Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c> of Columbus, and 30-year member of the of Columbus, and 30-year member of the Rot<00:34:
• c> refrain</c><00:57:45.680><c> from</c> Members are reminded to refrain from Members are reminded to
• [Music] [Music] Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change? Mr. Georgia, Mr. Roy, Mr.
• </c><03:23:27.600><c> Members</c> recorded vote is ordered. Members recorded vote is ordered.
• :29.279><c> votes</c><03:23:29.600><c> by</c> members will record their votes by members will record

Bills: HB4016 , HR580

Keywords: defense appropriations, military funding, national security, Department of Defense, fiscal year 2026, rules resolution, House Rules Committee, structured rule, appropriations, DoD appropriations, defense spending, digital commodities, cryptocurrency regulation, digital assets, SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, CFTC, Federal Reserve, central bank digital currency, CBDC

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:32.200><c> um</c> just mention as uh for newer members um just mention as uh for newer members
• </c><00:10:44.639><c> to</c> attention is to get members to attention is to get members to understand
• Chair and members, a homestead is excluded from the asset limit.
• </c><00:51:30.799><c> the</c> underman um Mr chair members the underman um Mr chair members the Northstar
• </c><01:02:36.279><c> um</c> it Miss Suman um Mr chair and members um it Miss Suman um Mr chair and members

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair, and members of this committee.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Travis Jones with Riley Stegner and Associates here on behalf
• So you can see Idaho has nine board members, Washington six, Oregon three, and Utah three.
• Just a little bit about our local areas of work, so we are oriented around these key areas.
• I’m just curious about workforce with your industry and some of your members.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm like the only member of my family that's not a University of Minnesota...
• member on that board will have four years of experience.
• member on that board will have four years of experience.
• member on that board will have four years of experience.
• </c><00:54:01.240><c> so</c> relationships but also board members so relationships but also board members

Transcript Highlights:

• They are any of our member institutions.
• That's a member review process.
• That's a member review process.
• </c><01:00:54.720><c> accredited</c><01:00:55.520><c> to</c> members those who are accredited to members
• ><c> that's</c> budgetary oriented information that's budgetary oriented information that's necessary

Summary: The committee heard updates from the chancellors of the state university system and the community college system on ongoing restructuring, collaboration, and enrollment trends. The university system said its office move to the NHTI campus is ahead of schedule and should save students about $250,000 a year while creating revenue for the community college system. Both systems described continued work on transfer pathways, direct-admit outreach, shared advising, and broader efforts to shrink footprints, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency in response to declining enrollment and demographic pressure. A major topic was a possible federal change to Pell Grant eligibility that would require students to enroll in at least 7.5 credits. The chancellors said most community college students are part-time because of work and family responsibilities, and that the change could affect roughly 2,000 current Pell recipients and make it harder for students to afford or sustain enrollment. Members also discussed how the state’s governor’s scholarship statute largely benefits full-time students, suggesting possible future statutory changes. The chancellors explained how credits typically work, noting most courses are three or four credits and that students would likely need to add an entire course to meet the proposed threshold. The committee also discussed the broader higher education landscape, including declining high school cohorts, competition among New England institutions, and the need to right-size capacity. One member raised concerns about the health of regional campuses such as Plymouth and Keene; the chancellors said incoming enrollment is down at UNH and Plymouth and holding at Keene, attributing the trend to demographics rather than one campus drawing students away from another. They emphasized the importance of community colleges, adult learners, and short-term workforce programs as part of the state’s future education mix. Finally, the committee touched on the value of the university system’s research enterprise. The chancellor said about $250 million a year flows into the university system in federal research grants, with about $9.5 million currently under stop-work orders from federal agencies. She said the immediate concern is not DEI-related but federal cuts and possible caps on indirect cost recovery. Members noted that the R1 research designation supports business partnerships, student opportunities, and economic development projects such as West Edge in Durham.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:16.919><c> public</c><00:08:17.759><c> you</c> so members uh members of the public you so
• members uh members of the public you can<00:08:18.159><c> imagine</c><00:08:18.720><c> why</c><00:08:
• Any questions at this point, members? Any questions at this point, members? No?
• </c><01:26:11.040><c> uh</c> thanks anything further members uh thanks anything further members uh Senator
• </c><01:35:59.719><c> systems</c> like the most commuter oriented systems like the most commuter oriented

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:04.560><c> Gail</c> member and former board chair. Gail member and former board chair.
• We're committed to listening members.
• Um members, are there other questions? Okay. Okay. Um members, are there other questions? Oh, yes.
• Um members, are there other Okay. Okay. Um members, are there other questions?
• > any</c><01:26:45.679><c> other</c> Um, members, are there any other Um, members, are there any other

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing on May 22 with the Hawaii Arts Alliance, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Chair Capella said the purpose was to better understand the organizations’ work and strengthen relationships ahead of the interim and next session. The Hawaii Arts Alliance, led by Executive Director Gay Humphrey, described its mission to enrich Hawaii’s cultural fabric through arts education, advocacy, and community engagement, and highlighted its history tied to Alfred Price, including the creation of Hawaii’s 1% for art law and the alliance’s 45 years of service. The alliance outlined its current work, including administering SFCA-funded statewide programs such as Artist in the Schools and the new folk and traditional arts program, with 34 teaching partners serving more than 100 public and charter schools and Kumu Hawaii as the single grantee for traditional weaving instruction. It also discussed Arts First Partners, the incubation of Arts at Mark’s Garage, expanded advocacy efforts supported by Creative West grants, and new multi-year philanthropic support from the Hawaii Community Foundation and Atherton Family Foundation. The alliance said it is launching statewide listening sessions and an arts advocacy training program, and noted that most SFCA funds pass through the alliance to program partners, with the organization retaining 10 to 14 percent for administration. SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald then described the agency’s role as the state arts agency, its strategic planning process, and its main programs, including Art in Public Places, the Capital Modern museum, Artist in the Schools, apprentice mentoring grants, community arts grants, the Hawaii State Poet Laureate program, a statewide cultural extension program, and the Hawaii Open Arts Program. She said SFCA has 21 staff with one vacancy, is awaiting a federal NEA partnership agreement, and is considering new revenue streams such as a cultural trust. She also noted that the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission was recently attached to SFCA, which has improved coordination and allows SFCA to provide funding for conservation and upkeep of the King Kamehameha statues statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, with questions deferred until after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> members during the process. members during the process.
• Thank you, committee members.
• >> Sure, committee member.
• So member.
• </c> community members. community members.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:20.799><c> of</c> means tough decisions uh by members of means tough decisions uh by members
• </c> And this slide is in members packets. And this slide is in members packets.
• I'm going to, members with questions.
• There is a slide deck and members packet. Good morning, Mr. Chair, members of the committee.
• But let's be honest here, members.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• And ranking member, uh, for the committee.
• I just wanted to let the new members and returning members be aware that this is the best committee.
• ><c> be</c> the new members and returning members be the new members and returning members be you<01:
• </c> that's how I usually do the orientation that's how I usually do the orientation here<01:27:58.119
• </c> implemented when that service member implemented when that service member then<05:30:57.240><c>

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• good morning Mr chairman members sorry good morning Mr chairman members of<00:15:04.560><c> the</c><00
• I just realized we only have one new member here, but do you know some of your new members?
• I just realized we only have one members I just realized we only have one new<00:18:06.640><c> member
• </c> new member new member here<00:18:09.559><c> but</c><00:18:09.720><c> do</c><00:18:09.799><c> you
• This is a good orientation. Have to remember this when we do orientation. This is great.

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 242, a liquor bill concerning brew pub licenses. Testimony from the New Hampshire Beer Distributors Association, the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, and the Liquor Commission explained that the bill is intended to correct a clerical error from the prior session and restore the agreed-upon language. The bill would allow a brew pub, within the existing 2,500-barrel limit, to self-distribute its own product to one authorized on- or off-premise license; otherwise it must use wholesale distribution. Witnesses said the measure is a narrow fix specific to brew pubs and does not affect other manufacturing licenses. No opposition was raised during the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after no committee questions remained. The committee then heard House Bill 81, which would allow patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restaurant restrooms. The sponsor argued the current prohibition is outdated and can create safety risks by forcing people to set drinks down, citing concerns about drink tampering and a personal story about a friend who was drugged and assaulted after leaving a drink unattended. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would increase liability for restaurants, how enforcement would work, and whether the current law is aimed at preventing underage handoffs or drink spiking. The sponsor said the bill would be permissive for establishments, not mandatory, and that liability would still depend on overservice and Liquor Commission investigations. The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association testified in opposition, saying the bill could raise liability and create concerns about underage consumption in bathrooms. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting the bill would move on to further committee/subcommittee consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the whole way you enter and are oriented the whole way you enter and are oriented to<00:54:04.120
• members shall peer support program staff members shall not<01:42:54.920><c> be</c><01:42:55.200><c>
• </c> program staff member. program staff member.
• </c><01:56:35.560><c> So,</c> an immediate family member. So, an immediate family member.
• or to a member of the debtor's<01:58:56.000><c> immediate</c><01:58:56.480><c> family.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners has requested that I continue to serve as a task force member
• I am here today to continue to serve as a member of this task force and to continue this great work.
• And as a member of this task force, I am here representing and hoping to assist those in the community
• your research, were you able to identify some other methods for—so when we talk about training and orientation
• last Friday there was actually a training on Southern's campus where there were 50 faculty and staff members

Summary: The task force met to review work under HCR 86 on African American suicide prevention, with members introducing themselves and approving the prior meeting minutes. Dr. Williams summarized survey-based findings from 94 university student respondents, explaining that the study focused on warning signs and triggers rather than suicide behaviors themselves. He said financial stress, stigma, and lack of institutional ownership were major themes, and argued that Louisiana needs mandatory reporting and broader suicide data collection because universities and other institutions often avoid reporting incidents, especially those occurring off campus. Dr. Thomas described current and potential prevention strategies, including gatekeeper trainings, 988 outreach, postvention policies, student-facing information on mental health resources, and adding 988 to student IDs. She also noted that the Office of Public Health already serves as a suicide data hub with real-time and death data, and should be included in any centralized reporting discussion. Members discussed how to balance new mandates with university concerns, with several agreeing that legislation is needed but should be developed with input from the Board of Regents and university leadership. The task force reviewed recommendations in the report, including a Louisiana Suicide Prevention Data Act, a centralized data hub, incentive-based reporting for colleges, modernization of the 2018 suicide prevention law, and possible tax credits or other incentives. Dr. McKee suggested that any reporting requirement should be framed to fit existing professional obligations and that training requirements for licensees could be added. The chair asked that revised recommendations and examples from other states be circulated before February 1, with the final report updated to say “confidential unless otherwise required by law.” No public comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned after the chair said he and Senator Boudreaux would consider legislation and, if needed, a resolution to extend the task force.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does any other member have &gt;&gt; Thank you.
• Any other member with any comments or... Yes, Ms.
• Any other member &gt;&gt; Thank you, Senator.
• Any other member with a question or comment?
• </c> member secret Representative Wilner. member secret Representative Wilner.

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair and members of the committee.
• Members of the committee, I'll be very brief.
• They're known as core members. I was one in 2008.
• Chairman and committee members.
• Chairperson, members of the committee, thank you.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases. The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options. Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:32.039><c> committee</c> okay member of members of the committee okay member of members of
• See non-members questions.
• Members, any questions?
• Members, any questions?
• Members, any questions?

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you don't mind, can we introduce all our members?
• Is there any other members on Zoom?
• </c><00:48:29.119><c> to</c><00:48:29.200><c> be</c> tourism oriented gaming tends to be tourism oriented
• Is there any other members? &gt;&gt; All right. Is there any other members?
• Members, questions. &gt;&gt; Thank you, Alan. Members, questions. Go<01:41:25.199><c> ahead.

Bills: HB1952 , HB1951 , HB1929 , HB2497 , HB2208 , HB2572 , HB1953 , HB2551 , HB2549 , HB1737 , HB1628 , HB1769 , HB2493 , HB2264 , HB1997 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB1805 , HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2219 , HB2469 , HB2233 , HB2519 , HB2141 , HB1904 , HB2201 , HB2410 , HB2007 , HB2385 , HB2444 , HB2349 , HB2235 , HB1872 , HB2416 , HB2291 , HB2292 , HB2263 , HB2359 , HB2455 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1648 , HB2164 , HB2323 , HB1825 , HB2172 , HB1888 , HB2005 , HB2387 , HB2358 , HB2119 , HB2276 , HB2472 , HB1714 , HB2325 , HB1541 , HB1960 , HB2140 , HB2315 , HB2367 , HB2388 , HB1696 , HB2333 , HB2138 , HB2332 , HB2283 , HB2059 , HB2057 , HB2589 , HB2417 , HB2337 , HB1588 , HB2217 , HB2020 , HB1915 , HB1742 , HB2026 , HB1965 , HB1546 , HB2360 , HB1563 , HB1749 , HB2614 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1849 , HB1641 , HB2161 , HB2194 , HB1721 , HB2284 , HB2188 , HB1897 , HB1880 , HB1573 , HB1876 , HB20 , HB2137

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I would ask that the motion from the ranking member be not well taken and that the members vote
• I want to just quickly say I appreciate all members of this body and all members of the State Senate
• who saw fit to make the all members of this body and all members of the State Senate who saw fit to make
• It was great to work alongside him and the members of my caucus and the members of the majority caucus
• of this body, really proud to work alongside members of the budget. a member of this body, really proud

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing family members, interns, public servants, nonprofit leaders, students, and a park ranger honored for life-saving actions. Committee reports and Senate messages followed, including Senate nonconcurrence on numerous amendments to Senate Bill 1421 and the appointment of a conference committee on another bill. The main floor action centered on budget conference committee reports, especially House Bill 2002 on public education. Members debated whether the conference version fully funded the foundation formula, with supporters arguing it maintained record-level funding and opponents saying it left schools about $190 million short and relied on uncertain funding sources such as blind pension, lottery, and possible ARPA dollars. After a substitute motion to send the bill back to conference was defeated, the House adopted the conference report 83-68 and then third-read and passed House Bill 2002 by the same margin. The House then took up House Bill 2003 on higher education, where members discussed a move toward a future performance-based funding model while keeping current funding flat; the conference report passed 119-28 and the bill was third-read and passed 109-32. The chamber next considered House Bill 2004, covering the Departments of Revenue and Transportation. Debate focused on transportation funding, rural roads, and a small local safety project in Lebanon that had already been addressed by MoDOT. The conference report was adopted 128-21 and the bill was third-read and passed 127-27. Finally, the House began debate on House Bill 2005 for the Office of Administration and IT-related functions, with the sponsor and supporters emphasizing IT accountability, the Movers project, and the transfer of some staff to DSS; the transcript ends during discussion of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• There’s no assurance that even one of the five members will be a scientist.
• The one public member, member number five, can have expertise either in environmental protection or landfill
• The one public member, member number five, can have expertise either in environmental protection or landfill
• The one public member, member number five, can have expertise either in environmental protection or landfill
• Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the committee.

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on a non-germane amendment to SB 302, a Senate bill originally requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Representative Patenza explained that the amendment was intended to preserve and separate out language developed for the governor’s budget proposal and HB 2 concerning a solid waste facility site evaluation committee, a moratorium, and related public-benefit/site-benefit provisions, so the policy would still have a vehicle if the budget language did not advance. He said the proposal reflects extensive work by the House, the governor’s office, and DES, and he was open to further changes to align with any budget conference committee outcome. Dr. Adam Finkele testified in support of the amendment and the underlying site evaluation concept, arguing that landfill siting decisions should be based on cost-benefit analysis that includes public harms, local impacts, and regional impacts rather than only private benefits. He praised the committee process and prior legislation requiring agencies to respond substantively to public comments, and said the new language improves on the governor’s version by moving the committee’s review earlier in the process and requiring more complete application information, including alternatives and impacts on nearby wells and aquifers. He also supported a three-year moratorium on new landfill applications, saying it would give the state time to address leachate, PFAS, waste reduction, and weak siting rules. Members asked about possible conference committee changes, the value of having a separate review body, and whether the new rules would invite litigation. Dr. Finkele said he would likely sue over the rules because he считает them too weak, but also said the legislature could fix the problems through other bills such as HB 77. He acknowledged that the site evaluation committee is not a perfect solution, but said it is a useful intermediate step between the agency and the courts and likely would meet only rarely if capacity need remains the main trigger for future landfill decisions. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has grown significantly members.
• :37:31.920><c> 92</c><00:37:32.480><c> licensed</c> staff members, we have 92 licensed staff members,
• We did multiple forums, individual interviews with community members, providers, our board members, our
• , providers, um our community members, providers, um our board<00:46:01.839><c> members,</c><00:46:02.240
• Um, members of the committee, my name is Sal Santoro, a member of the board of trustees, the Children's

Summary: The Joint Committee on Families and Children met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and received an update that the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements was 8,647 as of September 7, 2025. The first presentation was from Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit that provides a home-like setting for children on removal day so they do not have to wait in a state office. Speakers described the mission as reducing trauma for children, lightening the burden on case workers, and easing transitions to foster or kinship placements. They said the Kentucky home in Logan County opened on August 15 and had already served 10 children in its first six days. Committee members asked about logistics, including whether children placed with kinship caregivers would still come to the house, how long children can stay, who remains responsible for them, and how volunteers are screened. The presenters said children are brought to the house regardless of whether they are headed to kinship or foster placement, that 72 hours is not a hard cutoff, and that a case worker remains in charge at all times while volunteers provide support. They also said volunteers undergo background checks, trauma-informed training, confidentiality instruction, and annual continuing education. In response to questions about funding and expansion, they said Isaiah 117 House is community-funded without state or federal money, and that new homes are opened only when fully funded, with construction costs typically ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 and first-year budgets around $180,000. The committee then heard a presentation from Remy Eastep Homes on its Family Centered Integrated Healthcare and related services. Leaders described the organization’s history from its origins as separate orphanages in Boyd County to residential treatment, treatment foster care, prevention services, and outpatient behavioral health. They said the organization shifted about 15 years ago toward engaging families more directly because family involvement improves outcomes and helps keep children safely at home when possible. The presentation continued into program details, but no votes or formal actions were taken on either presentation.