Transcript Highlights:

• And two, how is Kentucky's tax code reflect, if at all, the change of the federal code?
• And two, how is Kentucky's tax code reflect, if at all, the change of the federal code?
• </c> federal code? federal code?
• the code updates sometimes the code updates uh<01:21:23.120><c> exclude</c> uh exclude uh exclude uh
• Not all states, but the majority of the states. number level. I'm because pessim or number level.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• United States of America and to the United States of America and to the republic<00:20:23.039><c> for
• </c><00:37:15.920><c> and</c> Colorado and the United States and Colorado and the United States and affirm
• </c> United States.
• to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of race, color,
• These patriotic acts of Washington.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To find in our state.
• State government.
• As Jerry stated. I travel the state and I travel the country.
• state.
• Leaving the state?

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The other seven states may easily request that information.
• The eight states are Colorado, Delaware, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin
• Delaware can be the first state in the nation to adopt a new state voting rights act since the Calais
• Please vote no for unfunded state mandates.
• Please vote no for unfunded state mandates.

Committee: Senate Elections & Government Affairs

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They found that states had four levels of access to this information.
• The eight states are Colorado, Delaware, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin
• Delaware can be the first state in the nation to adopt a new state voting rights act since the Calais
• Please vote no for unfunded state mandates.
• Please vote no for unfunded state mandates.

Bills: HB344

Committee: Senate Elections & Government Affairs

Keywords: campaign finance, elections, transparency, political committees, reporting requirements, enforcement

Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee heard several election- and campaign-related bills. House Substitute 2 for House Bill 155 would make Public Integrity Commission reports publicly available on the commission’s website, add a specific travel-expense reporting category, and remove the FOIA requirement for accessing reports; Senator Richardson said he supported the transparency measure and asked to be added as a co-sponsor. The committee also took up House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would create state protections against voter suppression and vote dilution, expand language access, prohibit intimidation and deception, and allow court remedies for violations. The bill drew strong support from advocacy groups including YWCA Delaware, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, and the Legal Defense Fund, and several senators voiced support and interest in moving it quickly. House Bill 430, a constitutional amendment proposal, would make explicit that only natural persons may vote in Delaware elections, including municipal elections, in response to concerns about corporate or other artificial-entity voting in some towns. The discussion focused heavily on Fenwick Island, where the mayor testified that the town’s charter has long allowed certain artificial entities to vote in local elections and said the system is limited and has worked for years; other speakers argued the bill was needed to prevent corporate dilution of residents’ votes. Senator Richardson expressed concern about restricting entities with a local stake, while Senator Hoffner and others emphasized the principle of one person, one vote. Senator Townsend presented House Bill 344, which would tighten campaign finance rules by requiring Delaware bank accounts for candidates and committees, recurring training, better documentation of candidate loans, longer record retention, automatic filing extensions, and inactive status for noncompliant committees; one public commenter opposed the bill on cost grounds. He also presented House Bill 448, which would allow campaign funds to be used for reasonable security expenses for candidates and elected officials, with guardrails, and a commenter suggested allowing electronic security systems without a cap. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 472, a local de-annexation measure for Noble’s Pond in Cheswold to remove scattered residential lots from town boundaries and resolve uneven tax treatment; Senator Hoffner noted local law enforcement supported the change. The committee adjourned after hearing no further public comment on HB 472, and the vote to adjourn was unanimous.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two blue states, Washington and California, and two red states, Nebraska and Alaska, currently utilize
• Two blue states, Washington and California, and two red states, Nebraska and Alaska, currently utilize
• Two blue states, Washington and California, and two red states, Nebraska and Alaska, currently utilize
• </c> from the party systems two blue States from the party systems two blue States Washington<03:52:22.640
• and California and two red Washington and California and two red States<03:52:24.680><c> Nebraska</c

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the state statute.
• I think you said something about the state-shared revenue, and the state-shared revenue increased—is
• So the state passed a flat tax... ...here, Mr. Chairman.
• revenue, which is collections from TPT, the state TPT.
• I mean, the state budget is $17 billion.

Bills: HB2780 , HB4029 , HB4030 , HCR2052

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: judicial foreclosure, tax lien, redemption rights, excess proceeds, property auction, income tax, federal tax conformity, revenue analysis, legislative session, tax reporting, municipal fees, county fees, utility rates, moratorium, tax classification, local government, inflation, economic stability, tax increases, cost-of-living protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Rachel Bauer here on behalf of the Missouri State Medical Association in support of this bill.
• In 2023, 25 states and Washington, D.C., required private insurance to cover extended contraceptive supply
• Representative Manster then asked how this differs from the state ombudsman.
• Were you part of that in various parts of the state last year?
• Were you part of that in various parts of the state like last year?

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and first adopted a substitute for House Bill 3401, Representative Phelps’s workplace violence bill, then voted the House Committee Substitute do pass. The substitute broadened language by removing a specific reference to bodily fluids, based on testimony from hospital security personnel that broader wording would be easier to prosecute. The roll call showed the substitute adopted and the bill passed out of committee. The committee then heard House Bill 2370, sponsored by Representative Peters, which would require private insurance to cover a one-year supply of self-administered hormonal contraceptives at one time, similar to Missouri HealthNet. Supporters included ACOG, the Missouri State Medical Association, Beacon Reproductive Health Network, and the Missouri Nurses Association, who argued the bill would improve access, reduce missed doses and unintended pregnancies, and save costs by reducing barriers such as transportation, work schedules, and pharmacy refill gaps. The Missouri Insurance Coalition opposed the bill, arguing it would impose a mandate on private plans, increase costs—especially for brand-name products—and raised questions about whether the bill would require bulk dispensing and how it would interact with existing refill rules. The committee also heard informational testimony from MoSPI noting rural access barriers, higher adherence with 12-month supplies, and that Missouri HealthNet already covers an annual supply. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3278, sponsored by Representative Lobbinger, which would create a multidisciplinary adult protection team framework for adults 60 and older and adults 18 and older with cognitive impairments or disabilities. The bill is intended to improve coordination among agencies handling abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases by allowing limited information sharing and reducing duplicated investigations while preserving confidentiality and guardianship protections. DHSS testified in support, saying the bill would provide a clearer framework for existing multidisciplinary teams, streamline coordination, and help protect vulnerable adults without creating new positions or infrastructure. Committee members asked about membership, meeting frequency, conflicts of interest, and how the bill differs from the ombudsman system; the sponsor and DHSS explained that the teams would be case-specific, generally meet as needed or quarterly, and apply to community cases rather than facility residents. The sponsor also submitted letters of support from existing multidisciplinary teams and related organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• California today and really all of our districts across the state.
• Simply stated, if we cut school mills, students will go hungry.
• The state should not go hungry.
• cooperative agreements. 42 states and the District of Columbia.
• I want to thank my colleagues who spoke up for our constituents across the state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State-only claiming adjustments: We've made additional adjustments related to our state-only claiming
• I'm not, you know, I'm on the state side, so I have allegiance to the state, but we have the capacity
• Now, in some other states, like New Jersey and Washington, the states are collecting and reporting data
• Is that the only state in the United States that does something like that?
• Is that the only state in the United States that does something like that?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we began to look at our neighboring southern states and our peer states that have really significant
• So they become to almost a state of disrepair?” “Correct.
• How will this affect the state revenue-sharing program?
• of burden whatsoever on state government?
• That's been reported to the state, correct? That's right.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 1088, which would authorize state and local sales and use tax rebates for certain items used in aerospace facilities and activities. Chairman Bacala, LED Secretary Susan Bouchois, and governor’s office representative Julie Emerson argued the bill would help Louisiana compete with states like Texas and Florida for aerospace and defense investment, build on Michoud’s history, and attract high-paying jobs. Members asked about job growth, the scope of aerospace versus defense, and whether downstream activities like jet fuel production could qualify. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved HB 1179, which extends the ad valorem tax exemption for certain manufacturing establishments to aerospace manufacturing establishments, also reporting it favorably without objection. HB 1122, a placeholder bill tied to a future path toward reducing the state income tax rate, was voluntarily deferred by its sponsor after brief explanation. The committee then heard HB 515, which would let political subdivisions sell certain adjudicated properties directly to buyers at appraised value if the property is under $50,000. The sponsor and supporters said the bill was intended to help parishes clear long-vacant blighted properties and return them to commerce and the tax rolls. Members raised concerns about transparency, competition, title issues, and possible conflicts with recent tax-sale reforms. The committee adopted a conceptual amendment requiring the property to have been offered at public auction within the preceding 12 months before an over-the-counter sale could occur, and HB 515 was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered HB 440, a constitutional amendment allowing parishes to increase the homestead exemption above the current level. The sponsor said the exemption has not been updated since 1980 and argued that raising it would provide relief from rising property taxes, insurance costs, and cost of living pressures. Amendments were adopted requiring parish approval and a local election before implementation, and delaying effectiveness until 2030. Several members and LABI warned the change could shift tax burdens onto businesses and other taxpayers, create parish-by-parish disparities, and affect bond ratings. The committee voted 5-9 against reporting HB 440, and the sponsor voluntarily deferred the companion bill, HB 543. Finally, the committee took up HB 614, presented with help from eighth-grader Elijah Brown as part of a civics competition. The bill would rebate state sales taxes on lodging and meals for utility company workers performing disaster or emergency-related work. After discussion, the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill to water, gas, and electric utilities regulated by the PSC, limited the rebate period to 10 days after a declared disaster, tied eligible lodging and meal costs to federal per diem rates, and capped annual rebates at $55,000. Members asked about administration, eligible workers, and fiscal impact; the Department of Revenue said it could administer the rebate with existing resources. The discussion was ongoing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are similar to a grant or contract cut in another state, for example, using the same program code
• They are similar to a grant or contract cut in another state, for example, using the same program code
• They are similar to a grant or contract cut in another state, for example, using the same program code
• They are similar to a grant or contract cut in another state, for example, using the same program code
• </c> and 40% state funded. and 40% state funded.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services held an informational briefing on the impacts of federal funding cuts, inflation, labor shortages, and chronic underfunding on Hawaii’s nonprofit social safety net. Hawaii Community Foundation opened with a story about a federal worker family relying on food pantry support, then described a “perfect storm” facing human services nonprofits: historically high demand, rising costs, staffing challenges, federal cuts, and state and county contracts that do not cover true service costs. The foundation said it has reactivated its Hawaii Resilience Fund, launched strengthened service grants, and is tracking policy changes and data to help nonprofits respond. Trey Gordner of UHERO presented research on the vulnerability of Hawaii’s nonprofit sector, explaining a framework that assessed political, financial, and structural risk. He said about 8,200 501(c)(3) nonprofits are active in Hawaii, but only about 200 receive direct federal funds; 74 grants to 59 organizations were flagged as politically at risk, totaling about $126 million in unpaid obligations. He said about 68 of the direct-funding recipients rely on federal funds for more than 20% of annual revenue, and that human services nonprofits are among the most exposed subsectors because they serve vulnerable populations and depend heavily on federal support. Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Hawaii True Cost Coalition said community-based organizations were already under strain before the current crisis, with most contracts not covering full costs and many groups depending on private philanthropy to fill gaps. They reported that half of surveyed organizations expect to reduce programs, more than a third may decline future contracts, and some are waiting months for reimbursements. Examples included reduced shelter admissions, fewer case management hours, and cutbacks in kūpuna services. The coalition urged higher contract rates, regular inflation and cost-of-living reviews, and timely reimbursement; no votes or formal actions were taken. Partners in Development Foundation described the loss of Native Hawaiian education funding as especially damaging, saying the federal Department of Education has zeroed out support that creates a roughly $46 million gap, including about $20 million for early childhood programs. The speaker shared a family story from the Nā Pono program to illustrate how early learning services support both children and parents, and warned that the organization’s federal funds make up 72% of its budget. The briefing ended with a call for continued emergency funding and longer-term structural changes to sustain nonprofits statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• From their online profile, it states that HealthNet covers up to a one-year supply of birth control and
• Rachel Bauer here on behalf of the Missouri State Medical Association in support of this bill.
• In 2023, 25 states and Washington, D.C., required private insurance to cover extended contraceptive supply
• I think it was DHSS that did this sort of tour around the state where you did some town halls.
• Were you part of that in various parts of the state, like last year?

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're doing it on a state highway, you need State Highway's permission to do that.
• highway, you you're doing it on a state highway, you need<00:20:53.240><c> State</c><00:20:53.480><c
• </c> State Highway if it's along a State State Highway if it's along a State Highway.<00:21:08.080><c
• ><c> designation</c><00:42:14.800><c> state</c> Senate bill 35 state designation state Senate bill 35
• </c> in assessments to the state. in assessments to the state.

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> lot of the other states in the nation. lot of the other states in the nation.
• If we don't get control United States.
• And you know, when have in the state.
• Um, I think we do want to our KRS code.
• So we look at common causes for premature death, hospitalization codes, ICD-10 codes, overdose rates,

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Again task force held its first meeting to set interim priorities rather than take formal action. Co-chairs and members said the group’s goal is to identify practical policy ideas to improve Kentucky’s poor health outcomes, with an emphasis on prevention, and to gather input from members and outside stakeholders. Roll was called, several members were present, and the co-chairs noted the meeting would be limited in length and would not include a lunch break. Members identified a wide range of possible focus areas, including childhood and adult obesity, nutrition in schools, food deserts, agriculture and support for local farms, health responsibility, physical activity, mental health, and provider education on nutrition. Several speakers stressed that Kentucky’s health care costs are rising unsustainably and that prevention is cheaper than treatment. Others emphasized that the task force should work with agencies, hospitals, universities, and experts, and should narrow its work to a few actionable areas rather than “chase every rabbit.” There was also discussion of food as medicine, improving the quality of food in schools and hospitals, and making healthier choices more accessible and affordable. Members referenced conversations already underway with industries, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and agricultural leaders. No votes or formal motions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; the main action was the exchange of priorities and direction for future task force work.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Excel Center National Network comprises 51 campuses across 13 states and Washington, D.C.
• So ECS, Education Commission of the States, did a 50-state comparison in 2025 of state K-12 funding models
• So there were several states.
• And the purpose of this fund, I want to mention in code, it just states it is to fulfill the financial
• And the purpose of this fund I want to mention in code, it just states it is to fulfill the financial

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Sam Houston State, TDCJ, the National Forest and the state park eating up those, uh, acres.
• , at the state cost.
• Maybe other states will follow.
• And I know that the state of Texas, where I was born and raised and I love this state. can do better
• Um, we work at the state level in multiple states to pass public policy that increase public safety.

Bills: HB153

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• Supporters point to states that do not have an income tax, but those states have economic structures
• They benefit from enormous oil and energy revenues that pour billions, billions into their state budgets
• code.
• Every state that has adopted an income tax has lost ground to the states that haven't.
• Bringing autonomous vehicles to the state of Missouri will add economic development to our state.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State Representative, we'll be a suci.
• Chair, members, there are 31 states that have enacted state programs.
• that have enacted state programs.
• the state of Arizona.
• state.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public monies from being used for genetic sequencing procedures involving devices made by companies owned or substantially controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was no public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2804, which creates a rural development and housing tax credit capped at $2 million per year and tied to federal low-income housing tax credit projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Flagstaff mayor, and housing investors/developers, argued it would leverage private capital to address rural affordable housing shortages, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, hard to oversee, and can add complexity and higher per-unit costs. The bill passed 13-4 with one not voting. HB 2388, as amended, appropriates $100,000 for the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study would help Arizona plan for energy demand and data center growth, while opponents argued the agency should use existing funds instead of a new appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 10-7 with one not voting. The committee also received a presentation from the Auditor General on county treasurer procedural reviews, including the response to the Santa Cruz County treasurer embezzlement case and the office’s ramp-up plan for reviews and staffing. Later, the committee approved HB 2352, which appropriates $2,385,900 in FY2029 to make the Auditor General’s county treasurer review funding ongoing. Members supporting the bill said the office needs certainty to plan audits and retain staff, while opponents objected to funding it so far in advance during budget uncertainty. The bill passed 11-7. The committee also approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five county sheriff task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties; supporters said it codifies the long-standing distribution practice, and it passed 17-1. Finally, the committee heard HB 2499, which would provide $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration; supporters argued the program’s rapid growth requires more staff for enrollment, reviews, and accountability, while members questioned the lack of standardized testing data and how to measure student outcomes. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on HB 2499.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please, for all of you, state your name for the record.
• State your name for the record and then go ahead and proceed. Mr.
• People in this state, we had them testify tragically.
• It’s not in that part of the code.
• Our state needs expanded counseling, stronger family support, and robust suicide prevention. the state

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all