Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:49:14.399><c> And</c><02:49:14.560><c> with</c><02:49:14.640><c> that,</c><02:49:14.960><c> we
• And with that, we yield<02:49:15.439><c> two</c><02:49:15.600><c> and</c><02:49:15.680><c> a</c><02:49
• a</c><02:49:42.080><c> bill</c><02:49:42.240><c> that</c><02:49:42.479><c> funded</c><02:49:42.960><
• :49:54.720><c> assistance</c><02:49:55.279><c> as</c><02:49:55.520><c> we</c><02:49:55.680><c> get</c
• ><02:49:56.479><c> hurricane</c><02:49:57.200><c> and</c><02:49:57.520><c> wildfire</c><02:49:58.160>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 12</c><00:49:04.400><c> to</c><00:49:04.640><c> nine</c><00:49:04.800><c> months</c><00:49:05.040><c>
• :49:22.400><c> for</c><00:49:22.960><c> and</c><00:49:23.280><c> added</c><00:49:23.599><c> to</c> um
• </c><00:49:24.160><c> be</c><00:49:24.240><c> any</c><00:49:24.480><c> of</c><00:49:24.640><c> the</c
• :49:28.160><c> reimbursed</c><00:49:28.720><c> by</c><00:49:29.359><c> uh</c><00:49:29.520><c> by</c>
• </c><00:49:35.680><c> Chair</c><00:49:35.839><c> and</c><00:49:36.079><c> thank</c><00:49:36.160><c>

Bills: HF3492 , HF3493 , HF3494 , HF3495 , HF3602

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> an</c><00:49:03.200><c> an</c><00:49:03.520><c> option</c><00:49:04.079><c> currently</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:08.000><c> Um</c><00:49:08.559><c> I</c><00:49:08.880><c> could</c><00:49:09.040><c> see</
• <00:49:13.200><c> week</c><00:49:13.760><c> or</c><00:49:14.160><c> as</c><00:49:14.400><c> much</c><
• 49:17.920><c> know</c><00:49:18.079><c> they</c><00:49:18.640><c> depending</c><00:49:19.040><c> on</
• </c><00:49:30.079><c> um</c><00:49:30.800><c> your</c><00:49:31.119><c> 15</c><00:49:31.520><c> to</c

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:27 Legislative Research Commission 00:01:15 KentuckyWired Operations Company 00:17:30 Wireless Internet Service Providers Association 00:40:15 Administrative Office of the Courts 01:08:55 Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts 01:33:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the July 9 minutes without objection and heard from Jay Hartz and Jonathan Harris of the Legislative Research Commission. Members asked about Capitol and legislator security in light of recent targeted shootings in other states. Hartz said LRC had removed members’ home addresses from its website, was reviewing other state-government records for similar information, and was working with the Speaker, Senate President, Kentucky State Police, and outside security experts on broader safety measures. He also said LRC is exploring commercial products to help block personal contact information from public view, but declined to name vendors publicly. Harris added that driver’s license scans at the Capitol are handled by Kentucky State Police, while LRC has a process for flagging high-volume or concerning contacts for police review. The LRC also reported that redistricting work has already begun, with census coordination underway, evaluation of redistricting software including Mapitude and open-source tools, and plans to make the same tools available to the public in the LRC library. The committee then heard from Kentucky Wired Operations Company CEO Robert Morphonius, COO Tom Snyder, and counsel Patrick Hughes about the Kentucky Wired network. They explained the corporate structure: Kentucky Wired Operations Company is a private for-profit special purpose entity that designs, builds, operates, and maintains the network; Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Company is a nonprofit instrumentality used for financing; and Open Fiber Kentucky handles commercialization of excess capacity under a wholesale agreement. They said Kentucky Wired Operations is in the operations and maintenance phase, with those obligations continuing until 2045, and that technical changes to the network generally require KCNA approval through formal change-order processes. They also said the company conducted a market test in June 2023 under Schedule 19 of its contract, considered proposals including Open Fiber and the incumbent service provider, and retained the existing provider. Members asked about KCNA’s role, procurement, network customers, and revenue. The witnesses said Quac operates outside normal state procurement because its process is governed by contract, while KCNA acts as the Commonwealth’s oversight authority and filter for changes. They identified current network users as including AOC, KCTCS, postsecondary education, and other Commonwealth agencies, with all requests routed through KCNA; they also said a separate change process for Exceliccom is in litigation. On funding, they said the operation is paid through monthly appropriations, with roughly a million dollars a month for the service provider and a couple hundred thousand for Quac’s oversight, not including debt service, which is bundled into the availability payment. The discussion ended as members began asking about responsibility for damage-related costs such as squirrel-related outages.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:05.440><c> an</c><00:49:05.680><c> archaeologist</c><00:49:06.480><c> or</c><00:49:06.800><c>
• consultant to either<00:49:08.720><c> one</c><00:49:09.040><c> do</c><00:49:09.200><c> an</c><00:49:
• two to<00:49:13.280><c> hire</c><00:49:13.599><c> someone</c><00:49:13.920><c> to</c><00:49:14.160><
• So,<00:49:45.200><c> it's</c><00:49:45.760><c> building</c><00:49:46.079><c> out</c><00:49:46.240><c>
• <00:49:55.040><c> property</c><00:49:55.359><c> owners</c><00:49:56.079><c> aren't</c><00:49:57.440><

Bills: HB2611 , HB2102 , HB1710 , HB1868 , HB1920 , HB1812 , HB1733 , HB1715 , HB1723 , HB1724 , HB1727 , HB1711

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: HB2611, Hawaii antitrust, rental housing, rent price-fixing, algorithmic pricing, algorithmic rent-setting, property management software, pricing algorithms, rent coordination, price-fixing, collusion, cartel, multifamily housing, landlord software, occupancy levels, lease terms, Attorney General, public education program, consumer protection, housing affordability

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent. The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:02.560><c> When</c><00:49:02.800><c> when</c><00:49:03.000><c> we</c><00:49:03.160><c> do<
• </c> I<01:49:18.560><c> hope</c><01:49:18.800><c> that</c><01:49:19.040><c> makes</c><01:49:19.360><c
• ><c> or</c><01:49:21.240><c> was</c><01:49:21.400><c> you</c><01:49:21.520><c> just</c><01:49:21.760>
• :22.200><c> be</c><01:49:22.320><c> a</c><01:49:22.400><c> few</c><01:49:22.680><c> crumbs</c><01:49:
• ><01:49:24.800><c> able</c><01:49:25.120><c> to</c><01:49:25.640><c> to</c><01:49:25.800><c> use?

Committee: Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:49:04.480><c> So</c><01:49:05.199><c> I</c><01:49:05.760><c> I</c><01:49:06.080><c> would</c>
• So I I would like to<01:49:06.400><c> note</c><01:49:06.560><c> in</c><01:49:06.719><c> the</c><01:49
• could consider<01:49:10.480><c> how</c><01:49:10.800><c> the</c><01:49:10.960><c> further</c><01:49:
• </c><01:49:19.760><c> But</c><01:49:20.000><c> I</c><01:49:20.159><c> I</c><01:49:20.480><c> hear</c>
• ,<01:49:29.600><c> we'll</c><01:49:29.760><c> just</c><01:49:29.920><c> do</c><01:49:30.080><c> DOT.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:02.000><c> And</c><00:49:02.800><c> so</c><00:49:03.760><c> it</c><00:49:04.079><c> was</c
• /c><00:49:06.079><c> that</c><00:49:06.319><c> we</c><00:49:07.040><c> included</c><00:49:08.079><c>
• ><c> bill</c><00:49:08.800><c> to</c><00:49:09.280><c> put</c><00:49:09.599><c> them</c><00:49:10.319
• </c><00:49:11.920><c> commission</c><00:49:12.640><c> to</c><00:49:12.960><c> make</c><00:49:13.119><
• 49:34.960><c> be</c><00:49:35.200><c> a</c><00:49:35.359><c> a</c><00:49:35.599><c> bingo</c><00:49:36.079

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:13.240><c> the</c><00:49:13.400><c> dates</c><00:49:13.880><c> can</c><00:49:14.040><c> we</
• ><c> I</c><00:49:22.880><c> really</c><00:49:23.200><c> appreciate</c><00:49:23.760><c> the</c><00:49
• :25.480><c> that</c><00:49:25.640><c> you</c><00:49:26.160><c> are</c><00:49:26.359><c> are</c><00:49
• <00:49:29.920><c> getting</c><00:49:30.160><c> at</c><00:49:30.480><c> the</c><00:49:30.880><c> uh</c
• the uh<00:49:33.880><c> coming</c><00:49:34.119><c> up</c><00:49:34.319><c> with</c><00:49:34.720><c>

Bills: HF1082 , HF1042 , HF1295 , HF1686 , HF1998 , HF1775 , HF1163

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry,<01:49:02.719><c> like</c><01:49:02.960><c> my</c><01:49:03.280><c> public</c><01:49:03.600><c>
• I'm voting no.<01:49:16.239><c> I</c><01:49:16.560><c> wish</c><01:49:16.719><c> I</c><01:49:16.960>
• <c> could</c><01:49:17.119><c> be</c><01:49:17.199><c> a</c><01:49:17.440><c> yes,</c><01:49:17.840><
• And so I'd<01:49:24.400><c> like</c><01:49:24.480><c> to</c><01:49:24.639><c> defend</c><01:49:25.040
• </c><01:49:44.159><c> Yeah,</c><01:49:44.960><c> it's</c><01:49:45.360><c> better</c><01:49:45.600><c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications. The Senate reported passage of Senate Bills 52 and 124, and several House committees reported favorable action on bills including HB 1, HB 2, HB 94, HB 246, HB 282, HB 299, HB 307, HB 519, HB 613, and HB 648. Most of those measures were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar; HB 1 and HB 307 were sent to the Rules Committee after having had two previous readings. The House then recessed briefly before returning to the orders of the day. The chamber took up HB 568, relating to public adjusters. The sponsor explained that the bill would prohibit new public adjuster licenses, allow current licensees to renew, impose conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, set a 5% fee cap, and bar public adjusters from negotiating claims, citing consumer protection concerns and legal opinions about the practice of law. After debate and a brief explanation of vote from a member citing local storm-related abuses, the House voted on roll call and passed HB 568 with one nay vote. The House then considered HB 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program. Supporters said it would allow private donations to scholarship-granting organizations to benefit Kentucky students without using state general funds, and argued it could help public, private, and homeschool families with education-related expenses. Opponents criticized the speed of the process, warned it could open the door to vouchers and charters, and argued it would mainly benefit wealthier donors while public schools remain underfunded. Members also questioned the bill’s waiver of 11th Amendment immunity and received explanations that the waiver was limited to federal-court jurisdiction over the federal program and would not create individual liability for state actors. A motion to table the bill failed with 19 votes in favor, and debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:04.800><c> Let's</c><00:49:05.280><c> get</c><00:49:05.440><c> these</c><00:49:05.680><c>
• Uh,<00:49:13.440><c> next</c><00:49:13.680><c> up</c><00:49:13.920><c> is</c><00:49:14.720><c> Sanene
• </c><00:49:37.040><c> I</c><00:49:37.280><c> came</c><00:49:37.440><c> to</c><00:49:37.839><c> to</c>
• /c><00:49:39.839><c> but</c><00:49:40.079><c> I</c><00:49:40.240><c> heard</c><00:49:40.480><c> what<
• </c><00:49:41.760><c> just</c><00:49:42.000><c> shocked</c><00:49:42.640><c> and</c><00:49:42.880><c>

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:05.599><c> and</c><00:49:05.920><c> fill</c><00:49:06.079><c> in</c><00:49:06.319><c> gaps
• c><00:49:15.200><c> bringing</c><00:49:15.520><c> people</c><00:49:15.839><c> to</c><00:49:16.000><c>
• to the table and<00:49:17.200><c> um</c><00:49:17.359><c> and</c><00:49:17.599><c> building</c><00:49
• conversations<00:49:19.119><c> that</c><00:49:19.440><c> are</c><00:49:19.599><c> already</c><00:49:
• 49:27.760><c> we</c><00:49:27.920><c> need</c><00:49:28.000><c> to</c><00:49:28.079><c> do</c><00:49:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:02.079><c> out</c><00:49:02.319><c> several</c><00:49:02.720><c> times</c><00:49:04.079><c> um
• </c><00:49:06.400><c> Uh</c><00:49:06.800><c> so</c><00:49:07.040><c> we</c><00:49:07.200><c> will</c
• However,<00:49:10.559><c> you</c><00:49:10.800><c> will</c><00:49:10.960><c> have</c><00:49:11.119><c
• <c> is</c><00:49:15.200><c> from</c><00:49:15.440><c> last</c><00:49:15.680><c> year</c><00:49:16.960
• 49:04.560><c> the</c><02:49:04.800><c> users</c><02:49:05.200><c> of</c><02:49:06.240><c> um</c><02:49

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm<02:49:03.120><c> proud</c><02:49:03.279><c> to</c><02:49:03.439><c> be</c><02:49:03.600><c> an</c
• ><c> and</c><02:49:05.920><c> gas</c><02:49:06.240><c> jobs,</c><02:49:06.800><c> but</c><02:49:07.040
• </c><02:49:10.399><c> and</c><02:49:10.560><c> we</c><02:49:10.800><c> will</c><02:49:10.960><c> lose
• I think<02:49:22.080><c> Texas</c><02:49:22.479><c> A&amp;M</c><02:49:22.960><c> and</c><02:49:23.120
• And why don't you<03:49:09.199><c> come</c><03:49:09.279><c> down</c><03:49:09.520><c> here</c><03:49

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:02.720><c> a</c><00:49:03.040><c> number</c><00:49:03.200><c> of</c><00:49:03.359><c> families
• years ago<00:49:07.520><c> uh</c><00:49:07.680><c> is</c><00:49:08.119><c> that</c><00:49:09.119><c>
• 00:49:12.559><c> can't</c><00:49:12.960><c> do</c><00:49:13.119><c> this</c><00:49:13.359><c> one</c>
• c> just</c><00:49:19.839><c> one</c><00:49:20.160><c> will</c><00:49:20.480><c> step</c><00:49:20.720
• /c><00:49:29.520><c> sure</c><00:49:29.760><c> I</c><00:49:30.240><c> understand</c><00:49:30.640><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met for its third discussion on special education aid under retained bill 742, with the chair noting that no action would be taken at the meeting. The chair reviewed prior hearings on Medicaid and local special education funding shortfalls, saying the committee was trying to understand why districts are facing proration of special education aid and how to reduce unfunded costs. He raised a series of questions for the Department of Education about the Nessus system, eligibility and ineligibility, invoices and vouchers, audit procedures, reimbursement rates, out-of-state placements, and who enters data at the district level. Rebecca Fdet, director of special education services at the Department of Education, explained that Nessus is the statewide special education information system and that every child in special education must be entered into it. She said most districts use it to develop IEPs and track services, while six districts use it only as a data reporting tool. She described which fields are required, how the system connects IEP development to the financial section, and how districts submit invoices when seeking special education aid, court-ordered placement payments, or episode-of-treatment placements. She said the department reviews invoices against the IEP, pays only for allowable services, and uses a cap that notifies districts when they reach the annual limit. Members asked about who submits the information, how districts decide when to seek aid, and how costs are calculated for individual or group services. Fdet said the district, usually an administrative assistant in the SAU office, submits the documentation electronically, and districts decide when to track students for aid based on their own circumstances. She said reimbursement is based on actual costs tied to the IEP, with group services split among students, and that the department does not generally set rates for local services. The only rate-setting she described was for approved private special education providers, which submit annual cost spreadsheets for tuition rates. She also said out-of-state providers must be approved by their own state, and the department checks licensure and certification through monitoring and investigations if concerns arise. The department also described its monitoring process, called Program Approval and General Supervision Monitoring, or PAGS. Fdet said districts are reviewed on a six-year cycle, with more intensive review for districts needing assistance or intervention and fewer file requests for districts meeting requirements. She said the department can review up to 65 data points on an IEP and that districts must submit special education aid paperwork by July 31, with superintendent verification due by August 15. The meeting ended with continued questions about procurement, audit procedures, and how the department handles out-of-district and out-of-state placements.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh<00:49:02.000><c> line</c><00:49:02.319><c> number</c><00:49:02.559><c> four</c><00:49:02.880>
• Senate Bill 153<00:49:10.400><c> has</c><00:49:10.640><c> passed</c><00:49:10.960><c> both</c><00:49:
• :17.119><c> a</c><00:49:17.280><c> position</c><00:49:17.520><c> to</c><00:49:17.760><c> do</c><00:49
• Uh that<00:49:24.480><c> bill</c><00:49:24.880><c> does</c><00:49:25.359><c> provide</c><00:49:25.680
• position.<00:49:30.240><c> So</c><00:49:30.319><c> in</c><00:49:30.559><c> the</c><00:49:30.640><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through a side-by-side of the budget. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre testified that lottery revenues are outperforming prior estimates, projecting a $27 million return to the state this year, up $7 million, and $200 million per year in the next biennium, up $6.5 million per year. He attributed the increase to stronger scratch ticket sales, no negative impact from Massachusetts sports betting, and overall better performance. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher numbers, including the proposed $50 scratch tickets, the effect of inflation, and whether the projections were conservative enough. McIntyre said the $50 ticket could produce modest growth and that the estimates were intentionally cautious. The discussion also covered gaming revenue assumptions for historical horse racing and video lottery terminals, with McIntyre saying the state market is not yet saturated and that future conversions from HHR to VLTs should be net positive for the state. Members also discussed differences between House and Senate revenue numbers for gaming, including machine counts, daily revenue assumptions, and the tax split. The Senate version used higher machine counts and a 31.25% tax rate, with a quarter-point reserved for responsible gaming and the remainder split between charities and the state. The House had used a 30% rate with a different distribution. McIntyre and committee members also reviewed House Bill 2 items affecting Kino hours and local option games of chance, with McIntyre explaining that the bill would expand playing hours and shift towns to an opt-out model. No votes were taken during the lottery discussion, but the committee indicated it would continue refining the revenue model and circulate the spreadsheet used for the estimates. The committee then moved through the HB 1 detail change sheet, accepting several Senate positions and holding others for later. It agreed to a zero-cost realignment in the Department of Safety moving the international fuel tax agreement function from administration to motor vehicles, and it restored eight passenger motor vehicle inspection positions for later discussion in HB 2. The Department of Corrections reorganization was set aside for a later, more detailed discussion. The committee also accepted no-change positions for the Department of Employment Security and agreed to a technical footnote fix in the Judicial Council section. It discussed a new HB 2 item moving contract counsel for involuntary mental health admissions from the judicial branch to the Judicial Council, funded at $100,000 per year, and noted that the public defender funding issue would be revisited when the overall budget picture is clearer. The meeting ended with the committee continuing its review of the remaining pages of the detail change sheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you<00:49:23.720><c> know,</c><00:49:23.920><c> but</c><00:49:24.160><c> it's</c><00:49:24.880><c
• ,</c><00:49:33.760><c> I</c><00:49:33.800><c> think</c><00:49:34.000><c> we</c><00:49:34.160><c> we</
• ><c> it,</c><00:49:36.360><c> you</c><00:49:36.480><c> know,</c><00:49:36.600><c> how</c><00:49:36.760
• </c><00:49:37.800><c> So,</c><00:49:38.520><c> I'm</c><00:49:38.800><c> I'm</c><00:49:38.920><c> glad
• And And And you<00:49:43.320><c> need</c><00:49:43.520><c> help,</c><00:49:43.760><c> I</c><00:49:43.840

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079><c> that</c><00:49:00.240><c> I</c><00:49:00.400><c> did</c><00:49:00.559><c> want</c><00:49:
• :49:04.240><c> Gaison,</c><00:49:05.680><c> um,</c><00:49:05.920><c> speak</c><00:49:06.240><c> to</c
• </c><00:49:53.280><c> And</c><00:49:53.520><c> so</c><00:49:54.160><c> all</c><00:49:54.400><c> of</c
• Um you<01:49:03.119><c> know</c><01:49:04.159><c> the</c><01:49:04.400><c> public</c><01:49:04.639><c
• for</c><01:49:05.600><c> this</c><01:49:05.760><c> has</c><01:49:05.920><c> been</c><01:49:06.080><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:20.319><c> areas</c><00:49:21.280><c> and</c><00:49:21.760><c> we</c><00:49:21.880><c> are</c>
• in those areas uh<00:49:27.240><c> the</c><00:49:28.200><c> uh</c><00:49:28.319><c> NHC</c><00:49:28.960
• 00:49:33.559><c> our</c><00:49:33.760><c> interactions</c><00:49:34.400><c> with</c><00:49:34.559><c>
• ><c> Pu</c><00:49:40.079><c> sends</c><00:49:40.599><c> two</c><00:49:40.920><c> filings</c><00:49:41.599
• ><c> FCC</c><00:49:42.680><c> on</c><00:49:42.799><c> our</c><00:49:43.240><c> behalf</c><00:49:44.240

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><03:49:05.239><c> and</c><03:49:05.359><c> you</c><03:49:06.040><c> I</c><03:49:06.159><c> hear</c
• c> kids</c><03:49:10.760><c> well</c><03:49:11.520><c> we</c><03:49:11.640><c> don't</c><03:49:11.880
• :49:13.199><c> system</c><03:49:13.560><c> K</c><03:49:13.840><c> through</c><03:49:14.399><c> k</c><
• k through two<03:49:15.560><c> there</c><03:49:15.720><c> is</c><03:49:15.880><c> no</c><03:49:16.120
• <03:49:20.640><c> in</c><03:49:20.800><c> grades</c><03:49:21.120><c> three</c><03:49:21.439><c> and<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on HB 563, which revises the adequacy education grant formula, including differentiated aid for free and reduced-price meals, English language learners, and special education, and also restores fiscal capacity disparity aid. Members explained that for FY 26 the formula largely stays the same with the usual 2% increases, while FY 27 would raise the base cost and several aid categories, including a substantial increase in special education differentiated aid. Supporters said the bill recognizes higher special education costs and separates fiscal capacity disparity from the extraordinary needs grant, which they argued better targets property-poor communities. A major point of discussion was the fiscal capacity disparity aid component. Some members asked for more detail on how the formula affected individual towns and how much money was being allocated. The sponsors said the spreadsheet showed the impacts and estimated the fiscal capacity disparity portion at about $13.3 million, benefiting roughly 40 communities, with Manchester the only municipality expected to receive less under the new approach. They also said the change partially rebalances money that had shifted heavily toward larger cities under the extraordinary needs grant and that the special education increase is new money, not taken from the hold harmless or extraordinary needs funds. Several members supported the amendment as a good-faith step and a bipartisan compromise, while others expressed frustration that they did not have enough time or information to review the spreadsheets in detail before voting. After extended debate, the committee recessed for lunch to allow the spreadsheet to be distributed and reviewed, with the understanding that the bill would continue later in the day and then move on to the other bills on the docket.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:49:01.440><c> Uh,</c><00:49:01.599><c> it</c><00:49:01.839><c> needs</c><00:49:02.079><c> to</c>
• </c> So<00:49:23.599><c> that</c><00:49:23.839><c> also</c><00:49:24.160><c> doesn't</c><00:49:24.480
• /c><00:49:31.119><c> if</c><00:49:31.440><c> there</c><00:49:31.760><c> is</c><00:49:32.640><c> um</c
• </c><00:49:36.400><c> teams</c><00:49:37.040><c> that</c><00:49:37.520><c> come</c><00:49:37.760><c>
• </c><00:49:39.359><c> So</c><00:49:39.920><c> someone</c><00:49:40.240><c> calls</c><00:49:40.559><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.