Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:05:15.759><c> typec><00:05:15.919><c> ofc><00:05:16.080><c> thingc><00:05:16.360><c> and
• c><00:34:16.359><c> typec><00:34:16.560><c> ofc><00:34:17.240><c> needsc><00:34:17.720><c> this
• ><c> forc><00:41:34.720><c> thosec><00:41:34.960><c> typec><00:41:35.280><c> thingsc><00:41:35.599
• c> typesc><00:48:52.839><c> ofc> get people with all different types of get people with all different
• types of expertise<00:48:53.720><c> youc><00:48:53.839><c> knowc><00:48:54.079><c> bec><00:48:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 Capitol Renovations Update 00:00:40 Damage from Recent Disaster Discussion 00:33:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third meeting of the session and received an update on the Capitol renovation project from Finance and Administration Secretary Holly Johnson and State Budget Director John Hicks. They reported the project budget remains $291.52 million, with Messer Construction as construction manager, and said the temporary legislative chamber completion has slipped into 2025 because of wiring, voting machine, KET camera, and canopy work. They outlined the current bid schedule: site and utility bids due February 27, 2025; roofing and fourth-floor structural work due April 24; major renovation bids due May 23; bid review in late May and early June; roofing and fourth-floor work beginning in late June; and overall construction starting July 7, 2025. A major focus of the discussion was the project contingency, which officials said is only $10.8 million for an older building with significant unknown conditions. They explained that earlier investigations led to about $60 million in value engineering cuts, including more than $40 million tied to unexpectedly extensive terrace damage on the north, south, and east sides. The terraces were originally expected to need only minor work, but officials said investigations showed reconstruction would eventually be necessary and could not be handled by simple restoration. They also said the mechanical equipment plan changed from a basement location to a vault under the east parking lot, and that the west terrace will still see some ADA-related work. Committee members questioned why the terrace work was not included in the current budget, whether doing it later would cost more, and why bids and construction planning had taken so long. Officials said the terraces were left out because of cost, that future work would likely be more expensive because of market escalation, and that the timing reflected extensive investigation needed to produce reliable bids. Members also raised concerns about scaffolding and the temporary chambers; officials clarified that the scaffolding discussed was for the separate Capitol Dome project, not the chamber project, and said the Dome scaffolding is part of that project cost and is expected to come down in early 2027. They said the temporary chambers are expected to be used for three sessions, through the 28th session, with a return to the Capitol planned for the 29th session, and that public tours of the Capitol would likely end around June depending on the bid results and construction schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> mayc><00:01:11.600><c> bec><00:01:12.119><c> finec><00:01:13.119><c> umc><00:01:13.280><
• ><c> it'sc><00:01:14.000><c> ac><00:01:14.479><c> complicatedc><00:01:15.040><c> thingc><00:01
• ><00:21:16.799><c> goc><00:21:16.919><c> toc><00:21:17.120><c> mediationc><00:21:18.120><c> type
• c><00:21:18.279><c> ofc><00:21:18.480><c> thingc> needing to go to mediation type of thing needing
• to go to mediation type of thing um<00:21:19.679><c> Ic><00:21:19.760><c> thinkc><00:21:19.919><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Zoom,c><00:00:48.079><c> wec><00:00:48.320><c> mayc><00:00:48.480><c> havec><00:00:48.559
• c> toc><00:01:38.240><c> itsc><00:01:38.400><c> MIc><00:01:38.720><c> mixedc><00:01:39.040><c
• creativity, diverse uh types<00:10:02.000><c> ofc><00:10:02.160><c> housingc><00:10:02.800><c> etc
• /c> types of housing etc.
• >> Given<00:20:18.000><c> thec><00:20:18.240><c> typec><00:20:18.320><c> ofc><00:20:18.480

Bills: SB2060, SB2063, SB2062, SB2069, SB2070

Keywords: rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance, housing development, preservation, rehabilitation, pre-development, construction financing, equity investment, credit enhancement, collateral, gap financing, area median income, AMI, perpetual affordability

Summary: The committee heard five housing measures, with the chair announcing that SB 2060, SB 2063, SB 2062, and SB 2069 were works in progress and that decision-making would be deferred to February 3. SB 2060 would allow HHFDC, with Finance approval, to transfer money within the rental housing revolving fund and its subaccounts without further legislative authorization, including a transfer to the mixed-income subaccount for FY 2026-2027. HHFDC and other supporters said the change would give the agency more flexibility to move projects forward, while Catholic Charities Hawaii and a testifier from Roars and Cares supported the bill but warned that shifting money away from lower-income housing could weaken efforts to serve households under 80% of area median income and people at risk of homelessness. HHFDC said the fund’s uncommitted balance was about $100 million and that demand exceeded available resources. SB 2063 would revise the mixed-income subaccount by changing project priorities, adding new criteria, allowing transfers within the subaccount without legislative approval, and directing conveyance tax revenues into the subaccount. HHFDC, OPSD, LURF, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Stanford Carr Development, and Roars and Cares supported the measure, while Catholic Charities urged the committee to keep rental and for-sale housing policy separate and to use other mechanisms for homeownership. Catholic Charities said the rental housing revolving fund should remain focused on rentals, and that for-sale initiatives should be addressed separately. The chair indicated an intent to defer the bill for further edits. SB 2062 would make the dwelling unit revolving fund equity pilot a permanent HHFDC program, allowing the agency to buy equity in for-sale developments to lower initial purchase prices and require repayment through shared appreciation. HHFDC said the pilot had been successful, with 83 units committed and $7.6 million of the $10 million program cap already committed, and said permanence would let the agency pair the program with DERF loans earlier in project financing. The chair said SB 2069 would be used as the vehicle for amendments to the DERF equity program and related changes. SB 2069 would authorize HHFDC to use existing dwelling unit revolving fund balances for the equity pilot; it drew support from HHFDC and several housing organizations. SB 2070 would create a permanently affordable for-sale housing program by replacing the current 10-year buyback restriction with a resale price cap tied to an appreciation index, which HHFDC said would preserve affordability while allowing owners to build equity. In questioning, senators pressed HHFDC on whether the bill was necessary, whether it would remove first-time homebuyer and other ownership restrictions, and whether the new program was truly “permanently affordable” if not tied to AMI. HHFDC said the current statutory restrictions limit flexibility, that the proposal would expand access to local residents, and that the price cap would be based on about 4.5% annual appreciation. Supporters said the approach would help buyers move up the housing ladder, while some senators expressed concern that it could open the program to owners of multiple properties and that the committee should see sales-velocity data on existing restricted units before proceeding.

Transcript Highlights:

• typec><00:51:33.960><c> ofc><00:51:34.119><c> thingc><00:51:34.760><c> inc><00:51:34.920><c>
• > basicc><01:26:07.800><c> typec><01:26:08.000><c> ofc> but it seems like a very basic type of
• c><03:39:36.359><c> notc> increase of $10 per type that was not increase of $10 per type that was
• c><04:09:46.640><c> typesc> least a dozen 15 different types least a dozen 15 different types understand
• c> thec><05:06:44.240><c> typec><05:06:44.400><c> ofc> well it yeah it depends on the type of well

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><02:30:38.640><c> typec><02:30:38.800><c> ofc><02:30:38.960><c> camerasc> the overhead type
• c><03:31:50.880><c> typesc><03:31:51.120><c> ofc> need to generate different types of need to generate
• c><04:24:45.520><c> typec><04:24:45.760><c> ofc><04:24:45.920><c> things.
• ><c> types,c><04:27:44.319><c> thec> um for certain major offense types, the um for certain major
• offense types, the type<04:27:44.800><c> ofc><04:27:45.680><c> federalc><04:27:46.000><c> offense

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate came to order, established a quorum, and approved the journal. It then took up several introductions and resolutions, including House Bill 1139 on artificial intelligence in healthcare and House Bill 1263 on requirements for conversational AI services, both referred to the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee. The chamber also moved out of order to consider resolutions and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 25, recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Colorado Mining Association and its role in Colorado’s history and economy. The resolution passed 34-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 1030, designating a portion of Colorado Highway 14 in Weld County as Mono and Matt Road in memory of Eduardo Mono Hernandez and Matthew Garcia. Supporters described the resolution as a tribute to the two Greeley Central High School student-athletes and to the community’s response after their 2014 deaths. The resolution passed 34-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. Later, the Senate considered a gubernatorial appointment to the Transportation Commission: Juan Marano of Aurora, to represent the Third Transportation District. The appointment was confirmed on a 19-16 vote. The chamber then took up the third-reading consent calendar and passed House Bill 1235 on medical assistance updates, House Bill 1299 on reducing regulatory burdens on local education providers, and Senate Bill 175 on workers’ compensation experience modification factors. House Bill 1235 passed 31-4, House Bill 1299 passed 35-0, and Senate Bill 175 passed without recorded opposition. On final passage, the Senate adopted a technical third-reading amendment to House Bill 113 on election law changes, then passed the bill 23-12 after debate over election-related vulnerabilities. It also passed House Bill 1346, allowing the Department of the Treasury to sell unsold insurance premium tax credits to non-insurance entities, by 23-12; House Bill 1252, updating state entities responsible for emergency response, by 33-2; House Bill 1010, increasing support for older adults in the workforce, by 23-12; and Senate Bill 177, concerning limited access to adjoining property for repairs, after extended debate in which Senator Kirkmeyer argued the measure infringed on private property rights and should be rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> orc> type program.
• c><00:20:07.520><c> Soc><00:20:07.760><c> somec><00:20:08.000><c> willc> types of settings also
• assistancec><00:21:50.320><c> ofc><00:21:50.559><c> onec><00:21:51.039><c> typec><00:21:51.360
• typesc><00:27:09.760><c> ofc><00:27:10.000><c> services.
• c><00:27:10.799><c> Isc><00:27:11.039><c> itc><00:27:11.279><c> ac> in different types of services

Bills: HF2825

Keywords: expungement, criminal justice, background check, security industry, private detective, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 07:20.000><c> theyc><00:07:20.240><c> wouldc><00:07:20.400><c> havec> the type of of work that
• c><00:08:27.840><c> sortc><00:08:28.080><c> ofc><00:08:28.160><c> thatc><00:08:28.800><c> type
• c> how do we enter into sort of that type how do we enter into sort of that type of<00:08:29.120><c
• > alsoc><00:52:32.079><c> therec> types of measures and then also there types of measures and then
• ><c> typesc><01:11:24.400><c> ofc><01:11:24.560><c> positions.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:31:34.880><c> Whenc><00:31:35.200><c> thisc><00:31:35.360><c> typec> instantly kill a child
• students in that type<00:43:51.040><c> ofc><00:43:51.200><c> situation.
• /c><00:43:52.640><c> havec> type of situation.
• try to<00:59:43.520><c> takec><00:59:43.760><c> thosec><00:59:44.079><c> typesc><00:59:44.319>
• <c> ofc><00:59:44.480><c> thingsc><00:59:44.720><c> intoc> to take those types of things into to

Bills: HF3668, HF2779, HF2771

Keywords: gun violence, public health, Department of Health, prevention, criminal justice, health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration

Summary: The House Finance and Policy Committee met on March 2 with a quorum present and heard House File 3668, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The bill author argued the office would treat gun violence as a public health crisis, improve research and coordination, and help reduce deaths and trauma, especially among children. Several supporters testified, including representatives from the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, family medicine, public health, and obstetrics/gynecology, all emphasizing firearm injury and suicide as major public health problems and urging a coordinated, data-driven response. Multiple testifiers shared personal accounts of shootings and their effects on children and families, including the Annunciation shooting, and said the office could help align prevention efforts across health care, law enforcement, and community organizations. Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a permanent taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to shape firearm policy and restrict a constitutional right. The group said Minnesota should focus instead on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting violent offenders, and providing direct victim services. During committee discussion, Vice Chair Nadeau offered an A2 amendment to move the proposed office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing, accountability, and examples from other cities and states; after discussion with the bill author, he withdrew the amendment. Chair Becker then noted existing state and local spending on violence prevention and public safety programs and raised concerns about duplication of effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• :51:13.760><c> somec><00:51:14.240><c> typec><00:51:14.400><c> ofc><00:51:14.559><c> anc> there's
• :59.200><c> thatc><01:01:59.359><c> typec><01:01:59.599><c> ofc> working on a computer and that
• type of working on a computer and that type of thing.<01:02:00.640><c> uhc><01:02:01.200><c> because
• :03:37.039><c> typec><01:03:37.200><c> ofc><01:03:37.280><c> thing,c><01:03:37.520><c> butc>
• <01:04:14.559><c> voluntaryc><01:04:15.119><c> side,c> type of effort on the voluntary side, type

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:04:03.799><c> havec><00:04:04.720><c> uhc><00:04:05.079><c> commissionerc> we're
• c><00:04:55.800><c> memberc><00:04:56.440><c> ofc><00:04:56.880><c> Uc><00:04:57.600><c> ofc>
• ><c> itc><00:05:12.240><c> isc><00:05:12.880><c> uhc><00:05:13.039><c> Ic><00:05:13.120><c> think
• > fundingc><01:04:20.000><c> componentc><01:04:20.839><c> componentsc><01:04:21.440><c> types
• c> said funding component components types said funding component components types of<01:04:21.920><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened an informational Division 3 Finance hearing focused on DHHS programmatic issues rather than budget line items. The chair emphasized that members should avoid questions requiring dollar figures and noted that the coming budget cycle would likely be difficult because revenues are expected to be tighter. Commissioner Lori Weaver said the department wanted to use the session to explain its functions at a high level, with more detailed presentations to follow, and to collect questions for later responses. Weaver outlined DHHS’s mission of supporting optimal health for state residents and described the department’s three main responsibilities: protection and prevention, client service delivery, and regulatory oversight. She said DHHS has eight divisions, a $3.6 billion total budget, about $1.217 billion in general funds, roughly a quarter of state positions, and personnel costs that are less than 11% of the budget. She also noted a recent hiring freeze, explained that the department did not request new positions except where required by law, and said vacancy rates had improved from 22% to 14% over the last two years but could rise again because of attrition and the hiring freeze. Weaver and CFO Nathan White then discussed why the DHHS budget is complex, explaining that it is built from multiple funding sources and is shaped by assumptions made months before the fiscal year begins, actual service demand, and cost allocation rules used to draw down federal funds. White highlighted maintenance-of-effort requirements, including TANF, where state spending is needed to secure federal matching funds and shortfalls can trigger penalties. At the committee’s request, DHHS agreed to provide a simplified historical accounting of TANF contributions to show how the match is assembled across positions, contracts, and other factors. The department also reviewed its roadmap, which Weaver described as a framework developed with staff and stakeholders around three themes: culture, community, and customer service. She highlighted priorities such as Mission Zero to end emergency department boarding, expanding access to community-based and residential behavioral health services, reducing reliance on institutional care, improving contract management with nonprofit and provider partners, using data dashboards to guide decisions, and investing in workforce stability and culture. No votes were taken; the main action was DHHS’s commitment to provide additional follow-up materials, including the TANF contribution breakdown.

Transcript Highlights:

• for<00:14:05.440><c> eachc><00:14:05.680><c> typec><00:14:05.839><c> ofc><00:14:06.079><c> component
• ,c><00:14:06.959><c> butc><00:14:07.199><c> itc><00:14:07.360><c> doesc> for each type of component
• There are currently three<00:48:19.200><c> typesc><00:48:19.440><c> ofc><00:48:19.680><c> licenses
• :c><00:48:20.400><c> individual,c> three types of licenses: individual, three types of licenses:
• forc><02:01:26.400><c> thisc><02:01:26.719><c> typec><02:01:26.880><c> ofc> expect an FFL to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :31:45.399><c> typec><00:31:45.559><c> ofc><00:31:45.679><c> trainingc><00:31:46.039><c> what
• c><00:31:46.200><c> thec> did this type of training what the did this type of training what the outcome
• types of there's so many different types of electric<02:57:45.359><c> bikesc><02:57:45.720><c> out
• type<03:21:37.560><c> ofc><03:21:38.399><c> Uc><03:21:38.560><c> modelc><03:21:39.279><c> and<
• is as<03:29:39.040><c> ac><03:29:39.359><c> typec><03:29:39.800><c> ofc><03:29:40.720><c> um

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> type of thing. type of thing.
• c><01:27:43.840><c> Hec><01:27:44.000><c> usedc><01:27:44.080><c> toc><01:27:44.239><c> type<
• c><01:27:48.719><c> Ic><01:27:48.880><c> rememberc><01:27:49.040><c> typingc><01:27:49.360><c
• :27:50.639><c> gradec><01:27:50.880><c> typingc><01:27:51.280><c> class.
• c><02:04:07.679><c> Umc><02:04:09.040><c> Mr.c> that type of leadership.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> thisc><00:18:59.120><c> typec><00:18:59.360><c> ofc><00:18:59.679><c> programc><00:19:00.240
• c><01:10:36.000><c> orc> some social media of one type or some social media of one type or another
• :27.920><c> proponentc><01:24:28.239><c> ofc><01:24:28.400><c> thisc><01:24:28.639><c> typec>
• ><c> ofc><01:37:47.119><c> campusc> determine what type of campus determine what type of campus is
• ><c> typesc><01:37:55.600><c> ofc> could be created for these types of could be created for these

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :37.200><c> thec><00:02:37.440><c> lastc><00:02:37.680><c> dayc><00:02:38.319><c> forc><00:02
• the different<00:36:58.240><c> typesc><00:36:58.400><c> ofc><00:36:58.560><c> data.
• /c> different types of data.
• You know, some some of those types<00:49:49.599><c> ofc><00:49:49.760><c> things.
• /c><00:49:51.520><c> thinkc> types of things. and and I would think types of things. and and I would

Bills: HB0108, HB0039, HB0091, HB0070

Keywords: audit, transparency, government reporting, accountability, public access, firearm rights, restoration of rights, criminal justice, felony convictions, Wyoming law, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> bec><00:02:22.040><c> umc><00:02:22.440><c> andc><00:02:22.640><c> andc><00:02:22.720><c
• ><c> itc><00:03:34.159><c> I'mc><00:03:34.319><c> likec><00:03:34.560><c> Ic><00:03:34.680><c
• c> artc><00:03:36.200><c> andc><00:03:36.280><c> soc><00:03:36.439><c> youc><00:03:36.560><c>
• ><c> thec><00:04:52.400><c> thosec><00:04:52.680><c> typesc><00:04:52.880><c> ofc> that um kind
• of the those types of that um kind of the those types of things<00:04:53.160><c> thatc><00:04:53.280

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 737, which would amend Minnesota’s lead- and cadmium-related product restrictions and was re-referred to the Committee on Environment, Finance and Policy. Representative Bjorn Olson said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could no longer make cadmium-based art supplies in Minnesota, and he argued the law unintentionally swept in professional art materials that are used safely and are important to Western art culture. The committee first adopted the author’s A2 amendment, which broadened the bill to include additional exemptions beyond paint and pastels, including certain pens, mechanical pencils, and vehicle keys/key fobs. Testimony in support came from Darren Reenie of Wet Paint Artist Materials and Framing, who said artist paint and related supplies account for a significant share of sales and that the ban threatens independent art supply businesses and artists’ access to essential pigments. Josh Fiser of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the key and key fob exemption, saying the current law is overly broad, exposure risk is minimal, and Minnesota should align with California and European Union standards. Bill Morgan of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute and Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association also supported the amendment, arguing there was little scientific basis for including pens, mechanical pencils, and professional artist materials, and citing prior reviews in the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Union. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, through Assistant Commissioner Kirk Kadelka, opposed broad exemptions and emphasized that no amount of lead is safe for children. He said the law was based on evidence from consumer products associated with elevated blood lead levels and argued that safer alternatives exist for many of the items in the amendment, including pens, mechanical pencils, and some key components. He also raised concerns about exposure during production and disposal. Committee members questioned the scope of the exemptions and whether the industry had workable alternatives. The A2 amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced for further consideration and re-referred as noted by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:19.439><c> Uhc><00:01:19.759><c> ifc><00:01:19.920><c> you'vec><00:01:20.400><c> spent
• :22.799><c> years,c><00:01:23.119><c> you'vec><00:01:23.280><c> seenc><00:01:23.439><c> thisc
• c><00:03:08.080><c> Thec><00:03:08.400><c> biggestc> those types of things.
• become concerned with these on any type<00:10:14.560><c> ofc><00:10:14.720><c> insurerc><00:10:15.760
• ><c> ac> type of insurer that we that there's a type of insurer that we that there's a problem<00:10

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 0:22 Roll Call 1:05 SB 65 Discussion 9:30 SB 65 Vote 11:55 SB 177 Discussion 26:34 SB 177 Vote 30:05 SB 245 Discussion 33:07 SB 245 Vote 33:48 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 3, 2026, with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator Steve West. The bill would nullify administrative regulations found deficient by the Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee. West said the committee had found three deficient regulations this year, including one related to vaping rollout problems and one involving GLP-1 coverage expansion for Medicaid. Senator Berg raised concerns that striking the GLP-1 regulation could limit Kentucky’s ability to use these drugs for weight loss and other health benefits, but the sponsor and others said the action would only block the specific regulation and that doctors could still prescribe GLP-1s under existing Medicaid authority. The committee passed SB 65 with favorable expression, 8-2. The committee then considered Senate Bill 177, sponsored by Senator Rick Girdler, and first adopted a substitute. The bill concerns speech-language pathologist licensure. Testimony from Kate Wood Hall and Ann Blandford of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association explained that the substitute would remove the mandatory post-professional graduate experience as a requirement for full licensure, while keeping an interim pathway and preserving an optional compact-related pathway. They said the change responds to updated graduate training standards and federal billing issues, including CMS guidance that had temporarily disrupted reimbursement and access, especially in rural areas. Members asked whether the change would weaken standards or affect compact participation; witnesses said it would not, and that the compact option remained available. The committee also noted that pages two and three of the substitute were missing and staff would restore them. Several senators spoke in favor while explaining reservations. Senator Berg supported the bill and shared a personal story about speech therapy in her family. Senator Douglas also voted aye but expressed concern about reducing requirements for trained professionals and about incentives in professional education. Senator Chambers Armstrong asked whether the opt-in structure would create barriers or affect compact participation, and witnesses said it would not increase costs and that other states, including Virginia and Oregon, were pursuing similar approaches. SB 177, as amended by the substitute, passed with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.279><c> typec> for any type of meetings or um any type for any type of meetings or um any type
• ><c> ofc><03:21:16.319><c> thatc><03:21:16.640><c> typec><03:21:16.800><c> ofc><03:21:16.920>
• c><03:22:51.600><c> anyc><03:22:51.840><c> typec><03:22:52.000><c> ofc><03:22:52.120><c> ac
• ><c> notc><03:23:03.680><c> causec><03:23:04.239><c> anyc><03:23:04.600><c> typec> think of that
• c> thec><03:41:09.760><c> typesc><03:41:10.000><c> ofc><03:41:10.239><c> thingsc><03:41:10.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules. House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thatc><00:16:54.000><c> typec><00:16:54.160><c> ofc><00:16:54.319><c> honestc> facilitating
• that type of honest facilitating that type of honest conversation<00:16:55.319><c> amongc><00:16:55.920
• oughtc><00:27:47.120><c> toc> certain type of question that ought to certain type of question that
• :42:06.480><c> isc><01:42:06.800><c> somec><01:42:07.080><c> typec><01:42:07.280><c> ofc><01:
• who carry<02:12:02.960><c> twoc><02:12:03.159><c> DNAc><02:12:03.639><c> typesc><02:12:04.159>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:10:35.760><c> somec> types of things.
• c><00:21:33.120><c> medicalc><00:21:33.760><c> typec> that entities that perform medical type that
• <00:26:45.600><c> thosec><00:26:45.760><c> typesc><00:26:46.000><c> ofc> privacy policies and all
• c><01:24:34.560><c> thec> type under title 42 which is what the type under title 42 which is what
• type of outpatient health care<01:42:58.639><c> centerc><01:42:58.960><c> thatc><01:42:59.280><c

Bills: HB0003, HB0004

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all