Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities.
• One is the Campaign Finance Board, which identifies some significant hours of work for the executive
• One is the Campaign Finance Board, which identifies some significant hours of work for the executive
• Elena Bailey, who is the executive director for PELSB, to dig into this a little bit deeper.
• <01:03:33.920> branch two years and the executive branch two years and the executive branch

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• report to the executive branch. report to the executive branch.
• report to the executive branch. report to the executive branch.
• the executive branch. the executive branch.
• our executive branch. Thank you, Mr. our executive branch. Thank you, Mr.
• Again, we see in my governor's executive<01:04:32.440> order executive order executive order that

Bills: HF4110, HF4101, HF4144, HF3546

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• So we also, some of our activities include executive activities.
• <00:03:19.640> um<00:03:19.920> C are considered executive um C are considered executive
• So we also, some of our activities include executive activities.
• I do want to also point out to you that are an executive branch agencies and so are an executive branch
• I'm the executive director for the Minnesota Board of Podiatric Medicine.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on January 28, 2025, to review Governor’s budget proposals for several health-related licensing boards. The chair said no formal action would be taken and noted that final budget language was not yet available. The committee began with an overview from Bridget Anderson of the health-related licensing boards, who explained that the boards are fee-funded, operate as independent executive agencies, and handle licensing, complaints, rulemaking, and disciplinary matters. She also noted that the Board of Dentistry’s budget includes the Administrative Services Unit and criminal background check program, which can make the budget graphs appear larger than the dentistry board’s own operations. The Board of Dentistry requested funding for a new administrative staff position, estimating about $100,000 in salary, insurance, and fringe costs, to replace support lost when an administrative position was reclassified. Anderson said the board handled more than 300 complaints last year, with cases becoming more complex, especially involving surgical and implant procedures and imaging. Members asked about dental Medicaid access, but Anderson said that issue would be better directed to DHS’s Medicaid oral health division. The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy requested a full-time position due to rapid growth in the number of regulated professionals, from about 4,000 in 2014 to nearly 10,000 now, and also sought authority to set a fee for out-of-state applicants under the Counseling Compact, with a cap of up to $100 though the board expects to charge much less. The Board of Podiatric Medicine asked to raise its fee ceiling, saying fees had not been increased since 1999 and that the board now faces a structural deficit of about $40,000 per year and declining reserves. Several senators expressed concern about “not-to-exceed” fee authority, calling it too open-ended and suggesting the legislature should scrutinize specific fee needs rather than approve broad ceilings. Similar concerns were raised during the Board of Chiropractic Examiners presentation, where the board sought $100,000 in additional spending authority and a fee increase after 32 years without an adjustment; members questioned the proposed ceiling approach and asked for more historical information before deciding. The Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice also discussed fee-setting authority, with the executive director explaining that the board had previously lowered fees without clear authority and later faced audit questions; she requested funding for a vacant administrative position, saying applications and revenues have increased sharply and no fee increase would be needed. The final presentation began with the Board of Pharmacy, which said it serves more than 26,000 licensees and oversees the Prescription Monitoring Program and opioid product registration. The board requested an extension of previously appropriated general fund dollars through fiscal year 2027 to continue paying legal costs tied to the insulin safety net lawsuit, emphasizing that this was not a new funding request but an extension of existing authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Executive Committee meeting is called to order.
• As chair of the Senate Executive Committee, and in accordance with Senate rules, this committee is authorized
• And Senator Dave's call myself with sufficient number of members present, the Senate Executive Committee
• The Senate Executive Committee will move to the agenda, and the first item on the posted agenda is approval

Summary: The Senate Executive Committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from its June 11 meeting, and noted that the prior day’s minutes were not yet available. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 21, presented by Senator Townsend on behalf of Senator Hoffner, which directs the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to study issues related to the preservation and long-term storage of biological evidence and return recommendations by November so legislation can be considered in 2027. Sergeant Mike Ripple testified for the department, explaining that the agency had worked through multiple drafts with Senator Hoffner and other stakeholders and concluded that a feasibility study of other jurisdictions would be more useful than providing unreliable cost estimates. He said the department also consulted with the courts, which currently store evidence, and hopes to develop a centralized storage approach aligned with best practices. In response to a question from Senator Pinkney, he said the $15,000 cap on the study and report was believed to be sufficient and absorbable for travel and related costs. No other members of the public testified, and there was no virtual public comment. Senator Hoffner arrived just as the meeting was ending. The committee then adjourned by motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is Senate Bill 4424A by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law and Executive Law in relation
• Senate Bill 4479 by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, Labor Law, and Executive
• Next is, and last, Senate Bill 7776A by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law and the Executive
• Then the Labor Law and the Executive Law in relation to an act for a thinkless servant form act.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Labor met for its second meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Senator Ramos welcoming members and inviting Mario Celento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, to speak. Celento thanked the committee for its past labor-related work and outlined the AFL-CIO’s priorities for the session, including fixing Tier 6 public pensions, responsible regulation of artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, child care, staffing ratios in health care, housing-related labor standards, prevailing wage and project labor agreements, and protecting workers from federal actions affecting unions, organizing, OSHA, and collective bargaining. The committee then took up six bills. It reported Senate Bill 372A, relating to labor law and establishing certain notices, by a vote with one nay and an abstention. Senate Bill 681, concerning fingerprinting or mandatory iris and retina scanning of applicants, was reported with one nay. Senate Bill 1514, relating to support orders for a police classification, was reported unanimously. Senate Bill 4424A, the anti-labor of women rights bill, was reported with abstentions. Senate Bill 4479, requiring the Workers’ Compensation Board and Department of Labor to publish a list of DRMDs as open data, was reported unanimously. Senate Bill 7776A, relating to an act for a thinkless servant form act, was also reported with abstentions. All six bills were moved to the calendar, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with me here to testify is Robert Harrell, the executive director. ...with me here to testify is
• Robert Horell, the executive director of the Consumer Federation of California.
• Robert Horell, I'm the executive director of the Consumer Federation of California.
• Robert Horell, I'm the executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, pleased to support

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear its only agenda item, AB 493 by Assemblymember Harabedian, which would require lenders to pay interest to homeowners on post-loss insurance payouts held in escrow. The author said current law already pays interest on some escrowed funds, but excludes insurance proceeds after a loss; he argued the bill would help wildfire survivors and other homeowners rebuilding after major property damage. He noted amendments clarifying that the bill applies only to loans and only to insurance payouts still held in escrow on or after the bill’s effective date. Support came from the Consumer Federation of California, whose representative said the measure closes a loophole and would provide modest but meaningful help to homeowners facing long rebuild timelines. The California Bankers Association did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about aligning it with existing mortgage servicing law and the treatment of hazard insurance proceeds, saying it wanted to work with the author on technical issues. Committee members expressed support, emphasizing the need to help displaced homeowners access funds more quickly. The committee voted unanimously to pass AB 493 and refer it to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The roll call showed the bill receiving eight votes, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the executive director, I am always available by phone or email to take questions from the public,
• All right, I think we should go into executive session since we've got a few minutes.
• cost in response to that the executive cost in response to that the executive director director
• It’s an honor to be here today. house educ uh executive department house educ uh executive department
• specific about our wanting the executive specific about our wanting the executive director<04:06

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 233, which would impose transparency and reporting requirements on the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. The prime sponsor, Representative Comto, said the bill and a proposed amendment were intended to increase public access by requiring a physical meeting location, making meetings available online, and publishing a complete list of vaccines and pharmaceutical products purchased. She argued the association should be more transparent because it is involved in vaccine purchasing and public trust is important, especially given controversy around vaccines. Committee members questioned the sponsor about the association’s legal status, who sets vaccine requirements, whether other private entities would be covered, and whether the proposal should instead apply more broadly to all meetings or include recordings. The sponsor said the association was created by the legislature, that childhood vaccine requirements come from DHHS and CDC-related processes, and that she would be open to broader recording requirements. Some members raised concerns about misinformation and whether requiring answers to public questions could be problematic in a contentious policy area. Patrick Miller, executive director of the Vaccine Association, and attorney Mark McHugh testified in opposition. They described the association as a not-for-profit voluntary corporation created by statute in 2002 to serve as a funding mechanism for the state’s universal childhood vaccine purchase program, with no policymaking role and no public funding. They said the association already posts notices, agendas, minutes, and allows public webinar access and comments, while also providing annual audits and reports and other statutory reporting. They argued HB 233 would impose unnecessary administrative costs on a private entity, interfere with its limited charitable purpose, and ultimately increase costs borne by insurers, employers, and consumers. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives to wait upon her honor, the lieutenant governor, the constitutional officers, members of the Executive
• The committee to notify the Lieutenant Governor, the constitutional officers, and members of the Executive
• Admit the lieutenant governor, the constitutional officers, the Executive Council, and our distinguished
• Executive Council and our distinguished guests. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• sergeant at arms escorts the governor, the lieutenant governor, the constitutional officers, the executive

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint convention of the Massachusetts Legislature convened to receive the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address. The session began with procedural motions to appoint committees to notify the lieutenant governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Richard G. Henning, the posting and retiring of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Governor was then formally admitted to the chamber and delivered the address, with a benediction afterward by Rabbi Elaine Zacker. Governor Maura Healey’s address focused on affordability and public services. She highlighted actions and proposals on housing, including faster permitting, use of state land for housing, accessory dwelling units, down payment assistance, and expanded programs to help first-time buyers. She also discussed energy affordability, saying she would oppose utility rate hikes, pursue an energy affordability bill, and temporarily reduce electric and gas bills. On health care, she described efforts to cap costs, prevent prior authorization for insulin, ban medical debt reporting to credit agencies, and form a health care affordability working group. She also proposed making subscription cancellations easier, improving transportation through bridge repairs and transit investments, and strengthening protections for children on social media. The Governor also emphasized education, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, citing the state’s top national education ranking, expanded pre-K and child care, literacy and tutoring investments, early college opportunities, and a goal of 100,000 apprentices over 10 years. She praised Massachusetts’ response to federal actions, including support for vaccines, food assistance, abortion access, and research funding, and she criticized the Trump administration on tariffs, health care cuts, and immigration enforcement. She also noted public safety and veterans’ issues, including new assisted-living protections after the Gabriel House fire and the rebuilding of veterans’ homes. No substantive votes on legislation were taken beyond adoption of the ceremonial orders and the final adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need this collaboration with the legislature because regardless of what happens to the executive branch
• Second, I think quality of life is important when we talk to executives about coming to Oklahoma or when
• We need to follow through on coordinated execution with a one plan, one message, clear roles, and I think
• OK, I want to thank you for asking those questions because it's part of our coordinated execution.
• We're part of the executive office. So we do at your will, which is the best for Oklahoma.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, where is the executive branch on this? Are we talking about an additional secretary?
• But I think that the executive branch and the legislative branch will be working together on all of this
• Okay, so has the members of the executive branch been following us and working along with this?
• this subcommittee decides today to move forward with this contract, it will then go through the Executive
• will of the subcommittee, we'll get it added to the statement of work for what's presented to the Executive

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE CAN EXECUTE THIS APPROPRIATELY AND HAVE THE MANPOWER TO DO THAT.
• OUR ROLE IS TO CREATE LAWS, EXECUTIVE BRANCH IS TO ENFORCE THOSE LAWS AND WE ARE HERE TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE
• YOU SAID WE SHOULD PASS LAWS AND BE BOLD AND WE SHOULDN'T FEAR EXECUTION AND I THINK THAT'S TRUE BUT
• MY EXPERIENCE IN THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE IS EXECUTION HAS BEEN FUMBLED NUMEROUS TIMES.
• BARTLEMAN MENTIONED IS DEFINITELY EXECUTION. I DON'T WANT US TO FOLLOW THIS.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next thing we have to question is whether the amendment is self-executing or not.
• The next thing we have to question is whether the amendment is self-executing or not.
• Self-executing means that the language that's in the Constitution is clear and it would be, if it passes
• So for everything that's self-executing, this is typically the first part of the impact that we would
• So if it's not self-executing, what does that mean?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a presentation from Amy Baker on the state’s ad valorem property tax forecast and how the revenue estimating conference handles property-tax-related impact analyses. Baker explained that the conference process requires unanimous consensus, that the revenue estimating conference produces the state’s official forecast, and that her office recently overhauled the ad valorem model to use a bottom-up, county-by-county approach with separate modeling for county and school rolls, confidential parcels, and detailed categories such as homestead, non-homestead, residential, non-residential, and agricultural property. Baker walked through the current baseline numbers and the main components of taxable value, emphasizing the role of homestead differentials, especially Save Our Homes and portability, and homestead exemptions. She noted that differentials remove a large share of homestead value statewide, with especially large effects in South Florida and along the east coast, while exemptions are concentrated more heavily in northern and fiscally constrained counties. She also explained that many parcels have little or no remaining taxable value, while a smaller number of parcels hold a large share of taxable value, which makes exemption proposals highly uneven in their effects. The committee discussed how impact conferences evaluate proposed constitutional amendments or bills by measuring the change from the baseline forecast, converting taxable-value changes into tax-dollar losses using county millage rates, and then expressing results in cash and recurring terms. Baker stressed that impact analyses do not address broader budgetary effects or local government replacement decisions, and that each proposal is analyzed as a standalone measure rather than in combination with others. Senators asked about seven House property-tax proposals already analyzed, the availability of those reports online, possible interactions if multiple proposals passed, and whether property-tax relief could stimulate the economy enough to offset revenue losses. Baker said the economic effects would be highly proposal- and county-specific and that any budgetary analysis would require separate work beyond the conference process. The committee took no substantive action beyond receiving the presentation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He worked with all the various stakeholders and used his experience as an insurance executive.
• Ivey last year established, through executive order, the Alabama Resilience Council, which I co-chair
• And so with that, we're presenting AB 290, and with me to testify is Robert Horrell, Executive Director
• I'm Robert Horrell, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California, in support of the bill
• I remember talking with you about this and really happy to see that you executed on it.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met to consider several bills focused on California’s insurance market, wildfire resilience, and consumer protections. AB 888, the California Safe Homes Act, was heard first. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Alabama Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler testified in support, describing state grant programs that help homeowners harden roofs and create defensible space, with the goal of reducing losses and improving insurance affordability and availability. Supporters from the insurance industry, local government, and the Rebuild Paradise Foundation also backed the bill, and committee members emphasized the need for more incentives for mitigation. The bill passed the committee on a do pass motion and was sent to Appropriations. AB 290, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require the FAIR Plan to offer automatic payments and address non-renewal grace-period issues. The author described her own experience being forced onto the FAIR Plan and facing a large premium increase, while Consumer Federation of California called the bill common-sense consumer protection. The FAIR Plan opposed unless amended, saying it was already handling major wildfire claims and other operational demands and requested more time and changes to the non-renewal grace-period language. Members across the committee supported the bill as a needed modernization measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 1339, by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would direct the Department of Insurance to study insurance availability and pricing for affordable housing providers and report policy recommendations. Supporters from affordable housing organizations said rising premiums were forcing providers to cut services, defer maintenance, and use reserves, threatening housing stability for low-income residents. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 646, by Assemblymember Wallace, also passed to Appropriations; it concerns disclosure related to motor vehicle protection products and catalytic converter theft deterrence, with support from auto dealers and industry groups. The committee also approved AB 1531 on consent. Members later added on to the record in support of the bills, and the hearing concluded without recorded opposition votes on the measures that advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• And under Article II, it's the executive branch's responsibility to write the laws.
• It's the executive branch's responsibility to take care of the laws, be faithfully executed.
• No one can seriously claim that President Trump is taking care to faithfully execute the law.
• We will all fully appreciate the importance of a legislature and a judiciary independent of the executive
• I'd like to offer a executive committee on the managers ammendment. 25.60, Lösung. 25.160this managers

Bills: SB331

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, S-331, Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, fentanyl crisis, public testimony, drug legislation, bipartisan support

Summary: In this committee meeting, the focus was primarily on S-331, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. The bill's key components include making permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, confirming existing sentencing penalties, and easing registration requirements for scientific research on Schedule I substances. Numerous parents shared heartbreaking testimonies about their losses due to fentanyl, which fueled an urgent call to pass the legislation without alterations. The committee members engaged in passionate discussions highlighting the urgency of the situation as overdoses continue to claim American lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Kirk Williamson, and I am the executive director of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. presentation
• and<00:02:26.200> I<00:02:26.280> am<00:02:26.440> the<00:02:26.640> executive
• Kirk Williamson and I am the executive Kirk Williamson and I am the executive director<00:02:27.400
• <00:27:46.279> director would uh continue the executive director would uh continue the executive
• stable leadership and staff to execute stable leadership and staff to execute on<00:27:51.320>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The working session focused on the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s budget request and its recent work. Early discussion centered on a technical question about a statutory dedicated fund for donations: members asked why the budget did not show a line item for accepting donations, and DHHS CFO Nathan White explained that the statute already authorizes the fund, but because no revenue has been received yet, it does not appear in the budget. He said any future donations would go through the normal process under RSA 14:30-a, with fiscal committee and Governor and Council approval and a memo to the Department of Revenue Administration. The chair clarified that the account was not a prerequisite to soliciting donations, and White said the fund would supplement, not replace, General Fund support. Kirk Williamson, the board’s executive director, then presented the board’s mission and budget. He said the governor’s budget provides about $256,500 in the first year and slightly more in the second, all General Funds, and that the board had distributed a technical amendment to continue the executive director position. He described the board’s role as analyzing prescription drug costs, identifying savings opportunities, monitoring market trends, promoting transparency, and making recommendations to the legislature and public payers. He also emphasized that the board operates publicly, with live-streamed meetings and a stakeholder advisory council that includes unions, state agencies, Medicaid, corrections, higher education, and other stakeholders. A major topic was the board’s estimate of $6 million in potential savings, based on Medicare’s newly negotiated prices for 10 drugs. Williamson explained that the board used those federal negotiated prices as a benchmark to estimate what New Hampshire public payers might be missing by not having similar leverage, and said the board is trying to build evidence for future recommendations rather than directly setting prices. Members asked how those potential savings could become actual savings, and Williamson said the board is sharing findings through its advisory council and feedback loops, though it has not yet sent a formal recommendation letter to specific purchasers. He also discussed the difference between pharmacy-benefit spending, which relies heavily on PBM-negotiated rebates, and medical-benefit spending, which is administered differently and is being added to the board’s next report. Williamson highlighted other work, including a model on Humira and a pending legislative effort to improve biosimilar competition, plus a proposed state-backed pharmacy savings card that would be no cost to the state and could save users about $240 per prescription based on Connecticut’s experience. No votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Deputy Executive Commissioner for this division is Molly Regan.
• The Deputy Executive Commissioner for this division is Scott Shacklin.
• Executive Commissioner for Behavioral Health Services for HHSC.
• Executive Commissioner Trina Ito, for the record.
• Deputy Executive Commissioner Ita to come back up.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So first up, we have Robert Harris, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission.
• <00:29:26.679> director um Robert Harris executive director um Robert Harris executive director
• Again, we've gone after high-level executive branch members.
• <00:31:15.559> branch be including more executive branch be including more executive branch
• Harris, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission. Aloha once again, Chair.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held its first hearing of the 33rd Legislature and heard several measures, beginning with HB 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain purposes and direct the Office of Information Practices to adopt uniform rules. OIP supported the bill, saying it would help researchers access government records, while DLNR questioned whether the bill was necessary, raised concerns about costs and exemptions, and suggested a definition change regarding media. The Public First Law Center and other supporters said the bill would not remove existing exemptions or create new disclosure requirements, but would simply authorize rulemaking to create a clearer process for research access. Common Cause Hawaiʻi raised concern about including news media in the measure. The chair emphasized that the rulemaking process would allow agencies and the public to work through details, and the committee moved on without a recorded vote in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 411, which would create uniform administrative penalty procedures under the state ethics code and lobbyist law, and HB 412, which would expand lobbying definitions to cover certain communications with high-level executive officials about procurement and make some contracts voidable if awarded through unethical lobbying. The Ethics Commission supported HB 411 as an efficiency measure that would streamline the charge process without changing substantive rights, while HB 412 was described as a narrow transparency measure modeled on other states. The State Procurement Office warned that voiding contracts could cause delays, warranty issues, third-party complications, and higher reprocurement costs. The Ethics Commission responded that any contract revocation would be at the Attorney General’s discretion and likely reserved for egregious cases, and that the threat of voiding a contract would help deter noncompliance. The committee also heard HB 413, which clarifies that lobbyist campaign contribution prohibitions apply during periods when both houses of the Legislature are in session; the Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission both supported the bill and the Ethics Commission requested amendments to clarify jurisdiction between state and county lobbyist enforcement. Finally, the committee took up HB 149, which would require domestic and foreign corporations to report independent expenditures and political contributions to shareholders. The only testimony noted in the transcript was written comments from Matson, which said the requirement would be expensive and cumbersome and that the information is already publicly available through existing campaign finance reporting websites. No votes or final committee actions on the bills were recorded in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:36.520> director culture and the Arts executive director culture and the Arts executive
• celebration Commission Executive celebration Commission Executive Director<00:04:42.360> Amy<
• The state currently executed a one-year Microsoft G5 licensing agreement.
• The state currently executed a one-year Microsoft G5 licensing agreement.
• Um, Kristen, he's the executive director.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I'm Michelle Shane, executive director for the board. Chairman Dr.
• >> Steve Humphrey's executive director. Thank you for coming. There are staff amendments.
• :46.160> Office<00:07:46.480> of executive director of the Office of executive director
• . >> Anna Hayden, executive director, Statewide Accounting Services.
• >> Stephen Curley, Executive Director for the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy. Thank you.

Keywords: • 0:00 - Roll Call • 0:19 - Approval of June 2026 meeting minutes • 0:36 - Fish & Wildlife (301 KAR 1:201 and 301 KAR 2:178) • 1:35 - Board of Veterinary Examiners (201 KAR 16:767) • 4:10 - State Board of Elections (31 KAR 4:240 Emergency) • 4:50 - Office of the Attorney General, Regulatory Relief (40 KAR 12:300, 12:610, 12:400, 12:420 and 12:600) • 7:03 - Department of Revenue (103 KAR 43:341 Emergency) • 8:05 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (105 KAR 1:001 and 1:440) • 9:19 - Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of the Controller (200 KAR 38:080) • 10:10 - Board of Physical Therapy (201 KAR 22:010 and 22:070) • 11:06 - Kentucky Department of Education (702 KAR 3:220 and 6:110) • 12:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Public Health (902 KAR 1:400) • 13:47 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services (907 KAR 2:720 and 2:725) • 28:11 - Next meeting and adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present, approved the minutes without objection, and then reviewed a series of administrative regulations from multiple agencies. Most of the regulations received staff-suggested amendments and were approved without objection, including fish and wildlife rules on fishing limits and deer hunting on local government property, veterinary board changes to responsible party and veterinary manager requirements, election procedures for safe-at-home voters, attorney general regulatory relief rules, emergency gasoline tax pricing, public pensions updates, controller fraud-prevention policies, physical therapy licensure and English proficiency standards, school nutrition and fee-waiver rules, public health conference procedures, and Medicaid waiver regulations. Several agencies briefly identified themselves and answered procedural questions, but most items drew no substantive opposition. The Board of Veterinary Examiners regulation included an agency amendment that removed a proposed limit on the number of facilities a veterinary manager could oversee. The Department of Education regulations updated fee waiver and meal program procedures, while the Department of Public Health regulation clarified notification and conference-request procedures. The Department of Revenue and Kentucky Public Pensions Authority items were largely technical or conforming changes, including a special-needs trust definition added for consistency with Senate Bill 85. The most extensive discussion involved the Department for Medicaid Services’ 1915C child waiver regulations. Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified in opposition to the waiver’s lack of participant-directed services, arguing that consumer-driven services such as respite and community living support are required and especially important in rural areas and for higher-acuity children. Cabinet representatives responded that the waiver is intended to provide wraparound services to keep children in homes and communities, that it has CMS approval, and that the program is limited to 100 slots with about 21 participants already enrolled. Members did not move a deficiency motion, and the chair indicated the regulations would continue through the process. The meeting adjourned after setting the next meeting for Tuesday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other part of our job is to coordinate with all the executive offices here in the state.
• Right now we don't have a good system to connect with all of the executive offices and what their potential
• The proposal of legislation would establish a state-vile program under the Executive Office of Veterans
• I'm a current executive board member of the American Legion Post 9 in Melrose.
• Though essential services were protected, discretionary research and data operations in the Executive

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its second public hearing of the 2025–26 session, with opening remarks from Chairs John Velis and Joe McGonagle outlining testimony on 20 House bills and 18 Senate bills. The hearing covered a wide range of veterans issues, including municipal veterans assistance funds, pension equity, expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate, veterans service officer staffing, disability benefits eligibility, service dogs, POW tax relief, courtesy parking spaces, women veterans and motherhood, and workforce-related licensing and employment measures. Chairs emphasized the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, and written testimony process. Several bills drew support focused on expanding services and access. Representative Arena-DeRosa spoke for bills to broaden municipal veterans assistance funds to cover housing and legal expenses and to study enhanced pension equity for veterans, citing burn pit exposure and shorter life expectancy among veterans. Senator Fattman, Representative Peas, and Veterans Advocate Bob Notch supported bills expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate to include active-duty service members and their families, arguing it would improve transition support, coordination with state agencies, and retention of military talent in Massachusetts. Representative Arriaga backed a bill to incentivize municipalities to provide full-time or regional veterans service officers and another to study the impact of combat on women veterans and motherhood. Representative Moulton/another sponsor also sought to exempt veterans’ disability payments from income calculations for other state benefits, and Representative Hong and Senator Scanlan supported a state service dog program, POW income tax relief, and courtesy retail parking spaces for veterans. Testimony also focused on workforce and claims-assistance issues. The Military Officers Association of America and James Keene urged passage of bills waiving duplicative education requirements so qualified veterans and military medics can become licensed practical nurses, arguing it would help address health care shortages and recognize military training. Brave Veterans Inc. called for a Veterans Research Trust Fund to protect data and program evaluation work during budget cuts. On claims assistance, one witness supported criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans for VA claims help, while a private consulting firm opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict lawful speech and veterans’ choice and that existing federal and HERO Act safeguards already address abuses. The VFW strongly opposed paid claims consulting, said its accredited service officers provide free help statewide, and urged more public awareness of existing free services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.