Transcript Highlights:

• Many work in sectors where hours fluctuate and access to employer-provided health insurance, retirement
• About one-third of the state's workforce is immigrant, and immigrants contribute over $1 trillion to
• So can you explain the factors that contributed to the losses and which factor was the most impactful
• So we have to dip in the savings, and then we have to dip into retirement funds, and then we have to
• I bring this up also because I'm looking at retirement. I'm over 65.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Havasu for 20-plus years, so I accepted a position as chief appraiser, and then their chief deputy retired
• Havasu for 20-plus years, so I accepted a position as chief appraiser, and then their chief deputy retired
• I served for six years, the final two as chair, and felt I did make contributions and learned a great
• I was recently retired when I decided to see if I could become a member of the investigative committee
• And I believe I made a strong contribution. And the opening became available on the board.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As Carlos prepares for retirement, this award is a fitting way to honor the business they built, the
• Now retired, Mr.
• In 2025, these efforts helped generate nearly $159 billion in tourism-related spending and contributed
• There are many proud LGBTQ Jewish Californians who continue to contribute to our state and strengthen
• Martin Luther King, whose contributions were often overlooked and whose leadership was overshadowed simply

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit. On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care. The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And up until about a year ago, I kind of semi-retired, and my son is taking the company.
• And recently retired, except I do a little bit of work sometimes for the firm I used to work for... .
• He’s very familiar with flood control, having worked as an engineer and retired as an engineer, and I
• No contributions to Senator Barthelemy or any other public—” “No, I’m not asking that.
• “I contribute to a law book that’s updated annually and available on Westlaw.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 6, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard several bills before moving into confirmation hearings. HB 205, by Rep. Bacala, would allow local governing authorities to supplement election commissioners’ pay by up to $100 per day; supporters from clerks of court and the Secretary of State’s office said the increase is needed to recruit and retain qualified commissioners amid longer days, training demands, and election security changes. The committee also reported HB 210, a cleanup bill clarifying retroactive application of a prior ethics law, and HB 228, which recreates the Department of State Civil Service and related entities through 2033. It likewise reported SR 86, which bars eyeglasses with audio/video recording capability in the Senate chamber without the Senate President’s permission, and HB 1177, which protects the identities of lottery hunt winners until after the drawing. HB 1045, limited to Pointe Coupee Parish, raises an audit threshold for certain water districts from $500,000 to $600,000 to reduce audit costs, and HB 813 would move Orleans Parish sheriff terms so the sheriff takes office in January instead of waiting until May; all were reported favorably. Senator Miller also announced that SB 491 would not be taken up that day. The committee then questioned nominees to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East. The first group, including Peter Vicari and Ronald Schumann, was asked extensively about recent personnel actions, an internal investigation, and the authority’s handling of a report that members said would likely be released after a board vote. Senators focused on the firing of the chief of police/operations personnel, allegations of payroll fraud, and whether the authority had improperly combined the chief of police role with compliance duties in a way that may conflict with statute and Civil Service guidance. Committee members also raised concerns about the chief’s contract, whether it had board approval, and whether the authority’s bylaws and salary practices complied with law. The nominees and counsel said some matters were still under review and that a separate compliance position was being considered. The committee later heard from additional nominees, including David Martin, Gregory Marsiglia, and Elton Jude Myers, who described backgrounds in engineering, law, procurement, and governmental contracts. Senators again pressed them on the need to separate compliance/auditing duties from the chief of police role, and the nominees generally agreed that those functions should be distinct and that the authority should have qualified auditing expertise. The meeting ended with no public comment and adjournment after the confirmation discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The company was formed in 1946, and up until about a year ago I kind of semi-retired, and my son is taking
• And recently retired, except I do a little bit of work sometimes for the firm I used to work for, except
• He's very familiar with flood control, having worked as an engineer and retired as an engineer, and I
• No contributions to Senator Barthelmy or any other public office. No, I'm not asking that.
• I contribute to a law book that's updated annually and available on Westlaw.

Bills: SR86 , SB491 , HB205 , HB210 , HB228 , HB813 , HB1045 , HB1177

Committee: Senate Senate & Governmental Affairs

Keywords: Senate rules, Louisiana Senate, Senate Chamber, smart glasses, recording eyewear, audio recording, video recording, wearable technology, covert recording, legislative security, media access, chamber decorum, Senate President, internal rules, public access, lobbyists, official journal, public notices, competitive bid, Louisiana legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• fully retired.
• </c><00:42:40.760><c> judge</c> a senior judge and a retired judge a senior judge and a retired judge
• </c> where a retired judge is fully retired where a retired judge is fully retired and<00:42:50.839><
• , and then when Paul retired, Brian Inman became the Uniform Law Commissioner.
• , and then when Paul retired, Brian Inman became the Uniform Law Commissioner.

Bills: HF747 , HF360

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, let's say for example, if you are the Teacher Retirement System, you own shares in thousands
• For example, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas have
• Money being invested on behalf of retired teachers in this state, money that was supposed to help them
• Yes, 70%. ...If we stopped building wind and solar and started to have retirements because of your bill
• Additionally, state agencies, including TCEQ, the Railroad Commission, and the Employees' Retirement

Bills: HJR98 , HJR99 , HB29 , HB136 , HB142 , HB166 , HB353 , HB1399 , HB2000 , SJR59 , SCR19 , SB128 , SB261 , SB317 , SB383 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB517 , SB571 , SB612 , SB705 , SB715 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB913 , SB945 , SB946 , SB986 , SB1013 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1117 , SB1181 , SB1250 , SB1263 , SB1285 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1528 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1608 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1986 , SB1999 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2138 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2221 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2337 , SB2340 , SB2373 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2452 , SB2477 , SB2532 , SB2565 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2622 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2681 , SB2713 , SB2717 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2835 , SB2841 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2994 , SB2995 , SB3016 , SB3047 , SB3057 , SB3059 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1245 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , HJR98 , HJR99 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB1130 , HB142 , HB1689 , HB2018 , HB136 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559 , HB29 , HB26 , HB166 , HB353 , HB2000 , HB2756 , HB3248 , HB3513 , HB3204 , HB3135 , HB3012 , HB2763 , HB2523 , HB2457 , HB2415 , HB2198 , HB2143 , HB1708 , HB1672 , HB767 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB451 , HB140 , HB109 , HB3096 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB1957 , SB2615 , SB2138 , SB3016 , SB1999 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2681 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB715 , SB1640 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1856 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB1237 , SB1586 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB375 , SB777 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB2373 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB383 , SB705 , SB748 , SB1117 , SB2340 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2782 , SB2781 , SB2637 , SB2633 , SB2337 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB946 , SB945 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB571 , SB1263 , SB3058 , SB612 , SB2221 , SB2587 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2713 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2959 , HB206 , HB1238 , HB1089 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection

Transcript Highlights:

• We wish you a happy retirement. Uh thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh as Chief Uh thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• </c><00:06:49.039><c> this</c> Keith Johnson prepares to retire this Keith Johnson prepares to retire
• Social Security is the bedrock of retirement for the middle class.
• They will own the retirement savings erased. They will own all of it. Join us. Sign on.
• They will own the retirement savings erased. They will own all of it. Join us. Sign on.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The fleet system and FIMS were retired in June 2021 and July 2021, respectively.
• The fleet system and FIMS were retired in June 2021 and July 2021, respectively.
• Property numbers contributed to the inability to reconcile the data between the two systems.
• , we found at times they omitted key steps or did not align to department practices, which then contributed
• So yes, that contributed to a large swath of records not being available for audit.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a lengthy Auditor General presentation on the Department of Management Services’ fleet management operations. The audit found major problems with oversight, recordkeeping, policies, fee-setting, purchase and disposal approvals, public auction controls, and FleetWave system access and processing. Key findings included that 2,279 vehicles valued at more than $57 million could not be matched between FleetWave and FLAIR, disposal records were missing or incomplete, user access remained active long after employees separated, and the department had not documented a reasonable basis for its $1.75 per-vehicle monthly fee. Members expressed strong concern about the accuracy of the state’s fleet inventory and the risk of waste or misuse. DMS Secretary Allende said the department concurred with the findings, was working with the Auditor General, and planned corrective actions, including better training, clearer guidance, improved reconciliation, and possible centralization or pilot programs for fleet purchasing and management. The committee then returned to vacancy discussions with several agencies. The Division of Administrative Hearings said its two long-vacant judges of compensation claims positions had been hard to fill because of low pay and short reappointment terms, but the chief judge said the division could operate without them and offered those positions up as part of a reduction exercise. The Public Service Commission reported 42 vacancies but said statutory deadlines were still being met, though staff workloads and depth of analysis were affected. The commission also said vacancies help it manage salaries within its trust-fund budget. Members questioned whether some of those positions were truly needed given the lack of delays. The Florida Gaming Control Commission reported 29 vacancies, including a vacant chair that prevented appointment of an inspector general, and said the chair vacancy was a gubernatorial appointment issue. The acting executive director also said the commission’s compulsive gambling prevention program had lapsed after no responsive bids were received for a new contract, but an invitation to negotiate was nearly complete and a new provider was expected soon. The Public Employee Relations Commission reported that its caseload had more than doubled after Senate Bill 256, which increased union recertification work; it said it was meeting deadlines only with overtime and that the workload had not fallen despite decertifications. Members asked for follow-up data on union cases, vacancy needs, and whether some positions across agencies could be reallocated to better match workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm wondering, has he retired? And if so, who is replacing him? Yes, sir, he has retired.
• So you retire, right? I'm a licensed EMT. I retire from the fire service.
• </c> a CPA sure so but if you put CPA retired a CPA sure so but if you put CPA retired on<03:40:22.520
• not call themselves retired.
• </c> certificate stating that they're retired certificate stating that they're retired so<03:58:56.640

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• CONTRIBUTIONS ACCRUED ANNUALLY RATHER THAN CYCLICALLY WHICH COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL.
• THE LIFETIME STATUS OF THE JUDGES THAT IT WOULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT ANNUAL LEAVE AND THE PAYOUT OF RETIREMENT
• TERM ON A JUDGE INSTEAD OF HAVING A LIFETIME ALSO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THESE PAYOUTS ASSOCIATED WITH RETIREMENT
• PAYOUTS FOR THE CONVERSION WITH CAREER SERVICES GOING TO SMS AND THEN ALSO THAT WOULD BE RECURRING RETIREMENT
• CONTRIBUTION ON A YEARLY BASIS WITH A DIFFERENT STATUS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It extends the Emergency Food for Families voluntary tax contribution through 2033.
• It extends the Emergency Food for Families voluntary tax contribution through 2033.
• the donated fruit and vegetables tax credit and the Emergency Food for Families voluntary tax contribution
• SB 881 also extends the Emergency Food for Families voluntary tax contribution fund, which allows Californians
• My parents retired 15 years ago, 18 years ago, and their money is not going the same way that it did

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm semi-retired now, but I'd like to work on as many things as I can to help improve it.
• So, I So, I &gt;&gt; [music] &gt;&gt; [music] &gt;&gt; [music] &gt;&gt; I'm<00:02:31.640><c> semi-retired
• now, but I'd like to &gt;&gt; I'm semi-retired now, but I'd like to work<00:02:33.480><c> on</c><00:
• And so I look forward to actually helping to contribute to that. Thank you for that.
• </c> contribute to that. contribute to that.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard and considered several gubernatorial nominations to advisory boards and councils. Early in the meeting, members heard testimony in support of Miriam Chang for the Health Planning Council Windward O‘ahu subarea, with supporters highlighting her long medical practice on the Windward side, work at Ko‘olau Health Center, and community involvement. Chang said she wanted to help improve health, especially in rural areas. The committee also heard support for Terrilyn Luke’s nomination to the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; the Center for Nursing director and nursing organizations backed her, and Luke said she would bring a front-line nursing perspective, focus on workforce conditions, retention, and collaboration, and help address tensions between the Center and nursing labor groups. The committee then heard support for Valerie Rose’s nomination to the Language Access Advisory Council; Rose briefly noted her prior work in the Chronic Disease Branch and Bilingual Health Aide Section. The committee also took up nominations in a later agenda segment. James Montgomery was heard for the State Rehabilitation Council and described his interest in serving based on a family experience with disability and his work in talent management, saying he wanted to help people with disabilities gain opportunities. Kevin Nakamura was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and said his 30-plus years of wastewater experience would help ensure operators are properly trained and certified to protect resources and the environment. Pina Lemusu was heard for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; she said her long career with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and personal experience with disability would help her contribute to the council. Additional testimony in support came from the State DD Council and Voc Rehab representatives. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent on the nominations it considered, including Miriam Chang, Terrilyn Luke, Valerie Rose, James Montgomery, Kevin Nakamura, and Pina Lemusu. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though Senator Dela Cruz voted no on some of the later nominations. The meeting also briefly noted another nomination, Olivia Kim, which was recalled and advanced with an advise-and-consent recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeff Seilich of Boise, Idaho, to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho. Welcome, sir.
• you for your consideration of my gubernatorial appointment to the Board of the Public Employee Retirement
• This is really just a technical correction from post-tax contributions to Roth-type contributions for
• catch-up contributions in the choice plan.
• One of them is aging: in the next 15 years, about 70% of CPAs will be at retirement age.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these one-time general fund contributions.
• And we have not had any employee contribution rate change for a number of years.
• And so every year, Employee contribution rate change for a number of years.
• Additionally, it adds a deduction of up to $6,000 for contributions to a...
• It adds a deduction of up to $6,000 for contributions to a Roth individual retirement account, a deduction

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And they're not allowed to have any contributions made into those accounts by the person hiring them.
• And they're not allowed to have any contributions made into those accounts by the person hiring them.
• This will provide a voluntary program where, if an employer of a contractor wanted to contribute into
• And so that individual, you could contribute to, as an employer, if you choose to contribute to that.
• How much can the individual themselves contribute to that? So we could do a lot with it.

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This day is set aside. to honor the contributions of the Texas State Aquarium for our state.
• The Texas State Aquarium is recognized as a significant economic force contributing $195 million to the
• The contributions of its dedicated and diverse membership continue to contribute to our community. mission
• President. spirit and lasting contributions to agriculture, education, and industry.
• We celebrate Alamo's contributions to Texas and look forward to its continued prosperity.

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB703 , SB764 , SB790 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SJR34 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SJR3 , SB5 , SR172 , SR176 , SR177 , SR190 , SR193 , SR194 , SR202 , SR203 , SR208

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• Affairs, a Navy retired officer.
• </c> a Navy retired officer. a Navy retired officer. And<00:20:09.960><c> Mr.
• in our presence, Master Chief retired in our presence, Rod<00:20:29.120><c> Brigham.
• </c><00:36:09.160><c> the</c><00:36:09.280><c> share</c> and contributing the share and contributing
• </c><02:38:21.040><c> to</c> process, um as well as contributing to process, um as well as contributing

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• people certification for licensed trades people as<00:09:36.399><c> they're</c><00:09:36.720><c> retiring
• > aging</c><00:09:37.760><c> out</c><00:09:37.920><c> of</c><00:09:38.080><c> the</c> as they're retiring
• Could you help me out a little bit with some of the proportionality of the contribution from either local
• We know that many workers are retired or they're working part-time or they've changed fields altogether
• We know that many workers are retired or they're working part-time or they've changed fields altogether

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Northern Kentucky building industry representatives Brian Miller and Matt Mains on housing affordability and construction workforce issues. They argued that regulatory and code requirements add significant cost to new homes, citing an estimate of nearly $94,000 per home nationally and $15,000 to $20,000 per home in Boone County over the past decade. They recommended reforms to building code adoption, architectural design mandates, permit fees and delays, and setback/land dedication rules, saying these changes could reduce costs by $25,000 to $35,000 per home without affecting public safety. They also discussed workforce training efforts through the Enzwe Building Institute, dual-credit programs, apprenticeship incentives, and workforce grants, saying these efforts have helped hold wage growth below regional trends and improve housing affordability. Committee members asked about the breakdown of regulatory costs, the effect of energy codes, and ways to speed up permitting. The presenters said the costs were roughly split among federal, state, and local requirements, with local regulations adding about $25,000 to $35,000 and some energy-code changes adding about $19,000 per home. They said faster plan review, coordination with the Kentucky Division of Water, and addressing municipal staffing shortages could cut 30 to 45 days from approvals. Members also discussed the difficulty of building starter homes under about $350,000 and the need for more missing-middle housing, with the presenters saying such homes are hard to produce without sacrificing quality. The committee then took up Representative Kim Moer and Dr. Dale Bertram’s discussion of marriage and family therapist licensing and healthcare workforce data reporting. They explained that the bill would allow Kentucky to recognize out-of-state marriage and family therapists who meet licensure requirements, have no disciplinary history, and have passed the national exam, in order to reduce barriers and address provider shortages, especially in rural areas. They also described a separate workforce data reporting section that would require licensure boards to collect consistent information on where licensees practice and whether they are actively seeing patients, including through telehealth, so the state can better understand its healthcare workforce. Members supported the portability idea, noted that some qualified applicants are currently working in Indiana instead of Kentucky, and asked whether the data collection could be handled administratively; the sponsors said the bill would create consistency across boards. The committee also briefly discussed occupational board updates and the need for stronger communication between legislators and licensing boards, including architecture licensure issues and efforts to recruit more professionals.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> from</c><00:02:28.600><c> the</c> Upon Upon her retirement from the Upon Upon her retirement from
• Okay, but at the same time, hopefully I can contribute to the mission.
• But at the same time, hopefully I can contribute to the mission.
• ,<01:23:06.440><c> so</c><01:23:07.000><c> are</c><01:23:07.120><c> we</c> contributions, so are we contributions
• Uh but I do to contribute what you have.

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.