Transcript Highlights:

• The regulatory provisions would deal with their ministerial functions and their discretionary functions
• The regulatory provisions would deal with their ministerial functions and their discretionary functions
• But it largely functions to use the power of information to get people informed so that they can act
• So ideally, this would function the same way. Any questions for either on the panel?
• So, unfortunately, I don't have any specifics on how the current loan program is functioning.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination. Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• amount calculated for fiscal 26, you know, that being that the amount in column A of the run was a function
• And I think probably most impactfully, it's a function of the way that the legislature has previously
• the run in column A of the run uh<01:19:16.960> was<01:19:17.760> a<01:19:17.880> function
• <01:19:18.680> of uh was a function of uh was a function of um um um the<01:19:23.280>
• of the way that the are function of the way that the legislature<01:21:41.760> has<01:21:41.960

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the one missing point is that we all function as health care providers.
• I think the one missing point is that we all function as health care providers.
• And so this is functioning kind of like that.”
• By second grade, she could not function because of timed tests.
• So when we look at the ratios, that is a BESE function.

Bills: HB624, HB1022, HB1203, SB82, SB206, SB305, SB376, SB441

Keywords: school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest

Summary: The House Education Committee met on April 23, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several education-related bills. SB 206 by Chairman Miller would require blood pressure screening for student athletes as part of physical examinations, with amendments narrowing the bill to student athletes and removing BESE rulemaking language. Supporters, including Coach Marcus Scott and the American Heart Association, said the measure could help detect undiagnosed hypertension and prevent serious health events. Rep. Freiberg moved to report the bill as amended, and it passed without objection. The committee also heard SB 305 by Chairman Edmonds, which would require a publicly available statewide career-alignment dashboard showing how degree programs connect to workforce outcomes, including graduation, employment, wages, and job placement data. Edmonds, student task force member Cruz Cassard, and supporters from workforce and business groups said the dashboard would help students understand Louisiana job opportunities and reduce outmigration. Rep. Landry moved to report the bill favorably, and it passed without objection. HB 624 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson would update public school emergency planning language from “crisis management plans” to “emergency operations plans” and align the law with current safety standards. School safety officials said it was a cleanup bill that would not create new mandates or costs. Rep. Carpenter moved to report it favorably, and it passed without objection. The committee then considered HB 1022 by Rep. Jackson, as substituted, concerning school-based health care services. Jackson said the bill was intended to clarify that medical decisions in school-based health centers should be made by licensed health professionals, not school staff, while preserving parental consent and not expanding services. School-based health center providers and health association representatives supported the bill, citing examples of improved access and continuity of care, but several members raised concerns about consent, the role of school staff, instructional time, and whether the bill could shift authority away from schools or create legal confusion. Jackson said he would work on amendments with stakeholders and legal staff. After discussion, Rep. Landry moved to report the substitute bill, and the committee approved it on a 10-4 roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:19:50.480> the<01:19:50.719> same<01:19:50.800> as products are functionally
• the same as products are functionally the same as marijuana,<01:19:51.760> but<01:19:52.000><
• It's less than 0.3% and it really is functionally not any different than cannabis flower that you would
• <01:25:32.719> not<01:25:33.040> any it really is functionally not any it really is
• functionally not any different<01:25:33.920> than<01:25:34.400> cannabis<01:25:34.880>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a bill last year that dealt with changing tax function and requiring that they not be taxed.
• We had a bill last year that dealt with changing tax function and requiring that they not be taxed.
• there's some gray area here, and they ask for this bill to make sure we acknowledge it is a legal function
• , and I think it's good for their mental health. because they just can't because they just can't function
• <01:49:51.760> properly function properly function properly so<01:49:54.480> I<01:49:54.639

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After your testimony is complete, the Zoom chat function allows you to chat with technical staff only
• After your testimony is complete, the Zoom chat function allows you to chat with technical staff only
• is complete the zoom chat function is complete the zoom chat function allows<00:38:00.079> you
• There's really no reason to disrupt a system that's functioning effectively.
• <01:15:00.159> effectively system that's functioning effectively system that's functioning

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• The working group, the board, or the commission to carry out the functions of the working group is made
• The working group, the board, or the commission to carry out the functions of the working group is made
• primary agencies, making a list of the board's or the commission's activities to carry out such functions
• out<00:51:25.200> the the commission to carry out the the commission to carry out the functions
• of the working group is made functions of the working group is made up<00:51:28.119> of<00:51

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• implementing these recommendations, we can modernize our systems to meet current needs, improve functionality
• implementing these recommendations, we can modernize our systems to meet current needs, improve functionality
• with<00:18:11.039> improved access system with improved access system with improved functionability
• functionability functionability reliability<00:18:14.480> and<00:18:15.039> security<00
• improve systems to meet current needs um improve systems to meet current needs um improve functionality

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard a budget presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on behalf of the Minnesota judicial branch. Shorba described the courts’ structure, mission, and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court filings annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. He emphasized the branch’s constitutional obligation to provide fair and timely access to justice and said the courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriations. He also highlighted recent accomplishments made possible by prior legislative funding, including eliminating the pandemic felony and gross misdemeanor backlog, expanding remote and hybrid hearings, improving courtroom technology, sustaining treatment courts, and increasing pay for interpreters and psychological examiners. Shorba outlined the judicial branch’s 2026–27 budget request, which he said totals a 12% increase over the starting biennial base. Major requests included $77.3 million in 2026–27 and $104 million in 2028–29 for a 6% judicial salary increase and related compensation costs; $5.1 million in 2026–27 and $1.76 million in 2028–29 for digital accessibility compliance with new federal ADA rules; $4 million in 2026–27 and $800,000 in 2028–29 to modernize justice partner access to court records; $7.2 million in 2026–27 to raise pay for contract psychological examiners; and $18 million in 2026–27 to increase juror pay from $20 to $100 per day and align mileage rates with federal rates. He also discussed ongoing funding needs for interpreter services, jury costs, cybersecurity, and other statutorily required court services, saying temporary funding provided in the prior session will expire and that permanent support is needed. Members asked questions about treatment courts, employee bargaining, and mental health competency issues. Representative Eric requested more detail on funding for newly launched and existing treatment courts, and Shorba said many treatment courts begin with federal grants before transitioning to state support after about three years. He confirmed the judicial branch negotiates its own employee contracts rather than the executive branch doing so, and said the branch has three unions plus many unrepresented employees. On mental health and competency, Shorba said the branch is focused on obtaining timely psychological evaluations and is not responsible for treatment services themselves, but acknowledged a shortage of examiners and treatment beds and said a related competency board would be testifying the following week. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:17:12.960> much these protections there's not much these protections there's not much functional
• Um when I was a functional access.
• Removing the healthy breasts of girls and young women permanently robs them of sexual function and the
• This surgery is cosmetic in nature and destroys functioning body parts permanently.
• <03:37:06.319> body nature and destroys functioning body nature and destroys functioning body

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MCDH functions as the centralized communication access authority for the Commonwealth.
• You have an extremely important function here in the Commonwealth, and we've recognized that for a lot
• . ...emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment of family history and functioning and for robust
• So one, we don't anticipate that it will impact the functioning or the services that the 33 facilities
• We've empowered clients to protect their benefits through card-locking functionality available through

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• resources, so we take an existing state resource that we already maintain, we add capacity and functionality
• If we're able to add functionalities or capacities that once it's built, then it gets maintained as just
• <00:59:53.040> that add functionalities or capacities that add functionalities or capacities
• their health condition that has impacted their health condition that has impacted their functioning
• functioning in some substantial level. functioning in some substantial level.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As these functions move out, new functions will move in that are not where security is not quite as critical
• Um<00:36:03.599> as<00:36:04.079> these<00:36:04.480> functions<00:36:04.960>
• move<00:36:05.280> out,<00:36:06.079> new As these functions move out, new functions
• Originally built in 1949, it has far exceeded its functional service life.
• it has far exceeded its functional it has far exceeded its functional service<00:45:56.160> life

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the 14th Amendment, a parent cannot lose functional rights without notice, hearing, a neutral judge
• , a parent Under the 14th amendment, a parent cannot<00:30:14.880> lose<00:30:15.279> functional
• <00:30:15.679> rights<00:30:16.000> without cannot lose functional rights without cannot
• lose functional rights without notice,<00:30:17.120> hearing,<00:30:17.760> a<00:30:18.000
• So I appreciate bringing the bill just to sort of start us thinking about this function and whether it's

Bills: HF3560, HF3295, HF2937, HF3540

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• ADUs that are attached to your unit function like a duplex, and those can work in areas, and we already
• ADUs that are attached to your unit function like a duplex, and those can work in areas, and we already
• ADUs that are attached to your unit function like a duplex, and those can work in areas, and we already
• ADUs that are attached to your unit function like a duplex, and those can work in areas, and we already
• Thank you for your time and consideration. function like a duplex, and those can function like a duplex

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Use the Zoom chat function to chat with the technical staff, and not with us.
• Please avoid using any trademark materials in your Zoom or chat functions.
• /c><00:19:38.000> Zoom<00:19:38.320> or<00:19:38.480> chat<00:19:38.799> functions
• The napi ais had a function in moola, the pu honua, and the ha kuaka ananu that you see here, that we
• These pohaku, this hale, was a functional hale, a replica of it.

Bills: HB1817, HB2056, HB2616, HB1718, HB1842, HB1740, HB1919, HB1616, HB1774, HB1984, HB1603, HB2171

Keywords: fishing regulation, ʻamaʻama, striped mullet, bag limit, overfishing, Hawaii fisheries, funding, appropriations, Honolulu, housing, construction, grant-in-aid, community development, Banyan Drive, Hawaii community development authority, cultural revitalization, special fund, public safety, economic development, affordable housing

Summary: The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations. Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year. The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• A pretty basic function of government, in my opinion, you know, providing these resources to our citizens
• Um a pretty basic function<00:03:58.159> of<00:03:58.319> government<00:03:58.560> in
• <00:03:58.720> my<00:03:58.879> opinion, function of government in my opinion, function
• is<00:04:44.960> a<00:04:45.199> good<00:04:46.000> uh<00:04:46.160> function
• <00:04:46.479> of<00:04:46.639> state this is a good uh function of state this is a

Bills: SF0069, SF0070, SF0016, HB0078, HJ0002, HB0085, HB0086

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, functionally, how would it work for gold and silver to be legal tender in Kentucky?
• So, could you walk me through functionally how a gold and silver currency would work, please?
• Um, functionally, how would it work for gold and silver to be legal tender in Kentucky?
• Um, functionally, how would it work for gold and silver to be legal tender in Kentucky?
• Um, functionally, how would it work for gold and silver to be legal tender in Kentucky?

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:38 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:01:34 Proposed Legislation for the 2026 Session 00:10:14 Basic and Added Reparation (PIP) Benefits 00:10:41 Prior Authorization 00:46:15 Measures to Strengthen Kentucky’s Economic Infrastructure 00:59:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee met in a special-called session of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance and first took up three Department of Insurance regulations tied to House Bill 256, the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program: 806 KAR 22:00, 22:10, and 22:20. Commissioner Sharon Clark said the program would provide $5 million in grants to help homeowners strengthen roofs, with regulations covering eligibility and operations, contractors and evaluators, and reinspections in cases of suspected fraud. A committee substitute to 806 KAR 22:10 was explained as a technical correction to conform to the statutory preference for in-state contractors and evaluators. Representative Hampton moved and Representative Rudy seconded approval of the substitute, and it was adopted by voice vote; the amended regulations were then reviewed. Clark also said the grant money would be distributed statewide rather than targeted to storm-prone areas. The committee then heard an update from Commissioner Clark on mental health parity in response to questions from Representative Pollock. Clark said the department reviews insurer filings and conducts market conduct examinations, but does not have authority over provider reimbursement rates or to require providers to join insurer networks. She said complaints are investigated and, when needed, teams review claims and data on site to check compliance with parity requirements. No action was taken on that discussion. After approving the November 4 meeting minutes, the committee heard testimony on a proposed PIP reform package from Representative Josh Bray, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, and State Farm. Supporters said the bill would apply the workers’ compensation fee schedule to most PIP medical claims, keep the $10,000 PIP limit in place while stretching benefits further, reduce balance billing, modernize benefit amounts, and address fraud and delayed billing. They noted hospitals would be exempt from the fee schedule, while hospital-based physical therapy would be included, and said the compromise reflected negotiations among stakeholders. Some members questioned whether exempting hospitals undercut the bill’s purpose and asked about possible rate effects; proponents said they had not done a rate analysis and that the bill could lead to more treatments within the existing PIP limit. No vote was taken on the PIP proposal during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> Prohibiting chat AI chatbox from Prohibiting chat AI chatbox from performing<00:04:53.600> functions
• <00:04:54.000> and<00:04:54.240> duties<00:04:54.800> of performing functions
• and duties of performing functions and duties of school<00:04:55.440> counselors<00:04:56.320
• , if you will, and flexibility function, if you will, and flexibility in<00:18:08.320> this<00
• Um, and even children who are in school and doing really well functioning are picking up their phones

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so with that both of those functions.
• What public function does that accomplish?
• What public function does that accomplish?
• <01:29:12.080> What<01:29:12.400> public<01:29:12.719> function<01:29:13.120
• What public function does library card. What public function does that<01:29:13.520> accomplish?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with technical staff only.
• Please use the chat function for technical issues only.
• The Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with technical staff only.
• Please use the chat function for technical issues only.
• for technical issues issues function for technical issues issues only<00:09:00.920> if<00:09:

Keywords: 910, house, all