Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:08.440><c> herec><00:01:08.680><c> todayc><00:01:09.000><c> inc> Yes.
• c><00:01:13.000><c> Wec><00:01:13.080><c> havec><00:01:13.200><c> ac><00:01:13.280><c> lotc
• c><00:01:14.200><c> Upc><00:01:14.400><c> first,c><00:01:14.720><c> wec><00:01:14.800><c> have
• ><c> typesc><00:47:55.640><c> ofc><00:47:55.720><c> assessments.
• c> using the same types of assessments. using the same types of assessments.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:49.120><c> Wec><00:01:49.200><c> doc><00:01:49.320><c> constitutec><00:01:49.920><c>
• c> differentc><00:04:14.000><c> typesc><00:04:14.400><c> ofc> we have several different types of
• we have several different types of utilities<00:04:15.240><c> inc><00:04:15.400><c> Kentuckyc><00
• > typec><00:25:06.240><c> ofc><00:25:06.360><c> ac><00:25:06.400><c> batteryc><00:25:07.160><
• c> thatc><00:25:07.320><c> ac><00:25:07.360><c> childc><00:25:07.760><c> hadc> Some type of a

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:00 SB 100 Discussion 02:09 SB 100 Roll Call Vote 10:50 SB 8 Discussion 11:46 SB 8 Roll Call Vote 15:44 SB 49 Discussion 16:32 SB 49 Roll Call Vote 25:43 SB 222 Discussion 28:23 SB 222 Roll Call Vote 29:48, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> partc><00:01:39.520><c> ofc><00:01:39.600><c> thec><00:01:40.000><c> partc><00:01:40.159
• ><c> ac><00:01:46.159><c> lotc><00:01:46.240><c> ofc><00:01:46.399><c> questionsc> point out
• :01:47.439><c> soc><00:01:47.680><c> you'vec><00:01:47.920><c> seenc><00:01:48.159><c> ac><00
• 01:52.640><c> andc><00:01:52.880><c> tryc><00:01:53.040><c> toc><00:01:53.200><c> stickc><00:
• /c><00:01:59.280><c> agreedc><00:01:59.520><c> twoc><00:01:59.759><c> hoursc><00:02:00.000><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Energy and Environment, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and approved the February 10 minutes. The committee then heard a presentation from the Cabinet for Economic Development, led by Secretary Jeff Noel, with staff from the cabinet and Kentucky Innovation. The presentation focused on the cabinet’s strategy, including workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, and placemaking, and emphasized a goal of supporting higher-wage jobs while tailoring programs to urban, non-urban, and rural “heritage communities.” The cabinet reviewed several funding tools and programs, including economic development bond funds, EDF funds, KBI, the Kentucky Innovation Pool, KSTC-related startup and commercialization programs, veteran workforce programs, and Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training funds. Officials said many projects take years to close and that funds are often committed before they are actually disbursed because reimbursements occur after project completion. They also said Kentucky is less competitive than before because of changes in tax policy and that EDF funds are increasingly important to remain competitive with other states. Members asked about whether previously allocated money remained available, whether some funds could be clawed back, and the status of the Blue Oval project. The cabinet said it is oversubscribed, with some committed dollars likely to go unused and be reoffered to other projects. On Blue Oval, officials said progress had been made and described negotiations tied to repayment and job creation requirements. They also discussed the Ford/SK loan structure, saying the companies may assume the full $250 million obligation and that repayments would be required if job targets are not met. The presentation closed with discussion of workforce coordination and the need to connect economic development projects with training and support systems, including possible ripple effects for rural suppliers and related businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> pagec><00:03:12.560><c> 11c><00:03:13.040><c> withc><00:03:13.280><c> thec><00:03:13.519
• ><c> butc><00:10:15.680><c> wec><00:10:15.839><c> wec><00:10:16.240><c> hadc><00:10:16.640><c
• buyc><00:11:17.760><c> anotherc><00:11:18.160><c> typec><00:11:18.320><c> ofc><00:11:18.480>
• <c> vehiclec><00:11:19.279><c> toc> uh to buy another type of vehicle to uh to buy another type of
• c> isc><00:16:01.759><c> toc><00:16:02.399><c> youc><00:16:02.560><c> thinkc><00:16:02.800><c

Bills: HB461, HB465, HB469, HB473, SB94, SB303, HB461, HB465, HB469, HB473, SB94, SB303

Keywords: fundraising, Alabama Educational Television, state authority, public broadcasting, legislation influence, emergency management, public funds, educational materials, promotional materials, state agency, ambulance services, balance billing, health insurance, emergency transportation, reimbursement rates, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions

Transcript Highlights:

• c> those type of programs.
• c><00:37:51.280><c> Soc><00:37:51.520><c> thesec><00:37:51.839><c> typec> >> I think it's
• So these type of<00:37:52.160><c> fundsc><00:37:52.640><c> whetherc><00:37:52.960><c> it'sc><00
• ><03:11:45.200><c> typec><03:11:45.359><c> ofc><03:11:45.520><c> ac><03:11:45.840><c> ofc><03
• c><03:15:00.640><c> Thec> Hosipy and that type of thing. The Hosipy and that type of thing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typesc><01:50:42.840><c> ofc> the uh of the different types of the uh of the different types
• sales by customer<03:38:59.680><c> typec><03:38:59.960><c> andc><03:39:00.239><c> categoryc><03
• sales<03:39:43.960><c> byc><03:39:44.279><c> typec><03:39:45.000><c> you'llc><03:39:45.479><c>
• seec><03:39:45.840><c> thatc><03:39:46.399><c> uhc><03:39:46.600><c> thec> sales by type you'll
• 03:48:44.199><c> untilc><03:48:44.479><c> somec><03:48:44.960><c> typec><03:48:45.120><c> ofc

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Safety presented an overview of highway fund and unrestricted revenue collections, focusing on the Division of Administration, the Road Toll Bureau, and the Division of Motor Vehicles. Amy Newbery explained that the main unrestricted funding sources are highway funds and general funds, with highway fund revenue of about $263 million in FY 2024 and a FY 2025 projection of $261.2 million. She said revenue growth has been modest and has not kept pace with costs, creating structural deficits that required general fund transfers of $50 million in FY 2022-23 and another $10 million in FY 2024-25 to balance the fund. Jennifer Hall described Road Toll operations, including motor fuel tax collection at the distributor level, compliance enforcement, and licensing for fuel distributors, transporters, IFTA carriers, and oil discharge/pollution control. Members asked about IFTA, dyed-fuel enforcement, the possibility of using the state forensic lab for dyed-fuel testing, and whether audit positions had been filled; the department said it recently hired a part-time fuel enforcement officer, still uses IRS testing, could explore lab testing, and had no audit vacancies. Hall also discussed factors affecting fuel-tax revenue, including gas prices, crude oil forecasts, weather, tourism, GDP, and inflation, and said FY 2024 road toll revenue was $127.5 million, above plan, with FY 2025 projected at $127.71 million. The committee then turned to DMV-related revenues. Newbery said motor vehicle registration revenue was $93.1 million in FY 2024 and is projected at $90.4 million in FY 2025, with the state share going directly to the highway fund. Members asked about the state/town fee split, the five-year registration cycle dip, the distribution of registration revenue by vehicle weight category, and the impact of electric-vehicle surcharges; the department said the five-year dip is still occurring and will fade over time, and it would follow up on the weight-category breakdown. The presentation also noted that driver-license revenues have stabilized, inspection revenues remain steady, plea-by-mail revenue was added to the highway fund in FY 2024, and general fund revenues tied to the department are relatively small and have declined as some functions moved to OPLC. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:38:06.240><c> thatc><00:38:06.480><c> typec><00:38:06.720><c> itemc><00:38:07.040><c> and
• c><00:38:07.520><c> andc> going to be doing that type item and and going to be doing that type item
• c> type of hat. type of hat.
• ><01:57:38.800><c> it,c><01:57:39.040><c> youc> type situations.
• 54.239><c> behavioralc><01:59:54.719><c> typec> look at psychiatric behavioral type look at psychiatric

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:14 Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:02:02 Response from the Kentucky Fire Commission-00:32:06 Judge Testimony on Child Removal-00:42:47 Update on Child Removal and Reunification-01:11:19 Staffing at Kentucky Veteran Centers-01:40:15 Adjournment-02:05:55, 958, all

Summary: The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated. The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test. Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.

Transcript Highlights:

• oncec><04:49:31.320><c> youc><04:49:31.480><c> knowc><04:49:31.840><c> typec><04:49:32.000><
• :11:01.480><c> fits-allc><05:11:02.480><c> umc><05:11:02.718><c> typec> doing the same one siiz
• :40.280><c> ofc><05:11:40.760><c> umc><05:11:41.240><c> typec><05:11:41.480><c> ofc><05:11:42.080
• ><c> umc><05:11:42.718><c> uhc><05:11:42.840><c> fundingc> type of um type of um uh funding type
• havec><05:16:27.440><c> thec><05:16:27.600><c> samec><05:16:27.920><c> typec><05:16:28.080><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which limits the maximum credits per course eligible for the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program. Representative Ladd said the bill clarifies that eligible courses may not exceed four credits and was requested by the community college system. Representative Earth offered an amendment to make the bill effective on passage, which the committee adopted 18-0. The committee then approved HB 193 as amended by an 18-0 OTPA vote and placed it on the consent calendar. The committee next retained HB 295, concerning School Building Aid program funds, after Representative Spillsbury said the building aid bills were complex and needed more work. The motion to retain passed 18-0, with the chair explaining that retained bills can be revisited later and that related language could be moved among building aid bills. HB 354 was not acted on because the chair said the Department of Education and others had suggested possible changes that should be worked out first. HB 366, another school building aid bill, was also retained 18-0 for the same reasons as HB 295. The committee then considered HB 494, which funds the math learning communities program. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program, reducing the proposed increase by a net $50,000 and keeping funding at current levels for the biennium. After discussion about budget pressures and the program’s role in supporting math instruction and professional development, the amendment passed 18-0, and the bill as amended was approved 18-0 and placed on consent. Finally, the committee took up HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid. Representative Popovici-Muller moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing charter schools should not be treated differently from other public schools, while Representatives Luno and Damon opposed the motion, saying charter schools differ in governance and financial risk and should not receive limited state building aid. The motion failed 10-8, so HB 515 was sent to the regular calendar. The committee assigned Representative Damon to the minority report and Representative Popovici-Muller to the majority report, with a noon deadline the next day. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program. Representative Ladd described the program as a successful affordability measure that saves families money and supports college access. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program at current levels, reducing the proposed increase by $500,000 in each year of the biennium. Shannon Reed of the Community College System said the change could limit enrollment or the number of funded courses, though students could still take additional courses at their own expense. Representative Ladd explained the program’s tuition structure and said the funding would help meet demand; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 716.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's Code C, subject to civil commitment.
• That's Code C, subject to civil commitment.
• The biggest contributor is Code C, civil commitments.
• But 18% had a Code C.
• It could have been Code C by itself, or it could have been Code C with C. 43% of 7,611, as your report

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on January 12 to continue its review of DOC classification practices, with Senator Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After brief discussion of the prior hearing, members said there would likely be another opportunity for additional testimony, including possible video testimony from people inside facilities. The main presentation for the day was DOC’s classification system and a UMass Chan study of whether the system predicts institutional misconduct and whether overrides affect its accuracy or create racial/ethnic bias. DOC officials described the objective point-based classification system, its history, and the role of discretionary and non-discretionary overrides. They said the system is designed to balance public safety and reintegration, with initial classification emphasizing offense history and reclassification emphasizing institutional adjustment. DOC reported that, in the current population, about 16% are classified to maximum security, 74% to medium, and 10% to lower security. They also reviewed the non-discretionary restrictions that keep people out of minimum or medium security, and said discretionary overrides are used less often than the National Institute of Corrections’ suggested ceiling and are reviewed within six months. UMass Chan researchers said their analysis used historical DOC data from 2019 to 2022, focused mainly on about 7,600 male reclassification cases, and found that the scored custody level accurately predicted institutional misconduct. They said the tool performed well on standard statistical measures, but predictive accuracy declined after overrides were applied, with overlap appearing between minimum and medium groups. In a supplementary analysis, they said the loss of accuracy was driven primarily by non-discretionary restrictions rather than discretionary overrides. They also said the study did not find evidence of racial or ethnic bias in the tool itself, and that DOC’s current system is comparatively more lenient than many other states. Members and guests raised concerns about overclassification to medium security, the low share of people in minimum, the role of civil commitment restrictions, and whether the data captured historical bias or individual cases where overrides felt subjective. DOC and UMass Chan responded that the study was group-based, not case-specific, and that minimum-security rates are hard to compare across states because Massachusetts’ prison and county systems differ structurally. The commission did not take a vote or formal action, but asked members to send follow-up data questions by the end of the week for referral to DOC and the researchers.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> equipmentc><02:33:35.280><c> andc><02:33:35.600><c> thisc><02:33:35.920><c> typec><02:33
• :36.080><c> ofc> this type of equipment and this type of this type of equipment and this type of training
• for<02:34:01.359><c> differentc><02:34:01.680><c> typesc><02:34:02.000><c> ofc><02:34:02.240><
• c><02:34:03.439><c> Soc><02:34:03.680><c> forc> for different types of equipment.
• :47.199><c> inc><03:50:47.600><c> somec><03:50:47.840><c> typec><03:50:48.080><c> ofc> to maybe

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thatc><00:48:52.000><c> typec><00:48:52.079><c> ofc><00:48:52.160><c> thingc> first time
• to follow on any<01:05:04.880><c> typec><01:05:05.200><c> ofc><01:05:05.440><c> action,c><01:05
• typec><01:20:12.960><c> ofc><01:20:13.120><c> campaignc> or the like or some type of campaign
• c><02:15:13.840><c> typesc><02:15:14.079><c> ofc><02:15:14.239><c> programs.
• c><02:15:14.639><c> Amc><02:15:14.880><c> Ic> up into these types of programs.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 29, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• service<00:14:20.040><c> youc><00:14:20.160><c> canc><00:14:20.399><c> typec><00:14:20.680><c>
• type in um a particular service you can type in um a particular topic<00:14:22.360><c> andc><00:14
• <01:46:01.119><c> likec><01:46:01.239><c> ac><01:46:01.400><c> WWEc><01:46:02.320><c> typec><
• ><02:37:37.000><c> allc><02:37:37.319><c> typesc><02:37:37.560><c> ofc> leaking we will have all
• types of leaking we will have all types of different<02:37:38.160><c> issuesc><02:37:39.080><c> and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Seec><00:12:38.520><c> ifc><00:12:38.600><c> wec><00:12:38.720><c> canc><00:12:38.800><c
• be appropriate to apply to these would be appropriate to apply to these types<00:58:37.640><c> ofc
• > arec> types of groups because these are types of groups because these are political<00:58:39.520>
• :01:13.480><c> thec> of a different process because of the of a different process because of the type
• c> type of entities these are. type of entities these are.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:12:39.279><c> Umc><00:12:39.680><c> butc><00:12:40.639><c> umc><00:12:40.959><c> ourc
• c><00:13:38.000><c> Wec><00:13:38.160><c> havec><00:13:38.240><c> ac><00:13:39.279><c> uhc>
• There's<00:15:52.399><c> twoc><00:15:52.560><c> differentc><00:15:52.720><c> types.
• types<00:20:37.280><c> ofc><00:20:37.440><c> travelc><00:20:37.760><c> wouldc><00:20:38.000><c
• > bec><00:20:38.159><c> coveredc><00:20:38.559><c> orc> types of travel would be covered or types

Bills: SB2211, SB2025, SB2038, SB2050, SB2051, SB2090

Keywords: emergency funding, food assistance, healthcare, federal shutdown, Hawaii, DHS, jury duty, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, exemption, patient care, financial hardship, medication abortion, anonymous prescription, pregnancy rights, healthcare privacy, pharmacy regulations, chiropractic education, clinical training, student supervision

Summary: The House Committee on Health held its first hearing of the session and opened with housekeeping notes, introductions of members, and an explanation that the agenda would be taken out of order to accommodate a sign language interpreter. The committee first heard HB 469, relating to parking for disabled persons. Testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill, explaining that a travel placard would help people with disabilities who must travel interisland or to the mainland for medical care. Members asked about emergency travel, misuse prevention, and how to distinguish the travel placard from existing disabled parking placards; witnesses said the bill would need to be tied to administrative rules, and agreed the placard should clearly show an expiration date and likely be a different color. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 218, relating to hospital surgical smoke. The Department of Health supported the measure, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii supported it with amendments, saying hospitals already follow existing standards but that any new policy should account for different procedures and provider safety. A committee member questioned the proposed amendment language and whether it was too flexible; the witness explained the intent was to allow case-by-case application because some procedures generate only brief exposure. Members also asked what surgical smoke is, and the witness explained it is produced when electrical or cauterizing tools are used on tissue and creates vapor or fumes. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee next took up HB 814, which would fund a public information campaign and related services on cannabis use among youth. The Department of the Attorney General said the bill should be amended to clarify whether the funding would be used for contracts or grants and to include proper grant standards if grants are intended. The Department of Health supported the bill and said the funds would expand prevention, treatment, recovery, and public education efforts, including social media outreach, PSAs, and school-based youth services. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support, emphasizing the harms of youth cannabis use and the need for prevention and treatment resources. Members asked what the department currently does, whether it is fulfilling existing law on science-based cannabis information, and what kinds of treatment would be provided; the department said services would mainly be intensive outpatient, outpatient, counseling, and related youth-focused supports. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :05:27.800><c> typec><00:05:28.120><c> ofc> and do not have the same type of and do not have the
• same type of supervision<00:05:29.199><c> thatc><00:05:29.319><c> theyc><00:05:29.479><c> havec
• :11:16.320><c> thec><00:11:16.440><c> typec><00:11:16.639><c> ofc><00:11:16.800><c> coveragec
• ><00:11:17.320><c> perc> be dependent on the type of coverage per be dependent on the type of coverage
• injuries and other medical care prevents injuries and other types<00:16:17.040><c> ofc> types of types

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><c> thisc><00:41:10.119><c> isc><00:41:11.119><c> thec><00:41:11.319><c> typec><00:41:11.520
• c><02:54:23.160><c> uhc><02:54:23.359><c> wec><02:54:23.520><c> alsoc> those types of Investments
• as we begin to<03:02:21.279><c> seec><03:02:21.560><c> thosec><03:02:21.720><c> typesc><03:02:
• ><c> ablec><03:08:29.680><c> toc> of some type of child care to be able to of some type of child

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

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• withc><02:13:52.119><c> anyc><02:13:52.320><c> typec><02:13:52.480><c> ofc><02:13:52.599><c>
• increasec><02:13:53.000><c> thatc> achieve with any type of increase that achieve with any type
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• c><04:55:08.760><c> ac> that type of thing um and it's often a that type of thing um and it's often

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><00:08:35.880><c> providerc><00:08:36.760><c> typec><00:08:37.760><c> Ic><00:08:37.839><c>
• > thosec><00:42:19.280><c> uhc><00:42:20.160><c> thec><00:42:20.359><c> typec><00:42:20.520><
• 16.679><c> allowedc><01:18:17.040><c> forc><01:18:17.280><c> thisc><01:18:17.480><c> typec><01
• 14.320><c> allc><01:41:14.960><c> typesc><01:41:15.199><c> ofc><01:41:15.400><c> programsc> system

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><00:21:26.720><c> uhc><00:21:26.880><c> administrativec><00:21:27.440><c> electionc> type of
• > ofc><00:28:03.840><c> thingsc><00:28:04.080><c> thatc><00:28:04.320><c> arec> the types of
• :28:16.960><c> purec><00:28:17.840><c> typesc><00:28:18.080><c> ofc><00:28:18.240><c> votebymail
• c><00:28:19.360><c> umc> other pure types of votebymail um other pure types of votebymail um jurisdictions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance. County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing. Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• onc><00:01:15.360><c> thec><00:01:15.479><c> agendac><00:01:15.960><c> wec><00:01:16.119><c>
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• :41.800><c> unc><00:05:42.000><c> thisc><00:05:42.160><c> I'mc> into those type questions un this
• I'm into those type questions un this I'm going<00:05:42.360><c> toc><00:05:42.680><c> makec><00

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:10 SB 244 Discussion 00:01:16 SB 244 Vote 00:02:00 SB 19 Discussion 00:03:30 SB 19 Vote 00:08:35 SB 63 Discussion 00:10:52 SB 63 Vote 00:14:47 SB 179 Discussion 00:16:28 SB 179 Vote 00:18:38 SB 25 Discussion 00:20:00 SB 25 Vote 00:25:35 SB 6 Discussion 00:27:10 SB 6 Vote 00:30:37, 958, all

Summary: The House Appropriations and Revenue Committee met on March 13, 2025, with a quorum present and took up several Senate bills. Senate Bill 244, relating to Department of Law operations, was presented as a cleanup bill and reported favorably with 18 yes votes and no opposition. Senate Bill 19, concerning moments of silence and reflection, was amended with PHS 1 to add a moral instruction component and related school-district provisions; members raised questions about the research cited, the logistics of student release time, and possible fiscal effects. The bill was reported favorably with 15 yes, 3 no, and 1 pass, and a title amendment was adopted. Senate Bill 63, dealing with street-legal special purpose vehicles, was amended to make local participation optional, clarify motorcycle-style insurance requirements, and address registration and inspection rules; after a committee amendment was rolled into the substitute, it was reported favorably with 18 yes and 1 pass. The committee also considered Senate Bill 179, which establishes a nuclear energy development grant program within the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority. Testimony explained that the bill sets aside $10 million from an existing appropriation, including $2 million for workforce training at the University of Kentucky’s engineering school in Paducah. The bill was reported favorably with 19 yes votes and no opposition. Senate Bill 25, a housing measure allowing industrial revenue bonds for large multifamily housing, was substantially expanded through PHS 2 and a committee amendment to incorporate provisions from House Bill 9, House Bill 643, Senate Bill 85, and budget-related language; the committee reported it favorably with 16 yes votes and 3 passes, and adopted a title amendment. Finally, Senate Bill 6, which revises education reporting and funding provisions, was amended by PHS 1 to require reporting of fringe costs in K-12 spending and to modify SEEK funding for virtual schools and English as a Second Language add-ons. Members asked whether the changes affected other funding streams and how the SEEK formula would be applied, and the sponsor clarified that the virtual-school provision applies only to SEEK. The bill was reported favorably with 16 yes votes and 3 passes.