Transcript Highlights:

• 00:14:04.920> peer<00:14:05.160> recovery<00:14:05.560> Support vendors of peer
• -day timeline<00:14:19.440> sections<00:14:19.880> 30<00:14:20.199> to<00:14
• :14:23.399> um<00:14:23.600> these<00:14:23.720> are<00:14:23.920> peer<00
• :14:24.160> support<00:14:24.440> and<00:14:24.560> family 671 um these are peer
• > Rel<00:14:29.320> to<00:14:29.480> initial<00:14:29.759> training<00:14:30.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:03.199> our<00:14:03.440> perspectives,<00:14:04.320> I<00:14:04.480>
• :04.959> I'll<00:14:05.199> be<00:14:05.600> um<00:14:05.920> more<00:14:
• <00:14:10.800> Damoth<00:14:11.199> and<00:14:11.360> I<00:14:11.519> will
• 14:14.399> to<00:14:14.560> come<00:14:14.639> up<00:14:14.800> with.
• over the<00:14:18.160> next<00:14:18.320> two<00:14:18.560> weeks<00:14:18.800>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Democratic leaders and House Republican leaders announced a compromise set of budget targets reached Friday night, describing it as a numbers-only deal that leaves policy issues aside. They said the targets are the first step in the budget process: House committee chairs will write bills to fit the targets, those bills will go to Ways and Means, and later leaders will negotiate global targets with the governor and Senate. Leaders emphasized that the agreement reflects compromise rather than either party’s ideal budget, and that they will continue talks with Governor Walz and the Senate over the next several weeks. The speakers highlighted what was not included in the deal, saying it does not target paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe time, reproductive rights, or universal school meals. They said the House priorities that did make it in include housing, education, pensions, public safety, and transportation. On education, they said the compromise provides $40 million in new money in the first biennium for the READ Act and no cuts in either biennium, contrasting that with larger cuts in the governor’s and Senate proposals. They also said schools could still choose to fund unemployment insurance for school workers from existing resources, though it was not earmarked in the targets. Leaders said the agreement leaves room for committee chairs to make choices within the targets, including in health and human services, where they described the target as a reduction in projected growth rather than a cut to existing appropriations. They said the budget plan sets aside discretionary inflation adjustments in the first biennium while preserving inflation indexing for items like the K-12 formula. They also said the deal improves the state’s long-term balance, with a projected $1.6 billion balance in the first biennium and a $1.3 billion deficit in the second, and that the House’s numbers do not include the same revenue assumptions as the governor’s and Senate’s plans. In questions, leaders said conference committees will require majority support from both House and Senate conferees, and that the House will send equal numbers of Democratic and Republican conferees. They said the bonding bill size is still under discussion, but the adopted numbers would allow for roughly a $700 million general obligation bill. They also said large state spending for professional sports facilities is likely over, and explained that the press conference was held without Republican leaders for logistical reasons after the deal was reached late Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is<00:14:17.360> there<00:14:17.680> anyone<00:14:18.079> else<00:14:18.480>
• >> Alea<00:14:22.560> here<00:14:22.800> on<00:14:22.959> behalf<00:14:23.199
• > I<00:14:25.040> am<00:14:25.199> alone.
• Craig<00:14:36.000> Lu,<00:14:37.440> former<00:14:38.000> higher<00:14:38.560
• Department<00:14:39.199> of<00:14:39.360> Agriculture<00:14:40.000> and<00:14:40.240

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items. The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting. The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• > and<00:14:03.199> so<00:14:04.079> um<00:14:04.320> that's<00:14:04.639
• So members, on section 14, this was not highlighted at first, but there is a reference to chapter
• This is a chapter<01:14:52.320> 179A<01:14:53.440> issue,<01:14:54.000> which<01
• :14:54.239> is<01:14:54.400> the<01:14:54.719> I chapter 179A issue, which is the
• I chapter 179A issue, which is the I believe<01:14:55.120> that's<01:14:55.360> the<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He also noted guests from Cloudcroft FFA Chapter and chapter advisor Joni Watson, and invited anyone
• Looks like Representative Vincent's got some guests in the gallery, FFA Chapter Cloudcroft and chapter
• , NMSA, 1978, Being Laws, 1988, 188, Chapter 107, Section 3, and Laws, 1988, Chapter 108, Section 30,
• Section 5 as amended, Section 32-2A-3, NMSA, 1978, Being Laws, 2002, Chapter 2, Chapter 8, Section 3,
• House Memorial 14.

Bills: HM19

Keywords: New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:14:33.760> eyes<00:14:34.200> appear<00:14:34.600> to<00:14:34.680> have
• The eyes do have<00:14:36.560> it,<00:14:37.079> and<00:14:37.440> you<00:14:37.680
• <00:14:40.040> Services<00:14:40.560> of<00:14:40.680> House<00:14:40.959> Bill
• :14:42.880> committed<00:14:43.160> the<00:14:43.240> same<00:14:43.480> to
• <00:14:45.440> Are<00:14:45.520> there<00:14:45.640> any<00:14:45.839> further

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional for Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, delivered by Rabbi Grace Odell. Her remarks focused on remembrance of the Holocaust, warning against dehumanization, and urging lawmakers to act from love rather than fear. Members then observed a moment of silence and heard announcements recognizing visitors, including students from Orwell Village School and guests from the Vermont Holocaust Memorial. The chamber took up several procedural and legislative items. House Bill 574, relating to epinephrine use and maintenance at child care facilities, was moved from the House Committee on Human Services to the Committee on Education and approved by voice vote. The House also announced caucus and committee schedules, including meetings of the Rural Caucus and Older Vermonters Caucus. Later, the body reordered its calendar and prepared to recess after completing action on the day’s bills. On Senate Bill 163, concerning the role of advanced practice registered nurses in hospital care, the House Health Care Committee recommended amendment, explaining that the bill updates the Patient Bill of Rights to reflect current hospital practice, especially in rural hospitals, by recognizing APRNs and physician assistants as possible attending providers. The committee reported a 10-0-0 vote in support, and the House agreed to propose the Senate amendment and ordered third reading. The House also concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 508, which revises Burlington’s charter so the city council can adjust ward and district boundaries when needed to correct unconstitutional population divisions without requiring a charter change; the Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported a 9-0-1 favorable straw poll. After these actions, the House recessed briefly while the committee continued hearing amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:05.639> at<00:14:05.800> the desk<00:14:09.360> altendorf<00:14:09.959
• > as<00:14:12.079> amended<00:14:12.920> the<00:14:13.040> amendment<00:14
• <00:14:22.519> you<00:14:22.680> madam<00:14:23.079> speaker<00:14:23.600>
• :39.759> many<00:14:40.079> of<00:14:40.320> the<00:14:40.480> other<00:14
• 44.120> would<00:14:44.320> say<00:14:44.519> we<00:14:44.680> are<00:14:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:06.320> I<00:14:06.560> don't<00:14:06.880> think<00:14:07.440> I<
• 14:09.519> own<00:14:09.760> all<00:14:10.000> the<00:14:10.160> parcels
• > So<00:14:20.160> then<00:14:20.399> and<00:14:20.639> then<00:14:20.880
• reserve<00:14:22.880> it<00:14:23.040> at<00:14:23.279> a<00:14:23.440><
• at a point of when<00:14:23.839> they<00:14:24.000> put<00:14:24.079> in<00:14:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.680> we'll<00:14:20.959> have<00:14:21.120> a<00:14:21.240> lot<00:14
• > um<00:14:31.880> in<00:14:32.079> the<00:14:32.360> past<00:14:33.000><
• > we<00:14:34.160> have<00:14:34.399> had<00:14:35.079> um<00:14:35.920><
• over a hundred<00:14:39.560> house<00:14:39.880> bills<00:14:40.240> each<00:14
• :14:42.040> so<01:14:42.360> as<01:14:42.520> I<01:14:42.679> go<01:14:42.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Committee held its organizational meeting for the new term, with members introducing themselves and describing their backgrounds in teaching, school boards, special education, administration, law, and related fields. Chair Glenn Cordelli outlined the committee’s goals and procedures, emphasizing civility, professionalism, and respectful treatment of witnesses and members. He also noted that the committee has been split into two this year because of the large volume of bills, and said the committee had already sent three bills to the other education committee, with 36 bills currently assigned and more expected. The chair reviewed committee rules and logistics: hearings should start on time, members should minimize cell phone use and avoid searching during testimony, and questioning of witnesses is limited to one question at a time unless the chair allows a follow-up. Members were told to use the title “Representative,” to sign up on pink cards to testify, and to submit written testimony to the clerk. He also explained that hearings are for listening rather than debating, while executive sessions are where debate and motions occur. Possible motions include ought to pass, inexpedient to legislate, and retain in committee for further work, including subcommittees. Additional procedures covered scheduling, with the committee expected to meet Wednesday and Thursday the following week because of a holiday, and regular meetings generally planned for Monday and Wednesday. The chair also discussed the consent calendar, reports from majority and minority positions, and the expectation that members who testify on a bill should not then question other witnesses on that same bill. No legislation was voted on at this meeting; it was a procedural and orientation session for the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• the<00:14:11.839> crime<00:14:12.480> did<00:14:12.720> not<00:14:13.000>
• > punishment<00:14:14.800> did<00:14:15.040> not<00:14:15.199> fit<00:14:
• 00:14:22.320> of<00:14:22.480> a<00:14:22.639> paper<00:14:23.040> or<00:
• :57.920> chapter<00:14:58.320> are the penalties for this whole chapter are the penalties
• for this whole chapter are in<00:14:58.639> RSA<00:14:59.320> 66421<00:15:00.320> and

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:05.560> in<00:14:05.800> writing<00:14:06.440> from<00:14:06.800> the
• <00:14:15.279> from<00:14:15.440> the<00:14:15.560> Department<00:14:15.920>
• <00:14:33.279> and<00:14:33.399> are<00:14:33.600> here<00:14:33.720> for
• > I<00:14:37.360> uh<00:14:37.519> could<00:14:37.639> you<00:14:38.360><
• c> uh<00:14:38.759> help<00:14:38.959> us<00:14:39.120> out<00:14:39.360>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies. The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Funny<00:14:06.000> that<00:14:06.240> you<00:14:06.399> mentioned<00:14
• <00:14:14.959> Well,<00:14:15.199> ladies,<00:14:15.600> on<00:14:15.839>
• Next<00:14:38.240> up,<00:14:38.480> we<00:14:38.720> have<00:14:38.880>
• and<00:14:46.639> as<00:14:46.880> they<00:14:47.120> get<00:14:47.279> ready
• But again, these<00:14:53.199> FFA<00:14:54.160> uh<00:14:54.320> students,<00:14

Bills: HF3580, HF3566

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, depredation, crop damage, wolf compensation, elk damage, state funding, agricultural protection, trespass, criminal penalties, farm equipment, agricultural land, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then heard from Minnesota FFA officers, who described FFA as a student-led agricultural education organization focused on leadership, personal growth, and career success. The students explained the three-part model of agricultural education, the size and reach of FFA in Minnesota, and upcoming events at the Capitol, including an agricultural policy experience conference and FFA Day at the Capitol. Members asked about FFA’s role in encouraging the next generation of farmers, the organization’s broader focus beyond farming to include wildlife and other natural resources careers, and the mix of rural, metro, and urban chapters. The students emphasized that FFA and agricultural educators help students discover career paths and that urban chapters are active and thriving alongside rural ones. The committee then received a presentation from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on the Agri program. The department described Agri as a legislature-created program that uses producer-payment funds to support roughly 15 grant and cost-share programs, including newer efforts such as Protect and Prepare. Testimony stressed transparency and fraud prevention: Agri is reimbursement-based, requires detailed documentation, conducts site visits on grants over $25,000, and has identified and stopped more than a dozen fraudulent applications in the past year. The department also noted a prior legislative auditor review of two larger Agri programs and said only about one-tenth of 1% of reviewed expenditures were recommended for recovery. The department highlighted the Make It Minnesota cost-share program, which helps Minnesota food and agriculture companies attend national trade shows such as Natural Products Expo West. Testifiers then described how Agri has supported their businesses: Mark Schiller of Lon Liquor in Northfield said the program helped his microdistillery expand into milling organic flour and adding food service, while Pete Gangler of Snowpack Foods in Caledonia said Agri grants supported food safety improvements, processing capacity, and a new freezer warehouse project. The department said additional grantees would testify as well, and members asked whether the department’s fraud-prevention practices could be shared with other state agencies; staff said they already are being shared through interagency best-practice efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:02.320> and<00:14:02.560> it<00:14:02.800> was<00:14:02.959> there
• > on<00:14:08.639> our<00:14:08.880> server<00:14:09.199> and<00:14:09.680><
• :10.399> just<00:14:10.560> used<00:14:10.800> it<00:14:11.040> for<00:14
• the<00:14:23.120> code<00:14:23.839> and<00:14:24.000> and<00:14:24.399>
• What<00:14:26.880> we've<00:14:27.279> seen<00:14:27.519> from<00:14:27.839>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:44.519> is chapter and the title of the chapter is chapter and the title of the chapter
• :53.959> be<00:14:54.120> a<00:14:54.240> call<00:14:54.440> of<00:14:54.560
• :14:16.280> they're<01:14:16.440> saying<01:14:16.679> in<01:14:16.840> this<
• bill that's<01:14:18.480> the<01:14:18.679> goal<01:14:18.880> and<01:14:19.080
• :14:29.960> I<01:14:30.040> want<01:14:30.159> to<01:14:30.320> read<01:14

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Department<00:14:03.760> of<00:14:03.920> Human<00:14:04.240> Services<00:14:04.560
• > uh<00:14:20.240> ask<00:14:20.639> that<00:14:21.120> the<00:14:21.760>
• <00:14:27.920> Next<00:14:28.079> up,<00:14:28.320> we<00:14:28.800> um
• <00:14:29.760> Anyone<00:14:30.079> else<00:14:30.240> here<00:14:30.320>
• <00:14:48.720> Thank<00:14:48.800> you,<00:14:49.040> chair,<00:14:49.279>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard testimony on several measures. SB 1402, relating to vessels in state commercial harbors, drew opposition from Captain Andy Sailing Incorporated, and later the committee agreed to amend the bill to exempt tour boat operators before passing it. SB 1411, relating to Medicaid third-party liability, received strong support from the Department of Human Services, which asked that the effective date be restored to upon approval. SB 1438, relating to home care agencies, was supported by the Department of Health and one individual testifier, with the department arguing that unlicensed personnel performing skilled nursing services puts kupuna at risk. The committee later moved that bill forward with a clean date. SB 1449, relating to prior authorization of health care services, drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association and comments from the Hawaii Association of Health Plans and HMSA. Health plans asked that reporting requirements align with upcoming CMS regulations, and HMSA noted the work of the stakeholder process. The committee discussed the bill as consumer-focused and adopted amendments to add laboratory and diagnostic tests and to require the working group’s first report before the 2026 session and before each session thereafter. SB 1291, relating to certified public accountants, received support from the Board of Public Accountancy, the Hawaii Society of CPAs, Hong Consulting LLC, and Ron Heler, who said it was substantially the same as a previously passed House bill and would help increase the CPA pipeline in Hawaii. The committee also heard SB 752, relating to insurance, with opposition and comments from the Hawaii Insurance Council and Liberty Mutual, which requested amendments on non-payment of premiums, material misrepresentation, and limiting the bill to homeowners insurance. Greg Mskian testified in support but urged clearer notice and denial explanations for homeowners. SB 385, relating to condominiums, drew support from Hawaii Realtors and detailed comments from Ray Tenno and Greg Mskian about making governing documents available online or by email to owners and agents, with discussion of website costs and access. Finally, SB 140, relating to invasive species, received support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and CAPS, while the Department of Agriculture offered comments and proposed streamlining language; supporters emphasized firewood treatment standards and the need to prevent invasive pests. After a brief recess, the committee took votes on several measures, adopting the chair’s recommendations on SB 1402, SB 1411, SB 1438, SB 1449, and SB 1291.

Transcript Highlights:

• at<00:14:08.560> DAGs<00:14:08.959> or<00:14:09.120> any<00:14:09.199>
• <00:14:13.680> This<00:14:13.839> would<00:14:14.000> just<00:14:14.160>
• Please uh<00:14:32.560> come<00:14:32.639> to<00:14:32.800> the<00:14:32.880>
• <00:14:42.639> I<00:14:42.880> work<00:14:42.959> for<00:14:43.120> the
• amendments to chapter 76 and chapter 8. amendments to chapter 76 and chapter 8.

Bills: SB2198, SB2140, SB3055, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2761

Keywords: workforce development, craftspersons, skilled trades, artisan, craftsmanship, trade recognition, award program, DLIR, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, vocational education, career pathways, cultural preservation, workforce excellence, apprenticeship, Hawaii trades, economic diversification, public nominations, governor awards, historically significant venue

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:00.800> be<00:14:00.920> voting<00:14:01.160> no<00:14:01.399> on<
• :10.120> been<00:14:11.000> uh<00:14:11.480> taken<00:14:11.920> by<00:14
• :12.519> go<00:14:12.680> and<00:14:12.920> buy<00:14:13.720> cars<00:14:
• 00:14:16.639> it<00:14:16.759> overseas<00:14:17.519> but<00:14:18.279> uh
• <00:14:20.440> no<00:14:20.720> on<00:14:20.959> this<00:14:21.279> is<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: State Representative Jim Nash and Representative Kristin Robbins discussed a package of fraud-prevention bills, centered on House File 3 and a separate whistleblower-protection measure. HF 3 would require annual reports based on Office of the Auditor (OA/OLA) findings to be sent to ranking members of relevant committees, with the goal of giving appropriators more information about internal controls and follow-up on audit recommendations. Nash said the bill is intended to help reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, cited the Feeding Our Future case as an example of weak controls, and noted that the OA helped draft the proposal and supports it. He also said the bill’s language is modeled in part on Colorado and on earlier recommendations for more information to be shared with decision-makers. Robbins said her bill would expand whistleblower protections for state employees, including unclassified employees, and add new protected reporting channels and definitions. She said employees are often afraid to come forward because of job and career concerns, and that the bill would better protect reports made to legislators, the OA, governmental bodies, and law enforcement. She and Nash said they were working with DFL members and committee chairs on bipartisan amendments to define “fraud” and “misuse,” and to align the language with the Inspector General bill and prior law. In questions, Robbins explained that current law protects only certain employees and that her bill would broaden coverage and make it easier for employees to report concerns without fear. She said the OA supports the effort and that the added reporting pathways would help with follow-up on agency recommendations. Nash and Robbins both emphasized that the measures are part of a broader fraud-fighting package and expressed hope for bipartisan support, though Nash criticized DFL leadership for not backing the bills more openly. No votes or final actions were taken in the exchange shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Incorporated<00:02:17.520> fraternity chapter of Lynx Incorporated fraternity chapter of
• inspire links members and chapters inspire links members and chapters across<00:04:58.160> the
• :01.360> and<00:14:01.680> conversations<00:14:02.480> that<00:14:02.880> begin
• > back<00:14:04.399> in<00:14:04.639> my<00:14:04.880> day<00:14:05.600><
• c> or<00:14:06.399> when<00:14:06.720> we<00:14:06.959> were<00:14:07.199>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:29.160> are<00:14:29.399> or<00:14:29.639> can<00:14:29.880> be
• 00:14:35.639> of<00:14:36.079> our<00:14:36.279> first<00:14:36.519> effort
• is to<00:14:37.079> cover<00:14:37.320> the<00:14:37.440> cost<00:14:37.639>
• <00:14:48.120> and<00:14:48.240> I'll<00:14:48.399> give<00:14:48.519> you
• <00:16:00.360> 41 online 14 3 on the chapter 41 online 14 3 on the chapter 41 spreadsheet<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• but<00:14:02.720> s<00:14:03.000> SP<00:14:03.320> 191<00:14:04.320> was<
• in<00:14:07.600> fact<00:14:07.800> we're<00:14:07.959> not<00:14:08.160>
• <00:14:22.839> oppose<00:14:23.320> and<00:14:23.480> we<00:14:23.560> do
• <00:14:32.360> this<00:14:32.480> so<00:14:32.680> hard<00:14:32.920> is<
• > the<00:14:39.399> uh<00:14:39.600> homeless<00:14:40.040> student<00:14

Keywords: 0:01– Meeting start/roll call 0:34 – Approval of minutes 0:48 – Welcome of new committee members 1:34 – Council on Postsecondary Education 25:17 – Teachers’ Retirement System 27:00 – Kentucky Public Pension Authority 29:04 – Board of Veterinary Examiners 31:40 – Board of Nursing 34:01 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 36:15 – Fish & Wildlife Resources 40:34 – Department of Corrections 56:00 – Department of State Police 58:05 – Department of Criminal Justice Training 59:22 – Transportation Cabinet 1:00:18 – Department of Education 1:01:23 – Department of Employment Services 1:04:17 – Department of Workplace Standards 1:05:25 – Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction 1:06:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Sanitation) 1:13:50 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Trauma System) 1:17:46 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Radon) 1:18:30 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Medicaid Services 1:19:15 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. of Aging Services 1:20:36 – Other Business/Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and welcomed new members before taking up Council on Postsecondary Education regulations 13 KAR 2:120 and 13 KAR 2:130. The regulations, as amended by staff and agency amendments, update public university and KCTCS performance funding models to conform to 2024 Senate Bill 191 and the performance funding work group’s recommendations. Changes discussed included replacing the underrepresented minority metric with an underrepresented students metric defined as first-generation students, adding an adult learner metric, increasing the low-income degree premium, adjusting small-school and nonresident credit-hour weights, revising data aging and progression metrics, and adding STEM+H criteria in 13 KAR 2:120. Travis Pal of the Council on Postsecondary Education explained that the changes reflect the work group’s three-year review process and that the work group ultimately voted to define underrepresented students as first-generation students and to apply half-weighting between research and comprehensive universities for the new metric. Michael Frasier of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition and Eastern Kentucky University student government opposed 13 KAR 2:120, arguing that the regulation improperly applies weights where the statute does not clearly authorize them and that the funding changes disadvantage comprehensive universities and vulnerable students. He asked the committee to find the regulation deficient or, alternatively, recommend legislative clarification and a revised fiscal analysis. Pal responded that weighting has been part of the model since 2017, that CPE was following the statute and work group recommendations, and that the model could be changed by future legislation. Members asked about the timing of the broader performance funding review, and Pal said the full model is reviewed every three years, with the next work group cycle beginning in 2026. No motion to find the regulation deficient was made, and the committee allowed the regulations to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The committee then approved a staff amendment to Teachers’ Retirement System regulations 102 KAR 1:195 and 102 KAR 1:340, which require annual reporting of accumulated sick leave, leave policies, and salary schedules to TRS and make technical changes to the final average salary calculation and related definitions.