Transcript Highlights:

• utilize and maximize facility space, such as commercial kitchens, as well as to help the community learn
• Commercial kitchens, as well as to help the community learn about the healthy and nutritional aspects
• that too if you want to get learning that too if you want to get locally<00:17:32.039> produced
• Before, I was never interested in agriculture, but now, learning about this, we see how important it
• in cat feces and can infect virtually in cat feces and can infect virtually all<00:59:59.760>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm still learning the mental health court stuff. It's relatively new. It's a wonderful thing.
• So I'm still learning the mental health court stuff. It's relatively new. Great.
• 00:40:23.839> people<00:40:24.079> to<00:40:24.240> attend<00:40:24.640> virtually
• <00:40:25.040> or allow people to attend virtually or allow people to attend virtually or
• So we will learn in the next 30 to 45 days if those no-cost extensions have been awarded.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average. Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required. Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• governor's amendment was we went back to the old law and we tried to take in the positive lessons learned
• governor's amendment was we went back to the old law and we tried to take in the positive lessons learned
• governor's amendment was we went back to the old law and we tried to take in the positive lessons learned
• The record is replete with virtually every county in the state of persons who have habitually reoffended
• the record is replete with virtually the record is replete with virtually every<01:17:50.360>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it might be a little bit of a learning curve there.
• All right, so we're going to go to our virtual testimony. We have Andre Leroux.
• All right, so we're going to go to our virtual testimony. We have Andre Leroux.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its second hearing of the session, with Chairs Gómez and Vargas opening by emphasizing the committee’s focus on equity, small business growth, and support for communities that have historically been overlooked. Several members noted the historic nature of having two Latino chairs. The hearing covered a package of bills centered on access to capital, transparency in state assistance, commercial tenant protections, downtown revitalization, and business improvement district administration. Testimony was largely supportive of bills aimed at helping micro-businesses, small businesses, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Beckma, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, a minority- and woman-owned business owner, and a worker-owned Springfield business all backed measures including S. 179 and H. 312/S. 184, which would prioritize capital assistance and require reporting on where state business aid goes. Witnesses said transparency, upfront payments on state contracts, and better data collection could help businesses that struggle with delayed reimbursements, limited reserves, and difficulty accessing traditional financing. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported S. 173, which would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to a downtown vitality fund for district management, cultural districts, and downtown infrastructure, and said the bill could help sustain downtowns and prevent cultural displacement. There was also testimony on H. 306, a commercial tenant first right of refusal bill, with Beckma supporting it as a way to help small tenants stay in their locations, while the Greater Boston Real Estate Board opposed it, arguing it would add cost, delay, uncertainty, and could reduce property values and the commercial tax base. The board supported H. 305, a housing bill that would expand by-right multifamily and open-space residential development while preserving local zoning protections. Andre Leroux of MassINC also supported S. 173 and H. 299, the latter proposing longer BID renewal periods and audit requirements aligned with nonprofit standards. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and questions, with the chair closing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is, because so much of, I mean virtually all agency records are now on the cloud, using AI as a tool
• When the FOIA agency within the agency is virtually empty when they open the door to the office.
• And actually, I think Doge is a great example of how we have now learned things about the government

Transcript Highlights:

• Our transdisciplinary studies program forms a strong adult learning capability.
• a premium learning environment.
• I think we learned that hurricane-force winds don't act like tornadoes.
• I really learned about you guys a number of years ago.
• You always learn something new every day.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as far as the the the young kids, the apprentices are concerned, they're going to be learning all
• Um, in the 80s, there were virtually no turkeys. Um, I saw your face when I mentioned turkey.
• Um, in the 80s, there were virtually no turkeys. Um, I saw your face when I mentioned turkey.
• <00:55:38.480> Um,<00:55:38.880> I there were virtually no turkeys.
• Um, I there were virtually no turkeys.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And maybe we need to learn more about it, right?
• That's something to learn more about it.
• Are we going virtual first? Um, great.
• Are we going virtual first? testifiers. Are we going virtual first? Um<00:48:22.320> great.
• :52.280> implementation we've learned since the implementation we've learned since the implementation

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• , impact or barrier to student learning, impact or barrier to student learning, and<00:24:43.600>
• improve learning for students. improve learning for students.
• George, it was a virtual meeting.
• We can support our staff with learning how to de-escalate, learning how to recognize when a student's
• learning needs. learning needs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also virtually joining us Ethan Hartley.
• There's also virtually joining us Ethan Hartley.
• There's also virtually joining us Ethan Hartley.
• There's also virtually joining us Ethan Hartley.
• Uh, we also operate the largest virtual Uh, we also operate the largest virtual power<01:16:17.040

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:33.839> I Listen, I'm all for virtual signaling.
• I Listen, I'm all for virtual signaling.
• This bill does not virtue or virtual signal.
• This bill does not virtue or virtual signal.
• When I learned does not go far enough.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 6, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 117 members present, then 123 after a quorum call, and proceeded through routine introductions and referrals, including introductory House bills 959 through 1018, House Joint Resolution 8, House Simple Resolution 1, several Senate bills, and bond initiatives referred to Appropriations. The main floor item was House Bill 1, concerning investor-owned electric and gas utility cost recovery limitations, which was on third reading and final passage. Debate on HB 1 focused on whether the bill would meaningfully lower utility bills and whether it was necessary given existing Public Service Commission authority. Supporters argued the bill would prevent ratepayers from bearing the cost of executive bonuses and other compensation above $250,000, saying utilities can still pay those costs from shareholder profits and that the measure would save money for customers, even if only modestly. Opponents argued the PSC already has authority to review executive compensation, warned the bill could be largely symbolic or misleading, and said it might encourage utilities to shift bonuses into base salaries or harm recruitment and service quality. Several members also argued the bill did not address other drivers of high bills, such as riders and program costs, and one member said the General Assembly itself was responsible for rising energy costs. No final vote on HB 1 was shown in the transcript excerpt, but members on both sides stated their intended positions, with supporters urging a yes vote and opponents indicating they would vote no. The discussion ended with another member beginning remarks about taking on concentrated corporate power and standing with working people.

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be virtual. It can be video, um.
• uh, Uh, disposition of Texas Military Department facilities, real estate, property and equipment, virtually
• To learn that skill or that trade through a career either in the federal government or in a law enforcement
• Accountability is virtually nonexistent, and time for physical training is painfully limited.

Bills: SB 36

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides updated rules for commercial transactions involving virtual currencies, distributed
• in the past, had great difficulty trying to apply these two sections, 8 and 9 of the UCC, to these virtual
• in the past, had great difficulty trying to apply these two sections, 8 and 9 of the UCC, to these virtual
• I learned this week in a meeting that other states are also combating a similar issue, but Florida is

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we start, I want to thank LIS for facilitating this virtual public meeting, which is being recorded
• It's going to be hopefully a list of resources that members of the public can utilize to learn more about
• It is obtained by illicit manufacturers and distributors or dealers and is most often, and virtually
• Donahue talked to, including Learn to Cope, Rise in the Safe Coalition.
• They should include specific learning... ...presented in an accessible manner.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special commission on xylazine met virtually to review and discuss the first draft of its final report. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, confirmed quorum, and the commission approved the minutes from its December 11 public meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the proposed report structure, including background on xylazine as both an FDA-approved veterinary drug and an illicit drug supply contaminant, as well as appendices for public meeting materials and public resources. The commission discussed findings and recommendations for several working groups. For oversight and enforcement, members focused on licit versus illicit sources of xylazine, noting that the illicit supply is typically obtained through online vendors rather than diverted from veterinary use. Recommendations included better storage and reporting practices in authorized settings, review of manufacturing and distribution information, and focusing enforcement on fentanyl trafficking and large-scale xylazine importation rather than personal possession. Commissioners also discussed whether xylazine should remain in Schedule 6 or be subject to additional penalties, and several members emphasized the need for coordination, information-sharing, and possibly a DPH task force or advisory body to monitor emerging drug threats. For outreach and treatment, staff summarized strong existing programs such as drug checking, wound care education, naloxone distribution, mobile and low-threshold care, and self-directed wound kits, while noting gaps including the lack of an FDA-approved reversal agent for xylazine, difficulty distinguishing xylazine from other exposures, and uneven access by geography, insurance, and audience. Commissioners stressed the need for provider education, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, family support networks, and first responders, and for clear guidance on wound care and when more intensive treatment is needed. The education and training section identified first responders, clinicians, non-clinicians, and people who use drugs and their families as key audiences for tailored, stigma-free materials, with emphasis on real-time, centralized data, naloxone and breathing support, recognition of overdose versus xylazine exposure, and adapting materials as the drug supply changes. The meeting ended with discussion of next steps: staff will circulate a revised draft by March 2, the commission will meet again on March 9 to consider the report and recommendations, and an additional late-March meeting was reserved if needed before the statutory deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• In virtually all cases, American taxpayers are paying far more than people in other countries. for the
• We found out during the pandemic, one of the downsides of the pandemic, is that kids learn better in
• Actually, I think what we're learning from the president is a lot can be done through executive orders
• So steroids are virtually pennies. They've been around forever.
• Learning loss will have consequences throughout their entire life.

Keywords: NIH funding, healthcare research, chronic diseases, scientific integrity, public trust, pandemic response

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on various healthcare and scientific issues, with significant discussions surrounding the impact of recent administrative actions on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its research agenda. Senators expressed concerns over funding cuts and personnel reductions, particularly the reported termination of over 1,200 NIH staff members, which could jeopardize ongoing and future research projects. The session included testimonies on the importance of supporting early-stage researchers and restoring public trust in scientific institutions following pandemic-related controversies. Additionally, the potential for future healthcare management based on diverse scientific ideas was emphasized as crucial to tackle chronic diseases effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:42.000> from with and uh what have you learned from with and uh what have you learned
• A virtual comment box on the University website, but I don't think that that's enough for us to truly
• Minnesota feeds the world, and I learned that from my neighbor and friend Roden Phillips, who worked
• Minnesota feeds the world, and I learned that from my neighbor and friend Roden Phillips, who worked
• Minnesota feeds the world, and I learned that from my neighbor and friend Roden Phillips, who worked

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:03:27.839> to<01:03:28.599> John virtually to John virtually to John call<01:03:31.119
• I think, um, okay, so let’s go to the virtual testifier if we could. Mr.
• testifier if we let's go to the virtual testifier if we could<01:08:53.120> Mr<01:08:53.440><
• uh during a busy especially virtually uh during a busy time<01:09:08.159> of<01:09:08.319>
• And, you know, what I learned when I was working on a compliance initiative a few years ago was that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, nice to join join you<00:14:47.279> virtually.
• 48.800> this<00:14:48.959> time<00:14:49.120> we<00:14:49.360> will you virtually
• Uh at this time we will you virtually.
• Um, whether or not they're putting the dollars directly into NIL, we will learn that as we go into these
• that as we go into NIL, we will learn that as we go into<00:28:32.080> these<00:28:32.399>

Bills: HB2384

Keywords: student-athletes, compensation, name image likeness, NCAA, Title IX, transparency, education, Hawaii, athletic programs, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard HB 2384, relating to student athlete compensation, with testimony largely in support from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics, and several other supporters. UH Mānoa said the bill would create a framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, including education, financial literacy, agent regulation, transparency, and reporting. Supporters argued NIL is now a necessary part of college athletics to recruit and retain athletes, keep Hawaiʻi talent in-state, and remain competitive, while also helping student athletes develop as future leaders. One supporter also emphasized the need for financial guidance so young athletes do not mishandle NIL income. Committee members questioned why the bill would direct public funds to NIL payments rather than broader athletic operations or other student groups, whether other states are funding NIL directly, and whether the approach could create a bidding war. UH representatives said the university already has NIL contracts in place, but the bill would strengthen and formalize policies. They said the requested funding model includes about $5 million for NIL and $10 million for athletics operations, with the NIL amount intended to supplement private fundraising; they also noted UH has raised roughly $1.5 million to $2 million for NIL since July 1 and is targeting $3 million this fiscal year. Members also raised concerns about fairness, public spending priorities, and whether the university’s policies adequately protect student athletes. The committees voted to pass HB 2384 HD1 with amendments. The chair said the bill should be amended to explicitly state that allocated funds may be used by UH for NIL payments to student athletes, and asked the next committee to examine whether a different payment scheme, similar to those used elsewhere, might be more appropriate for public funds. One member announced a no vote, citing concerns about direct public funding of NIL and unequal treatment of student athletes versus other students. The JHA committee adopted the same recommendation, with some members voting with reservations. Afterward, the meeting moved on to HB 644 HD1 on single-use plastics, where the first testimony was in opposition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Biodegradable Products Institute, both arguing the bill as drafted would improperly exclude certified compostable products and should better align with composting and certification standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2158, Hoover, outdoor learning, do pass out on an A roll call.
• 2734 heart whale tail license plate do pass out on an a roll call a b 21 ab 2158 Hoover outdoor learning
• AB 2225, Patel, achievement gap plan, do pass with author's amendments to provide for virtual meetings
• AB 2225, Patel, achievement gap plan, do pass with author's amendments to provide for virtual meetings

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 14, 2026 suspense-file hearing and considered 637 Assembly bills, plus several committee bills and one Senate bill. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors guiding decisions: fiscal impact, return on investment, avoiding added costs to constituents, and protecting the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then took action on a very large number of measures, with many bills receiving do pass or do pass as amended recommendations and many others held in committee. Topics covered a wide range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, public safety, labor, environmental regulation, wildfire mitigation, water, transportation, cannabis, AI, and state governance. Several bills were amended to reduce costs, narrow scope, remove provisions, or make them contingent on appropriations or existing resources; some were advanced on A or B roll calls, while others were held. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child care, school and higher education programs, wildfire and fire safety, housing financing, and various criminal justice and public safety measures. It also moved forward a number of bills related to tribal issues, consumer protections, energy and utility policy, and environmental programs. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved a large number of bills to the Assembly floor and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And even we have gone so far now, as you see in the middle there, Amazon is weren't learning to drive
• Pipeline company Marlin provides virtual pipeline services that allow us to transport natural gas to
• harness the power of cutting edge software platforms that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning
• continue to find ways to get this cast into the distribution system, including the use of our Marlon Virtual