Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:27.720> And<00:11:27.880> I<00:11:27.960> also<00:11:28.240> need<
• <00:11:29.480> I<00:11:29.560> guess<00:11:29.760> I<00:11:29.839> was
• <00:11:31.800> that<00:11:31.960> I<00:11:32.040> forgot<00:11:32.600> to
• you<00:11:33.480> need<00:11:33.680> to<00:11:33.800> renew<00:11:34.120>
• <00:11:37.160> that<00:11:37.320> House<00:11:37.600> File<00:11:37.840> 3483B

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:11:10.160> whereas<00:11:10.560> UVM<00:11:11.080> alum<00:11:11.520>
• the<00:11:14.520> first<00:11:15.200> junior<00:11:15.640> world<00:11:16.440><
• 11:21.360> Catamount<00:11:21.839> freshman<00:11:22.360> to<00:11:22.520> win
• > NCAA<00:11:23.880> a<00:11:24.320> women's<00:11:24.760> slalom<00:11:25.160
• 11:53.080> of<01:11:53.160> Fish<01:11:53.400> and<01:11:53.520> Wildlife.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading by poet April Osmon, who read two poems focused on bridging political divides and shared humanity. Members then recognized the final day of service for the legislative pages, thanking them for their work during the 2026 session and presenting each page with a pin and a photo opportunity. The chamber then handled bill referrals: Senate Bill 193, creating a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons, was referred to Judiciary; Senate Bill 198, regulating tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, went to Commerce and Economic Development; Senate Bill 214, concerning pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts, went to Education; and Senate Bill 218, reducing chloride contamination in state waters and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations. The House also read and adopted two concurrent resolutions: HCR 237 congratulating Vermont-associated 2026 Winter Olympic medal winners, and HCR 238 honoring the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired on its 100th anniversary. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of tributes and guest recognitions tied to those resolutions. Members highlighted Vermont’s Olympic skiers and coaches, including Ben Ogden, Paula Moltzan, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Jessie Diggins, Mikaela Shiffrin, Barbara Ann Cochran, Bill Koch, and others, and read a note from Diggins thanking Vermont for its support and emphasizing teamwork and community. Speakers also praised VABVI’s century of service and its role in helping blind and visually impaired Vermonters, and several members offered personal remarks honoring retiring Representative Francis “Topper” McFaun for his long service, mentorship, and family legacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• > you<00:11:48.000> think<00:11:48.240> the<00:11:48.399> inspection<00:11:48.959
• that<00:11:55.760> but<00:11:55.959> again<00:11:56.560> uh<00:11:56.839> these
• > fund<01:11:03.199> was<01:11:03.400> set<01:11:03.640> up<01:11:03.800>
• specific<01:11:04.920> that<01:11:05.080> the<01:11:05.199> monies<01:11:05.520>
• :11:06.480> a<01:11:06.679> specific<01:11:07.320> purpose<01:11:08.120> so

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:19.200> I<00:11:19.519> think<00:11:19.760> they<00:11:20.160> have
• I<00:11:24.000> think<00:11:24.160> since<00:11:24.480> Moses<00:11:24.880>
• > uh<00:11:34.480> their<00:11:34.959> cattle<00:11:35.440> on<00:11:36.399
• It's<00:11:45.600> pasture<00:11:46.800> is<00:11:47.120> what<00:11:47.279>
• So, currently<00:11:53.360> it<00:11:53.600> is<00:11:53.839> being<00:11:54.160

Bills: SF0069, SF0084, SF0050, SF0109, HB0069, HB0098

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, irrigation, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there<01:11:01.199> was<01:11:01.440> never<01:11:01.920> any<01:11:02.239><
• 01:11:11.600> want<01:11:11.760> to<01:11:11.840> get<01:11:11.920> it<01
• get<01:11:13.280> it,<01:11:13.520> you<01:11:13.679> have<01:11:13.840>
• <01:11:15.040> to<01:11:15.120> get<01:11:15.199> it,<01:11:15.760> they<
• <01:11:21.520> it<01:11:21.760> on<01:11:22.159> um<01:11:22.400> below

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm joined<00:11:10.160> this<00:11:10.320> morning<00:11:10.560> by<00:11:10.720
• Okay, we're<00:11:16.640> going<00:11:16.800> to<00:11:16.880> start<00:11:17.120
• Um Sher<00:11:46.480> Manure,<00:11:47.680> chair<00:11:48.000> of<00:11:48.079>
• >> We'll<00:11:49.519> stand<00:11:49.600> on<00:11:49.760> a<00:11:49.920
• <00:11:53.680> Uh<00:11:54.000> Lauren<00:11:54.320> Zerbel<00:11:54.800>

Bills: HB2410, HB2235, HB1904, HB2201, HB2349, HB1972, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2391, HB2575

Keywords: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, economic diversification, small business, innovation, manufacturing assistance, grants, technology programs, advanced manufacturing, military, community relations, economic development, defense-related programs, workforce development, local business readiness, in-state manufacturing, federal investment, space operations, orbital sustainability, aerospace, space traffic management

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• I kept hearing from<00:11:01.519> mothers<00:11:01.920> in<00:11:02.079> my<00:11
• I've listened<00:11:03.600> to<00:11:03.760> the<00:11:03.920> mayor<00:11:04.160
• <00:11:08.399> He's<00:11:08.720> someone<00:11:08.959> who<00:11:09.440>
• We all know<00:11:31.360> how<00:11:31.519> bad<00:11:31.760> it<00:11:31.920>
• So, I've<00:11:38.560> talked<00:11:38.880> for<00:11:39.200> years<00:11:39.519

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:04.760> counties<00:11:05.839> conservation<00:11:06.839> um<00:11:06.959>
• a district um<00:11:14.480> there<00:11:14.639> is<00:11:14.800> no<00:11:15.040
• plate<00:11:21.160> grants<00:11:22.160> um<00:11:22.320> and<00:11:22.639>
• recently<00:11:28.560> um<00:11:29.480> at<00:11:29.839> a<00:11:30.880>
• but<00:11:49.519> it's<00:11:49.680> been<00:11:49.880> a<00:11:50.800>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Agriculture Commissioner on the department’s major divisions and staffing. He described the Office of the Commissioner, Agricultural Development, Pesticides, Regulatory Services, Weights and Measures, Animal Industry, Plant Industry, and Soil Conservation, noting that many programs are federally funded or supported by dedicated fees and fines. He said the department has 44 full-time positions plus one DoIT employee shared with other agencies, and that HR services are now contracted through Administrative Services. He also explained that Soil Conservation is administratively attached to the department and funded through Moose Plate grants and county contributions, not direct state funding. Members asked about specific program functions and issues, including weights and measures inspections, animal health, bird flu response, internships, invasive species, and the Big E/New Hampshire building. The commissioner said weights and measures covers nearly all commercial measuring devices and products sold by weight, and that inspectors are currently part-time police officers, though the department is discussing removing that requirement. He said the department is actively involved in bird flu monitoring, including regular calls with USDA and the state veterinarian and collecting milk samples from dairy farms. On invasive species, he focused on Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, saying the department has only one staff person working on the issue, mainly as a coordinator with DOT and towns, and that eradication is extremely difficult. He also said the department does not run student internships and refers inquiries to UNH Cooperative Extension. The committee discussed budget and revenue issues, including three new general fund positions, one of which is the assistant commissioner and another a biological scientist for invasive species. The commissioner said the department had been in “triage mode,” that an assistant commissioner was needed because of workload, and that the department is a net positive to the General Fund each year. He said some fees and fines have not been updated in decades and would require legislation to change, including a proposed $5 fee for each animal database certificate to help fund a system that costs about $250,000 annually to maintain. In response to questions about budget reductions, he said the department protected personnel, reduced the cost-of-care fund, fair grants, and land preservation funding to about $25,000 each, and did not plan to buy new vehicles or computers. He also said he could not support including the $50,000 Conservation District resilience grant program in his budget under the current reduction targets, though he remained hopeful it might be funded another way.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:01.440> marketplace<00:11:01.920> this<00:11:02.240> year<00:11:02.399><
• c> But<00:11:03.839> if<00:11:04.079> you're<00:11:04.320> very<00:11:04.560
• this<00:11:10.160> is<00:11:10.320> an<00:11:10.480> initial<00:11:10.880>
• c><00:11:13.360> in<00:11:13.680> people<00:11:14.000> being<00:11:14.240> able
• <00:11:19.279> They're<00:11:19.600> now<00:11:19.760> not<00:11:20.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing by the Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees focused on projected impacts to Hawaii consumers from federal changes affecting Med-QUEST and the ACA marketplace, including the loss of ACA premium tax credits, OBVA/HR1-related Medicaid changes, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and new Medicaid work/community engagement requirements. Committee members noted the meeting was being streamed live and emphasized the need to explain potential coverage losses affecting a significant share of the state population. Med-QUEST administrators reported current enrollment at 390,766, about 27% of Hawaii’s population, and broke that down into major groups including roughly 128,000 ACA expansion adults and about 52,000 parent/caretaker relatives. They said the expansion adult population would be most affected by the new federal requirements, which will shorten renewal periods from 12 months to 6 months and impose community engagement rules beginning in late 2026 and 2027. They described the work requirement as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work program participation, or half-time education, with an income-based pathway tied to $580 per month at the federal minimum wage; they also noted a long list of exemptions, but said many details are still awaiting federal guidance and rulemaking. The administrators said federal changes to immigrant eligibility would eliminate Medicaid coverage for certain noncitizen categories, with an estimated 1,200 to 2,400 people affected, though about 200 may remain covered through a state-funded program for otherwise eligible individuals. They also said marketplace subsidies would no longer be available for some immigrants under 100% of the federal poverty level starting January 1, 2026, with further restrictions expected in 2027. For Hawaii overall, they estimated the new Medicaid work and renewal rules could push an additional 19,000 to 38,000 people into uninsured status, with another estimated 6,000 at risk from the six-month renewal process alone. Members asked about how exemptions would be determined, especially for medically frail and seriously mentally ill individuals, and administrators said they were still awaiting detailed federal rules and were working on data-matching and verification processes to reduce coverage losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:04.959> really<00:11:05.120> help<00:11:05.279> me,<00:11:05.440>
• > the<00:11:06.399> state<00:11:06.560> of<00:11:06.720> New<00:11:06.800
• :11:28.640> past<00:11:28.959> year<00:11:29.600> and<00:11:29.920> or<00
• And >> I<00:11:35.279> I<00:11:35.519> do<00:11:35.680> not<00:11:35.839><
• Um, would<00:11:39.839> the<00:11:40.399> would<00:11:40.640> the<00:11:40.800><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > I'd<00:11:01.440> ask<00:11:01.600> for<00:11:01.959> a<00:11:02.959>
• <01:11:01.600> Um,<01:11:02.000> finally,<01:11:02.320> we<01:11:02.560>
• <01:11:15.440> about<01:11:15.679> for<01:11:15.840> many,<01:11:16.080> many
• <01:11:19.600> And<01:11:19.840> that's<01:11:20.159> the<01:11:20.360> A44
• <01:11:33.760> Um,<01:11:34.640> can<01:11:35.040> can<01:11:35.280> you<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > down<00:11:07.079> that<00:11:07.360> second<00:11:08.000> column<00:11
• saving<00:11:18.519> uh<00:11:18.959> yes<00:11:19.440> uh<00:11:19.600> we
• c><00:11:19.800> we<00:11:19.959> we<00:11:20.079> can<00:11:20.279> provide<
• we'll<00:11:21.160> also<00:11:21.320> add<00:11:21.480> a<00:11:21.600>
• :11:52.920> if<04:11:53.119> this<04:11:53.319> was<04:11:53.520> a<04:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.120> of<00:11:09.279> the<00:11:09.600> project<00:11:10.480> in<00:11
• >> And<00:11:16.320> they're<00:11:16.560> planning<00:11:16.800> on<00:11
• <00:11:20.320> We'll<00:11:20.640> start<00:11:20.959> test<00:11:21.360>
• <00:11:39.040> All<00:11:39.279> in<00:11:39.440> favor<00:11:39.760> say
• >> No.<00:11:42.720> The<00:11:42.880> motion<00:11:43.200> is<00:11:43.360

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on Friday, November 21st and first approved the October 17th minutes, with one member abstaining because she was not present. The committee then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar after removing two items for separate consideration. On tab four, members discussed item 25282 with the Commissioner of Administrative Services and Public Works staff; the project had been delayed after testing revealed design errors and flaws, and the committee was told the work would restart with test piles the following week and was projected for completion in fall 2027. The item was approved. On tab five, item 25279 concerned a Health and Human Services facility project and a federally required element added late in the process. Commissioners explained that the project had originally been funded at $21 million, later required additional financing, and that the legislature had recently lifted a restriction so non-ARPA funds could be used. They also said the sale of the existing Manchester property would not be needed to complete the build, that a broker RFP was about to be issued, and that any sale would require further approvals. The committee approved the item. The committee then approved item 25280 after a brief exchange about rainy day fund estimates and prior budget assumptions, and approved item 25278 without discussion. Item 25272 drew questions about the consumer advocate’s RFP for outside utility-rate-case assistance; the office said it eliminated proposals focused only on return on equity work after the Eversource decision, selected a Michigan firm for spreadsheet and operating-cost analysis, and noted there were no in-state firms doing this specialized work. The committee approved the item, with one member recorded in opposition. On tab nine, item 25261 concerned a new judicial council budget obligation tied to legislation and public defense staffing needs. The presenter said the request reflected a late-added obligation from the judicial branch, that more requests may still be needed, and that public defense staffing was strained by vacancies and competition from Massachusetts. The committee approved the item. Under informational items, members received an update on 529 plan distributions and on interest and dividends tax refunds, with Revenue Administration saying roughly $21 million more in refunds remained and that the repeal-related refunds were nearly finished. The committee also noted an environmental services item for which questions would be submitted separately. The next meeting was set for December 19th at 11:00 a.m., and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• it<00:11:04.399> says<00:11:04.720> the<00:11:04.839> Monies<00:11:05.200> to
• :11:22.680> have<00:11:22.800> an<00:11:22.959> amendment<00:11:24.120> um
• uh authorize<00:11:27.920> the<00:11:28.079> imposition<00:11:28.600> and<00:11
• :30.760> thank<00:11:30.920> you<00:11:31.040> I'll<00:11:31.200> be<00:11
• person<00:11:52.600> thank you<00:11:56.160> we<00:11:56.320> also<00:11:56.680>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work. The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed. Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• so is it was it perhaps 11 to8 11 to 7 so is it was it perhaps 11 to8 11 to 7 there's<00:46:26.440>
• <01:11:08.360> amend<01:11:09.040> a<01:11:09.199> core<01:11:09.600> part
• of the<01:11:10.600> amendment<01:11:11.600> is<01:11:12.480> to<01:11:13.400>
• 01:11:35.520> whether<01:11:36.440> uh<01:11:36.600> the<01:11:36.760> person
• 11:55.000> and<03:11:55.560> spent<03:11:56.560> and<03:11:56.720> I<03:11

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised. After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting. HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.

Transcript Highlights:

• again<00:11:01.639> in<00:11:01.839> June<00:11:02.440> calendar<00:11:02.800><
• c><00:11:12.639> we<00:11:12.760> saw<00:11:13.000> from<00:11:13.720> 23
• 23 so the<00:11:15.079> resetting<00:11:15.639> of<00:11:15.880> e<00:11:16.160>
• 00:11:19.279> and<00:11:19.440> we're<00:11:19.600> just<00:11:19.760> going<
• 11:28.639> excuse<00:11:28.880> me<00:11:29.000> can<00:11:29.120> I<00:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:11:05.040> I<00:11:05.279> want<00:11:05.440> to<00:11:05.600> ask<
• <00:11:06.959> uh<00:11:07.200> Mueller<00:11:07.600> here<00:11:07.839>
• > if<00:11:08.320> they<00:11:08.480> will<00:11:09.279> offset<00:11:09.920
• And furthermore,<01:11:11.760> I<01:11:12.000> believe<01:11:12.159> that<01:11:
• 01:11:20.239> uh<01:11:20.400> any<01:11:20.719> discretion<01:11:21.199> I

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.079> you<00:11:02.320> miss<00:11:02.720> if<00:11:02.839> you<00:11:
• :11:04.680> to<00:11:04.839> a<00:11:05.079> half<00:11:05.360> credit<00
• :11:10.279> who<00:11:10.440> are<00:11:10.600> moving<00:11:10.920> into
• :11:17.839> and<00:11:17.959> things<00:11:18.120> of<00:11:18.279> that<
• pensions<00:11:20.160> are<00:11:20.440> are<00:11:20.760> are<00:11:20.959>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 342, which would require all Kentucky students to complete a one-credit financial literacy course for graduation, with the credit able to count toward math, social studies, or an elective. Representative Meredith and student advocate Patrick Rovi argued the current financial literacy mandate is too weak without a credit requirement, citing low implementation across schools and the need for practical instruction in loans, credit, investing, and budgeting. Members generally supported the bill, while Representative Tipton raised concerns about adding credit requirements and limiting dual credit options, and Representative Willner questioned whether it would create an unfunded mandate. Supporters responded that the bill is designed to fit within existing graduation requirements and that free curriculum and professional development resources are available through groups like Next Generation Personal Finance. HB 342 passed the committee unanimously with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next considered House Bill 661, a technical cleanup bill related to the previously enacted nine-passenger van option for school transportation. Representative Emily Callaway said the measure only adjusts regulations needed for KDE to implement the earlier law effectively. The bill passed without opposition. House Bill 208, sponsored by Representatives Josh Bray and James Tipton, would require school districts to adopt policies limiting cell phone use during the school day and, in the updated version, restrict social media access as well. Supporters said the bill is intended to improve student attention, reduce cyberbullying and mental health harms, and address concerns raised by school disruptions and social media use. Members asked about exemptions for students with medical needs, emergency access, and whether districts would need new software; sponsors said existing district technology and local discretion should handle those issues. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then began taking up House Bill 430, which would let certain small-transportation districts seek an exemption from the KDE requirement for four annual bus safety trainings, provided they adopt a local safety policy and submit it to KDE. A district superintendent testified that the current blanket requirement causes significant instructional disruption for districts with very limited daily transportation needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:06.800> uh<00:11:07.120> did<00:11:07.279> it<00:11:07.519> get
• I couldn't remember<00:11:12.320> for<00:11:12.560> sure<00:11:12.640> and<00:11
• 11:14.079> get<00:11:14.160> it<00:11:14.320> done.
• So,<00:11:15.600> um<00:11:16.079> I'm<00:11:16.320> kind<00:11:16.480> of
• /c><00:11:18.160> on<00:11:18.399> this<00:11:18.560> bill,<00:11:18.800> but

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• same<01:11:02.960> and<01:11:03.199> similar<01:11:04.400> uh<01:11:04.560>
• ><01:11:07.840> many<01:11:08.000> of<01:11:08.080> them<01:11:08.320> as
• as we can<01:11:09.520> and<01:11:09.679> we<01:11:09.920> get<01:11:10.080>
• that<01:11:10.400> portion<01:11:10.800> of<01:11:10.880> it<01:11:11.120>
• <01:11:12.880> And<01:11:13.360> uh<01:11:13.520> if<01:11:13.760> we

Keywords: 1183, house