Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:05.880> or<00:42:06.880> we<00:42:07.200> have<00:42:07.359> a<00:
• > wasn't<00:42:19.440> I'm<00:42:19.599> a<00:42:19.760> sub<00:42:20.160
• :42:24.040> 671<00:42:25.040> so<00:42:25.359> I<00:42:25.520> I<00:42:25.839
• .<01:42:10.880> And<01:42:11.880> so<01:42:12.880> I<01:42:13.040> I<01:42
• . section. section.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 69, including a germane amendment about local school boards’ acceptance or rejection of gifts and donations and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Rep. Cordelli said the early literacy proposal was a modified version of an earlier kindergarten readiness bill, would rely on gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements. Members questioned the shift from a broader technology program to an online-only model, the lack of detailed evaluation metrics, how long children would use the program, and whether it was appropriate for very young children. Cordelli said the change was intended to avoid government dependence and still allow the program to be offered next school year. Several members raised concerns about the gift-acceptance language on the underlying bill, including whether school boards would need to vote on small donations, whether gifts could be handled in blocks or at regular meetings, and how anonymous donations would work under right-to-know laws. Rep. Han noted that some gift discussions might belong in non-public session under RSA 91-A, while Rep. Cornell said acceptance or rejection of gifts could be handled at regular meetings and suggested a dollar threshold could be added later. The New Hampshire School Boards Association said it was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails, policy guidance, and clarification on timing, anonymity, and public-meeting requirements. Supporters of the early childhood program, including Waterford.org, said the proposal would provide an evidence-based, adaptive online literacy program with family engagement for four- and five-year-olds, and that it could help close early learning gaps. Waterford said it could work collaboratively with school districts and IEP teams, and that it would provide devices and internet access for families who need them. Committee members pressed on how the program would interact with existing special education services and whether districts could use it as part of an IEP; the response was that it would be supplementary and not an approved special education service. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair indicated the committee would later executive the bills and try to get reports filed promptly.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:20.400> Um,<00:42:20.800> and<00:42:21.040> so,<00:42:21.760> you<
• But, um, I'm<00:42:33.200> going<00:42:33.359> to<00:42:33.520> ask<00:42:33.760
• 42:17.040> to<01:42:17.199> go<01:42:17.360> very<01:42:17.679> perfectly.
• :23.679> is<01:42:23.920> the<01:42:24.239> section<01:42:24.560> of been
• able to agree on is the section of been able to agree on is the section of this<01:42:24.880> bill

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4252 and first heard a walkthrough of a DE2 amendment that largely incorporated Office of Higher Education technical and statutory cleanup items, including reporting consolidations, updates to postsecondary registration and licensing statutes, and an anti-fraud provision. New provisions in the DE2 would require public postsecondary institutions to explain developmental courses before enrollment and obtain a written acknowledgement, revise the state grant tuition cap, add a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation in FY 2027 for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and provide $5,000 one-time funding for reforestation at Bemidji State University. Fiscal staff also noted additional special revenue fund revenue and expenditures tied to licensing and registration litigation response. The main debate centered on the A8 amendment offered by Representative Rarick, which would require the governor to appoint University of Minnesota regents only from candidates recommended by the joint legislative committee if the legislature fails to elect regents. Rarick argued the amendment was needed to address what he described as conflicts of interest and pay-to-play concerns in recent gubernatorial appointments. Several members questioned whether the language was constitutional, whether it actually addressed conflicts of interest, and whether it should instead refer to ARCAC-screened or ARCAC-recommended candidates. Nonpartisan staff said the governor’s appointment power is addressed in the university charter, not directly in the constitution, but could not definitively assess constitutionality if challenged. Members were divided: some supported the goal of cleaner governance but said the amendment was not ready or did not match the problem being described; others argued the legislature had failed to complete its own regent appointments and that the amendment was a response to that failure. No vote on the A8 amendment or the bill was reached in the portion provided, though a roll call was requested on the amendment and the chair indicated the bill would continue through amendment consideration before final discussion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• :49.119> might<00:42:49.359> be<00:42:49.520> a<00:42:49.680> little<00:42
• ,<00:42:54.240> but<00:42:55.359> how<00:42:55.599> does<00:42:55.839> this
• > compare<00:42:56.720> to<00:42:56.960> what<00:42:57.200> we<00:42:57.440
• :00.159> if<01:42:00.480> there<01:42:00.880> are<01:42:01.600> as<01:42:
• 01:42:08.239> a<01:42:08.400> p<01:42:08.880> place<01:42:09.040> to<01:42

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That starts on page 42, section 10.
• That starts on page 42, section 10.
• And in<00:42:44.079> the<00:42:44.240> case<00:42:44.319> that<00:42:44.560>
• /c><00:42:46.880> go<00:42:47.119> through<00:42:47.359> the<00:42:47.520> same
• Second,<00:42:52.880> we<00:42:53.119> strongly<00:42:53.520> oppose<00:42:53.839

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:42.480> for<00:42:42.760> 5<00:42:43.000> years<00:42:43.559> those
• um<00:42:44.960> terms<00:42:45.400> of<00:42:45.640> probation<00:42:46.280
• :42:48.240> a<00:42:48.440> consequence<00:42:49.119> of<00:42:49.280> being<
• on<00:42:50.079> Community<00:42:50.520> Supervision<00:42:51.160> so<00:42
• > letter<00:42:57.880> of<00:42:58.000> the<00:42:58.119> law<00:42:58.359

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So,<00:42:03.839> I<00:42:04.079> really<00:42:04.319> appreciate<00:42
• <00:42:06.400> on<00:42:07.200> uh<00:42:07.359> trying<00:42:07.599> to<
• <00:42:11.680> And<00:42:12.000> with<00:42:12.240> that<00:42:12.400> be
• >> Um<00:42:20.640> I<00:42:20.960> want<00:42:21.119> this<00:42:21.280><
• this section. this section.

Bills: SF0099, SF0116, SJ0006

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• language to section 31 and sections 32. language to section 31 and sections 32.
• <00:42:04.960> reflecting<00:42:05.440> the<00:42:05.599> will<00:42:05.760>
• <00:42:07.280> On<00:42:07.520> that<00:42:07.680> motion,<00:42:08.000>
• <00:42:10.160> Any<00:42:10.400> oppose<00:42:10.720> say<00:42:10.960> no
• No.<00:42:12.480> The<00:42:12.880> motion<00:42:13.440> carries<00:42:14.319>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > transports<00:42:08.440> per<00:42:08.640> week<00:42:09.319> and<00:42
• :29.079> uh<00:42:29.319> right<00:42:29.559> now<00:42:30.559> uh<00:42:
• <00:42:37.480> they're<00:42:37.680> not<00:42:37.920> required<00:42:38.440
• :42:52.000> 8<00:42:52.760> can<00:42:53.000> and<00:42:53.160> will<00:42
• > it<00:42:58.839> goes<00:42:59.000> on<00:42:59.200> from<00:42:59.400>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• > uh<03:42:15.760> enroll<03:42:16.320> a<03:42:16.600> uh<03:42:16.640><
• :17.360> So,<03:42:17.440> this<03:42:17.640> time<03:42:17.840> we<03:42
• We<03:42:21.720> will<03:42:21.840> be<03:42:21.960> in<03:42:22.080> the
• <03:42:25.560> Yes,<03:42:25.800> I'd<03:42:25.920> like<03:42:26.120> to
• Senate<03:42:35.960> Resolution<03:42:36.560> 293,<03:42:37.400> a<03:42:37.480>

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:42:11.160> adopted<00:42:11.640> new<00:42:12.000> permanent<00:42:12.440><
• 13.480> are<00:42:13.720> copies<00:42:14.000> of<00:42:14.160> the<00:42
• one, seats 1 to 19; section two, seats 22 to 41; and section three, seats 42 to 69.
• one, seats 1 to 19; section two, seats 22 to 41; and section three, seats 42 to 69.
• 42 to 69 all members section three seats 42 to 69 all members of<01:40:33.280> the<01:40:33.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then proceeded to elect a Speaker. Republicans nominated Lisa Demuth and Democrats nominated Melissa Hortman, with multiple members seconding each nomination and praising the candidates’ leadership, bipartisanship, and ability to guide a closely divided chamber. After roll call, Representative Demuth received 67 votes to Representative Hortman’s 65 and was declared duly elected Speaker of the Minnesota House for the 2025-2026 session. After taking the oath of office from Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing gratitude, integrity, respect, accountability, and a commitment to real results, safer communities, strong schools, economic opportunity, and open collaboration with all members. She said her door would remain open to both parties and urged the House to focus on shared purpose and Minnesota’s future. The House then took up a resolution adopting temporary rules for the 94th session, based on the prior session’s rules and modified by the House organization agreement dated February 6, 2025. Members speaking in support said the agreement reflected bipartisan negotiation, preserved power sharing, protected committee and conference committee balance, and would help the House address issues such as affordable housing, health care, and child care. The temporary rules were adopted by a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 2 nays. Finally, the House began the election of the chief clerk. Representative Robbins nominated Patrick Duffy Murphy, highlighting his long service to the House, his role as parliamentary adviser, and his work supporting continuity and remote proceedings during the pandemic. The transcript cuts off during the nomination and does not include the final vote on chief clerk.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:16.720> opioid<00:42:17.080> receptors<00:42:17.560> in<00:42:17.680>
• has<00:42:27.840> other<00:42:28.080> serious<00:42:28.560> health<00:42
• Kratom<00:42:30.480> is<00:42:30.600> sold<00:42:30.840> in<00:42:31.120> in<
• :42:32.840> as<00:42:33.000> pills,<00:42:33.760> powder,<00:42:34.520> or
• <00:42:36.400> It's<00:42:36.600> sold<00:42:36.880> under<00:42:37.080>

Bills: HF3771, HF3658, HF3453, HF3358, HF1775

Keywords: disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery

Transcript Highlights:

• story<02:42:01.479> in<02:42:01.640> any<02:42:01.880> way<02:42:02.479>
• to<02:42:08.960> fund<02:42:09.200> it<02:42:09.319> at<02:42:09.640> but
• <02:42:09.840> as<02:42:10.000> far<02:42:10.160> as<02:42:10.279> in
• the uh<02:42:11.120> effort<02:42:11.439> of<02:42:12.200> Saving<02:42:12.640>
• 42:32.000> to<03:42:32.840> talk<03:42:33.040> to<03:42:33.239> him<03:42

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. Department of Education testimony said the bill’s definition would conflict with the federal definition and be unusually restrictive, potentially affecting curriculum, educator training, and many existing state requirements. The department said it could force a broad overhaul of school programs and create a need for at least one new state position, with local districts likely facing significant unbudgeted costs. Members raised concerns about impacts on federal pass-through funding, curriculum materials, and whether the bill was workable at all. Several members said the proposal would be too costly and difficult to implement, especially during a tight budget cycle. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. Members who supported retention said they wanted to set the bill aside because of the scale of the concerns, while also stating they did not support the bill as written. The committee then opened HB 133, dealing with DMV follow-up on residency and licensing issues tied to voting and other interactions. Department of Safety/DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology update plus a full-time position to handle manual correspondence and review of possible matches, and that postage was not included in the fiscal note. They said the bill’s 60-day residency trigger is vague, that the DMV would be acting outside its normal role by investigating status after the fact, and that the measure could create privacy and operational problems. Members questioned whether the bill would effectively force people to buy a driver’s license to vote, whether non-driver and voter ID options would avoid that concern, and whether the Secretary of State rather than DMV would be the more appropriate agency to handle any follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Representative<00:42:24.640> Olsen<00:42:25.680> um<00:42:25.839> has<00:42:
• times<00:42:27.599> and<00:42:27.760> I<00:42:27.920> think<00:42:28.000>
• > the<00:42:34.240> times<00:42:34.480> we<00:42:34.720> see<00:42:34.800
• <00:42:38.880> had<00:42:39.119> a<00:42:39.440> lot<00:42:39.520> of
• ><00:42:44.480> is<00:42:44.720> this<00:42:44.960> is<00:42:45.040> a<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:04.000> Wyman<00:42:04.480> who<00:42:04.640> was<00:42:04.800> my is
• > he<00:42:10.800> came<00:42:10.960> from<00:42:11.119> the<00:42:11.280
• > and<00:42:12.400> he<00:42:12.640> tried<00:42:12.880> for<00:42:13.119
• 00:42:15.359> and<00:42:15.520> so<00:42:15.680> I<00:42:15.920> think<00
• that would<00:42:16.319> be<00:42:16.400> a<00:42:16.560> wonderful<00:42:16.880

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• will<00:42:44.400> be<00:42:44.599> adding<00:42:45.240> um<00:42:45.400>
• > with<00:42:58.720> that<00:42:58.880> I<00:42:58.960> will<00:42:59.119>
• > would<01:42:05.040> actually<01:42:05.360> I'd<01:42:05.599> prefer<01:42:
• because<01:42:08.800> I<01:42:08.960> I<01:42:09.080> I<01:42:09.199> think<
• /c><01:42:09.320> if<01:42:09.400> we're<01:42:09.520> going<01:42:09.639> to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.

Transcript Highlights:

• 42:40.599> that<00:42:40.720> we<00:42:40.880> continue<00:42:41.280> to<
• ><00:42:53.960> 20<00:42:54.319> years<00:42:54.920> in<00:42:55.119> local
• <01:42:37.000> file<01:42:37.320> number<01:42:37.639> 130<01:42:38.560> be
• the<01:42:41.760> day<01:42:42.560> uh<01:42:42.920> members<01:42:43.520>
• <01:42:57.760> bar<01:42:58.560> thank<01:42:58.719> you<01:42:58.840> Mr

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:42:03.760> and<00:42:04.160> House<00:42:04.400> File<00:42:04.800>
• We've<00:42:26.400> now<00:42:26.720> received<00:42:27.200> more<00:42:27.440><
• The<00:42:32.240> majority<00:42:32.720> of<00:42:32.960> those<00:42:33.440>
• we<00:42:47.680> do<00:42:47.839> with<00:42:48.079> the<00:42:48.720> small
• > But<00:42:50.079> I<00:42:50.240> do<00:42:50.400> want<00:42:50.480>

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um again,<00:42:02.480> not<00:42:02.800> going<00:42:02.880> to<00:42:02.960>
• We also<00:42:07.520> have<00:42:07.760> small<00:42:08.079> water<00:42:08.960>
• :28.640> 4%<00:42:29.839> interest<00:42:31.200> u<00:42:31.359> I<00:42:
• /c><00:42:33.440> note<00:42:33.680> one<00:42:34.000> there<00:42:34.640> as
• > talked<00:42:36.400> about<00:42:36.640> we've<00:42:36.960> got<00:42:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:07.839> fish<00:42:08.240> daily<00:42:08.720> limit<00:42:09.280>
• > for<00:42:10.720> all<00:42:10.960> ponds<00:42:11.440> on<00:42:11.599>
• River<00:42:19.760> lakes<00:42:20.160> to<00:42:20.319> 10<00:42:20.560>
• :42:25.760> 18<00:42:26.319> to<00:42:26.720> 26<00:42:27.200> in<00:42:27.920
• > slot<00:42:28.319> limit<00:42:28.960> and<00:42:29.359> a<00:42:29.599

Keywords: 0:22 – Roll Call 0:30 – Approval of minutes 1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs 2:06 – Board of Pharmacy 3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners 39:26 – Board of Nursing 40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration 45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services 49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1183, house