Video & Transcript : 'Florida Public Service Commission' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty - Monday, March 2
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- An indication of the dedication and service of these four gentlemen.
- They already employ commissioned post-certified officers.
- utility subject to Public Service Commission regulation.
- bipartisan committee on Corrections and Public Institutions.
- bipartisan committee on Corrections and Public Institutions.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Honor the service of one of our own, who works in the background.
- They resolve public complaints.
- Because this is a critical service to provide.
- In regard to the public records issue, the, uh...
- I think that ...yet another round of public records requests.
Summary:
JLARC met on April 8, 2026, with Senator Keith Wagner chairing in person and Rep. Pallett joining remotely. The committee approved the January 7 minutes and honored Marilyn Richter, who is retiring in June after more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that the legislature adopted six bills or provisos implementing recommendations from recent JLARC reports, and that JLARC received seven new study assignments, including reviews of state oversight mechanisms for fraud, waste, and abuse and State Patrol toxicology lab delays. The committee approved the updated 2025-27 work plan, including the new assignments and the required 2027 lodging tax review.
The committee also heard about a new anonymous post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures, then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that 59% of drivers with ignition interlock requirements had not installed a device as of June 2025, with installation rates rising by income, and found problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and in coordination between DOL and the State Patrol. The report recommended clearer goals and responsibilities for DOL, a formal interagency agreement, and a coordinated plan to raise installation rates; both agencies concurred. Members discussed whether noncompliance reflected continued driving or people stopping driving, and agency representatives said some drivers do stop driving while others take the risk. The committee approved the final report.
JLARC then reviewed the drug take-back fee setting and expenditures report. Staff said the Department of Health’s oversight costs had outpaced fee revenue because the statutory fee cap is tied to program operator spending, and recommended public reporting of oversight costs and a legislative change to allow full cost recovery. Members debated transparency, the risk of overpricing the program, and whether Ecology might be a better home for the program; the committee adopted a comment urging transparency and a future review of best practices before fee-structure changes, then approved the final report with that comment. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focused on large state-owned and K-12 buildings due to comply by June 2026. Members asked about fines, funding, workforce constraints, and how costs and energy savings would be measured; staff said the study would examine compliance costs, savings, funding sources, and variation by building characteristics. The meeting adjourned after administrative announcements about upcoming JLARC meetings and the survey reminder.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (9-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> attribute of Warren County Public attribute of Warren County Public Schools.<00:07:18.880><c> And
- </c> benefit not just Warren County Public benefit not just Warren County Public Schools<00:10:35.120
- </c> million uh that Warren County Public million uh that Warren County Public Schools<00:15:43.519><
- </c> public school administrators. public school administrators.
- Miss Marilyn, I want to thank you for your 26 years of service. That's since retired of service.
Summary:
The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school.
The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff.
Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And as a student, we are often apprehensive about seeking services, but if services were expanded for
- ,</c><00:14:26.800><c> but</c> apprehensive about seeking services, but apprehensive about seeking services
- ><c> to</c> Public Charter Schools Commission to Public Charter Schools Commission to conduct<00:19:01.840
- </c><00:20:52.400><c> health</c> HCR18HR182, declaring a public health HCR18HR182, declaring a public
- </c><00:25:43.039><c> health</c> climate change is a public health climate change is a public health
Committee:
House Health
Summary:
The Committee on Health met on April 2, 2025, and heard several resolutions focused on student mental health, autism data collection, school heat exposure, and climate change as a public health issue. Testimony on HCR 96/HR 92 supported encouraging the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand student mental health services; the University of Hawaii testified in support, and a student speaker said expanded services would make students more likely to seek help. The committee also heard HCR 145/HR 139, which urges state agencies to collaborate on planning for Hawaii’s participation in CDC autism prevalence surveillance; supporters included the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and an autism advocate who said Hawaii needs better local representation in the data.
The committee then heard HCR 186/HR 179, requesting a study of heat exposure management in Department of Education and charter schools. The Department of Health and the climate change and health working group supported the measure, citing rising temperatures, heat-related illness risks during outdoor activities, and the value of wet bulb globe temperature standards. Finally, the committee heard HCR 188/HR 182, declaring climate change a public health emergency and calling for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the climate change and health working group, and a Native Hawaiian physician emphasized climate-related health harms such as heat illness, wildfire impacts, chronic disease, and inequities; one member opposed the measure as politicized and said it could dilute attention from other urgent problems.
In decision-making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HCR 96/HR 92, HCR 145/HR 139, and HCR 186/HR 179 as is. For HCR 188/HR 182, the committee recommended passage with amendments, specifically a House draft one for technical clarity, consistency, and style. During the vote on the climate emergency resolution, Representatives Elos and Garcia voted no, while the rest of the members present supported the recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- That's in the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind budget.
- That's in the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind budget.
- This is for the Tax Commission. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a big one.
- This is for the Tax Commission.
- So we had to pay the fast tax collection service.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Conservation and Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2026
Conservation and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- related to emergency service.
- by these public water systems.
- It's already available to the public.
- It's already available to the public.
- But I just want to make, I mean, we're providing a public service. Oh, sure.
Committee:
House Conservation and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee first took up Senate Bill 953, which was described as ensuring environmental protection funds remain dedicated to that purpose. The committee substitute added provisions from House Bill 1885, changing Clean Water Commission membership conflict rules, and Senate Bill 1397, giving certain reservoir water storage contract holders exclusive rights to return flows. Members discussed the conflict-of-interest language and the water-return provision, then adopted a House committee amendment and the amended substitute by voice vote. The committee then voted the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 953 do pass by a 6-5 roll call, with Representative Wellenkamp voting no.
The committee then heard House Bill 3193, a proposal by Representative Wellenkamp to reduce single-use plastic waste in state parks and historic sites by phasing out plastic bags, plastic water bottles, and Styrofoam/styrene containers, while allowing exemptions where needed. Supporters, including conservation groups, a Missouri River Bird Observatory representative, and others, said plastics harm parks, waterways, wildlife, tourism, and human health, and urged alternatives and better waste practices. Some members raised concerns about accessibility and the need for practical substitutes for people with disabilities and for emergency or park operations. The Missouri Beverage Association opposed the bill, arguing its plastics are recyclable and that education and recycling are better approaches than bans.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3320, the Drinking Water Transparency and Accountability Act, which would assign Missouri public water systems A-F grades based on violations, finances, operations, and infrastructure, and would impose additional oversight and spending restrictions on systems graded D or F. The sponsor said the bill would make water-system problems easier for ratepayers to understand and help address chronic failures; supporters from Missouri American Water, Central States Water Resources, and the Missouri Chamber said it would improve transparency and support investment. Opponents from municipal utilities, the Missouri Municipal League, and the Missouri Water Association argued the bill oversimplifies a technical field, duplicates existing consumer confidence reports, could confuse customers, and may undermine trust in local systems. No vote was taken on HB 3193 or HB 3320 before adjournment.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Something giving recognition to hams for the public service that they provide for free.
- Something giving recognition to hams for the public service that they provide for free.
- And some of the services that are contained within that program include local public transit, commuter
- So, what public house public >> So, yes.
- Each dollar invested in public transit yields $4 in economic return, and Coast provides essential services
Committee:
Senate Transportation
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (03/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:33:42.399><c> official</c> prohibit an individual public official prohibit an individual public
- </c><00:54:14.720><c> or</c> town whether to have the services or town whether to have the services or
- </c><00:59:21.280><c> funds</c> their funding comes from public funds their funding comes from public
- We don't need commissions. We have all 425 of us.
- We don't need commissions. We have all 425 of us.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 118 in executive session and adopted Amendment 0882H, which would remove the House and Senate members from the Child Care Commission while leaving the commission in place. Members said the amendment was a continuation of earlier committee discussion and supported it as a needed change. The committee then voted 12-0 to recommend ought to pass as amended, and HB 118 was placed on consent.
The committee next considered House Bill 142, dealing with Gold Star Mother’s Day. The sponsor explained that the bill was unnecessary because existing statute already directs the governor to issue a proclamation for Gold Star Mother’s Day and to urge appropriate observance, including flag-related ceremonies. Several members discussed how to ensure the proclamation and flag observance would happen and whether the committee report should note the existing statute. Other members said they would oppose killing the bill because the recognition was important. The committee voted 9-3 to table/ITL the bill, and HB 142 was declared inexpedient to legislate.
The final major item was a public hearing on a non-germane amendment to House Bill 456, with a related draft amendment also discussed. The sponsor said the amendment would raise the annual membership allowance from $20 to $75, rename fees as dues, prohibit dues from being used to pay lobbyists, require NHMA dues to be brought before voters as a separate warrant article for transparency, and require separate accounting so lobbying funds are not co-mingled with other funds. Supporters said the goal was to keep taxpayer-derived money from funding lobbying while preserving non-lobbying services such as legal advice and training. Opponents argued the proposal was an overreach and would micromanage local towns. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Referred to the Committee on Public Health.
- Referred to the Committee on Public Education.
- Referred to the Committee on Public Health.
- HB 3509 by Ngo relating to the common characteristic or use of public projects in a public improvement
- HB 3536 by Thompson relating to the collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services,
Summary:
The House met briefly to read a large number of first-reading bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions and refer them to the appropriate committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public health, education, criminal justice, taxation, transportation, water and natural resources, elections, housing, veterans issues, local government, and constitutional amendments. Several bills focused on school policy, health care regulation, property tax and sales tax changes, criminal penalties, and local or state agency authority.
Among the notable items were proposals on name and sex changes on birth records, college admissions inquiries into criminal history, foster care contractor liability, school nutrition and assessment policy, election procedures, homestead and franchise tax exemptions, public retirement system reporting, and numerous transportation and infrastructure measures. The House also received resolutions designating local honors and observances, including Brownsville as the bicycling capital of the Rio Grande Valley, Port Aransas as the fishing capital of Texas, and Selena Quintanilla Perez Day. Some measures proposed constitutional amendments on legislative procedure, homestead taxation, and election-law enforcement authority.
No debate or testimony occurred in this segment; the action was limited to first reading and referral. The session also referred several resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars. At the end of the proceedings, the House adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. Tuesday.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (06/19/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Services provided by the Doorway program.
- these services.
- A client may receive multiple referrals for services.
- Are there ways Duplicative services?
- Um, the commission won't meet until August.
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review.
The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget.
The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have five bills up for public hearing today.
- So let's open the public hearing on 2492 with the staff report. Good morning, Madam Chair.
- I'm the director of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights.
- Similar to the Agricultural Collective Bargaining Bill, the Public Employment Relations Commission, or
- This is a bill that utilizes Washington’s existing Public Employment Relations Commission as the infrastructure
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on several Labor and Workplace Standards bills. HB 2492 would require building and construction apprenticeship programs, beginning in 2027, to include two hours of behavioral health and wellness training covering topics such as suicide prevention, substance use disorder, recognizing distress, peer support, and connecting to resources. The prime sponsor and many labor, apprenticeship, and contractor witnesses supported the bill, describing high suicide and overdose rates in construction and sharing personal stories about losses and struggles in the trades. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 2405, a Department of Labor and Industries request bill creating a pilot to allow earlier treatment for PTSD claims in workers’ compensation, including up to 11 treatment sessions before claim adjudication and limited follow-up treatment after closure. L&I and NFIB supported the measure as a way to speed treatment and reduce barriers, while one legal advocate supported it but raised technical concerns about pre-claim treatment and urged more focus on workplace prevention; another witness cautioned against emphasizing psychiatric drug treatment. The bill was heard only; no action was taken.
HB 2406 would expand L&I’s ability to send notices electronically, with opt-in/opt-out provisions and some changes to timing rules for workers’ compensation and WISHA notices. L&I supported the bill as a modernization measure, while labor and workers’ advocates opposed changes affecting workers’ compensation notices, arguing that email should not become the default for vulnerable workers who may miss deadlines. HB 2478 would give L&I discretion, rather than a mandate, to investigate wage complaints and allow penalties when the department initiates an investigation; L&I supported it as a more efficient enforcement tool, and the committee discussed how complaints would still be handled and communicated. Finally, HB 2471 would create a state collective bargaining framework for private-sector workers if federal labor law or the NLRB no longer covers them. Supporters said it would preserve organizing and dispute-resolution rights if federal protections fail, while agricultural employers and NFIB opposed it, arguing it would inappropriately apply to agriculture and small businesses, could disrupt perishable harvests, and should rely on secret-ballot elections rather than card check. No votes were taken on any of the bills in the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- went to get this done, but also New York, New Jersey, Washington State, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Florida
- 25:40.640><c> uh</c> concern that was expressed u at the uh concern that was expressed u at the uh public
- 41.279><c> that</c><00:25:41.440><c> was</c><00:25:41.600><c> held</c><00:25:41.760><c> several</c> public
- hearing that was held several public hearing that was held several weeks<00:25:42.320><c> ago.
- finally, they have added language relative to regulation that was a concern that was expressed at the public
Committee:
Senate Commerce
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Mar 3rd, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- ... ...to the working families tax credit program, which was good, but they also were raiding public
- The Senate version takes $375 million from the Public Works account.
- You either have a loss of services or a shift of those property taxes to residents and to residences,
- And if they go away because they're no longer, commissions.
- It covered all of our state services, didn't have any cuts to services, didn't have any tax increases
Summary:
Senate and House Republican leaders held a media availability in Olympia as the 2026 session entered its final full week, focusing heavily on affordability, taxes, and the state operating budget. Senators Braun and Gildon, along with House Republicans Connors and Abbarno, criticized the House and Senate budget proposals as spending billions more than forecast revenue, relying on one-time money, the rainy day fund, and what they called unrealistic assumptions. They argued the budgets would worsen a future deficit and said Democrats were prioritizing special interests over fiscal restraint.
A major topic was the proposed income tax on high earners, which Republicans said would likely expand over time and drive businesses and wealthy residents out of Washington. They also discussed other tax proposals they said would hurt affordability, including changes affecting data centers, nicotine products, prescription drug warehousing, retail bags, and bottles. House Republicans said they were working with some Democrats to oppose the income tax and urged the governor to veto it if it reaches his desk. They also said the budget process has excluded Republican input and relied on closed-door negotiations.
Republicans also raised several policy issues they said were stalled or killed this session, including juvenile rehabilitation reform, child endangerment and fatality reporting, tort reform, and housing and energy policy. They criticized the House for not advancing measures they said would help with child safety, juvenile justice, housing supply, and energy diversity, and they opposed a data center tax/clawback bill they said could discourage investment and jobs, especially in rural communities. In response to questions, Braun said he planned to raise the income tax, the budget, juvenile rehabilitation, child endangerment, and tort reform in an upcoming meeting with the governor. No votes were taken during the availability.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 4th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- We will now move on to public hearing.
- We will now move on to public hearing.
- It doesn't even require service.
- Public hearing on House Bill 1713. We will now move to public hearing on House Bill 2427.
- This will conclude public hearing on 386.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. It voted House Bill 3144, relating to injunctions, due pass by an 8-4 vote; House Bill 3160, relating to preliminary injunctions and judicial proceedings, due pass by a 9-4 vote; House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2254, relating to post-conviction relief, due pass after adopting a technical committee amendment and substitute, by an 8-5 vote; House Bill 2206, relating to commercial activities, due pass by a 12-1 vote; and House Bill 2256, relating to minimum prison terms, due pass by a 9-4 vote. Members raised questions on HB 3160 about whether probate commissioners should be included in the bill’s language, and on HB 2254 about whether it was the same measure previously used to speed up the process.
In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 1711, the Uniform Interstate Deposition Discovery Act, which the sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said would streamline out-of-state depositions and subpoenas, reduce legal fees, and make Missouri’s process consistent with more than 40 other states. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee also heard House Bill 1713, which would simplify dissolution of deadlocked LLCs by allowing a judge to order dissolution more quickly, with the sponsor arguing it would reduce delay and litigation; no witnesses opposed it. House Bill 2427 would add judicial positions in St. Charles County, with the sponsor and members discussing the county’s rapid growth, docket pressure, staffing, and the need to reconcile differences among pending versions of the bill. No witnesses testified for or against that measure.
The committee then heard House Bill 3086, which would create an additional associate circuit judge position in Miller County. The sponsor and a local attorney testified that Miller County’s caseload, tourism-related population spikes, municipal cases, and lack of commissioners justify moving up the statutory population threshold for a second associate judge. Members asked about treatment court staffing, courtroom space, senior judges, and whether similar arguments might apply in other counties. Finally, House Bill 3072 would allow the Industrial Labor Commission to modify attorney fee arrangements in permanent total disability cases when an attorney retires or dies and a new lawyer must take over; the sponsor said it would clear up an oversight and help manage ongoing medical issues. The committee also heard House Bill 2968, a cleanup bill to align circuit descriptions with prior recircuiting changes and to authorize a previously budgeted circuit judge position in the 25th Circuit. Testimony from the Judicial Conference explained that the bill would remove outdated geographic language and resolve ambiguity about the election date for the new judge. The meeting concluded after the public hearing on HB 2968, and members were told the next Judiciary meeting would be held the following Tuesday at noon in Hearing Room 3.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This May, it will be his 19th year in public service. Welcome to the Senate. Senator Mesnard. Mr.
- And they do hope to both follow in their father's footsteps of public service.
- officer in the United States Public Health Service and Indian Health Service for 34 years.
- , certificates and necessity; Public Safety.
- HB 2402, ambulance services, certificates and necessity; Public Safety; HB 2403, appropriation access
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:25:03.799><c> our</c> bill that showed um the public our bill that showed um the public our constituents
- </c><00:31:55.399><c> Safety</c> contained in the builders Public Safety contained in the builders Public
- </c> expenditure review commission expenditure review commission modifications<00:32:00.960><c> changes
- </c> contrib contribution refund and Public contrib contribution refund and Public Finance<00:32:06.159
- </c> members article four is the Public members article four is the Public Finance<00:39:47.800><c> article
Committee:
Senate Taxes
Keywords:
solid waste management, resource management account, environmental fund, taxation, Minnesota statutes, homestead, property tax, classification, disability, resort properties, recreational use, commercial property, tax refund, estimated tax, interest on refunds, income tax, corporate franchise tax, S corporation, partnership, corporation
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Stability is public safety.
- This is not good for families, the economy, or public safety.
- Thank you for your service. Members, any questions? Thank you. And thank you for your service.
- Thank you for your service, members. Any questions? Thank you, and thank you for your service.
- I appreciate your service, and I really appreciate your service, and I really appreciate...
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If they're public, they will be in the database.
- Care services are being provided at higher costs.
- services.
- Are we set up to provide services? Who's providing those services?
- now are provided services.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Apr 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- They resolve public complaints.
- Public records requests should not be necessary for cost transparency.
- Because this is a critical service to provide.
- In regard to the public records issue, the ...
- I think that ...yet another round of public records requests.
Summary:
At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review.
The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report.
Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> a reason why I chose to use public a reason why I chose to use public schools<00:17:00.079><c> to
- </c> sub be similar to we're at a public sub be similar to we're at a public swimming<00:25:06.640><c
- </c> bill, that's going to harm public bill, that's going to harm public education,<00:26:43.279><c>
- </c> That's how passionate I am about public That's how passionate I am about public education<00:26:
- </c> low performing are coming from public low performing are coming from public schools<00:28:02.880
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 132, which would change home and hospital instruction funding so schools can be reimbursed sooner when students miss school for short-term mental health-related stays. Representative Nick Wilson said current law requires a student to be out five days before funding begins, leaving schools unpaid when they provide instruction during 2- to 4-day absences. The committee gave HB 132 favorable expression unanimously.
The committee then heard House Bill 193, a cleanup bill on dual credit scholarships. Representative J.T. Payne and KHEAA’s director explained that the bill consolidates academic and CTE dual credit scholarships into one statute to reduce administrative confusion, since the programs have been funded together in recent budgets. HB 193 passed unanimously with favorable expression.
House Bill 241 drew the most discussion. The committee first adopted a substitute, which members said changed the bill to give the Commissioner of Education discretion, rather than a mandate, to grant calamity days. The bill and substitute centered on virtual instruction and Cloverport Virtual Academy: supporters said the school was a pilot project that needed more time and that a prior agency effort to cap virtual instruction would have effectively shut it down, while opponents argued the substitute would reward a low-performing virtual model and extend NTI/virtual learning too broadly. Testimony from an Oldham County parent criticized NTI quality and opposed adding more virtual days. No final vote on HB 241 was included in the portion provided.