praising the flexibility and transparency provisions and some owners urging additional relief for inland, lower-rise buildings; it was ultimately reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, um, as conversations go, I understand that, you know, we are in a very tough budget situation
• </c><00:15:20.639><c> a</c><00:15:20.800><c> very</c><00:15:21.040><c> tough</c><00:15:21.279><c> budget
• </c> know, we are in a very tough budget know, we are in a very tough budget situation,<00:15:22.639>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You all continue that legacy every time you all vote on the budget. We appreciate it.
• You all continue that legacy every time you all vote on the budget. We appreciate it.
• You all continue that legacy every time you all vote on the budget. We appreciate it.
• You all continue that legacy every time you all vote on the budget. We appreciate it.

Keywords: 00:00 Meeting Start 00:45 Attendance Roll Call 01:50 Introduction of New Members 07:10 Discussion of HB 24 09:36 Roll Call Vote 12:20 Discussion of HB 216 19:25 Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first meeting of the 2025 session, with the new chair opening the meeting, confirming a quorum, announcing the House’s 24-hour rule for committee substitutes and amendments, and welcoming several guests and new committee members. The chair also emphasized agriculture’s importance to Kentucky’s economy, citing crop revenue and the broader economic impact of the sector. The committee first considered House Bill 24, which would raise the audit threshold for conservation districts from $750,000 to $1 million. Supporters said the bill updates an outdated threshold and helps reduce the burden of costly audits amid inflation. The bill received a motion and second, no opposition was raised, and it passed by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 216, presented by the vice chair and Brandon Reed of the Kentucky Office of Policy. The bill would allow certain Department of Agriculture employees to apply for grants or loans while preserving the existing prohibition for employees who oversee those programs. Testimony explained that the office’s funding comes from tobacco master settlement dollars, with a formula that directs money to agriculture and other purposes, and members discussed the importance of keeping those funds in Kentucky. The bill passed with favorable expression by roll call vote. Before adjournment, members made additional welcoming remarks for local officials and guests, and the chair noted the National Farm Machinery Show and tractor pull as a major event for Kentucky agriculture. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well, that they have their own budget. They have their own property tax, right?
• They have they have their own budget.
• They would have the same budget. They would collect the property tax to pay for that, right?
• </c> supervision or this part of budgeting. supervision or this part of budgeting.
• </c> taxpayers then have to vote on a budget taxpayers then have to vote on a budget to<02:10:31.679>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the October 15 minutes and a brief discussion of the committee’s report process, including the likelihood of a minority report and a deadline of November 1 for any separate report. Members then heard from Jod Adams of the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools, who gave an overview of charter schools in the state: there are 37 charter schools, with 6,034 students last year, and schools are formed by certified teachers, parents, or nonprofit organizations. She said charter schools receive about $9,180 per pupil in adequacy aid and charter school grant funding, must fundraise for additional money, and are governed by their own boards under their charters and bylaws. Members asked about admissions, governance, transportation, and special education. Adams said charter schools are open enrollment, not geographically based, and may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats. She explained that districts and charter schools coordinate on special education and busing, with the sending district responsible for special education coordination and certain transportation obligations depending on where the student lives and attends. She also said charter schools are public schools, not selective, and that each school’s board operates independently of the local district school board, though some schools may have special arrangements. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on funding and statutory obligations. Adams and members discussed how special education aid follows the student, while charter schools do not receive some district-level aid such as catastrophic aid; free and reduced lunch funding and Title funds can go to charter schools. Members also raised concerns that some state laws and administrative rules do not clearly specify whether they apply to charter schools, creating confusion and, in some cases, causing districts to perform services such as dyslexia screening for charter students without additional funding. Adams agreed that clearer statutory language would help and noted that charter schools are subject to many state requirements, including testing and reporting, even though not every public-school rule applies to them.

Transcript Highlights:

• After going out and speaking budgets.
• item on municipal budgets, is not an acceptable solution.
• ,</c><05:24:44.718><c> is</c><05:24:44.878><c> not</c> budget item on municipal budgets, is not budget
• And we passed our annual budget on March 24th given the facts and figures from this document.
• </c> budget impact of almost $1.7 million. budget impact of almost $1.7 million.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.

Transcript Highlights:

• When a town does its budget and works on its budget, that hearing is open.
• When a town does its budget<02:10:02.400><c> and</c><02:10:02.719><c> works</c><02:10:02.960><c> on</
• c><02:10:03.199><c> its</c><02:10:03.440><c> budget,</c><02:10:04.000><c> that</c> budget and works on
• its budget, that budget and works on its budget, that hearing<02:10:04.719><c> is</c> hearing is hearing
• Um, it's absolutely unnecessary in this budget year. I ask you to vote green. Thank you. All right.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say that as it is a non-budget year, we don't have a traditional target-setting mechanism that
• So, I think part of the reason that it isn't looking like a budget year, it's not a budget year, and
• year, it's it's not a like a budget year, it's it's not a budget<01:03:11.560><c> year</c><01:03:11.840
• This is, in my opinion, the only place I would spend money out of the current budget.
• But, I think the the current budget.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where it’s not, the state is going to have to actually make a prioritization in the budget, and they’
• Where it’s not, the state is going to have to actually make a prioritization in the budget, and they’
• Is that in our budget? Where does that show up in our budget?
• Is that in our budget? profit on that. Is that in our budget?
• </c> Where does that show up in our budget? Where does that show up in our budget?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, um, we will move on to, uh, probably besides the budget, the most important bill that we will
• ,</c> on to, uh, probably besides the budget, on to, uh, probably besides the budget, the<00:05:09.520
• </c> into a current budget of $458 million. into a current budget of $458 million.
• </c><01:48:49.440><c> fiscal</c> be able to get with the budget fiscal be able to get with the budget
• </c><01:48:57.199><c> fiscal</c> had discussions with the budget fiscal had discussions with the budget

Bills: SF0059 , SF0053

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: language proficiency, literacy education, reading interventions, dyslexia support, Montessori methods, individualized reading plans, amateur status, high school athletics, student eligibility, sports regulation, monetary compensation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Budgets are about priorities and make.
• Budgets are about priorities and respectfully,<00:18:00.960><c> other</c><00:18:01.360><c> plans</c><
• We came back last year, we were told it was a non-budget year and there was no targets and it couldn't
• year and there told it was a non-budget year and there was<00:42:30.960><c> no</c><00:42:31.200><c>
• 25 minutes, but really it's budgeted 25 minutes, but really it's going<01:20:35.120><c> to</c><01:20

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, because it is in a bill, right, we would probably, budget-wise, need to come back.
• </c><01:01:58.240><c> we</c> right we would probably budget-wise we right we would probably budget-wise
• There's a standard 10% reduction, or restriction, per the administration on the overall budget, plus
• I can't speak for the governor, but given my experience with the budget, they do that just in case of
• plus there was a I the overall budget plus there was a I think<01:26:16.760><c> 5%</c><01:26:17.360>

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, you know, it's not in our budget.
• </c> it's a you know it's not in our budget it's a you know it's not in our budget it's<00:52:37.520>
• It is in the governor's budget.
• Commissioner Chessed continued: It’s not in the governor’s budget.
• </c><01:35:33.119><c> we</c> it's not in the governor's budget we it's not in the governor's budget we

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And before I say that, I will add the new crime lab is on time and under budget.
• And before I say that, I will add, the new crime lab is on time and under budget.
• And before I say that, I will add, the new crime lab is on time and under budget.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for what members said was likely the first appearance by the lab before this committee. Lab officials gave an overview of the new crime lab facility now under construction, saying it is on schedule, under budget, and expected to be completed by the end of July next year, with phased move-in beginning around August 1. They explained that the current building is over 40 years old and overcrowded, with caseloads having doubled over the past 20 years, and said the new facility will improve workflow, add morgue capacity, and allow new technologies and equipment to be brought online. Members asked about staffing and recruitment, and the lab said recent pay changes and legislative support have made Arkansas more competitive for forensic specialists and medical examiners. Officials said vacancies have been reduced, a new deputy chief medical examiner has been hired, two more medical examiners are starting in August, and a new fellowship program has already attracted applicants. They also said the lab is prepared for the staffing needs of the new facility and that training periods remain long for many analyst positions. The discussion also covered rapid DNA, CODIS, sexual assault kit processing, genetic genealogy, and overdose-related data sharing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with pilot agencies in Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas among the first states to do so. Officials described CODIS as a key investigative tool, said DNA profiles are entered automatically when they qualify, and reported that the sexual assault kit backlog has been cleared with the lab now maintaining a 60-day turnaround. They also confirmed Arkansas uses a kit-tracking system, works with private labs such as Othram and Bode for genetic genealogy, and is developing an overdose dashboard to share toxicology and overdose data with public health and law enforcement partners. Members praised the lab’s progress and the committee adjourned after announcing an August site visit to Lake Conway and the dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4166, State Budget Implementation. HB 4167, State Properties Management.
• will be a financial hit to the court system, and we should bear that in mind when we look at our budget
• System, and we just need to bear that in mind when we look at our budget in future years.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several introductions of guests, including two young mayors visiting the chamber. Members then adopted House Resolution 2008 unanimously, honoring Daniel Cade Blackman, with extended remarks from his family and colleagues about his service, faith, and legacy. The House also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1456 from a prior date and proceeded into Committee of the Whole on multiple Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and amended SB 1170, SB 1496, SB 1511, SB 1016, SB 1335, and SB 1683, with each ultimately receiving a do pass recommendation. The discussion included a correction to SB 1170 to remove an unintended section, a municipal improvement district process change in SB 1016, an ag-to-urban water permitting fix in SB 1335, and a land-sale restriction involving China in SB 1683. The committee reports were adopted, and the bills were ordered for third reading as appropriate. On third and final reading, the House passed SB 1188, SB 1560, and SB 1723, with recorded votes of 38-0-10, 48-2-10, and 51-0-9 respectively. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2265, HB 2404, HB 2950, and HB 2986, then passed those bills on final reading; members speaking in support highlighted court-fee policy, mental health crisis response, tourism improvement areas, and water infrastructure savings. The chamber then announced a Republican caucus meeting and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's particularly important given our state budget challenges, but also just the reality that we need
• Local governments are struggling to close budget gaps while maintaining essential services.
• Over time, we're finding financing costs to be a significant share of project budgets.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact heard several bills focused on trade, affordability, and public finance. AB 2745 (Fong) would update California’s international trade and investment strategy, add a public advisory process, and allow regional trade hubs; supporters from the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and California Forward said it would help California compete globally and attract investment, while no opposition testified. AB 2366 (Avila Farías) would require state agencies to analyze cost-of-living impacts when adopting regulations and direct the LAO to develop guidance; supporters from the New California Coalition and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association argued it would improve transparency and help address affordability, while members noted concerns about implementation and unintended consequences. The committee also heard AB 2243 (Haney), which creates a commission to study whether California should establish a state public bank and how it might be structured. Supporters from the California Public Banking Alliance, climate groups, and other organizations said a public bank could reduce borrowing costs and finance housing, climate, and small business needs; the California Bankers Association and credit unions opposed the bill, arguing it could compete with private banks, duplicate prior studies, and raise unresolved regulatory and cost issues. Several committee members said they would support the study concept but wanted the bill amended so any final decision would return to the Legislature, and the author agreed to clarify that point and remove language related to extending local public bank licensing timelines. The committee also took up consent items AB 2048 (Calderon), AB 2583 (Hoover), and ACR 129 (Haney), which were approved without opposition. After quorum was established, the committee voted AB 2366 out on a 7-0 basis to Judiciary, AB 2745 out on a 7-0 basis to Appropriations, and AB 2243 out on a 7-0 basis to Finance, with the consent calendar also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's particularly important given our state budget challenges, but also just the reality that we need
• Local governments are struggling to close budget gaps while maintaining essential services.
• Over time, financing costs have become a significant share of project budgets.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Education goes completely away, I'm a little concerned that we've cut the State Department of Education budget
• ... ...concern that we've cut the State Department of Education budget and 3%, and that's ongoing, and
• if they're to take over more of these responsibilities, we may have to reconsider that budget and add

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 883, which would give qualifying high-performing charter schools and traditional school districts more flexibility over spending and reduce certain state reporting requirements. The sponsor and Emily McClure of the Idaho Charter School Network said the bill is intended to reward strong academic, financial, and operational performance with greater local control, while preserving accountability and avoiding any threat to federal funding. Supporters from American Classical Schools of Idaho said the measure would help schools allocate funds more effectively and reduce redundant compliance work; a district witness opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment among public schools and conflicts with the idea of common schools. After questions about which reports would be waived and whether federal funds would be affected, the committee voted to send HB 883 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Joint Memorial 19, which expresses support for a federal effort to disband the U.S. Department of Education. Senator Den Hartog argued that education is not an enumerated federal power and said dismantling the department could reduce federal overreach while preserving student protections and shifting administration of programs elsewhere in the federal government. Testimony in support came from Idaho Family Policy Center, which said the department violates federalism and parental authority. Opponents raised concerns about uncertainty over where programs such as Title I, Pell Grants, special education, and school nutrition would be housed, and one witness warned that eliminating the department could worsen inequities and undermine civil rights and research functions. The committee ultimately voted to send HJM 19 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• because I have advocated each of the last few years to get some operating funding into the state budget
• "Funding into the state budget to replace what was lost by losing the CNY Welcome Center designation.
• provided $200,000 for the City of Auburn for the operations of the Heritage Center in your one-house budget

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 13, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, received a message discharging Assembly Bill 2330 from committee and substituting identical Senate Bill 5843, and welcomed visiting delegations from Connecticut. The chamber also adopted privileged resolution J.1753, honoring Saint Patrick and Irish Americans and memorializing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month. Senators Kavanagh and Fahy spoke in support, emphasizing Irish heritage, immigration, public service, and the St. Patrick’s Day tradition; the resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate then acted on a series of bills on the calendar. Measures passed included bills by Senators Hinchey, Comrie, Skoufis, Stavisky, Sanders, Kavanagh, Gianaris, Cleare, and others, with several receiving unanimous support and a few drawing recorded negative votes. Senator Fernandez’s education bill related to placing opioid antagonists with AEDs and first aid kits in schools passed 60-1 after supportive remarks from Senators Oberacker and Fernandez. A bill authorizing a study on lithium-ion battery fires also passed unanimously, with Senators Borrello and Weik explaining affirmative votes while urging caution about electric bus mandates. The most debated item was Calendar 446, Senator May’s bill directing the Department of Economic Development to move the Central New York Welcome Center from Destiny USA to the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. Senator Walczyk questioned the move’s cost, location, visitor traffic, and local support, arguing Destiny USA was the better site; Senator May responded that the state had built the Auburn facility and should provide sustainable operating support. The bill passed 47-15. The Senate then completed the controversial calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.