Transcript Highlights:

• My child needs that in a piggy bank. Thank you, sir. Great point, sir. Thank you, sir.
• This is an LBA bill that we're bringing to update the banking law to modernize the way that community
• banks and privately held banks are able to keep records of their shares, and to allow for the use of
• Instead of having to use paper stock certificates, publicly traded banks and larger banks currently do
• to allow state banks, savings banks, and savings and loans, and their holding companies, to be able to

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• the deposit documents and the transfer to the money market account, as well as some of these other bank
• Because at this point, it looks as though we've received bank statements totaling about $55,000.
• fact, you know, there's several documents that I have concerns about in terms of just detailing the bank
• You don't have bank statements requested six times from this committee.
• For them not to have any bank statements for $650,000 of expenditures for this program is inappropriate

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Food Bank in the fall of '25. Food Bank in the fall of '25.
• Food banks provide one meal for every nine that SNAP does, and when the federal government shut down
• I've worked that food bank. I have loaded those trunks and cars myself.
• I've worked that<00:50:10.440><c> food</c><00:50:10.640><c> bank.
• I have loaded those that food bank.

Committee: Senate Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:

• Garry for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Mark Krapman, employee of the Massachusetts
• To establish a sick leave bank for Mark Kratman, employee of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation
• , and a petition of Don Shant for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Daniel Yender, an employee

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a report from the Committee on Rules recommending adoption of several resolutions. These included resolutions honoring the Buddhist community of Massachusetts for Vesak Day 2025, congratulating Joshua Robert Baylowe and Sedanth Roe on achieving Eagle Scout rank, and recognizing David Sheedy for his years of service to East Bridgewater. The House suspended the rules, adopted the resolutions, and also welcomed seventh graders from Widdowsville Christian School as guests of Representative Muradian and Senator Fattman. The House then considered a concurrent report from the Committee on Rules and the Committee on Rules of the Two Branches recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12 on two petitions to establish sick leave banks for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees Mark Krapman and Daniel Yender. The House suspended the rules and Joint Rule 12, allowing the petitions to be sent to the Committee on Public Service. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn when the session ended and to reconvene Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session. The House then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the value of property the land bank owns, operates, or controls will be.
• My name is Amy Manning, and I'm the executive director of the Spokane Regional Land Bank, testifying
• HB 1974 will make the work I'm doing right now as the state's only land bank even more impactful.
• I'm in favor of this legislation because coordinated land banking can lower upfront acquisition costs
• This coordinated land banking bill will smooth the competitive landscape around land acquisition.

Bills: HB1069 , HB2091 , SB6355 , HB2104 , SB6003 , HB2441 , HB2124 , HB2610 , HB2338

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, electric transmission, energy policies, infrastructure, regulatory framework, transmission systems, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• is the value of property the land bank requires, owns, operates, or controls.
• My name is Amy Manning, and I’m the executive director of the Spokane Regional Land Bank, testifying
• HB 1974 will make the work I’m doing right now as the state’s only land bank even more impactful.
• This coordinated land banking bill will smooth the competitive landscape around land acquisition.
• This coordinated land banking bill will smooth the competitive landscape around land acquisition.

Summary: The committee took up executive action on the capital budget, Proposed Substitute Senate Bill 6003, and several policy bills. Staff described amendments to the capital budget that shifted funding among behavioral health, local/community projects, irrigation projects, and juvenile rehabilitation capacity, plus a technical fix to the water pollution control revolving program. The committee adopted Senator Dozier’s budget-neutral amendment and a technical amendment, then advanced the amended capital budget to the Rules Committee. It also moved House Bills 2441, 2124, 2471, 2133, 2610, and 2338 forward with due-pass recommendations, and advanced Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act accounts to the Transportation Committee after adopting two amendments and withdrawing three others. A major public hearing focused on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, which would terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1 in 2029, transfer surplus assets, and direct portions to the Climate Commitment Account and the pension funding stabilization account. Staff said the plan is currently about 160% funded and explained the bill’s IRS-review process, statute of limitations, and estimated implementation costs. Testimony was sharply divided: some retirees, firefighters, counties, and cities opposed the bill as an improper use of pension assets and urged benefit enhancements or protection of local medical obligations, while others supported using the surplus for broader public purposes. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2179 on PERS coverage for certain port workers, with ports and the Washington Public Ports Association supporting clarification for railroad employees covered by the federal railroad retirement system. House Bill 1069, allowing Department of Corrections employees to bargain over supplemental retirement benefits, drew support from Teamsters and corrections workers, while House Bill 2091, expanding employee-information sharing with bargaining representatives, drew union support and privacy objections from Washington Policy Center. Finally, Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences drew support from labor, local governments, and project proponents, and opposition from contractor groups and environmental advocates over project labor agreement requirements and nuclear-related concerns; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 on community preservation and development authorities and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974 on land bank authorities for affordable housing were also heard, with both receiving supportive testimony from community and housing advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• That money is basically sitting in a bank at the federal government, and I have to have matching funds
• If, over the years, as that money comes in and gets put in that bank, that money is available for six
• It doesn't do us a lot of good to have it in the bank and the savings account if we can't come up with
• So the credit union fees are very similar to the bank fees, where we have assessments, applications,
• And then when our fee doesn't cover that, that means then other banks are subsidized.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what a land bank does. This bill doesn't do that. Here is my concern, Mr. President.
• That's what a land bank does. This bill doesn't do that.
• LAND BANK WHICH CAME, WE UNDERSTAND HOW THAT WORKS.
• I need a bank loan to come up to Albany while I'm not getting paid.
• I NEED A BANK LOAN TO COME UP TO ALBANY. WHILE I'M NOT GETTING PAID.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Feeding Kentucky is that consortium of seven Kentucky food banks that has a very good process of
• And Feeding Kentucky is that consortium of seven Kentucky food banks that has a very good process of
• And Feeding Kentucky is that consortium of seven Kentucky food banks that has a very good process of
• And Feeding Kentucky is that consortium of seven Kentucky food banks that has a very good process of
• And Feeding Kentucky is that consortium of seven Kentucky food banks that has a very good process of

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations. Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities. He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Walking precincts and phone banking was second nature.
• Walking precincts and phone banking was second nature.
• Bill also founded and chaired Empire Bank, served as a San Bernardino County Sheriff, and was a lifetime
• Bill also founded and chaired Empire Bank, served as a San Bernardino County Sheriff and was a lifetime

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed a visiting Quebec National Assembly official, Matu Lemay, who was introduced as a special envoy discussing California-Quebec environmental collaboration. The body also approved Senate journals, suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow certain bills to be heard in Appropriations on short notice, and deemed gubernatorial and Assembly messages read. The chamber then considered three gubernatorial appointments. Courtney Welch was confirmed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors by a 29-1 vote, Janessa Goldbeck was confirmed to the California Veterans Board by a 28-2 vote, and Tom Huntington was confirmed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission by a 28-0 vote. The Senate also adopted the consent calendar, including Senate Bill 607, by a 37-0 vote. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memories honoring Elizabeth Betsy Hammer Carr, Alberto Ronel, William Louis McIntyre Jr., and Joy Atkinson. Senators highlighted each individual’s public service, community leadership, activism, and family legacy, with particular emphasis on Carr’s labor and housing advocacy, Ronel’s health care and behavioral health work, McIntyre’s business and civic contributions, and Atkinson’s leadership development work for African American women in public life. The Senate then announced its next floor session and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Memorial's change fund is unique because it has both a cash portion and a balance held in a commercial bank
• previously discovered because the agency did not have procedures in place that would consider both cash and bank
• Memorial's change fund is unique because it has both a cash portion and a balance held in a commercial bank
• previously discovered because the AC did not have procedures in place that would consider both cash and bank

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved prior meeting minutes by motion and voice vote. It then took up audit reports, with several reports without findings filed without objection. The main discussion centered on the FY24 Department of Human Services audit, which contained three findings: alleged fraud involving disaster SNAP and Medicaid benefits, a delayed notification of a nearly $610,000 altered state warrant, and asset-control issues including missing or misidentified equipment and improper sales tax paid on vehicle purchases. DHS representatives said some fraud cases had been resolved with restitution, others were pending or dismissed, and they described corrective steps such as updating internal notification procedures and asset controls. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the notification delay, and the sales tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The committee also reviewed the FY24 Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism audit, which had two findings: loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts and cash-control exceptions involving $100 missing from a park camping drawer and an $80 overage at War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said the museum loss was believed to be theft, that controls had since been strengthened with a point-of-sale and reservation system, and that the stadium issue reflected the unique mix of cash and bank balances used for events. Members asked about the investigation, reimbursement through the bond board, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. The chair later relayed that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency, so the report was also deferred to the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ULR completed the affidavit of forged warrant form on August 22, 2024, and the bank was notified of the
• Memorial's change fund is unique because it has both a cash portion and a balance held in a commercial bank
• Both a cash portion and a balance held in the commercial bank account.
• previously discovered because the agency did not have procedures in place that would consider both cash and bank

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and then heard audit reports from Mr. Bullington. Four reports without findings were filed without objection. The Department of Human Services FY24 report contained three findings: suspected fraud involving disaster food assistance and Medicaid benefits by employees, a delayed notification of a forged and cashed state warrant for nearly $610,000, and several fixed-asset and sales-tax errors. DHS officials said they had referred the benefit fraud cases to prosecutors, recovered some restitution, and would change internal procedures so accounts payable staff report such incidents directly to the chief fiscal officer. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the warrant delay, and the tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism FY24 report had two findings: the loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts, believed to be theft at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said they had implemented new controls, including a point-of-sale and reservation system for museum rentals and more frequent reconciliation of change funds. Members asked about the criminal case, the statute of limitations, bond board reimbursement, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. Mr. Bullington later reported that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency. The committee then deferred that report as well, and adjourned after setting the next meeting for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jo Chi, Maui Food Bank treasurer, in support. Brian Eid, Maui Food Bank board member, in support.
• Marsha Sharp testified from Maui Food Bank in support.
• Jo Chi, Maui Food Bank treasurer, testified in support.
• Jo Chi, Maui Food Bank treasurer, in support. Brian Eid, Maui Food Bank board member, in support.
• Jo Chi, Maui Food Bank treasurer, in support. Brian Eid, Maui Food Bank board member, in support.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fiola for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Esther Adjafwa, an employee of the Department
• Fiola for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Esther Adjafwa, an employee of the Department
• Third reading of the bill, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Stephen Forget, an employee of the

Summary: The House convened, welcomed members of the Western Council on Aging, and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules, including resolutions congratulating Ken Messina on his retirement after more than 30 years of service and Cindy Howard, CEO of the Center of Hope Foundation, on her retirement after 30 years. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition by Representative Carol A. Fiola for legislation establishing a sick leave bank for Esther Adjafwa, an employee of the Department of Mental Health, and referred the matter to the Committee on Public Service. No objections were raised to proceeding with the orders of the day. The main bill considered was House 4103, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Stephen Forget, an employee of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. After third reading, the House voted to pass the bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to adjourn and concluded by adjourning until Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So, with bank ATMs, the bank can set the limit on withdrawals.
• </c> &gt;&gt; fine, but if you look at the banking &gt;&gt; fine, but if you look at the banking industry
• </c> not checking his bank account every day. not checking his bank account every day.
• We do have someone from the banking department here.
• c><01:01:32.720><c> banking</c> banking This is the banking banking This is the banking subcommittee.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• So from what I understand currently the bank that we are dealing with is not the bank that is able-account
• that we are dealing with is not the bank that we are dealing with is not the<01:35:45.040><c> bank</
• </c><01:35:55.280><c> I</c> in a relationship with the one bank I in a relationship with the one bank
• Um bank, how to document that properly.
• </c><02:45:49.520><c> situation</c> accounts the bank situation accounts the bank situation um<02:45:

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• conservation restriction in the town of Hanson; and House Bill 4962, an act establishing a sick leave bank
• House Bill 4962, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosiers, an employee of the Department
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosiers, an employee of the Department of Correction

Summary: The House took up several local and individual relief bills. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended Senate Bill 2895, concerning amendment of a conservation restriction in Hanson, and House Bill 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosiers of the Department of Correction; both were ordered to a third reading. House Bill 463, authorizing the Milford select board to appoint a highway surveyor, was taken up on final passage and enacted. The House then considered a series of engrossment votes on bills directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for specific applicants: House Bill 4092 for Chris Garolopoulos, House Bill 4142 for Jason DeLeon, and House Bill 4246 for Giselle Mello. Each bill passed to be engrossed. The chamber also adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Members then adopted a special adjournment in memory of James A. Sheets, a former Quincy representative and mayor of Quincy. The House adjourned to meet Tuesday next at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• conservation restriction in the town of Hanson, and House Bill 4962, an act establishing a sick leave bank
• conservation restriction in the town of Hanson, Senate Bill 2895, and an act establishing a sick leave bank
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosiers, an employee of the Department of Correction

Summary: The House took up several local and personnel-related bills. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee recommended Senate Bill 2895, concerning amendment of a conservation restriction in Hanson, and House Bill 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosiers of the Department of Correction; both were advanced to third reading. The House also considered and passed to enactment House Bill 463, authorizing the Milford select board to appoint a highway surveyor. The chamber then acted on a series of bills directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for specific applicants: House Bills 4092, 4142, and 4246. Each bill was read a third time and passed to be engrossed. No debate or recorded roll call votes were noted; actions were taken by voice vote. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to adjourn until Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. It also approved a special adjournment in memory of James A. Sheets, a former Quincy representative and mayor of Quincy. The House then adjourned to meet Tuesday in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can subpoena bank records. If they don't match, there's a problem.
• We can subpoena bank records. If they don't match, there's a problem.
• When we dealt with Connie Ing, we didn't realize he had changed his bank account five times.
• But it doesn't actually—so, okay. we didn't realize he had changed his bank account five times.
• We had said to subpoena many different banks to figure this out and every single report he filed was

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several nominations and bills. It first recommended advise and consent for Governor’s Message 573, confirming Luann Blake to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee after she described her experience as a blind voter and her goals of improving outreach and accessibility for voters with print disabilities. The committee then took up the judiciary supplemental budget bill, HB 2095, with testimony from the courts and several supportive organizations. The courts requested funding for security, cybersecurity, substance use treatment contracts, public guardian services, staffing, and capital projects; members questioned the lump-sum CIP request, the substance use contract funding, and the Kamanu Hale elevator project. The committee later voted to pass HB 2095 with amendments, including changes to cybersecurity funding, security-related report language, and other committee-report notes. The committee also heard HB 1520, which changes the five-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations to begin upon discovery by the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supported the bill, saying it would prevent delayed reporting from avoiding prosecution, while one senator raised concerns about due diligence, tolling, and the difference between administrative and criminal enforcement. The bill drew broad support from advocacy groups and was advanced with an amendment clarifying “criminal prosecution.” HB 1548, which reduces the maximum sentence for misdemeanors and other offenses punishable by up to one year to 364 days, received strong support from the Public Defender, immigrant-rights groups, OHA, and others, who said the change would reduce immigration consequences for noncitizens. The committee later amended and passed the bill, limiting it to non-violent offenses. HB 2050, increasing partial public financing limits and available public funds, was supported by the Campaign Spending Commission and good-government groups, while OHA asked for parity with lieutenant governor races. The committee passed it with amendments increasing the public-fund match and funding levels, and requested additional appropriations in the committee report. HB 2494, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require documentation of the justification, drew strong support from the Public Defender and civil-liberties advocates but opposition from the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, police, and some business groups, who warned it would restrict officer discretion and trigger litigation. The committee nevertheless passed it with amendments. In a final decision-making agenda, the committee also passed HB 2250 with amendments, adding blank appropriations and committee-report language related to claims against the state, including claims involving exonerees and a disputed USEPA-related claim.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll call the third meeting of the House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance to order at this
• on the front end of regulation is extremely important for consumer protection and that people in banking
• I know everybody in here that’s in banking and finance, every year we hear new stories.” sponsor any
• c><00:16:14.600><c> here</c><00:16:14.759><c> that's</c><00:16:15.000><c> in</c><00:16:15.160><c> banking
• </c><00:16:15.440><c> and</c> everybody in here that's in banking and everybody in here that's in banking

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and first introduced a guest before taking up House Bill 701, sponsored by Representative Adam Bowling. The committee adopted a committee substitute by voice vote. Bowling explained that the substitute removed the bill’s mining-related language and added clarification that the bill does not require anyone to accept digital assets as payment. The bill was described as a measure to modernize Kentucky’s approach to digital assets and blockchain technology, protect the right to hold and transact in digital assets, and clarify that certain crypto activities are not securities; it also preserves authority for the Attorney General to pursue fraud under existing consumer protection laws. Members asked questions about why Kentucky should act before federal regulators fully resolve whether digital assets are securities or commodities, whether the bill affected local zoning authority, and how the measure addresses consumer protection and money laundering concerns. Bowling and a Coinbase representative said the bill is intended to provide clarity, align Kentucky with emerging federal developments, and avoid stifling innovation. They noted that Coinbase remains subject to federal AML/KYC rules and that recent federal litigation over staking and securities issues had been dismissed. Several members said they supported the bill as a way to put Kentucky in a leading position, while others expressed uncertainty about the security-versus-commodity question. The committee then voted on House Bill 701 as amended by the substitute. The bill passed on a roll call vote, with most members voting yes. Representative Camuel passed, saying she wanted more time to understand the issue, and Representative Grossberg voted yes with reservations. Representative Hancock and others said the bill’s regulatory clarity and consumer protection aspects were important, and Representative Lockett said the measure would help Kentucky be ready once federal regulators decide how crypto should be classified.