Transcript Highlights:

• If you remember back to last week, this is the bill that I presented that will help give the governor
• and his staff a little bit more flexibility in finding qualified individuals to be on boards of governors
• for respective universities around the state. ...will help give the governor and his staff a little
• bit more flexibility in finding qualified individuals to be on boards of governors for respective universities
• Some of them are assigned and some of them are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate as

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development met in executive session and first approved House Bill 2896 by a vote of 11 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. The bill was described as giving the governor and staff more flexibility in appointing qualified members to university boards of governors. The committee then heard House Bill 3279, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, which would move the Community Service Commission from the Department of Economic Development to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Shields said the move would better align the commission’s AmeriCorps and volunteer-service work with education, workforce training, financial aid, apprenticeships, and job-placement resources already housed in DHEWD. Rep. Mansur, Rep. Hein, and Rep. Wilson voiced support, emphasizing the program’s value in building workforce pipelines and community ties, while DHEWD witness Leah Strid also testified in favor and said the change would help connect participants to education and employment opportunities. Members asked about the commission’s budget, funding, and staffing; witnesses said the program is primarily federally funded, with seven FTEs, and that they would follow up with additional details. No opposition testimony was offered. The chair indicated the committee would try to executive the bill later, but due to notice issues, House Bill 3279 was not voted on at this meeting and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our final items before we return to Governor Appointees are items 6 through 18, floor acknowledgments
• Our final items before we return to Governor Appointees are items 6 through 18, floor acknowledgments
• Before we return to Governor Appointees, we have items 6 through 18, floor acknowledgments.
• So with that, we will return to Governor Appointees required to appear.
• I'm deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for this appointment and for your consideration of me.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• A message from Her Excellency the Governor.
• A message from Her Excellency the Governor submitting requests for making appropriations for fiscal year
• The message from Her Excellency the Governor will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
• A message from Her Excellency the Governor recommending legislation validating the results of the special
• Under Rule 30, the message from Her Excellency the Governor will be referred to the Committee on Election

Summary: The House convened briefly, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several visiting groups and individual honorees, including students from France and Northbridge High School basketball standout Molly Gahan. The House also received a gubernatorial supplemental appropriations message for fiscal year 2025, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and a message validating the results of a special election in Hardwick, referred to the Committee on Election Laws. The Committee on Rules reported several resolutions for adoption, including commendations for Richard T. Herody, the IBS patient support group’s recognition of World IBS Day, and Anticoagulation Forum, Inc.’s recognition of Hypertension Awareness Month. The House suspended the rules and adopted those resolutions. The Rules Committee of the two branches also recommended suspending Joint Rule 12 on several petitions, including bills on pet shop sales of certain animals, spouses serving as MassHealth caregivers, and utility services; the House agreed to suspend the rule and referred the petitions to the appropriate committees. After a brief recess, the House adopted an order to adjourn to meet again Monday at 11:30 a.m. in informal session, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amendment that the hydro power amendment that the hydro power association<00:20:42.559><c> asked
• </c><01:48:15.199><c> And</c> situation with Burgess Power Plant.
• And situation with Burgess Power Plant.
• But the fact is, it's only when the power is off that you turn those on.
• </c> So, you know, try to avoid sending power So, you know, try to avoid sending power back. back. back

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• The third of three burners at the H-Power trash incinerator actually has standards that are stricter
• </c> third of three burners at the H power third of three burners at the H power trash<00:35:38.040><
• Ewall about H-Power 3 and actually weaken it.
• Ewall about H-Power 3 and actually weaken it.
• H-Power has been around for a long time.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the governor, the governor’s position, the House’s position.
• Um, the governor, the governor’s position, the House’s position.
• </c> we drafted this bill and the governor we drafted this bill and the governor concurred<01:38:20.480
• So don't tell me, 'Oh, well, the governor did it.'
• You know, we listen to what the governor has to say.

Bills: HF4401 , HF4466

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor Walz. So why didn't he?
• Governor Walz. So why didn't he?
• </c> Governor<00:56:39.040><c> Walz.
• </c> unanswered by our governor. unanswered by our governor.
• </c> Governor didn't call a special session. Governor didn't call a special session.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a brief reminder, the bill requires the Governor to maintain an executive coordination officer for
• It requires the Governor to establish a leadership council.
• As a brief reminder, the bill requires the Governor to maintain an executive coordination officer for
• It requires the Governor to establish a leadership council and extends the work group to 2013.
• executive coordination for the governor providing executive coordination for the governor. ...the children

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 24 to executive a large docket of bills and one gubernatorial appointment. The committee first heard and then moved several bills in two packets. Topics included the Community Protection Program (SHB 1390), jail search policies for transgender and intersex individuals (EHB 1604), medically tailored meals (EHB 2211), limits on DSHS reviews of community residential service providers (SHB 2230), and a children and youth behavioral health coordination bill (2SHB 2429). Later, the committee also considered bills on foster care licensing and adult family homes (SHB 2505), DOC supervision of stalking convictions (HB 2510), inmate funds and indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), and transparency for residential habilitation centers (SHB 2350), along with the reappointment of Corey McNally to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Most of the debate centered on SHB 1390 and EHB 1604, where Senator Christian offered numerous amendments aimed at adding restrictions, notifications, assessments, and delays; most of those amendments failed on party-line votes. On SHB 1390, the committee adopted only a technical amendment updating agency names and references, then advanced the bill to Rules. On EHB 1604, all proposed amendments failed and the bill was sent to Rules. On EHB 2211, an amendment to add a competitive bidding credit for nonprofit and small-business meal vendors failed, and the bill advanced. SHB 2230 moved forward without amendment, and 2SHB 2429 was amended with a striking amendment and referred to Ways and Means because of its fiscal impact. In the second packet, SHB 2505 and HB 2510 were both moved out of committee without amendment. On SHB 2539, the committee rejected an amendment to lower the indigency threshold to $50, adopted an amendment allowing the threshold to be at least $100 and adjustable, and then advanced the bill as amended. On SHB 2350, the committee adopted a negotiated amendment requiring notices about residential habilitation center noncompliance to be emailed to relevant legislative committees, withdrew a second notice amendment, and passed the bill. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of Corey McNally’s appointment to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Several bills were reported out subject to signatures, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um there would be a nine-person board appointed by the governor, the lieutenant governor, the Speaker
• ,</c><00:13:59.600><c> the</c> appointed uh by the governor, the appointed uh by the governor, the lieutenant
• <00:14:00.320><c> governor,</c><00:14:01.440><c> the</c><00:14:01.680><c> speaker</c><00:14:02.000><c
• > of</c><00:14:02.160><c> the</c> lieutenant governor, the speaker of the lieutenant governor, the speaker
• And I was an assistant DA until '09 when Governor Bob Riley appointed me district attorney.

Bills: HB304 , HB285 , HB312 , HB311 , SB60 , HB304 , HB285 , HB312 , HB311 , SB60

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: impoundment, driver licenses, vehicle redemption, local identification cards, law enforcement, HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the governor and the department have always supported all correctional institutions to be operated
• </c><00:03:14.400><c> Well,</c><00:03:14.720><c> the</c><00:03:14.879><c> governor</c><00:03:15.200><
• Well, the governor and strategic goals?
• Well, the governor and the<00:03:15.599><c> department</c><00:03:16.080><c> has</c><00:03:16.319><c>
• </c><00:05:21.680><c> Basher</c> and in February 2023, Governor Basher and in February 2023, Governor

Summary: The committee heard budget-related testimony from the Department of Corrections on a request for additional funding to take over operations of the Lee Adjustment Center, including $2.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028. The witness said the governor’s budget did not recommend the request. Members asked about the cost savings of private operation versus state operation, the facility’s role in the department’s long-term goals, and whether the state intends to move toward operating all adult correctional facilities directly. The Department of Juvenile Justice then presented on staffing, recruitment, retention, and facility planning. Officials described recent pay increases and other investments, including a 10% security pay raise in 2021, an 8% state employee raise in 2022, higher youth worker starting salaries, and $4.8 million in 2023 funding to sustain salary increases. They said DJJ has also expanded mental health and medical staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and seen an upward trend in hiring. In response to questions, the commissioner said barriers to recruitment and retention include the Tier 3 retirement system, the structured and restrictive nature of detention work, and competition from other employers. He also said the department wants to move toward a regional model for female facilities under SB 162 and believes those facilities can be staffed. DJJ provided staffing figures showing 1,339 funded positions, with 157 filled and 182 vacant at a January benchmark, and 524 detention positions with 450 filled and 74 vacant. Officials said 30 correctional officers were in basic training and expected to join posts soon. Members also asked about the feasibility of staffing additional facilities and the department’s vacancy trends. Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council testified on a funding request for one attorney, one paralegal, one additional monitor, higher costs for existing monitor positions, and Lexington office rent. Officials said the request is needed to handle a growing decertification caseload and expanded oversight responsibilities as the number of academies has increased to about eight, with more than 2,100 instructors requiring biennial review. They said KLEC currently has one attorney and about 15 total staff, with roughly 180 cases pending, more than 50 complaints left to file, and another 30 cases expected soon. Members asked about current staffing, attorney salary, the number of academies, and the move to a separate Lexington office. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum for approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:20:00.640><c> working</c><00:20:00.960><c> with</c><00:20:01.120><c> the</c><00:20:01.280><c> governor
• </c><00:20:01.679><c> to</c> um may be working with the governor to um may be working with the governor
• Gary and see if the governor would be willing to do public service. Everybody's aware of that.
• Gary and see if the governor<00:31:19.200><c> would</c><00:31:19.440><c> be</c><00:31:19.600><c> willing
• to do public governor would be willing to do public service.

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met with replacement members noted at the start and took up one emergency item from the Department of Health and Human Services: approval to accept and expend $2 million to support SNAP recipients during the federal shutdown. Commissioner Lori Weaver and CFO Nathan White explained that USDA/FNS had notified the state it would not receive November SNAP funds, affecting about 74,000 recipients. The department said it activated a contingency plan to contract with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand mobile food pantries, targeting SNAP households and prioritizing locations based on need, with evening and daytime access and outreach through mail, text, email, social media, partner organizations, and a shutdown webpage. Committee members asked about timing, locations, reimbursement, and whether the state would be repaid by the federal government. Department staff said the food bank would likely need about a week to mobilize once the contract was approved, and that the contract would be cost-reimbursement based, with faster turnaround than usual but not advance payment. White explained the money would come from excess Medicaid Enhancement Tax revenue from state fiscal year 2025, which can be used only for Medicaid purposes under state law and SB 249, allowing general funds to be shifted to the food bank contract. Members also asked about other affected programs; the department said WIC had funding through November 10, energy assistance was expected to continue through December, and school breakfast/free and reduced lunch were not impacted. Members discussed broader public outreach, including a possible PSA and use of the New Hampshire Food Bank’s network of 417 partners, and one member suggested religious leaders or the governor might be better positioned to make donation appeals. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the item (motion by Senator Gray, second by Senator Waters). The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting on November 21 at 11:00 and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, Governor Abbott is our commander-in-chief.
• In Texas, the legislature, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, has given a lot of research. resources
• Signed into law by the Governor. So our oldest service was claims assistance.
• Started under Governor Abbott's leadership.
• So one of our three board members is James Rothfelder, who is appointed by the governor.

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• WE WILL BE TAKING A VOTE ON THE CONFIRMATION OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEANETTE NUNEZ.
• I REFER TO HER AS GOVERNOR NUNEZ AS THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SPACE FLORIDA.
• ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNOR NUNEZ? NO QUESTIONS?
• SENATOR TRUENOW MOVES THE RECOMMENDATION OF GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT JEANETTE NUNEZ FROM CHAIR OF THE BOARD
• AND BY YOUR VOTE THE CONFIRMATION OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IS RECOMMENDED FAVORABLY.

Transcript Highlights:

• "Power makes you proud." For others, they're written.
• "Action at the Capitol where pride and politics have the potential to meet and produce powerful policies
• have the potential to meet and politics have the potential to meet and produce<00:02:40.480><c> powerful
• </c><00:02:42.239><c> Veronica</c> produce powerful policies. Veronica produce powerful policies.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:14:25.120><c> working</c><00:14:25.440><c> with</c><00:14:25.600><c> the</c><00:14:25.760><c> governor
• </c><00:14:26.240><c> has</c> beginning working with the governor has beginning working with the governor
• And I give great credit to the governor, to this body, for looking at an industry that is critically
• And I give great credit to the governor,<00:42:01.520><c> to</c><00:42:01.760><c> this</c><00:42:02.000
• , to this body for looking at an governor, to this body for looking at an industry<00:42:05.040><c> and

Summary: The committee met with a quorum to hear a recap of the 2021 special session legislation, Senate Bill 5, and then receive testimony from the Secretary of Economic Development on the Blue Oval SK project and related economic development issues. Staff explained that Senate Bill 5 appropriated five amounts from the budget reserve trust fund for a project tied to a minimum $2 billion investment: $350 million for forgivable loans through the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, $10,639,600 to pay off a Hardin County loan tied to 47 tracts of property, $20 million for Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training grants, $5 million for KCTCS training grants, and $25 million for a KCTCS on-site training center. Staff also noted there were no job-related requirements in the bill itself. The secretary said the Blue Oval SK incentive was structured as a $250 million forgivable loan rather than the state’s usual pay-as-you-go incentives, with clawback provisions tied to jobs, wages, investment, and changes in ownership or operations. He said the project had already exceeded the $2 billion investment threshold, that corporate guarantees were required from SK On and Ford, and that the agreement’s compliance period begins in December 2026 with payments starting in March 2027 and running through 2038. He said the state’s goal after the joint venture dissolution was to protect taxpayers, support affected workers, and preserve future job creation, while also ensuring the money would be repaid if performance targets are not met. Members asked about the workforce impact, the training programs, and whether the jobs targets would be revised. The secretary said the project had about 1,850 workers at the site, with both production and salaried employees affected, and described state-led job fairs, a job portal, and other rapid-response efforts to help displaced workers find new jobs or training. He said Ford had agreed to continue discussions, invest an additional $2 billion in the site for energy storage solutions, and pursue roughly 2,100 new jobs, while the state sought to keep the company accountable for the full repayment obligation if jobs are not created. One senator raised broader concerns about mega-projects displacing small businesses and creating infrastructure burdens in surrounding communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lawyers have more opportunity, power.
• We are trying to make sure that the power dynamic and the power differential is recognized because people
• We are trying to make sure that the power dynamic and the power differential is recognized because people
• We are trying to make sure that the power dynamic and the power differential is recognized because people
• We are trying to make sure that the power dynamic and the power differential is recognized because people

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had two governors elected.
• then we had Governor Hogan also.
• Well, one all one one governor one Well, one all one one governor one person<00:39:59.040><c> nearly<
• </c> votes and uh and then we had Governor votes and uh and then we had Governor Hogan<00:40:05.040><
• Well, but also governor to have.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of four specific elements of Governor of four specific elements of Governor wal's<00:03:27.599><
• </c><00:59:14.079><c> often</c> to raise a kid as the governor often to raise a kid as the governor often
• The governor proposes to roll that back and cap it at 2%.
• The governor proposes to roll that back and cap it at 2%.
• The governor proposes to roll that back and cap it at 2%.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Bless our governor.
• Thank you, Madam Governor. Senators, again this year, we are the servers for serving up solutions.
• Thank you, Governor.
• Thank, Governor.
• Thank you, Governor. Colleagues, I appreciate the back and forth on this.

Summary: The Arkansas Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief morning hour that included an announcement about volunteers for the Hunger Caucus “Serving Up Solutions” fundraiser. The chamber then moved to its business agenda, where the main item was Senate Bill 1 by Senator Dismang, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations. Senator Dismang explained the bill as a continuation of tax reductions begun in 2013, lowering the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reducing the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year. The bill drew debate over state priorities and fiscal tradeoffs. Senator Flowers questioned local sales tax limits and whether future needs such as Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts could be funded if taxes were cut further. Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, arguing the state should prioritize investments in early childhood education, hospitals, maternal health, and public schools rather than returning revenue to taxpayers. Senator McKee spoke in favor, saying money should be returned to the people who produced it. Senator Dismang closed by emphasizing that the tax cut was supported by surplus revenue and that a family making $65,000 had already seen a significant reduction in effective tax burden since 2013. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House. Afterward, members announced that the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House sent over its tax bill, and the Senate adjourned subject to clearing the desk and reading House Bill 1001 across the desk, until 9 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bless our governor.
• Thank you, Madam Governor. Senators, again this year, we are the servers for serving up solutions.
• Thank you, Governor.
• Thank, Governor.
• Thank you, Governor. Colleagues, I appreciate the back and forth on this.