Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:00.559><c> for</c> list we do not have an assessment for list we do not have an assessment
• </c><00:26:04.399><c> to</c> have not gone through the assessment to have not gone through the assessment
• If it continues to change, then they would have to have another assessment to see if they qualify.
• If it continues to change, then they would have to have another assessment to see if they qualify.
• Commissioner, there was an October report on the waiver list management assessment, which I know you’

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

• education economic development group, we had jurisdiction over 25 projects through our progress assessment
• Based upon our progress assessment, we did identify a few projects that, due to the new guidance from
• Given the results of our progress assessment and concerns with funds being expended by October 1st, we

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• statutory rate of interest in the statutes, of course, that if you have an underpayment of taxes, it is assessed
• Typically, that's going to be assessed by the Tax Commission, which would tell them, here's what you
• public defenders in rural areas and their ability to defend, and would you consider in the future assessing

Bills: HB4421 , HB4426 , HB4432 , HB4329 , HB3551 , HB3763 , HB1411 , HB2730 , HB3465 , HB3649 , HB3650 , HB3674 , HB3941 , HB3970 , HB3979 , HB3980 , HB3981 , SB1074

Committee: House Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: child welfare, fentanyl exposure, drug endangerment, environmental testing, safety analysis, remediation, child protection, Department of Human Services, violence prevention, HB4426, SIDE tax credit, strategic industrial development enhancement, income tax credit, economic development, tax incentive, qualified economic development expenditures, qualified initial infrastructure expenditures, industrial park, economic development zone, port authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Key considerations that we took into account as part of this assessment was to, most importantly, avoid
• So it doesn't fall within that ongoing definition, as the administration's assessment. Got it.
• That's the administration's current assessment, yes.
• Yes, and I think in general we'll have to assess and do that assessment in terms of how, from a coordination
• At the same time, assessing the right level of funding is quite challenging.

Summary: The committee first heard May Revision child care and human services items. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the analyst supported. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a reduction in federal and Proposition 64 funding absorbed through a shift from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment program, a 2.01% child care COLA, disaster-related infrastructure grants, a new administrative support cost structure for Alternative Payment agencies, the removal of prospective pay funding after a federal rule change, a reappropriation for existing infrastructure grants, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended asking for more justification for shifting reductions to CAP, supported the COLA reduction but wanted consistency across programs, recommended removing prospective pay funding, opposed the administrative cost shift, and suggested further review of disaster grant alignment. Members pressed the administration on why more slots would be cut for the same savings, why the COLA was reduced, and whether the administrative percentage would grow over time. The administration said the changes were intended to avoid disrupting currently enrolled families, reflect point-in-time relinquishments and unspent funds, and stabilize contractor operations. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, and county representatives, urged full COLA funding, rejection of child care slot reductions, preservation of prospective pay, and continued investment in child care infrastructure and access. The subcommittee then recessed before moving to health items. In Part B, the Department of State Hospitals presented its May Revision proposals, including a central utility plant replacement project at Metropolitan State Hospital, funding for a continuum electronic health record system, reduced county bed billing authority to reflect phase-in of additional LPS beds, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscription services, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal to use Behavioral Health Services Act funds instead of General Fund for training programs. The department said the EHR would modernize records and improve continuity of care, and that the contract exemption would prevent delays in essential clinical information services. No votes were taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we already offer free parcel-specific water availability assessments that can be used for planning
• Uh, we already offer free parcel-specific water availability assessments that can be used for planning
• Uh, we already offer free parcel-specific water availability assessments that can be used for planning
• Uh, we already offer free parcel-specific water availability assessments that can be used for planning
• that can be used for assessments that can be used for planning,<00:10:26.959><c> engineering</c><00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently the director of the Criminal Practice Clinic at UNH Law.
• I started practicing prior to what we consider the opiate epidemic and have engaged in the practice of
• I started practicing prior to what we consider the opiate epidemic and have engaged in the practice of
• It's just not practical.
• I am the director of the Criminal Practice Clinic at UNH Law.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• care, custody, and control, but there is still an active assessment.
• </c> there's a child protection assessment there's a child protection assessment where<00:13:24.639><
• </c> judge yet and we're in the assessment judge yet and we're in the assessment phase<00:13:27.760><
• She explained that when they are in assessment, prior to investigation, there are no legal documents.
• ,<00:17:33.360><c> prior</c><00:17:33.600><c> to</c><00:17:33.840><c> investigation,</c> assessment,

Bills: HF2078 , HF777 , HF841 , HF1112 , HF1098 , HF1926

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child care, day care, child care center, licensing, license requirements, parent access, guardian access, custody order, court order, furnishings, equipment standards, learning materials, early childhood education, infant care, toddler care, preschool, school-age child care, play materials, sensory materials, gross motor equipment

Transcript Highlights:

• So how does the stagnant minimum wage affect workers and families in a practical way?
• Okay, that all sounds good, but I’m trying to practically process it.
• They have practically no chance at employment because no employer wants to take the risk at $12, $15,
• So, as a practicing attorney, when they make that second medical opinion, So, as a practicing attorney
• How would it practically enforce this without creating workforce confusion? Enforce it.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeals process by allowing additional medical evidence submitted in court to be sent back to the medical director for review and a new opinion. The Attorney General’s office explained the bill, noting a 30-day deadline for the medical director to act before the case returns to court. The bill drew support from injured workers and several business and labor groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments and then reported the bill favorably without objection. House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage starting at $12 in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation, prompted extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, and the AFL-CIO, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind living costs, that many workers remain in poverty despite working, and that higher wages would help families and local economies. Opponents, including NFIB and several members, argued that the market is already setting wages above the federal minimum in many jobs, that a mandate would raise costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or jobs, and hurt small businesses. After discussion, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported Senate Bill 383 favorably with amendments. That bill expands the incumbent worker training program by increasing funding flexibility, shortening the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allowing unobligated funds to roll over. Members and the Louisiana Works secretary discussed workforce training, outreach, and how to connect workers to existing training programs and high-demand jobs. The committee also reported Senate Bill 382 favorably, which repeals the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and began hearing House Bill 422, the “Behind-the-Counter Safety Act,” aimed at workplace violence protections for retail and food service workers, including signage, reporting, and enhanced penalties; the sponsor explained it was intended to address attacks on frontline workers and to give businesses a tool to warn against violence.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in practice, it can also narrow voter choice in November when turnout is highest and when many less
• Part of my law practice focuses on ballot question issues and has been since serving as counsel and campaign
• Part of my law practice focuses on ballot question issues and has been since serving as counsel and campaign
• All-party primaries offer a clear practical improvement: more participation, more competition.
• While she has not taken a position on this ballot initiative, I believe Senator Warren's assessment was

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-12, H.503, a proposal to implement all-party state primaries for Massachusetts state and federal elections. The committee opened with procedural remarks explaining Article 48 requirements and then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Professor Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University testified that top-two primary systems in other states have produced mixed results: they may modestly increase primary turnout in some cases, but the research does not show a reliable reduction in polarization, and such systems can weaken party gatekeeping, increase strategic behavior, raise campaign spending, and reduce general-election choice for voters whose preferred party is not on the ballot. Katie King of the National Conference of State Legislatures outlined the different primary models used nationwide, explained that Massachusetts currently uses an open-to-unaffiliated primary, and reviewed legal distinctions between blanket primaries and top-two systems; she noted that blanket primaries were struck down by the Supreme Court, while Washington’s top-two system was upheld because it narrows the field rather than nominating party candidates. She also said voter education and administrative preparation would be important if the system changed. The proponents’ panel, led by Danielle Allen of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued that Massachusetts has chronically uncompetitive elections, low turnout, and too many uncontested races, and that all-party primaries would give every voter a meaningful choice in the first round and force candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. Allen said the proposal is designed specifically for Massachusetts and differs from other states by allowing party endorsements to appear on the ballot, which supporters said would preserve useful information while shifting control of the preliminary election from party insiders to voters. Jim Henderson, the coalition’s counsel, said the bill is narrowly tailored to state-level primaries and would amend Chapter 53 to put all voters on equal footing. Other supporters, including Kevin Johnson, Kate Kavanaugh, and Spencer Reynolds, emphasized that the reform could increase competition, reduce polarization, improve participation by independents and underrepresented voters, and create more accountability to the full electorate. Committee members pressed the witnesses on turnout, the practical effect of endorsements, whether the proposal would simply shift party influence to an earlier stage, and whether it could disadvantage minority-party or independent candidates. Senator Fattman repeatedly asked about evidence that turnout would materially increase, while Representative Peisch and others questioned whether requiring or seeking endorsements would create new barriers or pressure candidates to clear the field. Supporters responded that the system would modestly increase primary participation, that the general election would remain the decisive contest, and that endorsements would be optional and handled through party rules. No vote was taken at the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up having to practice atomic bomb drills in elementary school.
• AB 2146 creates a practical backstop so that if a unit has been vacant for too long, providers can act
• Just as we restrict youth access to products like alcohol and tobacco, AB 2030 is a practical step to
• exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities to 100% for low-income individuals and 50% of assessed
• For commuters and working families, it offers a practical way to save money.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're forced to assess whether sorting people on the basis of race is feasible, and whether this race-based
• And as a practical matter, when I refer to the benchmark plan when comparing some of the districts to
• Any individual person, there's practically an infinite way of drawing redistricting maps.
• Now, I drew this map using race-neutral practices, meaning I did not consider race.
• Now, I drew this map using race-neutral practices, meaning I did not consider rates.

Summary: The Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting met to consider HB 1D, which would establish Florida’s congressional districts using the governor’s proposed map, EOG PCRP 26. Representative Persons-Mulicka briefly introduced the bill, and Jason Jazeel and Jason Pareda of the governor’s office presented the legal rationale and map details. Jazeel argued that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is not prohibited, that the governor’s position is to draw districts without considering race, and that federal equal-protection principles should control over state race-based redistricting provisions. Pareda said he drew the map alone using 2020 census data and census blocks, while also considering population growth estimates, traditional redistricting criteria, and county/city boundaries where feasible. Pareda described the map as race-neutral and said it keeps 48 counties whole, 382 cities whole, and has a boundary-analysis score of about 85.7%. He walked through regional changes, including major revisions in South Florida, adjustments in Central Florida, and changes in the Tampa Bay area, explaining that population shifts and the need for exact congressional population equality drove many of the district configurations. Members questioned the timing of the special session, the use of 2020 census data versus newer population estimates, the role of the legislature versus the governor, the legal basis for mid-decade redistricting, and whether the map complies with the Voting Rights Act and Fair Districts amendments. Motions to place witnesses under oath and to extend the committee meeting by 30 minutes both failed. During public testimony, every speaker who was heard opposed the map. Commenters argued that the proposal was a partisan power grab, would reduce Democratic and minority representation, and violated the Florida Constitution and voting rights protections. Several speakers criticized the short notice and lack of public input, while others said the map would confuse voters or split communities. The chair repeatedly reminded attendees to maintain decorum and limited each speaker to about one minute.

Transcript Highlights:

• may inaccurately or unintentionally may inaccurately or unintentionally capture<00:09:27.800><c> practices
• c> tools</c><00:09:29.000><c> in</c><00:09:29.120><c> ways</c><00:09:29.400><c> that</c> capture practices
• or tools in ways that capture practices or tools in ways that could<00:09:29.680><c> create</c><00:09
• information gap between employers and applicants will justify a new disclosure requirement, transforming a practical
• ' Compensation Reinsurance Association's process for excess surplus distribution and deficiency assessments

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in practice, it can also narrow voter choice in November, when turnout is highest and when many less
• Part of my law practice focuses on ballot question issues and has been since serving as counsel and campaign
• Part of my law practice focuses on ballot question issues and has been since serving as counsel and campaign
• All-party primaries offer a clear practical improvement: more participation, more competition.
• While she has not taken a position on this ballot initiative, I believe Senator Warren's assessment was

Bills: H5001

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: election day registration, voter registration, proof of residency, provisional ballot, party affiliation, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• During this year, we also encourage the legislature to be cautious with any fiscally punitive practices
• use the interim to conduct a thorough review of distance learning models and enrollment reporting practices
• presented as a district or adjacent district was an attempt to mirror what happens in in-person practice
• has been previously stated, and ask the tough questions, we have something ourselves measurable to assess
• And whether these corporate entities are businesses who are good businesses or if they have practices

Bills: HB2 , SB204 , SB241 , HB34

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool

Transcript Highlights:

• So that we have that practical feedback from people that have been subject to the regulation of the commission
• We also engaged OES and had an independent technical assessment done.
• So, we now actually have practice tests online.
• So, that when they actually go live on day one, they’ve actually practiced to know everything that they
• And we are working with other state auditor shops, learning what other best practices are and how we

Committee: House A&B General Government Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In practice, it means that after a project has been designed and vetted through extensive community engagement
• The other item in discussion that I wanted to flag for you all is a carbon dioxide concentration assessment
• SB 486 is a targeted and practical planning bill that will help to integrate public university and regional
• plastic would help regain trust in the recycling system and encourage more sustainable business practices
• SB 633 requires beverage manufacturers to verify business practices.

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, adopted the consent calendar for SB 423 and SB 581, and then heard a series of bills, most of which were presented as streamlining or safety measures tied to transportation, climate, public lands, health care, and higher education. SB 71 by Senator Wiener would extend and expand a CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, adding modes such as microtransit, paratransit, shuttles, and ferries, while also accepting committee amendments that narrowed a Tier 4 diesel rail provision, restored existing right-of-way language with utility protections, and set a new sunset date. Support came from transit agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups; some members raised concerns about the diesel rail language and possible interactions with housing-related legislation, but the bill advanced on a due pass vote as amended. The committee then heard SB 614 by Senator Stern on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, building from federal draft rules and adding state discretion and possible enhanced protections such as planning zones and more detailed exposure modeling. Supporters argued California needs to fill a federal regulatory gap to advance carbon capture and climate goals, while environmental justice and conservation groups opposed unless amended, citing risks from CO2 leaks and asking for stronger siting restrictions and more specificity. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, with members noting the need for continued work on the safety provisions. Senator Arreguín also presented SB 304, which would temporarily lift public trust use restrictions on specific land at Jack London Square to allow the Port of Oakland more leasing flexibility under conditions and annual reporting. The measure was described as a limited, time-bound effort to address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront, and it drew support from Oakland city and county representatives with no opposition in the room. The committee then approved SB 304 on a due pass vote. Arreguín’s SB 830 followed, creating CEQA streamlining for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus and designating the City of Emeryville as lead agency; supporters said it would preserve East Bay hospital access before seismic deadlines, and the bill passed with broad support and no opposition. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 486, a higher education planning bill intended to align UC and CSU enrollment growth with regional sustainable communities plans and to remove the need to analyze a no-project alternative in certain long-range development plans. Supporters said the bill would better integrate university enrollment forecasting into regional planning, while opponents warned that eliminating the no-project analysis could weaken accountability for housing and infrastructure impacts around campuses. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for further clarification, but the bill was moved out on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The transcript then shifted to SB 629, a fire response and rebuilding bill, with the author describing amendments to apply fire safety requirements in wildfire-burned areas, update fire mapping, and require annual defensible space inspections, though the discussion was cut off before any final action was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and how it would be practically enforced.
• ways we've seen in studies that these dolls, and forgive me for the graphic nature, are used as practice
• a victim, and I'm here speaking as a victim, but I have the benefit of seeing this, how it will practically
• I'm board certified in criminal law and criminal appeals, and practicing law for about 31 years.
• It it depends because they're not going to know the assessment until they've witnessed it.

Bills: HB316

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, affordable care act, medical assistance, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• I think... you just touched on it a bit, and how it would be practically enforced.
• we've seen in studies that these dolls... and forgive me for the graphic nature, they are used as practice
• I'm a victim, and I'm here speaking as a victim, but I have the benefit of seeing how this will practically
• Attorney in Chambers County, board certified in criminal law and criminal appeals, and I have been practicing
• It depends because they're not going to know the assessment until they've witnessed it and they've run

Bills: HB316 , HB353 , HB 1160 , HB1414 , HB1422 , HB1443 , HB1713 , HB1789 , HB1902 , HB2073 , HB2666 , HB2695 , HB316

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Its main responsibility is for the environmental review program, including the environmental assessment
• Its main responsibility is for the environmental review program, including the environmental assessment
• Its main responsibility is for the environmental review program, including the environmental assessment
• Its main responsibility is for the environmental review program, including the environmental assessment
• environmental assessment worksheet rules and<00:15:46.560><c> the</c><00:15:46.720><c> environmental

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• life, has made us a prime destination in the region in the competition for talent, as individuals assess
• HB 238 is vital to fair employment practices.
• HB 238 is vital to fair employment practices.
• HB 238 is vital to fair employment practices.
• HB 238 is vital to fair employment practices.

Keywords: 1189, house, all