Transcript Highlights:

• If<00:11:27.800> you<00:11:27.880> vote<00:11:28.080> on<00:11:28.200> the
• I<00:11:33.720> don't<00:11:33.880> think<00:11:34.040> it<00:11:34.160> takes
• <00:11:34.400> much<00:11:34.600> time<00:11:34.800> at<00:11:34.920> all
• We<00:11:35.200> should<00:11:35.400> get<00:11:35.560> it<00:11:35.680> to
• <00:11:40.480> Before<00:11:40.680> the<00:11:40.760> 31st,<00:11:41.360>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senators discussed and celebrated a rule change allowing infants and young children on the Senate floor, along with related accommodations for parents. Speakers described the change as historic and long overdue, saying it would make the institution more family-friendly and help elected officials balance parenting with legislative duties. Several senators recounted personal experiences with being removed from the floor, breastfeeding challenges caused by the old rules, and the importance of being able to keep working without forcing staff to serve as child care. The discussion emphasized that the change received broad bipartisan support, including from many younger parents, and that the final version also included an amendment allowing staff to bring children if needed. Senators said the rule applies specifically to the Senate floor, not other parts of the Capitol, and argued that staff should not be put in the position of caring for lawmakers’ children. They also noted that the rules are temporary and could be changed again, but expressed confidence the new policy would work and would not be rolled back. The conversation then shifted to the chamber’s schedule. Leaders said the Chavez bill was taken up and placed on general orders for debate the next day, alongside a Senator Port bill and two small bills being moved in both bodies. They said most of the week would be spent working in committees before the deadline, and that the Chavez name repeal could be sent to the governor’s desk well before the cutoff date.

Transcript Highlights:

• tomorrow<00:11:06.880> we'll<00:11:07.120> commend<00:11:07.360> it<00:11
• All right.<00:11:09.040> I<00:11:09.200> don't<00:11:09.360> see<00:11:09.519>
• >> I<00:11:15.200> move<00:11:15.360> that<00:11:15.600> the<00:11:15.760>
• If you favor<00:11:21.920> that<00:11:22.079> motion,<00:11:22.480> keep<00:11:22.720
• >> The<00:11:25.279> eyes<00:11:25.519> have<00:11:25.680> it.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Mississippi House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with the reading of the journal. There were no select committee reports, and the chamber moved through routine introductions, including a guest introduction from the lady from DeSoto welcoming her husband, Dr. Gaya Remac. No bills were debated on the floor during this portion of the meeting. Members used the announcements period to share several committee and event notices, including upcoming meetings for Energy, Judiciary A and B, Appropriations A, Public Health, Insurance, Gaming, Youth and Family, Rules, State Affairs, and AET. The clerk also announced that tomorrow was the committee deadline day for Senate bills, with the House expected to come in at 2 p.m. and then work Senate general bills on Wednesday and Thursday. One member noted a ticketed Mississippi Tourism Association/Mississippi Gaming Hospitality event, and another reminded members of the Capital Prayer Group meeting. The House also paused for a moment of silence at the request of a member who referenced three military members lost over the weekend and others seriously injured overseas, and another member asked for prayers for Representative Earl Banks after the death of his mother, Miss Evelyn Banks. A separate adjournment-in-memory request was made for Miss Mary Everett, described as a longtime community leader. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:00.079> I'd<00:11:00.240> be<00:11:00.399> happy<00:11:00.480> to
• <00:11:04.959> Seeing<00:11:05.200> none,<00:11:05.440> Senator,<00:11:05.680>
• >> Yes.<00:11:44.880> I'd<00:11:45.120> like<00:11:45.200> to<00:11:45.279
• The entire<00:11:53.360> Senate<00:11:53.680> will<00:11:53.839> be<00:11:53.920
• Okay.<00:11:58.399> Sorry,<00:11:58.880> Senator<00:11:59.279> Bar<00:11:59.519>

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 January, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Father Joe Tarnis, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill and resolution titles. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including military leaders in the gallery, and later recognized multiple senators for announcements and requests to adjourn in memory of various individuals, including community members, public servants, and family members of senators. The main measure taken up was Senate Bill 2018, the Mississippi National Guard TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program. Senator Tate explained that the bill would reimburse eligible traditional National Guard members for health care premiums if they are TRICARE-eligible, not covered by another employer, and actively drilling. There were no questions on the bill, and it was passed by use of the morning roll call. Senator Barr requested to be recorded as not voting, and Senator Chisum was added as a co-sponsor by unanimous consent; the presiding officer then stated the entire Senate would be co-sponsors. During announcements, senators noted upcoming committee meetings, including the AIR Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Task Force, Public Health, Appropriations subcommittee meetings, and Tourism. Senator Tate also asked members to gather for a photo with General Bobby Ginn after adjournment and praised the bill as a retention and recruitment tool for the National Guard. The Senate then agreed to recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• for us to<00:11:03.200> go<00:11:03.360> make<00:11:03.600> more<00:11:03.839><
• c> income<00:11:04.079> so<00:11:04.240> we<00:11:04.399> can<00:11:04.480><
• <00:11:05.600> And<00:11:05.680> there's<00:11:05.920> nothing<00:11:06.079>
• <00:11:07.360> us<00:11:07.920> to<00:11:08.160> have<00:11:08.320> a
• > the<00:11:10.880> margins<00:11:11.120> that<00:11:11.360> we<00:11:11.440

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:29.600> foreign<00:11:30.000> artificial<00:11:30.480> persons<00:11:30.800
• > points<01:11:12.320> to<01:11:12.560> add<01:11:12.880> on<01:11:13.679
• <01:11:18.080> Um<01:11:18.719> you<01:11:18.880> know<01:11:19.520> the<
• :11:28.239> for<01:11:28.400> the<01:11:28.640> future,<01:11:29.120> then
• we're caught<01:11:29.840> making<01:11:30.159> changes<01:11:30.560> in<01:11:

Bills: SB3326, SB2911

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 3001 on artificial intelligence in a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Labor and Technology hearing. Testimony included support from the Department of Education and Google, comments from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office, and late opposition from Agentic LLC. The Attorney General raised constitutional and vagueness concerns and suggested clarifying amendments, while Google said the bill’s risk-based approach and proposed amendments could help establish industry-wide safety standards for minors. The committees recessed and then voted to pass SB 3001 with amendments, adopting DCCA/OCP recommendations on data minimization for minors and UDAP clarity, the Attorney General’s proposed clarifications and deletions, and Google’s nonconflicting amendments; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. The vote passed unanimously among members present, with some members excused. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then took up several previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2045 on combat sports passed with amendments reflecting DCCA and boxing commission recommendations, including clarifying the on-site medical professional requirement, reporting duties, promoter payment, removal of the combat sports registry and ambulance requirement, and other technical changes; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. SP 2347 on the residential landlord-tenant code passed with amendments striking landlord requirements so OCP could work on a multilingual tenant-rights notice, and SP 2495 on consumer protection passed with amendments requiring OCP to publish an annual report on potential code violations. SB 2777 on insurance was deferred to February 17, 2026 for further decision-making. At a later CPN decision-making agenda, SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons, passed with amendments clarifying the preamble, removing language about foreign artificial persons, and making other consistency and non-substantive changes; both effective dates were moved to January 1, 2027. SP 2033 on renewable energy also passed with amendments clarifying the definition of grid-ready homes, cost-sharing provisions, applicability to interconnecting customers, and safety/certification compliance, with the effective date deferred to July 1, 2050. In each case, the committee voted to adopt the recommendations without objections from members present. The committees also heard SB 3000 on insurance, which would authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover costs and losses tied to climate-attributable harm and future climate risk, including costs incurred by state insurance-related entities. The Insurance Division and Attorney General’s office offered comments seeking clarification and warning about redundancy, implementation issues, possible representation of private insurers, and concurrent litigation concerns. Supporters, including the Center for Climate Integrity, a resident testifier, Sierra Club, and Green America, argued the bill would help shift insurance costs to fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms and address rising premiums and nonrenewals in Hawaii. Opponents, including the American Petroleum Institute, argued the bill singled out one industry, raised constitutional concerns, and should be deferred because related climate litigation is already pending. The transcript ends with the committee continuing testimony and discussion on SB 3000 and then moving into SB 3326 on energy, where the consumer advocate and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s proposed separation of generation from transmission and distribution, while the PUC stood on written testimony, Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported it, and Life of the Land raised concerns about assumptions and the need for more substance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:11:10.120> committee<00:11:10.480> will<00:11:10.640> function<00:11:11.120
• Areas<00:11:21.600> of<00:11:21.720> particular<00:11:22.200> focus<00:11:22.600
• The<00:11:33.560> committee<00:11:34.080> issued<00:11:34.600> a<00:11:34.680>
• This<00:11:41.760> report<00:11:42.480> identified<00:11:43.040> additional<00:11
• c> since<01:11:03.120> the<01:11:03.240> fall<01:11:03.480> of<01:11:03.600>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations. Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses. In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing<00:11:16.360> none,<00:11:16.520> those<00:11:16.680> in<00:11:16.720>
• Speaker.<00:11:24.520> What<00:11:24.720> this<00:11:24.880> bill<00:11:25.080><
• c> does<00:11:25.400> is<00:11:25.640> it<00:11:25.920> um<00:11:26.360>
• Um<00:11:32.280> the<00:11:32.680> this<00:11:33.160> bill<00:11:33.480> does
• :11:35.040> is<00:11:35.160> not<00:11:35.400> already<00:11:35.920> illegal.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 33, 37, and 56 and requested concurrence, and it approved the journal from February 27, 2026. The House then considered several bills. House Bill 648, relating to motor vehicle dealers, was explained as closing loopholes in warranty compensation for class 7 and 8 heavy-duty truck dealers; it passed 94-0. House Bill 299, relating to machine gun conversion devices or “Glock switches,” was amended by House Committee Substitute 1, described as mirroring existing federal law so local law enforcement can enforce it; it passed 65-25, with one member explaining support as a constitutional gun restriction. House Bill 282, “Troy’s Law,” relating to vehicle lights for tow trucks, was amended to allow green flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights for wreckers and was presented as a safety measure honoring tow operators killed or injured on highways; it passed unanimously. House Bill 658, relating to limited commercial driver’s licenses for agricultural businesses, was amended with clarifying language and passed 93-0. House Bill 519, relating to a voluntary notation on driver’s licenses or IDs for people with communication disorders, was described as a non-stigmatizing safety tool for first responders and passed 92-0. House Bill 246, “Keion’s Law,” requiring animal control officers to receive training to identify and report child abuse and neglect, was amended to address county liability concerns and passed 85-0 after testimony about child maltreatment data and the link between animal abuse and child abuse. After the bills, the House took up additional business, including moving House Bills 619 and 651 from Appropriations and Revenue for second reading. The chamber also adopted Citation 52 recognizing the Model Laboratory School Personal Finance Team for winning a state competition, and Citation 51 honoring the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children and Children’s Advocacy Week. Members announced committee meetings, an Americans for Prosperity Kentucky reception, and a Women’s History Month recognition highlighting Martha Layne Collins as Kentucky’s first and only female governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• > yes<00:11:09.000> uh<00:11:09.160> it's<00:11:09.320> not<00:11:09.480>
• <00:11:14.360> any<00:11:14.800> anything<00:11:15.120> I<00:11:15.320> would
• 2.5<00:11:20.959> on<00:11:21.120> the<00:11:21.279> admin<00:11:21.720>
• c><00:11:39.040> ready<00:11:39.240> to<00:11:39.360> do<00:11:39.480> some
• <00:11:40.720> discussions<00:11:41.720> as<00:11:41.880> Federal<00:11:42.240><

Keywords: Due to a technical issue in the room, the quality of the stream will be diminished. We apologize for the inconvenience. Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:02:00 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:03:25 SB 13 Discussion Only 00:07:19 SJR 25 Discussion 00:25:33 SJR 25 Vote 00:28:40 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:29:44, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools, but initially had no representative from the governor’s office or cabinet available to explain the fiscal estimate. Senators questioned why the executive branch’s estimate was $4.25 million to $8.5 million while the committee’s internal fiscal note showed little or no impact. When Department for Public Health staff later joined, they explained their estimate was based on a roughly $85,000 cost for a large outbreak investigation, using a 2014 outbreak as a benchmark, and said the bill could increase workload and outside laboratory costs if private swimming pools became more common as rental properties. They reported 822 waterborne cases in 2024, with 8 tied to private swimming pools, and later corrected an earlier figure to 14 private-pool-related investigations over five years. Senators pressed on the discrepancy between those numbers and the projected 50 to 100 incidents, and staff said the higher figure was a ballpark estimate. The discussion also clarified that private pools are generally excluded by definition, while pools held out for rent may be treated as public pools under current definitions. No vote on SB 61 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13, concerning the reprocurement of managed care organizations for Medicaid. Department for Medicaid Services officials said the bill would require work on a new RFP, system changes, and oversight improvements, and estimated the cost at $2.8 million based on prior procurement spending of about $2.5 million in 2018-2019, with a 10% growth adjustment. They explained that the work is administrative and therefore matched at 50/50 federal-state funding, not the 80/20 rate used for benefits, and said the expense would be incurred whether the bill passed or not if the state proceeded with an RFP. Senators discussed possible savings from reducing the number of MCOs from five to three, but agency staff said those savings were hard to quantify and that provider and member disruption could create offsetting costs. The committee later moved on to Senate Joint Resolution 25, which would ask the Revenue Department to report on the cost of issuing farmers a wallet-sized tax-exempt card instead of a paper certificate. The resolution was adopted by roll call, with all members present voting aye, and it was reported favorably to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:03.680> funded<00:11:04.000> structure<00:11:04.720> uh<00:11:05.200>
• :11:12.800> auditor<00:11:13.440> in<00:11:13.680> our<00:11:13.920> unit.
• <00:11:16.240> I<00:11:16.480> have<00:11:16.720> about<00:11:17.279> uh<
• ><00:11:22.800> in<00:11:23.120> various<00:11:23.839> uh<00:11:24.720> um
• > capacities<00:11:26.160> and<00:11:26.399> I've<00:11:26.640> got<00:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:21.959> you<00:11:22.160> I<00:11:22.320> would<00:11:22.600> have
• to say<00:11:23.320> that<00:11:23.480> a<00:11:24.440> 50<00:11:24.880> or<
• :11:36.279> diff<00:11:36.519> they're<00:11:36.639> not<00:11:36.760> going<
• if you double<00:11:38.880> the<00:11:39.279> fee<00:11:40.279> so<00:11:40.959
• but<00:11:55.959> again<00:11:56.560> uh<00:11:56.839> these<00:11:57.240>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 11. Senate Bill 11.
• Being<00:11:07.600> no<00:11:07.839> need<00:11:08.000> for<00:11:08.240>
• Then<00:11:19.040> Senator<00:11:19.360> from<00:11:19.600> Taylor,<00:11:20.720
• President.<00:11:23.519> Upon<00:11:23.760> the<00:11:23.839> call<00:11:24.000>
• <01:11:26.719> 18<01:11:27.199> 19<01:11:27.360> year<01:11:27.360> olds.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President,<00:11:20.880> I<00:11:21.120> request<00:11:21.440> a<00:11:21.680>
• 11:31.600> to<00:11:31.680> call<00:11:31.760> it<00:11:32.000> anniversary,<
• , but is<00:11:33.040> the<00:11:33.200> fourth<00:11:33.519> date<00:11:34.079>
• <00:11:38.000> I<00:11:38.240> think<00:11:38.399> we<00:11:38.560> all
• <00:11:47.600> If,<00:11:47.680> if<00:11:48.160> anything,<00:11:48.640>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and then took up several ceremonial and procedural items before moving to resolutions and a large consent calendar of supplemental appropriation bills. The chamber also received committee reports, including Agriculture and Natural Resources appointments to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, the Colorado Agricultural Development Authority, and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee, which were recommended for the consent calendar and confirmation. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and personal privilege remarks. Senators recognized Cap Alpha Psi Fraternity for its mentorship, scholarship, housing, and community service work in Colorado, and later honored Ukraine Power, a Colorado Springs nonprofit that raises funds and delivers generators, heaters, power banks, and other aid to people in Ukraine. Senators emphasized the ongoing war in Ukraine and praised Coloradans helping with humanitarian relief. The Senate then adopted SJR 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, after extended remarks about agricultural education, leadership development, and the role of FFA in both rural and urban communities. The resolution passed on a 33-0 vote, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The chamber also passed a 30-bill consent calendar of supplemental appropriations and related measures, with several senators recording no votes on selected bills. Final passage followed for House Bill 1151 and the remaining bills on the calendar, covering supplemental appropriations to departments including Corrections, Health Care Policy and Financing, Agriculture, Early Childhood, Education, Human Services, Judicial, Labor and Employment, Law, Local Affairs, Military and Veterans Affairs, Personnel, Revenue, State, Transportation, Treasury, and capital construction and education-related funding measures. Debate on HB 1155 focused on Medicaid and behavioral health cuts, with one senator opposing the bill over parity concerns and others supporting it as part of broader budget balancing. Most bills passed with strong majorities, though several had recorded no votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning.<00:11:29.279> I'm<00:11:29.600> Clifton<00:11:30.000> Below,<00:11
• to<00:11:37.120> um<00:11:37.360> endorse<00:11:37.760> and<00:11:38.000>
• uh<00:11:45.680> uh<00:11:45.760> mitigate<00:11:46.480> you<00:11:46.560>
• :11:48.560> more<00:11:48.880> supply<00:11:50.000> um<00:11:51.360> won't
• this<00:11:52.320> the<00:11:52.480> handout<00:11:52.880> that<00:11:53.040

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:11:08.000> I<00:11:08.320> wanted<00:11:08.560> to<00:11:08.720> start<
• So SNAP<00:11:19.600> stands<00:11:19.839> for<00:11:20.160> supplemental<00:11:
• <00:11:29.040> So,<00:11:29.600> this<00:11:29.839> program<00:11:30.000>
• And back in<00:11:33.120> the<00:11:33.279> day,<00:11:33.760> um,<00:11:33.839>
• 11:39.920> benefits<00:11:40.399> transfer<00:11:40.880> card,<00:11:41.200>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:04.560> general<00:11:04.880> fund<00:11:05.920> that<00:11:06.320>
• > move<00:11:06.959> to<00:11:07.120> a<00:11:07.360> 5050<00:11:08.560><
• And if it's only<00:11:10.640> at<00:11:10.959> 5%<00:11:11.440> of<00:11:11.519
• > if<00:11:17.040> it's<00:11:17.200> up<00:11:17.360> to<00:11:17.519>
• <00:11:34.880> we<00:11:35.120> are<00:11:35.839> in<00:11:36.079> a<00:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:12.720> hitting<00:11:13.200> all<00:11:13.480> of<00:11:13.600> the
• :16.960> and<00:11:17.080> we<00:11:17.320> fill<00:11:17.600> those<00:11
• > these<00:11:21.839> pro<00:11:22.120> all<00:11:22.360> of<00:11:22.440
• ><00:11:25.320> of<00:11:25.440> open<00:11:25.720> registration,<00:11:26.839><
• So,<00:11:27.800> I<00:11:27.960> look<00:11:28.200> at<00:11:28.320> it<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Joint Fiscal Committee met on May 15 at 10:00 a.m. and first approved the April 17 minutes. It then took up a consent calendar covering tabs three through seven, with items 089 and 097 removed for separate discussion. The committee approved the remainder of the consent calendar and then adopted item 089, which involved Department of Safety/Homeland Security grant funding for active shooter incident management and school reunification training. Officials said the project is a mandatory Homeland Security grant set-aside, with training for public safety officials and school districts and internal social media used only to promote training schedules; members asked about marketing, outcomes, and how success would be measured. The committee next considered item 097 for the Division of Historical Resources. Agency officials said the request was driven by a decade-long increase in Section 106 and state historic preservation reviews, many tied to disaster-related infrastructure work such as culvert and road repairs, and that the grant would add capacity to handle roughly 1,000 to 1,500 reviews per year. The committee approved the item after brief discussion. Under the regular calendar, the Department of Transportation presented a fuel-related transfer. Members questioned the decline in the highway fund balance, which staff said was being affected by rising expenses, flat-to-moderate revenue, and a rough winter that increased maintenance costs. DOT officials said they were considering toll rate increases and noted the agency pays market wholesale fuel rates; they also discussed prior fuel hedging decisions and said they have authority to hedge again if it makes sense. The committee approved the DOT item, then approved a miscellaneous action item to fill a position at the LBA. Members also asked the chair to remind the Attorney General to appear at a future meeting regarding the YDC claims report. The committee set its next meeting for Friday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned after a brief note of appreciation for recent corrections and changes reported by the liquor commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:08.959> So,<00:11:09.200> if<00:11:09.360> one<00:11:09.600> of
• So, if one of our<00:11:10.079> employees<00:11:10.640> at<00:11:10.880> a<00:11
• <00:11:12.880> has<00:11:13.120> a<00:11:13.360> second<00:11:13.600> job
• So,<00:11:25.120> who<00:11:25.440> is<00:11:26.160> subject<00:11:26.560> to
• We broadened<00:11:42.959> that<00:11:43.279> definition<00:11:44.320> to<00:11:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Education Committee met to consider Senate Bill 181, which revises Kentucky’s new law on traceable school communications between adults in positions of authority and students. Senator Lindsey Tichenor explained that the bill was originally enacted earlier in the year to prevent private electronic communications that could facilitate grooming, but implementation revealed problems that prompted a committee substitute. She said the revised bill broadens and clarifies definitions, including family member and qualified school volunteer, narrows the law to students enrolled in the same district, and adds exemptions for virtual instruction, translation services, parent-provided phone numbers, public social media, commercial communications, secure healthcare messaging, and emergencies. It also changes parental consent rules, limits mandatory reporting to situations involving a reasonable belief of an unreported violation, and makes disciplinary action against employees or volunteers permissible rather than mandatory. The committee adopted the substitute by voice vote after a motion and second, and the bill was then opened for public testimony. Laura Wills Coppelman testified in support of the bill’s purpose but urged more attention to what happens after a concern is raised. She said her own experience and those of other survivors showed that internal school processes can fail students and that parental notification alone is not enough if investigations remain inside the institution. She suggested that when an internal investigation ends without discipline, parents should receive a written explanation so decisions affecting student safety are documented and reviewable. Senators asked about coach-athlete communications, parental notice, commercial contacts, and possible remaining issues involving school resource officers and designated school personnel. Tichenor said public social media interactions and parent consent forms would allow needed coach communications, schools would inform parents of violations and outcomes, and commercial or second-job contacts were addressed in the exemptions. Several senators spoke in support of the revised bill while acknowledging concerns and unintended consequences from the original law. Senator Reed emphasized parental empowerment and asked about recruiting-related coach communications; Senator Neal asked how parents would be informed and was told the school would notify them; Senator Higdon said the bill was a thoughtful revisit and noted possible future amendments for DPSs and SROs; and Senator Meredith and others said the changes addressed unintended consequences rather than a flawed policy goal. Senator Thomas framed the measure as a matter of boundaries, and Senator Williams said the bill may need continued monitoring as technology changes but that it had already helped identify potential abuse cases. The committee then voted on the bill, with members explaining their votes before the meeting moved toward final action on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• gets<00:11:22.160> spent<00:11:22.399> in<00:11:22.560> the<00:11:22.640
• <00:11:31.040> turn<00:11:31.120> it<00:11:31.279> over<00:11:31.760> Jim
• I am not<00:11:38.079> a<00:11:38.320> member<00:11:38.560> of<00:11:38.640>
• the<00:11:38.880> committee<00:11:39.120> but<00:11:39.279> I<00:11:39.440><
• > chair<00:11:40.000> on<00:11:40.240> the<00:11:40.399> Republican<00:11

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Chair Kristen Robbins and Vice Chair Patti Anderson reviewed the committee’s first session, saying its work focused on exposing fraud, identifying gaps in statute and agency tools, and creating a public whistleblower portal (mnfraud.com). Robbins said the committee helped drive bipartisan opposition to legislatively named grants/earmarks, and that committee testimony from agencies, the Office of Legislative Auditor, and the Office of Grants Management led to late-session committee bills on issues such as a state kickback statute and required grants-management training. She also said the portal received 530 submissions in its first week, which the committee will review over the interim. Members emphasized the need for stronger statewide oversight of grants and fraud prevention. Anderson said existing agency inspector general structures have not worked well and described a bipartisan effort to create a statewide Office of Inspector General with full investigatory authority. Robbins said the Senate version was moving through finance and expected on the floor soon, with the governor indicating he would sign it. Walter Hudson argued that hearings showed agencies often focus on paperwork and compliance checkboxes rather than actually preventing fraud, citing conflict-of-interest attestations and the Feeding Our Future-related testimony as examples. Jim Nash said the state government finance bill includes funding for anti-fraud efforts through the Office of the Auditor and related provisions. In response to questions, Robbins said the committee tried to remain bipartisan despite a 5-3 Republican majority, and that members had handed significant allegations to law enforcement when appropriate. She said the committee did not need subpoena power this session because it is an oversight body, not a law-enforcement body. On legislatively named grants, Robbins said the goal is to change legislative culture rather than impose a formal ban, and she expects future policy to require front-end risk review, 990 review, and capacity checks before such grants are approved. Anderson added that the House and Senate versions of the inspector general bill differ on branch placement and law-enforcement authority, and that the House will decide whether to accept the Senate version once it comes back from finance and the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky<00:11:01.000> will<00:11:01.120> then<00:11:01.320> take<00:11:01.560><
• ><00:11:04.160> and<00:11:04.320> it<00:11:04.400> will<00:11:04.520> take
• <00:11:05.480> gear<00:11:05.760> up<00:11:05.960> to<00:11:06.160> offer
• 11:07.880> will<00:11:08.000> be<00:11:08.160> required<00:11:09.280> to<
• heal the<00:11:10.000> large<00:11:10.280> number<00:11:10.560> of<00:11:10.680

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:11:03.480> understand<00:11:04.240> that<00:11:04.920> earlier<00:11:05.240
• versions of this<00:11:06.000> bill<00:11:06.240> have<00:11:06.360> been<00:11
• hear<00:11:21.480> this<00:11:21.760> bill,<00:11:22.400> debate<00:11:22.760><
• :24.520> vote<00:11:24.880> on<00:11:25.000> the<00:11:25.120> bill<00:11
• send<00:11:39.360> this<00:11:39.600> bill<00:11:40.320> to<00:11:40.520

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, a roll call, and confirmation that a quorum was present, then moved to committee reports. The main floor debate centered on a Rules Committee report involving the referral of a sports betting bill. Senator Rasmussen and others argued the bill should go first to the State and Local Government Committee because gambling falls within that committee’s jurisdiction, while Senator Franzen, Senator Klein, and others defended the Rules Committee’s 6-2 decision to send it to Commerce, emphasizing committee discretion and past referral practice. After clarification that the vote was only on adopting the committee report, the Senate rejected the report by a vote of 22-44. The Senate then handled second readings of a slate of Senate and House bills and introduced two new Senate files: SF 4759, eliminating Cesar Chavez Day, referred to State and Local Government, and SF 4760, changing employment/occupation rules related to criminal convictions, referred to Judiciary and Public Safety. In motions and resolutions, several bills were re-referred with little or no opposition: SF 2689 was moved from State and Local Government to Judiciary and Public Safety but failed on a 30-35 vote; SF 4194 was moved from Taxes to Health and Human Services; SF 4274 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Transportation; SF 4332 was moved from Environment, Climate, and Legacy to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development; and SF 4592 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Jobs and Economic Development. SF 4455 was also given a second reading and placed on General Orders. The session ended as the Senate moved into special orders.