Transcript Highlights:

• :00.880> it<01:12:00.960> could<01:12:01.159> result<01:12:01.400> in<01:
• <01:12:08.880> the<01:12:09.040> lottery<01:12:09.360> should<01:12:09.520> not
• c> sell<01:12:12.520> tickets<01:12:13.400> and<01:12:13.520> the<01:12:13.679
• :50.280> here<01:12:50.440> is<01:12:50.560> that<01:12:50.719> many<01:12
• uh<01:12:55.840> we<01:12:56.080> ask<01:12:56.400> questions<01:12:56.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on January 16, 2025, for an organizational and informational session. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Jim Nash reviewed committee expectations, including that nonpartisan staff are to be used for factual information rather than political arguments. He also noted the committee rules were a blend of prior chairs’ rules and would be posted without a vote. Helen Roberts of House Fiscal gave a high-level overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and budget structure. She explained that the State Government Finance Committee oversees funding for major administrative agencies, the legislature, constitutional offices, and several boards, councils, and commissions. She emphasized that the committee’s general fund base for fiscal years 2026-27 is about $1.31 billion, less than 2% of the state general fund, and that the largest pieces are the Department of Revenue, the legislature, and pension aids. She also described how all-funds presentations differ from general fund views, highlighting internal service funds such as Minnesota IT Services, Department of Administration services, and other chargeback or reimbursement arrangements. Members asked questions about House and Senate budgets, debt service related to the Capitol Area building project and move costs, and how Minnesota IT Services is funded through fee-for-service chargebacks. Colby Sullivan of House Research then summarized a memo in the packet that outlines the entities within the committee’s jurisdiction and the constitutional and statutory provisions governing them. He pointed members to the memo as a reference and noted that the committee also has jurisdiction over the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the legislative auditor, the legislative reference library, the reviser of statutes, the Secretary of State’s budget and certain duties, and three gambling-related agencies, though gambling policy itself is generally handled by another committee. He offered to help members with bill drafting and amendments and to provide a linked electronic version of the memo. The Office of the Legislative Auditor then began an overview of its work. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall explained that the office is nonpartisan, serves all 201 legislators, and provides oversight through financial audits, program evaluations, and special reviews focused on state funds. She distinguished the Legislative Auditor from the State Auditor, noting that the State Auditor is an elected constitutional officer who focuses on county and local government funds. Randall said the office would also present a deep dive into its November performance audit of the Minnesota State Lottery. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:46.639> stand<00:12:46.959> a<00:12:47.200> challenge<00:12:47.680>
• 48.160> are<00:12:48.320> in<00:12:48.560> the<00:12:48.800> process<00:12
• c><00:12:50.880> this<00:12:51.200> bill<00:12:51.519> has<00:12:51.680> the<
• <00:12:54.240> Uh<00:12:54.560> do<00:12:54.800> we<00:12:55.040> have
• All<00:12:59.200> right.<00:12:59.600> Very<00:12:59.839> good.

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:27 - Discussion of 26RS HB 470 29:05 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 470 32:06 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 25 34:49 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 25 37:08 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 470, which was presented as a cleanup and delay measure related to peer support specialists and Medicaid reimbursement. The bill would extend the deadline for registered alcohol and drug peer support specialists to be Medicaid reimbursable, address issues created by delayed regulations under House Bill 505, remove a limit on direct client care hours, and create a work group to examine oversight and possible future board structure for peer professionals. The committee adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony. Bill sponsor Rep. Kim Moser and supporting witnesses said the change was needed because implementation problems and regulatory backlogs had created a peer support workforce shortage and confusion across multiple peer categories, including substance use, mental health, re-entry, and gambling peers. Elena Swezy argued the bill would stabilize the workforce, improve oversight, and allow time to develop a more effective credentialing framework. Frank Miller Jr. testified in opposition, arguing the bill lacked a proper enabling statute for Medicaid-related changes and would not be enforceable as written. Sarah Vaughn also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on mental health peer specialists, multispecialty behavioral health groups, and whether separate regulations would be needed for mental health and substance use services. Committee members questioned the bill’s structure, fiscal impact, training costs, and whether the work group would be appointed or informal. Sponsors responded that the bill does not require providers to hire anyone, only sets registration requirements if they do hire substance-use peer specialists, and said the work group was intended to help develop a more unified oversight model. Several members expressed concern about the complexity of the issue and the short testimony time, while others supported the bill as a way to improve oversight and reduce fraud risk. The committee approved House Bill 470 as amended by the committee substitute, and then adopted a title amendment; the bill passed with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• :55.920> when<00:12:56.040> I<00:12:56.160> found<00:12:56.440> out<00:12
• :56.720> from<00:12:57.040> Pat<00:12:57.480> that years when I found out from Pat
• that years when I found out from Pat that that<00:12:58.240> we<00:12:59.240> going<00
• :12:59.399> to<00:12:59.519> be<00:12:59.839> the<00:13:00.199> award<00:
• <00:37:30.480> 2023<00:37:31.440> so January 2025 but you got January 2023 so January

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a Dairy Day hearing focused on Minnesota’s dairy industry, beginning with a presentation recognizing Pat and Jodi Lunneman of Twin Eagle Dairy in Clarissa as Minnesota Milk Producers’ Dairy Producer of the Year. Their farm’s history, growth from a 50-stall tie-stall barn to an 800-900 cow freestall operation, and the role of family and long-term employees were highlighted. Members praised the Lunnemans’ work, community involvement, and the collaborative nature of the video tribute. Garrett Luthin, president of Minnesota Milk Producers Association, testified on industry priorities. He said the group represents Minnesota’s 1,625 dairy farms and emphasized that dairy farmers invest in their communities and want policies that support long-term viability. He raised concerns about compliance with labor mandates such as earned sick and safe time, paid family leave, and secure retirement requirements, saying dairy work does not fit a standard schedule and that smaller farms lack HR capacity to track leave requirements. He also urged improvements to county and state permitting by allowing processes to run concurrently rather than sequentially, and he expressed support for dairy profitability and development programs. Members asked about the status of federal dairy support programs, labor mandate implementation, and the realities of dairy work. Luthin said Minnesota Milk was waiting on federal action to keep certain dairy funds in place and described labor compliance as a wage and administrative burden. Pat and Jodi Lunneman later described why they expanded their farm in the 1990s, citing labor efficiency, changing economics, and the need to remain profitable; they said they do not use robotic milkers but do use robotic calf feeders. Pat explained their double-12 parallel parlor, three-shift milking schedule, and the need to keep equipment fully utilized. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:00.400> Um,<01:12:00.800> should<01:12:00.960> I<01:12:01.120> hire
• How much<01:12:02.880> are<01:12:03.040> my<01:12:03.440> inputs<01:12:03.920>
• /c><01:12:11.760> made<01:12:12.000> in<01:12:12.159> China<01:12:12.400> or<
• It's<01:12:13.440> about<01:12:13.600> the<01:12:13.840> input<01:12:14.320>
• <01:12:24.159> as<01:12:24.480> being<01:12:25.280> a<01:12:25.600> time<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :54.880> to<00:12:55.040> file<00:12:55.279> a<00:12:55.440> complaint.
• <00:12:56.000> Thank<00:12:56.160> you. decide to file a complaint.
• <00:12:58.000> Kamakana<00:12:59.040> Kamoa<00:12:59.680> from<00:12:59.760>
• January 1st, 2077. January 1st, 2077.
• January 1st, 2077.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2122, which would tie public service flexible spending account contribution and carryover limits to the annual IRS cafeteria plan caps. DEER supported the bill and said it would help the state keep pace with federal limits, though it suggested deleting the words “inflation/adjusted” and “for that calendar year” as unnecessary. HGA and UPW strongly supported the measure, saying state limits lag the IRS amounts and that higher caps would help employees offset rising health care costs. In response to questions, DEER said the plan has a fund balance of about $1.6 million but noted some risk if employees leave before contributing enough to cover reimbursements. The unions agreed to DEER’s suggested wording change so long as the bill still clearly required future increases to track the IRS limits. The committee then took up SB 2116, which would create a confidential process in the Attorney General’s office for anonymous complaints against public employees, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate agency and annual reporting required. DLIR and the Attorney General opposed the bill. The AG’s office said anonymous complaints cannot truly be guaranteed to remain anonymous, that existing laws already provide confidential complaint processes in specific areas, and that the AG would effectively be only a repository without meaningful authority over how complaints are handled. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would begin a conversation about protecting complainants while discouraging frivolous complaints. In questions, senators raised concerns about how anonymous complaints would be investigated and whether the AG could serve as an appeal body; the AG said the proposal would likely require broader changes to existing complaint laws. The committee also heard SB 218, which would amend the amount a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee’s wages to repay indebtedness to the state. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would create a more lenient repayment process for employees who were overpaid and should not have to repay large amounts in a single pay period. UPW said the bill would eliminate a provision allowing recovery of debts of $1,000 or less in one pay period, which it described as problematic for members. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was listed in opposition, and additional comments were submitted by the state controller and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would repeal the prohibition on certain exempt employees grieving suspensions or discharges and allow bargaining-unit members to grieve disciplinary actions. DHRD and the City and County of Honolulu opposed the bill, arguing exempt employees are at-will employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and already have other legal remedies for discrimination or harassment; they also said the issue is a negotiable matter under collective bargaining agreements. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying exempt positions have increased in number and that just-cause protections would improve recruitment and retention. Senators questioned how unions would represent exempt employees and whether the bill would change the at-will nature of those positions; no vote or final action was taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:39.440> than<00:12:40.160> voters<00:12:40.560> who<00:12:41.440>
• So<00:12:45.760> functionally<00:12:46.720> this<00:12:46.959> really<00:12:47.200
• <00:12:48.240> It<00:12:48.480> doesn't<00:12:48.800> stop<00:12:49.120>
• It<00:12:51.680> just<00:12:52.720> encourages<00:12:53.440> people<00:12:54.240
• <00:12:58.959> in<00:12:59.200> the<00:12:59.360> process<00:12:59.760> overall

Bills: HB541, SB194

Keywords: PFAS, drinking water, public health, environmental management, liability, agriculture authority, eminent domain, property rights, tax exemption, agriculture center, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first survey was done 12/15 to 12/31, where it was...
• So on 12/31, we were high-fiving.
• This was more than 344,000 more mallards on 12/31 than we had on 12/31 of 2024.
• So fast forward: now we do January transect flights, January 1 through January 13.
• We had 334,000 mallards in the state from January 1 through January 13th.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is important in our world is we do everything as of January 1.
• Well, that's not fair market value as of January 1, number one.
• We are always effectively as of January 1.
• January 1 is that important date of value for us.
• That is the closest time frame to our appraisal date, January 1st.

Summary: The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Property Appraisers Association of Florida on ad valorem valuation, exemptions, and the property tax process. Lauren Levy reviewed the legal and historical framework of Florida property taxation, including Save Our Homes, the 10% cap on non-homestead assessments, portability, tangible personal property exemptions, TRIM notices, and the distinction between taxable value and millage rates. He emphasized that property appraisers are independent constitutional officers who assess just value, administer exemptions, and are overseen by the Department of Revenue, with values and exemptions generally determined as of January 1 and subject to challenge through the Value Adjustment Board or circuit court. Mike Twitty described the mass appraisal process in Pinellas County, explaining how property appraisers value large numbers of parcels using the same core approaches as fee appraisals but with statistical testing, field reviews, aerial imagery, and technology. He discussed the importance of budget, staffing, and the January 1 valuation date, and noted that recent hurricanes caused significant damage, increased petitions, and required new procedures to help property owners with value reductions and FEMA-related issues. Paul Polk focused on Department of Revenue oversight, explaining sales ratio studies, uniformity measures such as COD and PRD, time adjustments, sales qualification reviews, and in-depth studies that can lead to corrective action if assessment standards are not met. He also noted that the Department reviews property appraiser budgets to preserve independence from county pressure. Senators asked about the supersized homestead concept, DOR review and rejection standards, value trends, and the impact of storms and new construction on taxable value. Twitty and Polk said value growth has been driven by a mix of new construction, market appreciation, cap resets, and storm-related adjustments, while noting that some counties saw market value decline even as taxable value rose. They also said some property tax relief proposals would be easier to implement than others depending on how local tax bills are structured, especially where law enforcement millage is separately identified. No votes were taken on legislation, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:12:27.440> were<00:12:27.839> and<00:12:28.200> are<00:12:28.400> prepared
• <00:12:29.000> for<00:12:29.200> ICE<00:12:29.440> to<00:12:29.560> come<
• <03:12:42.240> have<03:12:42.400> to<03:12:42.520> go<03:12:42.680> on<03
• c> but<03:12:44.280> I<03:12:44.480> it<03:12:44.600> looks<03:12:44.800>
• is<03:12:45.320> a<03:12:45.400> link<03:12:46.320> to<03:12:46.560>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From<00:12:14.079> the<00:12:14.240> committee<00:12:14.480> on<00:12:14.639>
• >> Mr.<00:12:33.680> President,<00:12:34.000> I<00:12:34.160> move<00:12:34.320
• Do we have<00:12:41.440> a<00:12:41.600> a<00:12:41.839> current<00:12:42.000>
• <00:12:42.320> We<00:12:42.399> do<00:12:42.639> not<00:12:42.800> need
• >> Okay.<00:12:44.000> Long<00:12:44.160> roll,<00:12:44.399> please.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and adopted the prior day’s journal. The chamber then handled a series of confirmations, including Thomas Ellis to the Agriculture Exhibition Center Board of Directors, Evelyn Vans Malden, Robert C. Brock, Mila Calhoun, and Elena Baranco to the University of Alabama or University of Montevallo boards of trustees, Chip Fugquay to the Alabama Workforce Board, and Thornton Stanley and Jemsticken Pum to the Alabama Forestry Commission. All of these confirmations were approved overwhelmingly, generally by 29–30 votes with no nays. Committee reports advanced several county and municipal government bills, including SB 23, SB 71, SB 105, SB 109, SB 115, SB 131, SB 148, and SB 165, with some receiving amendments. The Senate also adopted and passed multiple resolutions, including SJR 14 honoring Drew and Lauren Winland as America’s top young farm family, and resolutions mourning Mary Anne Peak Phelps and Sam Palmer Faucet III. A local bill package for Marshall and Walker counties was taken up, with several bills receiving BRs, final passage, and certification resolutions. The Senate also received numerous House messages referring local and finance-related bills to committees, including measures on county subdivision regulations, homestead exemptions, unclaimed property, sales and use tax, income tax, municipal audits, and other local matters. The Rules Committee report set a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing SB 126, SB 33, SB 55, SB 102, SB 118, and SB 128. On that calendar, SB 126 extending the Alabama Private Investigation Board, SB 33 updating veteran license tag provisions, SB 102 extending the Board of Home Medical Equipment, and SB 128 reorganizing the Alabama Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission were passed; SB 55 on military spouses was amended and carried over; and SB 118 on the Alabama Justice Information Commission was amended and carried over. The Senate adjourned until 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21st.

Transcript Highlights:

• to<01:12:39.639> to<01:12:39.840> put<01:12:40.080> that<01:12:40.360> in
• <01:12:40.800> in<01:12:41.080> real<01:12:41.360> terms 3.9% uh to to put that
• absence<01:12:48.560> rate<01:12:49.080> of<01:12:49.440> approximately absence
• /c><01:12:52.719> people<01:12:53.480> we<01:12:53.880> we<01:12:54.040> do
• c><01:12:54.320> not<01:12:54.639> choose<01:12:55.320> to We do not choose to put

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair will entertain a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 8th meeting.
• I started in, I believe, January 2022. And that's when Donna...
• The fire chief resigned on January 20.
• I've been mayor since this January 1, 2025. Mayor, you want to go first?
• But let's say it was in July, and then it would be October and January.

Summary: The committee began with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that 19 of 43 original entities for the 2022 reporting year had had turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reporting year, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five still outstanding. The committee also heard that Adona had come into substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, and it voted to file that report and discontinue withholding turnback. It then voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report for Gum Springs after hearing repeated findings involving budgeting, disbursements, payroll, and Act 833 funds, with city officials saying they had begun correcting records and were seeking help from the Municipal League and a city attorney. Fargo was deferred because the mayor was absent due to illness. The committee next considered Denning, where staff described repeated and serious accounting problems over 2022-2024, including unauthorized payments, missing documentation, weak payroll controls, and improper handling of funds. The mayor and recorder-treasurer said prior records were disorganized and that they were now working with an attorney, CPA help, and new software; the committee voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report. Green Forest’s report, involving a fixed-asset listing issue after the mayor’s death, was filed. Several private water and sewer reports were either filed or deferred depending on whether responses had been received, and the committee announced its March meeting would be held in Room 149 because of renovations. The committee then reviewed a series of referred reports involving alleged financial irregularities. In Elaine, the fire chief’s questionable purchases were referred and filed. In Strong, staff described undeposited garbage-bag receipts, improper payments for private dumpster service and other expenditures, payroll tax penalties, and deficit fund balances; the mayor said controls had been improved, but the committee deferred the report to March. The Faulkner County Fair Association report found undocumented cash withdrawals, questionable disbursements, and inadequately documented cash payments to a carnival vendor; the committee filed it. Brooklyn’s report involved a fraudulent direct-deposit change, and Mineral Springs’ report involved transfers from the cemetery fund, employee loans, overpayments, and travel reimbursement issues; both were filed. Additional reports included Rondo, where the recorder-treasurer explained missing computers and fuel purchases tied to personal vehicles, and the committee filed the report; Waldo, where the mayor had been overpaid due to extra biweekly payments, which was filed; Columbia County, where a floodplain management contract lacked an authorizing ordinance, which was filed; and several private water-system reports, some filed and others deferred for lack of responses. Carlisle’s report showed large but improving misstatements in financial records, and the committee filed it after hearing that new software and training had reduced prior problems. Caddo Valley’s report prompted a lengthy discussion about CDs and interest recognition; staff explained that principal balances should be reflected as city assets and interest should be recorded when earned or reported by the bank, and the report was filed. Prairie County’s budget overrun and road-fund issues were discussed at length, with the judge explaining equipment and weather-related costs and staff clarifying the distinction between road funds and locally approved sales-tax uses; the report was filed. Finally, the committee deferred a Cross County Rural Water Association matter after learning it had not filed with Legislative Audit since 2002-2003 despite receiving significant state funding, and members expressed concern about the long gap in filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• on or before January 1st, 2030. on or before January 1st, 2030.
• , through 12, through 12, which<00:15:49.360> are<00:15:49.759> technical<00:15:50.639
• of the treasurer's credit facility to 12 of the treasurer's credit facility to 12 a.5%. a.5%. a.5%
• This begins July 1, 2026, and ends January 1, 2028. That's reflected in the effective dates.
• This begins July 1, 2026, and ends January 1, 2028. That's reflected in the effective dates.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate proposals of amendment and, by voice vote, concurred in each. On House Bill 928, technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes, the House suspended the rules, heard a section-by-section explanation of changes to hunting violation points, license expiration dates, license fees, and Champion Lands reporting, and then concurred after both the committee and Ways and Means reported favorable straw polls of 11-0. On House Bill 915, the extended producer responsibility program for beverage containers, the House also suspended the rules and heard a detailed summary of Senate changes affecting handling fees, redemption requirements, PRO administration, collection-site standards, reporting, and effective dates; Environment reported a favorable straw poll and Ways and Means noted a modest fiscal impact from higher liquor bottle handling fees, after which the House concurred. The House then took up Senate Bill 328 on housing and common interest communities. The General and Housing Committee explained the Senate’s further amendments, including changes to the treasurer’s housing credit facility, consultation requirements, VHIP funding provisions, municipal housing planning, duplex and accessory dwelling unit rules, temporary multi-unit provisions, downtown and village center benefits, and common-interest-community reporting on vegetable gardens. Appropriations and Environment both reported no additional fiscal concerns and favorable straw polls, and the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. Finally, the House considered House Bill 542 on PCB testing in Vermont schools. The Senate strike-all amendment would extend the testing deadline to 2035, create a future special fund for testing and remediation, require PCB testing before major renovation projects using state construction dollars, and direct ANR to report on remaining costs and funding options. After questions about how the amendment would affect schools that had already tested or completed remediation, Education explained that existing remediation reimbursements would continue and that the amendment mainly delays the mandate and sets up a future funding mechanism. The House concurred, then recessed until 5:20 p.m. to prepare for additional Senate bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represented House District 12.
• So I'm looking at the page of January 25 state road fund forecast.
• Those aren't just January? Do, do you have that in front of you, Mr. Secretary? Uh, sure.
• That's not just January. Correct, uh, Mr.
• Updates based on any new policy changes since January on oil and gas. Thank you, thank you, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• > can<01:12:04.239> start<01:12:04.400> to<01:12:04.560> see<01:12:04.640
• And<01:12:06.560> um<01:12:06.640> I<01:12:06.800> I<01:12:07.120> guess<
• :12:15.120> be<01:12:15.280> asking<01:12:15.520> about<01:12:16.320> you
• ,<01:12:38.880> the<01:12:39.199> money<01:12:39.440> we<01:12:39.679> we
• > of<04:48:58.958> January, January, at the end of January, January, at the end of January

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:13.839> many<00:12:14.839> slices<00:12:15.519> to<00:12:15.760> your
• 00:12:23.920> at<00:12:24.079> home<00:12:24.560> but<00:12:24.680> I<00:
• <00:12:25.279> you<00:12:25.880> if<00:12:26.040> we<00:12:26.160> don't<
• get them<00:12:27.519> out<00:12:27.680> of<00:12:27.880> poverty<00:12:28.560><
• c> to<00:12:28.680> get<00:12:28.800> them<00:12:28.880> to<00:12:29.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh my questions are a little farther<01:12:29.199> back<01:12:29.360> in<01:12:29.600><
• Uh on the<01:12:32.320> projects,<01:12:33.280> uh<01:12:34.080> the<01:12:34.400
• 12:37.040> the<01:12:37.280> 4.5<01:12:37.920> million, grant projects, uh the 4.5
• <01:12:39.360> the<01:12:39.520> committee<01:12:39.840> with<01:12:40.159><
• <01:12:44.080> at,<01:12:44.800> uh<01:12:44.960> who >> Director: Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Delivery system effective January 1, 2027, implementing $50 monthly premiums for adults age 19 to 59
• As has been mentioned, the HAP funding was at $500 million planned at January 10 in the May revision,
• That work will start, I believe, right about the end of December or early January, depending on their
• And while we have that 12, another 12-month delay would just really encourage us to pursue stability
• And while we have that 12, another 12-month delay would just really encourage us to pursue stability

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes. Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds. The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:12:09.440> Well,<00:12:09.600> I<00:12:09.839> no<00:12:10.160> I
• > it,<00:12:11.200> but<00:12:11.360> I<00:12:11.519> agree<00:12:11.680>
• <00:12:15.440> I<00:12:15.680> I<00:12:15.920> made<00:12:16.079> it<
• 12:25.600> up<00:12:25.760> in<00:12:25.920> the<00:12:26.000> cathedral

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:45.040> for<00:12:45.200> the<00:12:45.279> work<00:12:45.440> you're
• > is<00:12:46.880> going<00:12:46.959> to<00:12:47.040> be<00:12:47.120><
• I think we've<00:12:52.880> got<00:12:53.040> a<00:12:53.200> couple<00:12:53.440
• <00:12:54.880> Uh,<00:12:55.680> our<00:12:56.000> colleague,<00:12:56.720><
• if<00:12:58.240> you<00:12:58.320> want<00:12:58.480> to<00:12:58.560> come

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:37 SB 39 discussion: 04:10 SB 39 vote: 26:35, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a quorum and first heard a brief presentation from Vice Chair Frommeyer on a resolution recognizing January as Kentucky Mentoring Month. She highlighted mentoring as important for personal, academic, and professional development and cited partnerships such as Northern Kentucky University’s Norse Network Hub and local community mentoring efforts. The committee then took up Senate Bill 39, sponsored by Senator Gary Boswell, which would treat fish in private lakes and ponds as the property of the landowner and allow landowners to extend fishing rights by written or electronic permission. Boswell and supporter Jason Kenner argued the bill would strengthen property rights, reduce burdensome regulation, support selective harvest and stocking decisions, and could boost tourism, local economies, and aquaculture. Kenner also described bass fishing’s economic impact, youth fishing growth, and examples of tournaments and habitat projects in Kentucky. Boswell said the bill does not change fishing license requirements and does not alter invasive species rules except to clarify that largemouth bass, including F1 Florida bass, are not invasive. Commissioner Rich Storm and other members raised concerns that the bill’s language could affect the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fee-based funding, federal grant eligibility, enforcement authority, and creel-limit cases, especially if written permission on private waters were interpreted broadly. Senator Webb said she supported the idea of bass stocking but wanted more guardrails and a pilot approach. Senator Howell asked whether Boswell would consider further work on the language, but Boswell declined to accept a committee substitute or amendment at that time. The committee then voted 8-1 with one pass to report the bill favorably, and the chair announced the bill would be reported with favorable expression that it should pass.