Transcript Highlights:

• committee<00:11:26.959> members<00:11:27.959> as<00:11:28.120> the<00:11:28.320>
• House<00:11:32.800> Bill<00:11:33.440> 200<00:11:34.160> for<00:11:34.360><
• :35.399> for<00:11:35.600> the<00:11:35.720> record<00:11:36.079> I<00:11
• 11:45.440> I<00:11:45.600> also<00:11:45.880> serve<00:11:46.480> as<00:11
• 11:50.800> Bill<00:11:51.360> 200<00:11:51.639> was<00:11:51.800> filed<00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:04.480> So,<00:11:04.800> we're<00:11:05.040> still<00:11:05.120>
• We've got<00:11:12.160> a<00:11:12.320> motion<00:11:13.440> and<00:11:13.519>
• > getting<00:11:16.399> some<00:11:16.560> copies<00:11:16.880> of<00:11:16.959
• 329532,<01:11:33.280> which<01:11:33.679> if<01:11:34.080> you<01:11:34.400>
• The<01:11:48.880> other<01:11:49.120> thing<01:11:49.280> it<01:11:49.600><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are<00:11:05.040> there<00:11:05.200> any<00:11:05.480> further<00:11:05.960
• room 11. room 11. >> Member<00:11:13.839> from<00:11:14.040> Poultney.
• > room<00:11:22.040> 11.
• recess in room 11. recess in room 11.
• >> Are<00:11:31.600> there<00:11:31.800> any<00:11:32.640> further<00:11:33.120

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read HCR 307 honoring Representative Kevin “Coach” Christie of Hartford for his civic leadership, long career in education and public service, work on equity and human rights, and his vocal performances. Several members offered remarks praising Christie’s service and announcing that he would not seek another term, while expressing appreciation for his contributions and wishing him well amid recent health challenges. During announcements, members recognized a visiting guest, shared caucus notices, and one member spoke about the connection between military appreciation month and mental health awareness month, citing high suicide rates among service members and urging attention to veterans’ mental health. The House then moved to the day’s orders and took up two bills related to mental health. On H. 817, concerning mental health literacy and peer-to-peer supports in schools, the House suspended rules to consider the Senate’s proposal of amendment. A member from Winooski explained that the Senate strike-all amendment directed the Department of Mental Health and the Agency of Education to inventory related work, recommend integration of peer-to-peer youth mental health programming and school/after-school literacy efforts, and consider grant support beginning in July 2028, with funding recommendations to be included in the FY28 budget. The House concurred in the Senate amendment. The House then suspended rules to take up H. 816, relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, and adopted the Committee of Conference report. Supporters said the conference changes addressed concerns from mental health clinicians about digital therapeutics, clarified where clinical guidance is needed, aligned definitions, allowed research and development to continue through universities such as Dartmouth, and added the Board of Medical Providers and the Office of Professional Regulation to the AI Advisory Council. The House adopted the report and then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:06.800> my<00:11:07.040> grandson<00:11:07.600> and<00:11:07.839> a
• The caller<00:11:16.640> who<00:11:16.880> said<00:11:17.040> he<00:11:17.279>
• /c><00:11:21.360> because<00:11:21.680> he<00:11:21.920> had<00:11:22.079> a<
• nose<00:11:23.040> from<00:11:23.200> the<00:11:23.560> accident<00:11:24.560><
• :26.560> to<00:11:26.720> let<00:11:26.959> the<00:11:27.200> rest<00:11:

Bills: HF1392, HF2233, HF695, HF2228, HF1289

Keywords: consumer protection, restitution, attorney general, consumer enforcement, unclaimed funds, victim compensation, settlement funds, special revenue fund, general fund, restitution account, consumer fraud, state treasury, eligible consumers, distribution of funds, tax subtraction, income tax, refund, unpaid compensation, Minnesota Department of Revenue, consumer redress

Transcript Highlights:

• remind each<00:11:42.480> and<00:11:42.800> every<00:11:43.040> one<00:11:43.279
• > is<00:11:45.360> a<00:11:45.600> blessing,<00:11:46.560> we<00:11:46.959
• > to<00:11:47.920> use<00:11:48.240> our<00:11:48.560> breaths<00:11:48.959
• :50.800> you,<00:11:51.600> to<00:11:51.839> ask<00:11:52.079> you<00:11:
• Protect<00:11:58.480> these<00:11:58.800> people,<00:11:59.279> oh<00:11:59.440>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 13 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a prayer by Reverend David McDow of Fondren Presbyterian Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled routine business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the reading of the journal and bill introductions, and recognizing pages and several visiting groups in the galleries, including Oktibbeha County Young Leaders, Special Olympics champions, the doctor of the day, and members of the Women’s League of Voters. There were also remarks honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and a response from a member of Omega Sapphire Fraternity. The main legislative item was House Bill 580, a technical correction to judicial district maps. The bill was explained as fixing precinct placement errors in the Fourth Circuit Court District and correcting precincts affected by the creation of the CCID in Hinds County’s Seventh Circuit Court District. Members asked about how many judges would be on the ballot, whether the CCID judge would exercise regular civil and criminal jurisdiction, and when the changes would take effect. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve existing district boundaries, avoid changing qualifying deadlines, and keep the CCID judge as a regular circuit judge for an eight-year term. The House passed the bill 112-0 and then granted immediate release. Toward the end of the meeting, members made several announcements about committee schedules and upcoming events, including budget hearings, Military Affairs, Universities and Colleges, Rules, State Affairs, and a legislative prayer breakfast and welcome reception. The House also took multiple adjournment-in-memory requests for deceased Mississippians, including Larry Bryant, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Linda Stranger, Mary Lou Thompson, and Viva Hughes Williams. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:13.720> for<00:11:13.880> a<00:11:14.000> number<00:11:14.240> of
• > $2<00:11:21.399> billion<00:11:21.880> share<00:11:22.079> of<00:11:22.200
• <00:11:38.200> and<00:11:38.320> so<00:11:38.440> for<00:11:38.720> these
• <00:11:39.600> Electric<00:11:39.920> is<00:11:40.160> proposing<00:11:40.600>
• of the<00:11:55.880> bill<00:11:56.160> and<00:11:56.320> its<00:11:56.519>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later. The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:11.040> when<00:11:11.360> he<00:11:11.600> in<00:11:11.839> fact
• <00:11:12.720> over<00:11:13.120> 40<00:11:13.440> hours<00:11:13.600> a<
• <00:11:19.839> Is<00:11:20.079> he<00:11:20.320> a<00:11:20.560> salaried
• 11:23.920> is<00:11:24.079> he<00:11:24.320> making<00:11:24.560> it<00:11
• 11:25.760> was<01:11:26.000> not<01:11:26.159> a<01:11:26.320> very<01:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:39.680> They<00:11:39.839> may<00:11:40.000> be<00:11:40.079> in
• ><00:11:41.200> too,<00:11:41.839> but<00:11:42.160> those<00:11:42.399> were
• <00:11:46.000> Um<00:11:46.720> I'll<00:11:47.519> if<00:11:47.680> PJ
• :11:48.959> get<00:11:49.120> him<00:11:49.200> a<00:11:49.440> link<00:11
• :50.000> to<00:11:50.160> it<00:11:50.320> and<00:11:50.880> y'all<00:11:

Bills: HB272, HB272

Keywords: HB272, LASEA, AMSTEP, Alabama Commission on Higher Education, State Department of Education, teacher loan repayment, student loan forgiveness, educator shortage, teacher shortage, acute educator shortage, acute shortage location, public K-12 schools, school systems, math teachers, science teachers, computer science teachers, charter schools, failing schools, underperforming schools, teacher recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:19.360> to<00:11:19.639> meet<00:11:20.639> work<00:11:20.959> on<
• c> per<00:11:25.360> federal<00:11:25.959> and<00:11:26.279> state<00:11:26.680
• > and<00:11:49.680> I<00:11:49.760> will<00:11:49.920> spell<00:11:50.200
• meet<00:11:55.160> in<00:11:55.399> what's<00:11:55.680> called<00:11:56.079>
• 11:17.880> so<01:11:18.080> if<01:11:18.360> we<01:11:18.480> have<01:11:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on HB 222, which would repeal the requirement that a chartered public school and the resident school district sign a memorandum of understanding on how students with disabilities will receive special education services. The prime sponsor, Rep. Peggy Balboni, said the bill was requested by the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators and the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools. She argued that federal and state law already require districts to provide FAPE and that the MOU requirement has created extra work, legal costs, and delays without improving services. She said many MOUs remain unsigned, but students are still receiving services and complaint numbers have not changed. Rep. Mooney also supported repeal, calling the MOU duplicative and impractical because IEPs and 504 plans already govern services. Testimony from Jane B. Brulu of the special education administrators’ association and Beth McLure of the charter schools alliance echoed that view, saying the MOU has not helped students, has added hours of work and legal fees, and has mostly been a source of disputes over funding and service costs. McLure said her school has worked with more than 15 districts and has always been able to reach agreements, though the first year of the requirement took substantial time and money. Committee members asked about the original purpose of the law, unsigned MOUs, and whether disputes could be resolved without the requirement. A representative from the Department of Education said the MOU was originally proposed to address reports that some students were not getting services on time and to provide some oversight, but the department has no authority to order charter schools or districts to agree and no appeal process if they cannot. The department also said it does not currently audit charter school special education services because it lacks authority to monitor charter schools directly, and it urged the committee to consider some alternative oversight if the MOU requirement is repealed. The hearing on HB 222 was then closed, and the committee announced it would begin the hearing on HB 699 after a short break.

Transcript Highlights:

• House<00:11:04.480> Bill<00:11:04.800> 52,<00:11:05.440> elections,<00:11:05.920
• <00:11:10.560> This<00:11:10.720> bill<00:11:10.959> passed<00:11:11.279>
• :11:14.000> Haroldson<00:11:14.560> in<00:11:14.800> the<00:11:14.959> 25
• c><00:11:16.800> then<00:11:17.360> the<00:11:17.600> committee<00:11:18.000>
• This would<00:11:22.160> put<00:11:22.320> in<00:11:22.560> place<00:11:23.360><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:06.880> do<00:11:07.040> then<00:11:07.360> those<00:11:07.600> dollars
• :11:10.079> that<00:11:10.240> we'd<00:11:10.480> be<00:11:10.560> drawing
• from, and<00:11:11.760> we<00:11:11.920> could<00:11:12.160> potentially<00:11:
• <00:11:24.880> So<00:11:25.120> at<00:11:25.279> a<00:11:25.440> recent
• > could<00:11:28.320> you<00:11:29.519> clarify<00:11:30.079> exactly<00:11:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:17.279> one<00:11:17.680> side<00:11:17.959> or<00:11:18.160> the
• what<00:11:22.200> we<00:11:22.440> recommend<00:11:23.320> I<00:11:23.399>
• :24.000> the<00:11:24.120> bill<00:11:24.360> at<00:11:24.519> that<00:11
• /c><00:11:37.800> usually<00:11:38.200> only<00:11:38.600> exec<00:11:39.079>
• 11:11.600> to<03:11:11.760> him<03:11:12.479> as<03:11:12.640> the<03:11:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:04.000> Couldn't<00:11:04.399> we<00:11:04.800> share<00:11:05.279>
• That's what<00:11:15.440> the<00:11:15.600> future<00:11:15.920> study<00:11:16.240
• <00:11:18.240> So,<00:11:18.480> as<00:11:18.720> you<00:11:18.880> can
• a<00:11:21.120> bill<00:11:21.360> that<00:11:22.000> that<00:11:22.399>
• :24.399> uh<00:11:25.839> uh<00:11:26.880> trying<00:11:27.120> to<00:11:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> If<00:11:03.360> he<00:11:03.519> is<00:11:03.680> with<00:11:03.920>
• > the<00:11:04.160> state<00:11:04.560> of<00:11:04.800> with<00:11:05.040><
• I<00:11:10.560> will<00:11:10.720> take<00:11:10.959> I<00:11:11.120> will
• ><00:11:11.360> remove<00:11:12.000> um<00:11:12.240> would<00:11:12.480> it<
• <01:11:15.440> Is<01:11:15.679> it<01:11:15.840> a<01:11:16.239> you<01:11

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is<00:11:21.440> there<00:11:21.680> any<00:11:21.839> further<00:11:22.240>
• Seeing none,<00:11:24.240> all<00:11:24.399> in<00:11:24.560> favor<00:11:24.959
• Chair,<00:11:39.279> I<00:11:39.440> I<00:11:39.600> I<00:11:40.000> just
• <00:11:40.160> want<00:11:40.320> to<00:11:40.399> throw<00:11:40.640> a
• <00:11:41.440> I<00:11:41.680> think<00:11:41.760> this<00:11:42.000> is<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on June 20, 2025 and first approved the May 16 minutes and the non-removed items on the consent calendar. It then took up a Health and Human Services item for $5 million in additional nursing facility payments (FIS 25158). HHS explained the transfer was for private and county nursing facilities and was the third and final transfer in FY25, funded through federal matching dollars, county cap funds, and general funds. Members asked about the size of the transfer, whether it signaled future shortfalls, and how projections were developed; HHS said the request reflected updated estimates and that they did not expect similarly large transfers going forward. The committee adopted the item. The committee also considered an ARPA-related item to remove a line from a funding request because the issue had been resolved and the positions/funds were no longer needed. Members approved the item with that line removed. Commissioner Caswell then answered questions about ARPA spending authority, saying remaining projects must be expended by December 31, 2026 and that the item was intended to preserve authority for ongoing capital projects; any unspent funds would revert to the federal government. Members noted the recurring nature of these ARPA adjustments and the need to keep tracking deadlines. The Department of Corrections presented several items, including a $10 million request tied to staffing shortages and overtime costs, plus additional corrections-related funding items. Interim commissioner John Skipa said 18 employees had received preliminary layoff notices pending final budget approval. He and staff said the overtime need was driven by staffing shortages, later collective bargaining pay increases, and double-time compensation for uniform officers forced into overtime; they also said one housing unit section had been closed to reduce staffing pressure. In response to questions about morale and operational risk, Skipa said the department was under strain, that leadership was in transition, and that staffing or budget reductions could create litigation risk. The committee also heard about the Site Evaluation Committee’s budget shortfall, which was attributed to fewer new facility applications but continued casework and public engagement, and approved that item. Finally, members discussed a YDC claims administration item, questioning the role and cost of the Verald Dana consultant; staff said the firm handles intake and processing of claims for the Attorney General’s office and had been involved since the claims process was created. Several items were adopted after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:03.360> so<00:11:04.360> as<00:11:04.480> you<00:11:04.600> know
• retained<00:11:05.519> bills<00:11:05.839> is<00:11:05.959> a<00:11:06.120><
• <00:11:11.560> in<00:11:11.760> the<00:11:12.440> in<00:11:12.600> the<00
• <00:11:17.519> retained<00:11:18.000> bills<00:11:18.279> and<00:11:18.399><
• :11:20.240> just<00:11:20.440> kill<00:11:20.639> them<00:11:20.800> all

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 Finance held a work session to move through five bills before noon, noting one member’s early departure and adjusting the order of bills accordingly. The first item, HB 54, would allow some alternative treatment centers in the medical cannabis system to operate for profit. Members discussed a fiscal note showing a one-time $133,000 cost, which was described as a Division 1 budget item to be handled through HB 2 rather than directly in Division 3. After discussion about keeping Division 1 informed and the distinction between retaining a bill versus funding it, the committee voted unanimously to retain HB 54 for further finance work and conversion into HB 2. The committee then took up HB 547, concerning reimbursement to counties for enhanced FMAP funds during the COVID period. The chair summarized the issue as federal enhanced Medicaid matching funds that were received by the state before authority existed to pass them through to counties, creating a disputed amount owed to counties. County representatives said the money should have gone to counties and clarified the relevant time period, while the department did not take a position. The chair proposed retaining the bill and moving it into HB 2, with discussion of a possible four-year repayment structure in equal annual installments. The committee agreed to retain the bill for continued work in the budget process. During the HB 547 discussion, members also clarified the fiscal and accounting details, including that the fiscal note had not been widely available and that some figures in the note should be treated as county revenue rather than county expenditure. Testimony explained that the enhanced FMAP increased from 50 percent to 56.2 percent, and that the state’s and counties’ shares of claims were affected by the timing of the federal change and the later state authorization. The committee emphasized that the issue was complex and budget-dependent, and that retaining the bill would allow further negotiation and incorporation into HB 2 rather than immediate final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.320> any<00:11:00.560> guest<00:11:00.800> you<00:11:00.959> might<00
• :07.279> Whitley<00:11:07.639> County<00:11:07.880> in<00:11:08.040> part
• of Laurel<00:11:10.000> um<00:11:11.000> no<00:11:11.240> guests<00:11:11.519><
• c> today<00:11:11.920> but<00:11:12.160> I'm<00:11:12.279> here Laurel um no
• ><00:11:15.399> see<00:11:15.600> at<00:11:15.760> the<00:11:15.880> bill

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up four bills. House Bill 131, sponsored by Representative Meredith, would give former second-class city fire departments more flexibility in firefighter scheduling. Meredith explained the committee substitute would allow a hybrid “1323” schedule while preserving existing collective bargaining agreements and affecting only 13 cities. There was no opposition or public testimony, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill with a favorable expression. House Bill 256, sponsored by the chair, was presented by Representative Flry and Kentucky Land Title Association President Eric Case. The bill sets a 40-year statutory limit on certain dormant title interests to clear old encumbrances and make titles more marketable, while not specifically excluding coal and mineral interests. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the bill with a favorable expression. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would update county law library funding rules to allow local bar associations to use library funds for online legal services, addressing unused balances in some counties. The chair and others said the change would better use the resource for attorneys and the public. The committee approved the bill with a favorable expression. House Bill 368, sponsored by Representative Decker, would let smaller counties and local governments use the same alternative public notice methods already available in larger counties, such as posting notices on government websites after a brief newspaper notice. Supporters from county and city groups said the change would save money, improve efficiency, and help with transparency, while Kentucky Press Association Executive Director David Thompson said newspaper publication costs are relatively small and urged the legislature to set standards for government websites before expanding online notice options. The transcript cuts off during Thompson’s testimony, and no final committee action on HB 368 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

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• of state lands.<00:11:08.480> Eyes<00:11:08.880> 29<00:11:09.600> excused<00:11
• <00:11:14.240> Speaker<00:11:14.560> the<00:11:14.720> bill<00:11:14.880>
• House Bill<00:11:31.760> 35,<00:11:32.560> firefighters<00:11:33.120> paid<00:11
• <00:11:39.200> Speaker,<00:11:39.600> House<00:11:39.839> Bill<00:11:40.079>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• guess I'm still I<00:11:09.880> mean,<00:11:10.200> we<00:11:10.400> passed<00:11
• 00:11:36.720> not<00:11:37.040> a<00:11:37.680> hadn't<00:11:38.040> been
• I<00:11:43.160> do<00:11:43.320> think<00:11:43.520> that<00:11:43.720> this<
• think<00:11:48.839> that<00:11:48.960> the<00:11:49.080> earlier<00:11:49.360><
• The only thing<00:11:57.240> that<00:11:57.360> an<00:11:57.560> ID<00:11:57.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 736, 759, 804, 811, 824, 846, 860, 869, 882, 912, 922, 923, 925, 925, 927, 10,05, 10, 10,06, 10, 17, 11
• , 11, 11, 11, 16, 1117, 1119, 11, 11, 11, 19, 11, 11, 11, 11, 14, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 14, 11, 11, 11,
• 11, 11, 14, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 17, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 11,
• 11, 11, 11, 11 17, Thank you. 1116, 1117, 1119, 1131, 1134, 1153, 1164, 1172, 1186, 1187, 12, 12, 12,

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 30, 2025, for a regular order hearing on a large slate of bills. After opening remarks and quorum, the committee approved a consent calendar in two motions: one for bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another for unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. The committee also deemed the suspense calendar approved without further discussion. Several housing and shelter-related bills were presented. AB 1061 by Quirk-Silva would allow SB 9 duplex and lot-split provisions to apply in historic districts, with limits to protect individually listed historic sites and maintain street-facing appearances; California YIMBY supported the measure. AB 750 by Quirk-Silva would strengthen oversight of homeless shelters by requiring posted resident-rights information, standardized reporting, and penalties for noncompliance, including possible withholding of state funding. AB 712 by another member would increase penalties for public agencies that violate state housing law and bar indemnification demands against applicants when agencies break those laws; it was described as part of a fast-track housing package. The committee then took public comment, dominated by extensive opposition to AB 928. Dozens of individuals, many identifying with poultry, feed, gamefowl, agricultural, or related organizations, testified against the bill, saying it would harm their livelihoods, culture, religious practices, or constitutional rights and could kill birds. A few speakers also testified on other bills, including support for AB 1337 and AB 804 and opposition to AB 1337. After public comment concluded, the meeting adjourned.