Transcript Highlights:

• wec><00:01:13.439><c> doc><00:01:13.600><c> havec><00:01:13.720><c> ac><00:01:13.840><c> quorum
• c><00:01:14.200><c> atc><00:01:14.360><c> thisc><00:01:14.560><c> timec><00:01:14.920><c> I
• c><00:01:22.200><c> doc><00:01:22.320><c> Ic><00:01:22.439><c> havec><00:01:22.520><c> ac><
• scheduled<00:43:02.520><c> projectc><00:43:02.920><c> meetingsc><00:43:03.319><c> arec><00:43:
• 03.520><c> beingc> scheduled project meetings are being scheduled project meetings are being held<00

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:14 Approval of Minutes 01:40 Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 27:44 Department of Parks 59:23 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:09:52.440><c> Soc><00:09:53.440><c> onc><00:09:53.760><c> onc><00:09:54.160><c> linec
• c><00:12:06.160><c> Ic><00:12:06.320><c> Ic><00:12:06.720><c> wouldc><00:12:07.040><c> umc>
• <c> schedulec> emerging uh could realign their schedule emerging uh could realign their schedule perhaps
• align their calendar in CTE centers to align their calendar in their<00:57:02.400><c> schedulesc><00
• :57:03.920><c> itc> their schedules so that it makes it their schedules so that it makes it easier<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 771, the open enrollment bill, which had returned from the Senate with language clarifying that districts should list both tuition expenses and offsetting revenue estimates from sending districts. The chair and Representative McGuire supported concurring with the Senate changes, while Representative Luno raised broader concerns about the bill’s structure and equity, arguing that tuition based on 80% of the sending district’s average cost could be unfair and could create problems for receiving districts with different cost structures. After a show of hands, the committee voted to concur and send that recommendation to the House floor, with Luno indicating he would speak against it there. The committee then took up SB 9 in executive session. An amendment, 1920H, was offered to clarify that the tuition calculation should use the sending district’s average cost and to support access to CTE programs, including allowing students to take academic courses at the receiving school and, in some cases, attend the nearest CTE center. Supporters said the bill would help more students participate in career and technical education and noted bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate. Opponents argued the amendment would increase district costs, strain property taxpayers, and could reduce CTE participation or create logistical problems. The committee adopted the amendment 10-8, then voted 10-8 to recommend OTPA as amended; Representative Lad was assigned the majority report and Representative Luno the minority ITL report. After closing the SB 9 executive session, the chair reminded members that committee reports were due immediately and announced retained-bill subcommittees. One subcommittee will address adequacy and school funding issues arising from HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 434, chaired by Representative Spillsbury. Another will address school building aid issues from HB 295 and HB 366, including whether to keep the current formula or revise it, and how to handle renovations, new construction, and lease arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• 30:43.760><c> andc><00:30:44.000><c> isc><00:30:44.240><c> scheduledc><00:30:44.720><c> toc><
• :11.320><c> arec><01:23:11.480><c> onc><01:23:11.760><c> schedulec><01:23:12.199><c> inc><01:
• ><c> doc><01:23:52.239><c> theirc><01:23:52.480><c> initialc><01:23:52.840><c> closec> are scheduled
• :55:35.679><c> whichc><01:55:35.800><c> isc><01:55:35.920><c> scheduledc><01:55:36.280><c> for<
• ><c> lastc><02:06:18.800><c> sessionc><02:06:19.800><c> umc><02:06:20.040><c> tookc> schedule

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee held an informational briefing with the University of Hawaiʻi, led by new President Wendy Hensel and Vice President for Budget and Finance Calbert Young. Hensel outlined the university system’s scope, student demographics, research activity, and campus missions, emphasizing four strategic priorities: serving Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi, student success, workforce development, and economic diversification through innovation and research. She highlighted the system’s enrollment, research funding, and the roles of Mānoa, Hilo, West Oʻahu, the community colleges, and specialized institutions such as JABSOM and the Cancer Center. Young then reviewed the budget request, focusing largely on making prior one-time appropriations permanent and supporting recurring needs. Items included funding for Mānoa athletics, the Hawaiʻi Institute for Marine Biology, K-12 teacher education, Pamantasan Council support, Hilo programs, Windward’s mental health technician certificate, Maui’s practical nursing bridge program, and student support positions such as financial aid and admissions counselors. He also described workforce-related requests tied to nursing expansion at Mānoa and West Oʻahu, as well as facilities support at West Oʻahu. A major portion of the testimony addressed the university’s two Kakaʻako medical facilities. Young explained that declining tobacco settlement and cigarette tax revenues are no longer sufficient to cover debt service for JABSOM and the Cancer Center, so the governor’s budget includes general fund support to supplement those obligations. He also described a regents-approved request not included in the governor’s proposal: expanding the Hawaiʻi Promise financial aid program to the four-year campuses, estimated at about $11–12 million. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:11.360><c> thatc><00:03:11.519><c> positionc><00:03:11.879><c> hasc><00:03:12.040><c>
• c><00:03:19.760><c> wec><00:03:19.879><c> doc><00:03:20.120><c> havec><00:03:20.440><c> wec
• /c><04:05:55.359><c> he'sc><04:05:55.520><c> onc><04:05:55.640><c> ourc><04:05:55.840><c> schedule
• c> administrator yeah he's on our schedule administrator yeah he's on our schedule for<04:05:56.520
• ><c> timingc><04:37:22.359><c> thec> Hi, we're sorry about the timing, the scheduling problem.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So C to try to determine that. Come on area.
• You handle Klain, eligibility trip, scheduling and complaints resolutions requiring the standardized
• And it is typically use in a shared ride scheduled in advance program.
• But similarly, there's trips or scheduling based on writer request usually about 24 hours in advance.
• However, all parties FDOT and the 5 partners that make up the CFC or C are all committed and actively

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be scheduled for consideration by the House.
• be scheduled for consideration by the House.
• be scheduled for consideration by the House. and scheduling reports recommending that the following House
• bills be scheduled for consideration by the House.
• Hull to establish a schedule of fines for parking violations, House No. 4247.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed the Walpole High School field hockey team. The chamber then adopted several procedural orders: extending reporting deadlines for the Committee on Health Care Financing and the Committee on Public Health, and suspending Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition creating a special commission on perimenopause and menopause care to go to the Committee on Public Health. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling also reported several bills for House consideration, including measures concerning Social Security numbers on death certificates and a Hull local option bill on parking fines. The House suspended Rule 7A and advanced three bills to third reading: House No. 2383, relative to Social Security numbers on death certificates; House No. 2438, removing Social Security numbers from death certificates; and House No. 4247, authorizing the Town of Hull to establish a schedule of fines for parking violations. All three were ordered to a third reading. The House then took up two local bills released from the third-reading committee: House No. 862, regarding the recall of elected officers in Sharon, and House No. 4399, further amending the charter of Middleton. Both bills were passed to be engrossed. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn and recessed, then formally adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, if it helps, the Pension Funding Council is scheduled to meet October 8th.
• Director Chapman C.
• Director Chapman C. Aye. Senator Conway. Aye. Good. Chapman C. Aye. Senator Conway.
• A plan that's overfunded is just ahead of schedule based on that funding plan.
• I'm on a previously scheduled trip to Ireland, so I'm in Ireland right now.

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:20.560><c> isc><00:02:21.200><c> umc><00:02:21.680><c> wec><00:02:21.920><c> hadc><
• > furtherc><00:46:42.319><c> andc><00:46:42.560><c> wec><00:46:42.800><c> scheduledc> took it
• a step further and we scheduled took it a step further and we scheduled conferences<00:46:44.560><c>
• We had our our our last<00:46:59.599><c> scheduledc><00:47:00.160><c> onec><00:47:00.480><c> was<
• c> last scheduled one was on the snow day last scheduled one was on the snow day that<00:47:02.000><c

Bills: HF630, HF1435, HF1607

Keywords: short-call substitute, substitute teacher, substitute teaching license, pilot program, teacher shortage, education workforce, school district, charter school, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, background check, paraprofessional, education support personnel, temporary license, substitute training, retaliation, teacher pay, daily substitute pay, Minnesota education law, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:00:46.000><c> schedulec><01:00:46.240><c> andc><01:00:46.480><c> revenuesc> bond repayment schedule
• and revenues bond repayment schedule and revenues would<01:00:47.040><c> bec><01:00:47.200><c> dedicated
• Friday<01:35:29.280><c> schedulec><01:35:29.600><c> isc><01:35:29.920><c> justc><01:35:30.159><
• c> goingc><01:35:30.320><c> toc><01:35:30.480><c> bec> Friday schedule is just going to be Friday
• schedule is just going to be exchanged<01:35:31.280><c> forc><01:35:32.320><c> uhc><01:35:32.719

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:29.280><c> Andc><00:01:29.439><c> Ic><00:01:29.600><c> I'mc><00:01:29.920><c> honored
• c> thatc><00:01:44.880><c> wec><00:01:45.119><c> willc><00:01:45.280><c> takec><00:01:45.439>
• c><00:02:26.959><c> Uhc><00:02:27.200><c> Ic><00:02:27.360><c> Ic><00:02:27.760><c> spentc>
• > scheduledc><01:16:34.320><c> toc> the term in 2030 statewide scheduled to the term in 2030 statewide
• scheduled to go<01:16:34.800><c> away.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met to consider two major bills. First, House Bill 521, relating to stalking, was presented by Majority Leader Steven Rudy with testimony from the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs. Supporters said Kentucky’s stalking laws need updating to address modern electronic and technology-based stalking and to better protect victims of persistent, ongoing harassment. Members asked about fiscal impact and prison costs; Rudy said the bill was mainly a statutory update and should have no new prison impact. The committee then voted 17-0 to pass HB 521 with favorable expression. The committee next took up House Bill 422, known as Logan’s Law, which was presented by Rep. Dan Fister and Rep. T.J. Roberts with emotional testimony from George Typton, father of Logan Typton. The bill responds to the 2015 murder of Logan Typton and seeks to revise Kentucky’s insanity defense, limit mandatory re-entry supervision for certain violent offenses, require consecutive sentences for multiple victims, and change life-without-parole rules so juries can impose it more directly in intentional murder cases. Typton described the crime and argued the current system failed his family; several members expressed sympathy and support. After a committee substitute was adopted, Roberts explained that the substitute preserved an insanity defense modeled on Alaska’s rule, rather than abolishing it, and clarified that a defendant must be unable to appreciate the nature of their actions due to mental illness or intellectual disability. He also said the bill would ensure consistency in insanity verdicts across multiple counts and provide treatment options for those found guilty but mentally ill. Rep. Marzian raised concerns about mental health funding, prison costs, and corrections impacts, while Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers warned the bill could reduce plea bargaining flexibility and slow the courts if sentencing becomes more automatic. The bill remained under consideration after testimony, with no final vote shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• scheduled<00:10:31.560><c> non-conc><00:10:32.279><c> visitsc><00:10:32.640><c> familiesc><00:
• 10:33.000><c> havec> scheduled non-con visits families have scheduled non-con visits families have
• ><c> Mahalc><00:13:32.920><c> forc><00:13:33.079><c> schedulingc><00:13:33.480><c> thisc><00:
• 13:33.720><c> billc><00:13:33.959><c> andc> 782 Mahal for scheduling this bill and 782 Mahal for
• scheduling this bill and for<00:13:34.360><c> restationc><00:13:35.240><c> thankc><00:13:35.360><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:53:06.319><c> Um,c><00:53:06.720><c> soc><00:53:07.040><c> let'sc><00:53:07.280><c> go<
• we meet<01:19:54.159><c> next,c><01:19:54.480><c> it'sc><01:19:54.719><c> scheduledc><01:19:54.960
• ><c> forc><01:19:55.360><c> Novemberc> meet next, it's scheduled for November meet next, it's scheduled
• 13.120><c> schedulec><01:20:13.440><c> toc><01:20:13.760><c> bec><01:20:14.000><c> here,c><01
• :20:14.640><c> butc> tried to juggle schedule to be here, but tried to juggle schedule to be here,

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up several school building aid bills. HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing, drew debate over whether the program is effective and whether funds should be allowed to carry forward. Supporters argued the program is underfunded and that even small leftover amounts should remain available for building aid; opponents said non-lapsing funds limit future budget flexibility and that the program creates winners and losers. The committee voted 4-3 to recommend HB 295 inexpedient to legislate (ITL). The committee then considered HB 366, which would increase school building aid for eligible projects and include retroactive funding for projects completed in the past. The motion to ITL was supported on the grounds that retroactive payments would be unfair to districts still waiting in line and that the legislature should focus on future projects. Supporters of the bill said the increase was modest and that districts that built during a prior moratorium on aid were left with long-term fiscal burdens. The committee again voted 4-3 to recommend ITL. The discussion also broadened into special education funding and a retained bill, HB 742, concerning catastrophic special education aid and the source of funding. Members debated whether the education trust fund should cover the aid and whether the committee should act now or wait for a separate commission studying special education costs. Several members emphasized that special education costs are rising, that more data is needed on student identification and funding formulas, and that the commission’s report may provide better guidance. The chair said the subcommittee’s recommendations would go to the full committee, and the next meeting was expected to be rescheduled from November 4 to later that week because of election-related conflicts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our<00:42:43.040><c> nextc><00:42:43.280><c> hearingc><00:42:43.599><c> isc><00:42:43.839><c> scheduled
• Our next hearing<02:19:56.720><c> isc><02:19:57.040><c> scheduledc><02:19:57.760><c> forc><02:19
• c><02:19:59.439><c> atc> hearing is scheduled for 100 p.m. at hearing is scheduled for 100 p.m. at
• It<05:45:35.040><c> isc><05:45:35.200><c> ac><05:45:35.360><c> schedulec><05:45:35.680><c> one<
• :35.840><c> particularc><05:57:37.040><c> uhc><05:57:37.360><c> scheduledc><05:57:38.160><c> uh

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when he's doing the scheduling<00:13:01.760><c> whatc><00:13:01.880><c> hec><00:13:02.000><c> tries
• > scheduling what he tries to do is have scheduling what he tries to do is have one<00:13:03.800><c>
• <04:05:55.840><c> schedulec> administrator yeah he's on our schedule administrator yeah he's on our
• schedule for<04:05:56.520><c> todayc><04:05:56.960><c> butc><04:05:57.080><c> Ic><04:05:57.640
• ><c> thec> Hi, we're sorry about the timing, the scheduling problem.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding. Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:44:23.679><c> schedulec><01:44:24.239><c> thatc><01:44:24.480><c> wouldc> abide by the
• c><02:18:03.679><c> schedules,c><02:18:04.399><c> wec> particular jobs and shift schedules, we particular
• flexiblec><02:18:10.080><c> withc><02:18:10.240><c> ourc><02:18:10.399><c> schedulec> able to
• c><02:18:15.200><c> Um,c><02:18:15.679><c> manyc><02:18:16.000><c> peoplec> schedule would not
• /c><02:18:17.439><c> workc><02:18:17.599><c> forc><02:18:17.760><c> themc> choose other schedules

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• schedulesc><00:01:40.240><c> forc><00:01:41.119><c> specialc><00:01:41.439><c> educationc> payment
• schedules for special education payment schedules for special education and<00:01:42.560><c> soc><
• What's the<00:18:25.440><c> reimbursementc><00:18:26.160><c> schedulec><00:18:26.880><c> thatc>
• schedule that we ended up<00:18:27.760><c> withc><00:18:28.160><c> forc><00:18:28.480><c> thec
• entitlementc><01:08:58.000><c> paymentsc> same schedule as entitlement payments same schedule as

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:56:12.599><c> toc><00:56:12.799><c> schedulec><00:56:13.319><c> allc> 6 so that I was planning
• ac><00:56:45.480><c> sessionc><00:56:45.799><c> forc><00:56:46.039><c> Marchc> they've scheduled
• andc><01:16:29.639><c> andc><01:16:29.840><c> schedulec> you can uh go ahead and and schedule you
• on at night or whenever you<03:53:38.479><c> schedulec><03:53:38.840><c> themc><03:53:39.680><c>
• andc><03:53:39.800><c> toc><03:53:40.199><c> Supplyc><03:53:40.560><c> Airc> you schedule them

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on a cannabis legalization/regulation bill and whether it should be retained for further study or moved forward. Members debated the fiscal impact, with one side emphasizing that the bill would cost about $7.1 million in the first two years before generating revenue, while supporters argued the House should make a statement in favor of legalization despite likely opposition from the Senate and governor. There was also disagreement over strategy: some said retaining the bill until closer to the next election would give the issue more visibility, while others said delaying would only avoid sending a bill the Senate was unlikely to take up anyway. A major point of contention was whether cannabis should be regulated by a new cannabis commission or placed under the Liquor Commission. Supporters of the Liquor Commission argued it already has enforcement infrastructure, especially for age restrictions, and could handle cannabis more efficiently without creating a new bureaucracy. Opponents said cannabis is a different industry that would require specialized expertise, and they objected to expanding the Liquor Commission, which they described as unpopular and costly. The committee also discussed past versions of the bill, including concerns about limited licenses and the perception that the earlier approach favored large businesses. Members reviewed specific provisions such as licensing fees, THC limits, and cultivation categories. One member noted a $10,000 fee for retail cannabis stores and cannabis product manufacturers authorized to perform extractions, while a smaller tier-one cultivator fee was described as a lower-cost option for small growers. There was also discussion of whether the bill would allow sales through general retail outlets or only dedicated cannabis stores, and whether plants and seeds were covered. No final vote or action was clearly recorded in the excerpt, but the main procedural question was whether to retain the bill for more work or advance it as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> bec><01:07:12.720><c> dedicatedc><01:07:13.400><c> toc> schedule, revenues would be dedicated
• And we<01:30:32.400><c> uhc><01:30:32.480><c> schedulec><01:30:32.840><c> 11c><01:30:33.120><c>
• billsc><01:30:33.480><c> thenc><01:30:33.680><c> sometimesc> we uh schedule 11 bills then sometimes
• we uh schedule 11 bills then sometimes we<01:30:34.160><c> getc><01:30:34.280><c> behindc><01:30
• :34.600><c> schedulec><01:30:34.920><c> ac><01:30:34.960><c> little.

Bills: HF4094, HF3390, HF3813, HF3583, HF3751, HF4324, HF4789, HF3596, HF4033, HF4424, HF4053

Keywords: Crosby, local sales tax, bonding authority, community projects, voter approval, Owatonna, use tax, special law, community center, municipal finance, capital project, sales and use tax, local option tax, city tax, public facility, general election, bond referendum, debt limit, levy limit, Minnesota local government

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes the scheduled<00:13:39.360><c> phasedc><00:13:39.680><c> inc><00:13:39.920><c> employer
• c><00:13:40.639><c> uhc> scheduled phased in employer uh scheduled phased in employer uh increase
• There's a schedule<00:32:02.559><c> thatc><00:32:02.799><c> isc><00:32:02.960><c> onc><00:32:03.120
• ><c> thec><00:32:03.279><c> PERSc><00:32:03.760><c> websitec> schedule that is on the PERS website
• ><c> andc><00:34:13.599><c> lookingc> currently on schedule and looking currently on schedule and

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills. Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability. Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:20:36.240><c> Uhc><00:20:36.480><c> thatc><00:20:36.720><c> isc><00:20:36.880><c> onc
• Um,<00:20:39.520><c> andc><00:20:40.320><c> Ic><00:20:40.640><c> scheduledc><00:20:40.880><c> a
• c><00:20:41.039><c> meetingc><00:20:41.280><c> withc><00:20:41.440><c> thec> Um, and I scheduled
• a meeting with the Um, and I scheduled a meeting with the Democrats<00:20:42.240><c> tomorrowc><00
• :11:51.840><c> schedulec> that last item could have a a schedule that last item could have a a schedule

Keywords: 1191, senate, all