Transcript Highlights:

• Nick had an extensive record of public service. As a...
• Nick had an extensive record of public service.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial recognitions. Members welcomed championship student-athlete teams from Medfield and Georgetown High School, including Georgetown’s 2025 MIAA Division 4 boys basketball champions, and presented citations. The chamber also welcomed former U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, with remarks highlighting her labor and worker-protection record. On formal business, the Senate adopted a Ways and Means report on House No. 4010, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, amended to insert Senate Document No. 2512 and providing $1,283,200,000 in direct appropriations. The Senate also adopted an order placing the bill on the Orders of the Day for Thursday, May 8, 2025, for immediate consideration, with amendments in order. The Senate then adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. without printing a calendar. Members also approved a motion to adjourn in memory of former state representative, state senator, Amesbury mayor, and civic leader Nicholas J. Costello, followed by a moment of silence in his honor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations for an extension go back to the judge to make a determination if there's an extension

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill received extensive hearings.
• There were extensive public hearings and work sessions.
• The bill received extensive hearings.
• There were extensive public hearings and work sessions.
• <04:00:33.600> provisions seclusion, there's extensive provisions seclusion, there's extensive

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we're in that extension of that 2-year period now. >> So, we had someone look at it.
• without it going through a RFP process because my understanding this was the last year of the extension
• My understanding, there is a million and a half dollar extension that was just... definitions in the
• At no point have we asked for board approval in any type of extension with Ice Miller.
• At no point have we asked for board approval on an extension from the board. >> Yes, but the board has

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Report of KCNA Board Meeting 00:00:09 KCNA Transition to COT 00:35:55 KCNA Request for Proposals 00:42:00 Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:42:30, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met, approved the January 12, 2026 minutes, and then heard testimony from KCNA Chair David Couch, KCNA Director Jim Barnhart, and KCNA General Counsel Adam Adkins about the ongoing dispute involving KCNA, Excelacom, and the implementation of House Bill 314. Couch said the board and vendor had recently shown some willingness to work toward a settlement, and he emphasized the importance of KCNA’s broadband service to K-12 schools, noting that litigation had already cost about $1.4 million and could cost another $1.4 million if it continued. He also said the board had identified five immediate goals, including reconnecting 38 K-12 sites, de-escalating disputes, better understanding KCNA finances, protecting the state’s bonding rating, and examining whether duplicate networking hardware could be consolidated. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether House Bill 314 changed KCNA’s authority and how much control the Finance and Administration Cabinet and KCNA’s legal counsel have over operations and contracts. Senator Williams argued that the board now has authority to set policy, implement policy, and approve budgets, and questioned why the cabinet appeared to be exercising operational control. Adkins responded that HB 314 changed the reporting chain from the general government cabinet to the finance cabinet but did not alter the board’s authority, and said budget work on the Ice Miller contract predated HB 314. Couch and other members disputed that interpretation, saying the board had not been properly informed about a recent extension or increase in legal spending and that the board’s directives were not being followed. Representative Hodgson asked why the board could not terminate a contractor if it was not carrying out the board’s wishes, and Adkins replied that Ice Miller was not a party to the board’s contract and that the Finance and Administration Cabinet signs such agreements. The exchange ended with committee members and KCNA representatives agreeing to disagree on the meaning of the statute and the extent of board authority. No formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so the bill included a definition of capital project which were a little more extensive than the
• capital project which were a<00:01:00.560> little<00:01:00.800> more<00:01:01.000> extensive
• than<00:01:01.760> the<00:01:01.840> ones<00:01:02.080> I a little more extensive
• than the ones I a little more extensive than the ones I just<00:01:02.440> read.
• is approved by the if the extension is approved by the voters<00:51:48.040> as<00:51:48.160><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sort of pending that isn't, um, hasn't been scheduled for decision on what it's called the line extension
• decision on what it's called<00:52:30.720> the<00:52:30.880> line<00:52:31.200> extension
• c><00:52:32.160> uh<00:52:32.559> um<00:52:33.680> policies called the line extension
• uh um policies called the line extension uh um policies that<00:52:34.800> all<00:52:35.040><
• is that uh as describe line extension is that uh as this<00:52:46.000> utilities<00:52:46.640

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We go through extensive training. So with that closing, 10 to 15% I would be grateful for that.
• We go through extensive training. So with that closing, 10 to 15% I would be grateful for that.
• We go through extensive training. We used my insurance with State Farm, signed electronically.
• We go through extensive training. So with that closing, 10 to 15% I would be grateful for that.
• We go through extensive training. So with that closing, 10 to 15% I would be grateful for that.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion HB 527 00:02:29 Vote HB 527 00:08:02 Discussion HB 627 00:09:09 Vote HB 627 00:24:29 Discussion HB 355 00:25:59 Vote HB 355 00:34:28 Discussion HB 568 00:35:18 Vote HB 568 01:12:10, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 527, a cleanup bill related to insurance matters and the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program. The committee substitute removed language that would have repealed the workers’ compensation deductible range, added a one-time grant/reimbursement provision for contractor fortified-roofing certifications, and added an emergency clause. The Department of Insurance said the bill also updates licensing language, addresses issues with unlicensed pharmacy benefit managers, and supports contractor training tied to the roof grant program. The commissioner noted the program is set to go live March 1 and asked members to inform constituents about possible roof grants of up to $10,000. House Bill 527 received a favorable report after the committee adopted the substitute and title amendment by voice vote and then approved the bill on a roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 627, a PIP reform bill. The sponsor and State Farm’s legislative agent said the substitute clarified language so the Attorney General can prosecute insurance fraud and reflected negotiations with hospitals, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, chiropractors, and physical therapists. The bill would apply the workers’ comp fee schedule to most PIP claims, require bills within 180 days, prohibit balance billing and credit impairment, raise funeral benefits to $5,000 and weekly wage benefits to $500, require an annual fraud report, and give the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction over insurance fraud cases. A physician testifying in opposition argued the bill would cut reimbursement for non-hospital providers, shift costs to hospitals and other payers, reduce access to care, and create an uneven playing field that favors hospitals. Committee members asked about the lack of a PIP fee schedule and the effect of the workers’ comp schedule relative to Medicare and commercial insurance. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and then passed House Bill 627 with favorable expression on a roll call vote, with one member voting no. The committee also considered House Bill 355 on real estate appraisers. The sponsor said the bill would restore an independent board, allow evaluations under federal guidelines, and move Kentucky from a voluntary to a mandatory appraisal state. Testimony from insurance and appraisal representatives said the bill would require licensure for real property damage appraisers, exempt insurance agents and claims adjusters licensed under the insurance code, and create clearer standards and oversight. Members asked about the cost of an executive director and whether the board could sustain itself through fees; the sponsor said the board had historically been self-sustaining. The committee adopted the substitute and then gave House Bill 355 a favorable report by roll call vote. Finally, the committee began House Bill 568, which would prohibit new public adjuster licenses while allowing current licensees to renew. The sponsor said the bill responds to ongoing complaints and investigations in the industry and noted that most licensed public adjusters in Kentucky are not residents of the state. The transcript cuts off as the bill’s presentation was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, our testimony is extensive. We've included the policy comments and technical comments.
• Uh our testimony<00:35:23.280> is<00:35:23.599> extensive.
• <00:35:24.240> We've<00:35:24.480> included testimony is extensive.
• We've included testimony is extensive.
• > testimony I provided extensive written testimony I provided extensive written testimony on<00

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I see in the back in the appropriation extension where we're extending the 23 appropriation, but
• Um, now I see in the back in the Um, now I see in the back in the appropriation<00:40:12.160> extension
• And we want to have an extension of the base that was appropriated in '23, so that we can spend that
• Um, and we want to have an extension<00:41:34.000> of<00:41:34.400> the<00:41:34.640>
• of the the base that was that extension of the the base that was that was<00:41:36.240> appropriated

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was on the bill, and we heard extensive testimony in relation to that, so I think it's something we
• I was on the bill, and we heard extensive testimony in relation to that, so I think it's something we
• I was on the bill, and we heard extensive testimony in relation to that, so I think it's something we
• I was on the bill, and we heard extensive testimony in relation to that, so I think it's something we
• I was on the bill, and we heard extensive testimony in relation to that, so I think it's something we

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to pay 10% of HHR winnings to host communities as mitigation. Representative Om said the amendment was intended to leave charities and the state whole while funding local costs tied to large gaming facilities. Supporters argued the measure would address future municipal expenses, while opponents said host towns have not reported current problems and that the bill would single out one industry. Members questioned the 10% rate, whether the proposal was retroactive, and whether it would apply to existing facilities; the sponsor said it would apply to facilities already in place or later added. The hearing was then closed without any vote recorded in the transcript. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises reimbursement caps and adjusts fees for the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly explained the funds as a state-backed insurance mechanism for oil spill cleanup and prevention, including replacement of leaking home heating oil tanks for low-income homeowners. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill, saying the fee structure helps fund remediation and tank replacement, though costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts described the bill as extending the fee collection for 10 years, changing reporting dates, increasing the cap for low-income tank replacement, and rebalancing fees based on an actuarial review. DES testified that the actuarial study found the fund needed to remain solvent and that home heating oil releases are the largest category of new releases, with the fuel oil fee otherwise needing to rise by more than 200% to cover projected costs. The board instead proposed a smaller increase and adjusted other fees accordingly, while maintaining a reserve to cover the first days of a major coastal spill before federal funds become available. Members asked about the basis for the fee changes, the role of the actuarial review, and the statutory language governing who pays the fees. The transcript ends during this hearing, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• of eligible costs of public infrastructure improvements, such as wastewater treatment, utility extensions
• , road extensions, etc., to basically support development.
• c><01:01:35.280> utility wastewater treatment uh utility wastewater treatment uh utility extensions
• <01:01:36.599> Road<01:01:37.000> extensions<01:01:37.720> Etc<01:01:38.520>
• to extensions Road extensions Etc to extensions Road extensions Etc to basically<01:01:39.319>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Paperwork requirements are too extensive. I almost was written up...
• Paperwork requirements are too extensive.
• <00:43:12.079> than<00:43:12.280> many hours per staff are extensive than many hours
• per staff are extensive than many other<00:43:13.359> professions<00:43:14.119> and<00
• I mean, that's an extensive list. I am a mother of five.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Children and Families Committee met with a quorum, approved the January 21, 2025 minutes, and then focused on child care shortages and the pressures facing family child care providers across Minnesota, especially in Greater Minnesota. Chairing members noted the issue affects both rural and metro areas and introduced testimony from Cindy Cunningham, a St. Paul family child care provider and public policy chair for the State Association for Family Child Care. Cunningham argued that family child care is in crisis despite state investments, saying provider numbers continue to decline and that the system is not working. She raised concerns about food reimbursement tiers, special licenses that may not qualify for the family child care food program, the need for supplemental support for lower-tier programs, and the burden of upfront grant spending and delayed reimbursement. She also said providers receive little financial benefit for their own children in care and described a recent DHS decision affecting supervision of providers’ own children as an example of poor communication. Her broader message was that unclear, inconsistent, and poorly implemented licensing rules are driving providers out of the field. She recommended implementing the Office of the Legislative Auditor’s recommendations, improving DHS communication with both licensors and providers, updating public guidance and training materials, and considering more direct county funding and support for family child care. She also suggested reevaluating support for certified centers and other state-funded programs that she said operate under different standards. Committee members thanked her for the detailed testimony and said they wanted to follow up with her. The committee then moved on to letters and additional testimony from providers around the state, with members emphasizing the goal of identifying specific regulations that are hindering child care startup and continuation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:02.240> that simply utilize the uh extensions that simply utilize the uh extensions
• Um, the question was if an extension was given, can further extension then be requested and approved,
• <00:24:49.919> was the question was if an extension was the question was if an extension was
• > then<00:24:51.679> be given can further extension then be given can further extension
• So, it certainly extension requests.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to point out that we do have a fairly extensive package of people that are in support of
• I would like to point out that we do have a fairly extensive package of people that are in support of
• I would like to point out that we do have a fairly extensive package of people that are in support of
• out that we do have a fairly extensive out that we do have a fairly extensive package<00:54:34.640
• Since that time, we have had extensive outreach with all the other stakeholders.

Bills: HF3874, HF962

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch

Transcript Highlights:

• What is unprecedented is not only the extension of a 10-day extension without any evidence or proof against
• 19:17.560> the What is unprecedented is not only the What is unprecedented is not only the extension
• <00:19:18.120> of<00:19:18.240> a<00:19:18.280> 10-day<00:19:18.720> extension
• <00:19:19.280> without extension of a 10-day extension without extension of a 10-day extension
• from the defense side of the equation, it seems to me that some would call it a delay, but that extension

Bills: SB118, SB203, HB420, HB414, HB363, HB405, HB261, HB263, HB327, HB348, HB228, HB282, SB273, HB7, SB296, SB199, SB47, SB204, HB80, HB11, HB192

Keywords: bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, Baldwin County, local bill, education funding, school tax, privilege license tax, county tax revenue, municipal school board, Baldwin County Board of Education

Transcript Highlights:

• One extension of 20 minutes may be granted by majority vote. A second extension requires...
• Speaker, I'll move for a short extension of time, please. an extension of time.
• It's okay members there is an objection to the extension of time Mr.
• On the extension of time, all those in favor, please vote aye. All those opposed, vote nay.
• It should be on the extension list. Members, we're moving on to Article 3.

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB1, HB1400, HB 1094, HB365, HB 1109, HB647, HB500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• the historic tax credit, during the Pawlenty administration in 2010, and we've advocated for its extension
• The University of Minnesota Extension prepares an annual economic impact study which demonstrates that
• <00:04:37.759> twice we've advocated for its extension twice we've advocated for its extension
• :04:49.039> Minnesota large the University of Minnesota large the University of Minnesota extension
• prepares an annual economic extension prepares an annual economic impact<00:04:52.080> study<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• changes in order to send UPC extensive changes in order to send UPC data<01:08:48.000> in<01:
• in order to receive uh the extensively in order to receive uh the lists<01:17:50.560> of<01:17
• enough for the federal that's extensive enough for the federal government<01:19:58.480> given
• <02:18:45.599> county nursing homes and by extension county nursing homes and by extension
• <04:54:11.200> federal already gone through extensive federal already gone through extensive

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs heard HB 1790-FN, which would address involuntary admissions for certain individuals with a substance use disorder. Representative Lucy Weber introduced the bill for Representative Long, and the committee heard extensive testimony both in support of and in opposition to the proposal. Opponents, including John Burns of SOS Recovery and Jake Barry of New Futures, argued that involuntary commitment is not well supported by research, can retraumatize people, may increase overdose risk after release, and could undermine New Hampshire’s existing recovery and harm-reduction efforts. They emphasized that treatment should be voluntary, trauma-informed, and paired with housing, recovery supports, and other community-based services. Representative Long said he was willing to accept DHHS’s request to amend the bill into a study commission, though he expressed concern that a prior state study had not led to action. He said the commission should focus on implementation details, including where people would be placed, staffing, withdrawal management, elopement prevention, length of commitment, and aftercare. He described involuntary commitment as one tool for people with severe dangerous addictions, distinct from drug court, and said it could help avoid criminal records. Committee members asked about capacity at New Hampshire Hospital and how the proposal would work in practice. DHHS officials Katya Fox and Cynthia Pabonis testified that the bill raises major policy and fiscal concerns. They said New Hampshire’s current system has benefited from investments in naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, recovery centers, and community-based services, and that those investments have helped reduce overdose deaths. They estimated the bill would require a new 70-bed facility costing about $40 million to build and about $33.3 million annually to operate, with only a small portion offset by insurance, plus more than $600,000 in annual legal costs and additional staffing and system changes. They also said New Hampshire Hospital has 185 beds, with about 100 patients typically ready for less restrictive settings, and that housing shortages are a major bottleneck. NAMI New Hampshire also testified in opposition, saying families often want any possible treatment for loved ones but still opposed the bill. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• provisions that have already been vetted by one or both branches and have been reported upon, sometimes extensively
• this chamber, just as all of you may feel particularly burdened, explaining the need for multiple extensions
• . ...feel particularly burdened, explaining the need for multiple extension orders.
• The crisis that we face, and the gentlelady from Arlington and I have had extensive conversations about

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators. The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session. In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement. The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• They did a pretty extensive report. Florida spent two years studying this issue.
• They did a pretty extensive report. Florida spent two years studying this issue.
• Next, the Illinois legislature passed another one-year extension of the IFPA.
• Next, the Illinois legislature passed another one-year extension of the IFPA, moving the effective date

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely. Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform. The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.