Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the last thing I want to say is I'm concerned that this approach right now with pretty heated politics
• Um, the last thing I want to say is I'm concerned that this approach right now with pretty heated politics
• Um, the last thing I want to say is I'm concerned that this approach right now with pretty heated politics
• Um, the last thing I want to say is I'm concerned that this approach right now with pretty heated politics
• a USDA facility or USDA inspector is going to... ...that, um, this approach right now with pretty heated

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a work session and then executive session on HB 396, which would allow processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by USDA. Representative Comtois presented a revised amendment after prior drafting issues were corrected. The changes narrowed the bill to cuts of meat rather than meat food products, clarified labeling for amenable and non-amenable species, removed an exemption from federal law, struck a seasonal date range at Representative Bixby’s request, and reinstated a previously removed section. Supporters said the amendment now had clearer language and better safeguards, while some members still expressed reservations about the underlying policy. Testimony from DHHS food safety officials emphasized that the department does not inspect custom-exempt facilities and would have little oversight unless there were a complaint or foodborne outbreak. They noted concerns about removing the September 1 to April 30 date range, explaining it had been included in the original bill because of temperature and storage concerns for large animals, and they also said the amendment appeared to focus documentation requirements on bison, elk, and red deer. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the proposal would create food safety risks, whether farmers should instead be educated and helped to aggregate processing capacity, and whether the bill would expose farmers, retailers, and restaurants to federal enforcement risk. Rob Johnson of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau said the organization had recently voted down a policy opposing state regulations that would allow uninspected meat sales at retail, and he said he needed to consult further with Farm Bureau leadership before taking a position on HB 396. He suggested the bill should use the broader term “dairy and beef cattle” rather than “beef cows” for consistency. Supporters argued the bill would help small farmers, expand local food access, and reflect an intrastate policy choice despite conflict with federal law. The committee then moved into executive session and voted to approve amendment 2025-3090H, with members stating they would likely have different views on the bill itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, if a female dog in season or heat is permitted to run at large or be off premises, the owner or
• A female dog in heat shall not be used for hunting.
• <01:37:18.920> or also um if a female dog in season or also um if a female dog in season or heat
• 01:37:21.239> at<01:37:21.440> large<01:37:21.679> or<01:37:21.840> be heat
• is permitted to run at large or be heat is permitted to run at large or be off<01:37:22.239> premises

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through a draft bill amending animal cruelty and protective custody provisions, focusing on how animals may be seized, cared for, and returned, and on what rights owners have when animals are taken. Members discussed adding language requiring officers to inform a charged person in writing of the right to petition for a veterinarian of their choice, clarifying that any documents presented for signature must be fully and honestly explained, and revising language so confiscated animals cannot be altered without notarized owner authorization. They also considered a new prohibition on using confiscated animals for fundraising or donations, ultimately preferring the term “financial gain” over “profiteering.” The discussion also covered protective custody procedures, including adding “municipal animal control officer” to the list of officers involved, allowing return of animals to the owner or caretaker if no charges have been filed or no warrant establishing probable cause has been sought or issued, and clarifying the distinction between criminal seizure and temporary protective custody. The commissioner’s comments led to several proposed deletions or revisions, including removing language viewed as redundant or inconsistent with protective custody, and striking references to live racing provisions that are no longer relevant. Members further addressed lactating animals, agreeing to add language that confiscated lactating animals should not be separated from their nonweaned offspring. They also discussed a proposed confidentiality provision requiring people assisting in investigations or taking possession of seized animals to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement, though members noted similar protections may need to be duplicated in the temporary custody section as well. The conversation was largely about drafting and legal clarity, with no final vote or formal action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is a second-year heat and frost insulator with Local 34, and a first-year apprentice, Darissa Squire
• Like he said, I'm with Local 34, heat and frost insulator.
• ><01:02:55.839> is<01:02:55.920> a<01:02:56.119> second-year<01:02:57.119> heat
• kelen Newman he is is a second-year heat kelen Newman he is is a second-year heat and<01:02:57.599

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, you can't operate without a functioning heating system.
• I mean, you can't operate without a functioning heating system.
• I mean, you can't operate without a functioning heating system.
• You can't not fix your heating system.
• >> your heating system had a malfunction >> your heating system had a malfunction and<01:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly, while I support helping people with their heating bills and making sure their oil tanks are
• <00:40:27.920> Um Representative Oppel continued that helping people with heating bills and
• Um, secondly, while I support helping people with their heating bills and making sure their oil tanks
• bills and making sure their heating bills and making sure their<00:41:21.760> oil<00:41:22.079
• source or as a power source as a heating source or as a power source as opposed<00:41:40.319> to<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You need the heat to heat up the water, and you need the water to be able to flow upwards to eventually
• tap in and draw that heat up into some process to generate electricity.
• You need the heat to heat up the water, and you need the water to be able to flow upwards to eventually
• tap in and draw that heat up into some process to generate electricity.
• heat to the surface<00:41:37.079> and<00:41:37.200> then<00:41:37.319> it<00:41

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• years, the commission has worked through a pandemic, a once-in-a-century energy transition, high heating
• > once-in-a-century energy transition, once-in-a-century energy transition, high<00:02:37.560> heating
• > costs<00:02:38.400> driven<00:02:38.720> by<00:02:38.880> extreme high heating
• costs driven by extreme high heating costs driven by extreme weather, weather, weather, multiple<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we went around, it got more heated and heated, and his tone got a little hot.
• And as we went around, it got more<01:11:16.080> heated<01:11:16.480> and<01:11:16.800>
• heated<01:11:17.840> and<01:11:18.719> his<01:11:19.360> tone<01:11:19.840

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate came to order, a quorum was established, and the chamber proceeded through routine business on the February 19, 2026 agenda. Several newly introduced Senate files were given first reading and referred to committees, including SF 3658 to Health and Human Services, SF 3665 to Judiciary and Public Safety, and SF 3687 to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development. Senate resolutions 54 through 57 were referred to Rules and Administration. The body then adopted several resolutions. Senate Resolution 58, which updates the mileage resolution to add the chamber’s three newest members, passed 60-2. Senate Resolution 59, the annual postage resolution setting each member’s postal budget at $1,170 and additional amounts for the majority and minority leaders, was adopted 56-8. Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, setting session deadlines for March 27 and April 17, was also adopted after Senator Howe questioned why the first two deadlines were on the same date and Majority Leader Murphy said the schedule matched recent sessions to expedite work. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Helen Marjorie Spade Levy on her 104th birthday and recognizing her World War II service as a Rosie the Riveter and her long community involvement. The chamber then moved into tributes for the late Senator Bruce Anderson, with multiple senators describing his military service, faith, veteran advocacy, committee work, and personal kindness. Senators Lucero, Grunhagen, Howe, Pappas, Lang, Putnam, and others shared memories of his leadership and character, and the presiding officer noted that members could later sing in his honor after the remarks concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• My heat and electricity come from the sun and wind. I have no utility bills.
• against gravity, powering our homes with dirty energy like so-called fracked natural gas, and paying to heat
• renewable sources of energy for that power, and a vast majority of the energy requirements come from heating
• And so there is a lot of interest in development in using flare gas to generate the heat in order to

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [laughter] About taking the heat. That was that house. I don't know. As division. >> I agree.
• laughter] [laughter] >> about<00:59:23.280> taking<00:59:23.440> the<00:59:23.599> heat
• >> about taking the heat >> about taking the heat >> that<00:59:24.400> was

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee met to accept prior minutes and receive updates on ongoing audits. Audit staff reported progress on three education-related reviews: special education (34 of 71 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), education freedom accounts (22 of 41 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), and the doorway program (5 of 13 observations completed, draft expected by the end of February and final by April or May). No committee questions were raised on the audit status update. The committee then discussed possible future oversight topics, beginning with SNAP and concerns about fraud and work requirements. Members suggested inviting DHS officials and contract administrators to explain program operations and compliance, and also discussed whether the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit or other experienced officials could provide useful context. Members noted New Hampshire’s existing oversight layers, including the Executive Council and the joint HHS oversight committee, while also expressing interest in hearing more directly from department staff about staffing and contract management capacity. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on whether to pursue an audit of special education at the local school level. Members debated whether to wait for the ongoing statewide special education review and a legislative study commission report, or to begin scoping a local audit now so work could start sooner. Supporters argued that local-level spending, identification rates, and effectiveness vary widely by district and that an audit should examine both costs and outcomes; others cautioned that the scope would need to be manageable given limited audit staff and that the statewide report may help narrow the focus. The committee also briefly discussed a potential audit of the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, but no decision was made on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• These structures have to be kept secure and dry, heated and cooled and ventilated as appropriate, and
• ><00:08:39.440> secure<00:08:40.159> and<00:08:40.479> dry,<00:08:41.680> heated
• <00:08:42.080> and to be kept secure and dry, heated and to be kept secure and dry, heated

Keywords: 00:03 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:57 Capital Projects and Highway Plan 56:11 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met to hear the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s presentation on the governor’s 2026 capital projects budget and recommended highway plan. Secretary Gray and cabinet staff first thanked KYTC snow and ice crews, local road departments, first responders, utility workers, and others for their work during a major winter storm, then outlined the capital budget request. The cabinet said its facilities are aging, with about 35% at or beyond useful life, and that limited road fund revenues led it to focus mainly on maintenance, maintenance pools, aircraft maintenance, environmental compliance, AASHTOWare upgrades, state park road maintenance, truck parking, and reauthorization of several projects, including airport work and road projects. The cabinet said the governor’s budget includes about $22.8 million in state funds for the capital budget over the biennium, plus carry-forward language for maintenance pools and project reauthorizations to avoid losing federal funds. Members asked about repeated reauthorizations, cost increases, and whether projects should be restarted as new requests after carrying over for multiple budgets. The cabinet responded that budget office policy generally allows only one reauthorization before a project must be resubmitted, and said many delays are due to acquisition or other project issues. Members also questioned the basis for increased-cost line items and the $5 million request for commercial truck parking; cabinet staff said they could provide original project cost details and that many increases are inflationary, while the truck parking project is expected to use federal funds and is a cabinet priority. The committee also discussed the decline in road fund receipts, which the cabinet attributed largely to lower motor fuels tax revenue. The presentation then shifted to the 2026 recommended highway plan. Officials said the plan covers more than 1,300 projects over six years and anticipates about $9.5 billion in federal and state funding. They said the plan is intended to maintain existing assets, advance long-term priority projects, and honor prior commitments, including the Mountain Parkway, the Brent Spence Companion Bridge, and the I-69 Ohio River Crossing. About 40% of plan funds are dedicated to existing pavements, bridges, and guardrails, and officials cited a 61% rise in highway construction costs from 2020 to 2025 as a major challenge. To help offset those pressures, the cabinet is seeking $125 million from the budget reserve trust fund for the Brent Spence Bridge and release of a federal grant condition tied to the already appropriated $150 million for the I-69 crossing. No votes were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Or are we getting too heated?
• c><00:26:00.159> we<00:26:00.880> getting<00:26:01.200> too<00:26:01.440> heated
• >> or are we getting too heated? >> or are we getting too heated? >> Yeah.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a respect-in-the-workplace training led by Katrina Megs of Acer (formerly Hickok and Boardman), focused on bias, diversity, inclusion, respectful communication, and the importance of workplace culture in the Vermont General Assembly. She framed the session as a shift away from traditional harassment/discrimination training toward a broader emphasis on respect and kindness, explaining that bias is a normal brain function but becomes harmful when used explicitly against others. She used a short Scategories-style exercise to show how quickly people rely on patterns and assumptions, then connected that to the need to recognize the “whole person” beyond one-dimensional impressions. The training emphasized that diversity is not the same as inclusion: diversity means representation, while inclusion means people are heard, invited in, and feel they belong. Katrina also cited statistics about demographic change, the diversity of Gen Z, workplace stress, and the importance of inclusion to hiring and retention. She described a respectful workplace as one where people acknowledge others’ worth and dignity through everyday interactions, not just politeness, and discussed practical behaviors such as active listening, body language, avoiding microaggressions, using professional or respectful tone, owning mistakes, respecting boundaries, avoiding gossip and exclusion, and being present in both in-person and virtual settings. A participant raised concerns that “professional tone” and “professional attire” can be classist and can unfairly target people of color or people from different backgrounds. Katrina responded that the standard should be whether communication is respectful, noting that context and relationships matter and that raised voices are not always the same as disrespect. Another participant referenced a book, “I Am Not Yelling,” about Black women in the workplace and tone bias. The session closed with Katrina explaining why respect matters: it reduces stress, supports mental health and psychological safety, strengthens relationships, improves conflict resolution and problem solving, and increases engagement, morale, productivity, and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• government also shuttered the energy assistance program, which provides low-income families with heating
• 3117 and other revenue raisers. provides low-income families with provides low-income families with heating
• <00:14:17.680> Minnesota heating and air assistance.
• Minnesota heating and air assistance.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services. Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Heat. Austral The clerk will close the roll. A quorum is present.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > particular<00:26:50.320> say<00:26:50.559> they<00:26:50.720> can seed heating
• in particular say they can seed heating in particular say they can increase<00:26:51.200> the
• >> Not addressed in this bill, but a similar concern, because, you know, you do create a heat island
• know you do you concern because you know you do you create<00:29:37.919> a<00:29:38.080> heat
• island there by reflecting create a heat island there by reflecting uh<00:29:40.240> things<00

Bills: HB60

Keywords: geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02 Roll Call: 00:00:08 26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35 Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59 Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can turn the heat on a little bit earlier in the season, leave it longer later in the spring, and
• They can<00:14:28.880> turn<00:14:29.040> the<00:14:29.199> heat<00:14:29.360>
• > on<00:14:29.600> a<00:14:29.839> little<00:14:29.920> bit can turn the heat
• on a little bit can turn the heat on a little bit earlier<00:14:30.399> in<00:14:30.560> the
• They want to charge rate payers heat.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the same characteristics that make them very desirable, heat resistance, water resistance, etc., make
• characteristics that make them very characteristics that make them very desirable,<00:05:19.840> heat
• , heat resistance, water resistance,<00:05:21.360> etc.
• We design, manufacture, and distribute essential air conditioning, heating, and ventilation equipment
• and essential air conditioning, heating and ventilation<00:53:24.559> equipment<00:53:25.040>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• technology, they were built for gunshot detection, but we want to overlay them for fireworks, and it can heat
• <01:15:05.199> So, for fireworks and it can heat map.
• So, for fireworks and it can heat map.
• by<01:43:40.480> creating<01:43:40.719> a<01:43:40.880> high<01:43:41.040> heat
• by creating a high heat. by creating a high heat.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have them quite literally inside of our football stadium to monitor football conditions for heat stress
• <00:10:38.800> stress<00:10:39.200> for conditions uh for heat stress for conditions
• uh for heat stress for patrons<00:10:39.839> and<00:10:40.000> and<00:10:40.320> the
• 00:59:02.640> air<00:59:02.880> conditioned<00:59:03.200> or<00:59:03.440> heated
• <00:59:03.920> with that is air conditioned or heated with that is air conditioned or heated

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from the previous meeting, and heard a presentation from Western Kentucky University’s Disaster Science Operations Center. WKU described its multidisciplinary disaster science effort, including meteorology, emergency management, the Kentucky State Climate Center, the Kentucky Mesonet, and the Disaster Science Operations Center, which was created in 2021 and serves as an operational hub for forecasting, emergency planning, crisis management, training, and decision support. Speakers emphasized applied learning, student field work, partnerships with industry and event venues, and a five-year NSF/UK-led research project focused on weather hazards, disaster preparedness, and building a statewide disaster database to improve mitigation and resilience. Members asked about flooding, the relationship to EKU’s program, Tennessee’s capabilities, and the timeline and goals for the research project; WKU said the data collection is underway and that the evidence suggests tornado risk is shifting east and occurring more at night. A WKU graduate student also described the value of hands-on storm-chasing and operational forecasting experience, saying it helped prepare her for work in forecasting and emergency management. Members asked about her motivation for joining the program and about the practical realities of storm chasing. The discussion also touched on whether Kentucky’s tornado risk is shifting east; WKU said the evidence from tornado observations and other studies points in that direction, with added concern about nighttime events and communicating warnings to vulnerable communities. The task force then heard from Amy Shaquinn of the Mayfield Graves County Long-Term Recovery Group, who outlined the county-level recovery process after the 2021 tornadoes. She said Kentucky ranks among the top states for federally declared disasters, has seen a high number of tornadoes in recent years, and also faces major flood risk and earthquake concerns along the New Madrid fault. Shaquinn stressed the distinction between immediate response and long-term recovery, explaining that response covers rescue, cleanup, temporary housing, and short-term assistance, while recovery is the longer effort to restore survivors to safe, sanitary, and secure housing through local long-term recovery groups. She said community-led recovery is essential and that preparedness and mitigation follow once immediate recovery needs are addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're telling me that those things have, like, cigarette stuff in the things that get heated up?
• Well, they're both involved in inhaling substances, but I think the mechanism of heating is different
• Hookah uses charcoal and vape is an electronic coil heating system.
• He said heating it, does that make it more toxic, for lack of a better word? Thank you.
• You're concerned about all of the carcinogens that are in the things that they heat up.

Bills: HB216

Keywords: HB216, Texas abortion law, abortion-inducing drug, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, telemedicine, in-person exam, physician presence, out-of-state physician, reproductive healthcare, abortion regulation, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code, consultation services, remote prescribing, pro-life, pro-choice

Summary: The Committee on Public Health met with a quorum and heard public testimony on a long agenda, with members repeatedly reminded of a two-minute limit for witnesses. Several bills were voted out favorably, including HB 2588 on cottage food, HB 1639 on cancer incidence and female firefighters, HB 2581 on a reporting form for contracted services for pregnant women, and SB 922 on electronic disclosure of certain sensitive medical information. Those measures generally passed on party-line or near-unanimous votes, while HB 216 on itemized medical statements was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also left pending HB 5141, HB 4638, HB 2035, HB 4813, HB 2264, HB 4014, and HB 3829 after hearing testimony and questions. The final item introduced in the excerpt was HB 4408 on health care market transparency and corporate consolidation, but the discussion was cut off before testimony or action was completed. A major theme of the hearing was mental health diversion and access to treatment. HB 5141, by Rep. Howard, would allow Travis County to use vacated Austin State Hospital property for a local mental health jail diversion center; law enforcement, the Travis County sheriff, county judge, and urban counties group all testified in support, describing the lack of alternatives for people in crisis and the burden on jails and emergency rooms. Members asked about eligible offenses, bed capacity, and whether the facility would serve only Travis County, and the bill was left pending. HB 2264, by Rep. Schoolcraft, would create a friends-and-family form for loved ones to provide information to providers during emergency mental health treatment; NAMI and hospital groups supported it, while one neutral witness and several members raised concerns about patient control, credibility of information, and liability protections. The bill was also left pending. The committee also heard multiple psychedelic-therapy and drug-policy bills. HB 4813 would speed Texas rescheduling of Schedule I substances if the FDA reclassifies them, with testimony focused on psilocybin and MDMA and their potential use for PTSD and depression; members questioned whether the bill was too broad and how state rescheduling works, and it was left pending. HB 4014 would direct HHSC to study psychedelic therapies, building on prior state research, and witnesses said Texas should prepare regulatory and clinical infrastructure before FDA approval; it too was left pending. HB 2035 would require parents to be informed that they may seek substance-use treatment for a child even if one facility turns them away, prompted by a constituent’s account of a fatal fentanyl overdose after receiving incorrect advice; it was left pending. HB 4638 would extend and expand the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative board and timeline, with the author saying the program is still in early implementation and needs more time, and it was left pending as well. Other bills addressed public health administration and animal welfare. HB 3829 would require a study of the animal-friendly account and its grant process for spay/neuter funding, with the author arguing that the current application and reimbursement process is too burdensome for shelters and nonprofits; no opposition was heard and the bill was left pending. HB 2581 and HB 1639 were reported favorably, while HB 216 drew discussion about enforcement of itemized medical billing and was held after the committee substitute was withdrawn. Throughout the hearing, members also discussed broader concerns about homelessness, competency restoration waitlists, jail overcrowding, and the need for more treatment options outside the criminal justice system.