Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well,<00:27:32.240> we've >> Well, we've >> Well, we've in<00:27:33.320><
• <00:27:41.200> that We brought in an academy class that We brought in an academy class that
• <00:28:10.040> of went forward with an academy class of went forward with an academy class
• , approach and they were saying, "Well, approach and they were saying, "Well, we're<00:49:00.240>
• <01:05:19.120> Um KPMG who we work very well with. Um KPMG who we work very well with.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 20 minutes and then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar, after removing two items for separate discussion. On item 26071, members questioned a $95,000 DoubleTree Manchester contract for a two-day conference. Department staff said the hotel was the only bidder, the conference typically draws more than 500 attendees, most of the cost is food offset by registration fees, and attendees pay their own lodging except for presenters. The committee then approved the item. On item 26068, members asked for clearer reporting on remaining federal funds in continuing items. DHHS said about $10.3 million remained as of February 28, 2026, and agreed to provide the original award amounts and a reconciliation later. The committee approved the item. The committee then took up a DHHS transfer item for the developmental disability system, where officials said projected costs had risen because of delayed pandemic-era billings, new individuals entering the system, and higher individual service budgets. They said the budget was built on older assumptions, that carryforward funds had fallen from about $94 million to $72 million, and that the transfer would not affect lapse because it shifts general funds while federal Medicaid funds are accepted in return. The item was adopted. The committee also approved a hiring request and then a late Corrections item tied to overtime and recruitment. Corrections officials said the department is about 50% staffed for corrections officers, typical overtime is an eight-hour shift, inmate populations are beginning to rise again, and the department is using academy blitzes, out-of-state recruiting, targeted advertising, and a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid after academy completion and one year of service. Senator Gray said the late item was intended to help reduce a larger request expected in June, and the committee adopted the item. Finally, members questioned DHHS item 26074 on the New Hampshire Care Connection system and its interoperability with provider and managed care systems. DHHS said the system already has SMART on FHIR integration, single sign-on, and deeper integration options, and that managed care organizations are working with the contractor on use cases and data exchange. Officials said the project has been multi-phase, including the 988 crisis-response migration, privacy/security work, a provider network of more than 100 organizations, and a searchable resource portal managed by Granite United Way. They said the closed-referral solution is funded largely with Medicaid federal funds and is planned to continue in the base budget, not the rural health grant. The discussion ended without further action noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good morning, everybody, and welcome back to Finance and Tax.
• we would list as well.
• You know, we need to consider all classes of property in the future.
• Well, now maybe we can open it up for questions from members. I'll do my best.
• Well, what did I have? We got line 5 and line 10. Yeah, I meant line 10. Excuse me.

Bills: SB2397

Keywords: oil and gas, tax exemption, development incentive wells, gross production tax, flaring, 908, all

Summary: The Senate Finance and Tax Committee met and first took up House Bill 1382, the gas tax bill. Members explained an amendment to ensure that the proposed three-cent gas tax distribution would include all counties and townships in oil-producing counties, rather than excluding non-oil-producing counties as in the original draft. The committee adopted the amendment unanimously, but then held the bill for the time being because of related work on the Department of Transportation budget in the House. The committee then turned to House Bill 1168, a large hoghouse amendment that combined the bill with the contents of House Bill 1176 and added technical corrections. The proposal would raise the primary residence property tax credit maximum from $1,250 to $1,650, keep the 75% cap with a $500 floor, and extend the credit to voter-approved levies while excluding special assessments. Other changes discussed included aligning the disabled veterans property tax credit with the $200,000 exemption level, adjusting budget and distribution dates so taxing districts are made whole sooner, exempting townships from a general-election vote requirement for levy increases, and modifying school funding formulas so schools are not shortchanged if mill levies are reduced under the cap. Testimony from the Association of Counties and the State Supervisor of Assessments was generally supportive of the technical cleanup and implementation changes, but they raised concerns about the June 1 distribution date, application timing, and the practicality of some programming and administrative changes. Committee members also discussed the policy and messaging implications of the 75%/floor structure and the difficulty of applying the credit to certain voter-approved levies. No final action was taken on House Bill 1168; the committee agreed to continue working on amendments and recessed until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I can't change that. That's the newest name. Yes, ma'am.
• Yeah, they all support it very, very well.
• It cannot discriminate under two classes.
• I had to pay the fine and then take the class, which was a diversity class, which is a whole other thing
• Oh, well, I didn't want to have to depend.

Bills: SB1361, SB2105, SB2690, SB2713, SCR38, SB2637, SB2881

Keywords: SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:30:51.000> so well, so well, so No.
• testimony as well. testimony as well. Okay. Okay. Okay.
• uh well checkups for your children. They uh well checkups for your children.
• for, well, then what happens, right? for, well, then what happens, right?
• packed in their packets as well. packed in their packets as well.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no-pedal Class 2 e-bike.
• For example, it is well known and well established that a fall and a broken hip, especially for those
• For example, it is well known and well established that a fall and a broken hip, especially for those
• Any additional, well, I guess no additional questions. So, all right. Well, thank you very much.
• Well, thank you for your testimony.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment. Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:18.240> right considered to be a second class right considered to be a second class
• Attorney’s Office as well.
• D, it's a Class C.
• as well. as well. >> Thank<00:51:33.440> you,<00:51:33.599> Mr.
• Well, boating is a we do and so forth. Well, boating is a little<01:25:29.600> different.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 26RS BR 8 - AN ACT relating to machine gun conversion devices: 00:01:33 Department of Public Advocacy Update: 00:51:33 26RS BR 126 - AN ACT relating to boating under the influence: 01:23:46 26RS BR 60 - AN ACT relating to grooming: 01:33:23, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 29 minutes, and then heard testimony on a bill relating to machine gun conversion devices, often described as Glock switches or auto sears. Representative Jason Nemis presented the bill with Louisville police Chief Paul Humphrey and Lt. Drew Fox, arguing the measure would mirror existing federal law, make possession of these devices unlawful under Kentucky law, and give state and local law enforcement authority to seize and prosecute them without relying solely on federal agencies. They said the devices are small aftermarket or 3D-printed parts that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons and emphasized that the bill would not affect lawful gun ownership. The presenters cited rising seizures and public-safety concerns, saying LMPD and Jefferson County seizures increased sharply from 2023 to 2024 and that the average age of possession had dropped. They argued the devices are used offensively, are inaccurate and dangerous, and have been linked to violent crime. Two Alabama legislators, Representatives Philip Ensler and Russell Bedsole, testified in support based on Alabama’s recent enactment of a similar law. They said local police and prosecutors there had been unable to act effectively because the devices were handled mainly by federal authorities, and they described bipartisan support, immediate enactment, and reported confiscations after passage. Members asked about the bill’s penalty level, the source and manufacture of the devices, the scope of the definition of “conversion device,” and whether the bill could create constitutional problems given ongoing federal litigation over machine gun restrictions. The sponsors said the penalty would be a Class C felony and that the bill was intended to cover only the device attached to the firearm, not tools like 3D printers. They acknowledged that if federal machine gun laws were ultimately struck down, the state law would also be unenforceable. Some members supported the bill as common-sense public safety legislation, while Representative Roberts opposed it on Second Amendment grounds, arguing Kentucky should focus on expanding gun rights rather than adding restrictions already covered by federal law.

Transcript Highlights:

• as well.
• <00:15:24.639> So,<00:15:24.880> if ready to work classes as well.
• So, if ready to work classes as well.
• as well.
• But um well.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 53:27.000> small<03:53:27.319> track<03:53:27.640> that classes as well as a small
• track that classes as well as a small track that runs<03:53:28.040> along<03:53:28.279> the
• Witness: Yes, uh, if the classes fill, um, and that's the beginning of the classes.
• Witness: Yes, uh, if the classes fill, um, and that's the beginning of the classes.
• Witness: Yes, uh, if the classes fill, um, and that's the beginning of the classes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining how agencies assess facility needs, rank projects, and submit requests to the governor’s office. DAS described its Plant and Property division, which maintains 96 state buildings, and Public Works, which develops detailed cost estimates for selected projects. Officials said the governor’s office has traditionally narrowed requests into priority tiers, but this year all projects were estimated, creating more work and less detail. They also emphasized that the capital budget book functions as legislative intent and can be binding on how approved funds are used. On the substance of the request, DAS highlighted several priorities: continued funding for the state ERP system upgrade to the cloud, with about $5 million requested for sustainability and related Treasury functions; emergency fund and annex renovation work; a sprinkler replacement at DMV; and elevator repairs at the main building. Karen Rocky also identified maintenance projects that rose in priority after a facility condition assessment, including HVAC work for Portsmouth Circuit Court and Coos County Courthouse, boilers and controls for Carroll County and Lebanon Circuit Court, brick repointing at the main building and annex, window replacement at Spalding, and Brown building elevator replacement. Officials noted that the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and no projects for the Bureau of Court Facilities. The committee also discussed lapses and reprogramming of prior appropriations. DAS said the first eight projects approved in 2023 remain under construction and should be extended, while many 2021 projects are delayed because of ARPA-related workload and broader construction backlogs. Members reviewed a 2019 project list and agreed to lapse project number 49, the Spalding roof project, with about $81,000 remaining. DAS also said some small 2019 balances, including courthouse generators, a boiler, cooling and controls, roof and exterior repairs, and the State House Annex elevator, could be redirected through Capital Budget Overview toward the Hillsboro County South Cell Block project. The hearing ended with questions about project schedules, ARPA deadlines, and the division of authority between DoIT and DAS for the ERP system.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:08.879> I and then how do we move forward well I and then how do we move forward well
• Mānoa classes.
• <00:26:13.840> you already have it at monoa but well you already have it at monoa but well
• <00:26:31.399> I'm oh I need another facility Well I'm oh I need another facility Well I'm
• Well, Bo is coming back soon.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to depend upon well which product is it to depend upon well which product is it and<00:28:46.799>
• >> Well, it is in the in general, right? >> Well, it is in the in general, right?
• <00:57:28.319> It this is a smartphone as well. It this is a smartphone as well.
• well.
• It's not just about is it a class well.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that could be speculation.
• the class to get her phone.
• You said it very well, yes.
• You said it very well, yes.
• It seems like it has definitely been well thought out and well written.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're building for their largest class vessel and Icon class, 7,000 passengers. So much larger.
• So we're building for their largest class vessel and Icon class, 7,000 passengers, which will be on the
• We are densifying at the port as well.
• So we're building for their largest class vessel and Icon class 7,000 passengers. so much larger.
• So we're building for their largest class vessel and ICONC class, 7,000 passengers, which will be on

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework allowing counties and municipalities to designate certain roads for utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) under local conditions, including driver licensing, insurance, and speed-limit restrictions below 55 mph. Senator Wright said the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and mirror the local-option approach used for golf carts. Supporters included a retired Volusia County sheriff and county commissioner, who argued UTVs are safer than golf carts and are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are designed for off-road use, lack federal safety standards, and pose crash and tire-blowout risks on public roads. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash severity, but the committee ultimately voted to report SB 356 favorably. The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding, beginning with a moment of silence for JaxPort COO and former FDOT employee James Bennett. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port Tampa Bay, and the Port of Palm Beach described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the need for continued state and federal support for dredging, bulkheads, cranes, rail, and terminal expansion. Senators asked about ROI, trade shifts, intermodal connections, fuel and LNG availability, leverage and reserves, and operational risks such as flooding, sea level rise, and channel depth; port officials emphasized resiliency, private partnerships, and long-term master planning. The committee also confirmed appointees to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority in one vote, with no objection. Finally, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, explaining that coordinated statewide use of LiDAR and aerial imagery could reduce duplication, improve emergency management and planning, and support insurance and storm-damage assessment. FDOT recommended a formal statewide coordination program, shared procurement and cost-sharing agreements, dedicated staffing, and statutory updates to Chapter 334 to support interagency agreements and recurring funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• training so the schools uh kctcs as well training so the schools uh kctcs as well as<00:01:47.119
• 02:02.600> either filled in with other other CL either filled in with other other CL either classes
• 02:04.000> time<00:02:04.680> in<00:02:04.799> order<00:02:05.079> to classes
• or clinical time in order to classes or clinical time in order to reach<00:02:05.680> to<00:02
• that would count for it, and then you need the gap is this: you need these four classes and this much

Keywords: Roll Call 00:20 Discussion on HB 303 00:45 Vote on HB 303 04:41 Discussion on HB 305 05:32 Vote on HB 305 08:34, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• class.
• As a class of 2026, I am ranked within my class.
• it as well. it as well.
• , but are hiding it really read too well, but are hiding it really well. well. well.
• wellness effort. wellness effort.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we're in the second session.
• that could be a larger scope as well.
• Well, yeah, appropriations.
• We can come back and as well.
• We have next year as well. We can come back and as well.

Bills: HJR6, HJR7, HB120, HB60, HB151, HR1, HM13, SB40, SB104

Keywords: constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• They're well trained. They're ready to step in immediately.
• They're well trained. our office. They're well trained.
• <00:43:06.560> Well, people? Why would they say this? Well, people?
• Um I want to tell very well on a slide.
• So just that 42 incoming class.

Keywords: Opening and Roll Call 00:28 Public safety Cabinet 01:09 Juvenile justice MH Facility: 04:30 Department of Corrections Repair and Replacement: 10:29 Department of Criminal Justice Flat Track 19:05 KSP : 27:02 Department of Public Advocacy : 37:35, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard capital project requests from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for fiscal years 2026-28. The cabinet described its large statewide footprint and said its facilities face significant deferred maintenance, with the governor’s budget proposing full funding for maintenance pool requests, including an additional $60 million for the Department of Corrections’ maintenance pool and cash funding through investment income. Officials said the projects were based on facility assessments and were presented as necessary public safety investments rather than wish-list items. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, the main requests were $35 million for a high-acuity mental health treatment facility and $45 million each for two new female detention facilities. Officials said the mental health facility would fill a gap for youth needing psychiatric care, while the female facilities were needed to support a regional detention model and address overcrowding; they noted the current female population has grown by 50% since July 2024. Members asked about locations, and staff said they were considering western Kentucky abandoned mine land and available land in Fayette and Jefferson counties, with current female placements in Boyd County and Warren County. For the Department of Corrections, officials requested funding for critical mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, and structural repairs, including $15.78 million for Kentucky State Penitentiary utilities infrastructure and additional funding for North Point Training Center projects. They also highlighted two re-entry initiatives: a KCTCS partnership for a re-entry campus at North Point and the East Kentucky Applied Manufacturing Institute at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, both aimed at reducing recidivism through intensive training and job preparation. Members asked about the KCTCS re-entry model, and DOC explained it would be a more immersive, campus-style program than current prison-based vocational classes. The Department of Criminal Justice Training discussed projects at its Richmond campus and the planned Western Kentucky Training Center, including a replacement flat track and campus access road at Richmond and added training features in Madisonville. Officials said the Richmond changes were needed because EKU construction had removed the existing flat track and would affect access, while the Western Kentucky project would expand training capacity and reduce travel for law enforcement agencies. The Kentucky State Police then outlined the final phase of the statewide emergency radio system replacement, estimated at about $17.5 million, and said the system is being built in geographic phases; members asked how long completion would take, and staff estimated roughly four years after funding, assuming no major inflation spikes. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational with member questions and staff responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you.
• then so what's your second question well then so what's your second question well you<00:43:20.319
• as well as well um<01:01:27.240> and<01:01:27.760> the<01:01:28.039> you<01
• there well well are we understanding there well well are we understanding correctly<02:12:55.719
• middle class and the upper middle class middle class and the upper middle class and<03:12:45.640

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses. The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas, his involvement in youth sports extended well beyond in-school classes and to a variety
• sports extended well beyond in-school classes<00:09:15.120> and<00:09:15.280> to<00:09
• Sounds easy, but not all of you were as well-behaved as I am.
• Well, the stick and whistle Well, the stick and whistle worked<00:18:05.440> good.
• Often, I would see Denny holding class Often, I would see Denny holding class in<00:19:41.080>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance by the State House singers, then moved to routine chamber business. The Speaker announced that the Committee on Ways and Means had reported favorably on Senate Bill 214, which concerns pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts and includes an appropriation; it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. House Resolution 17, affirming that all Vermonters are presumed competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources of their choice, was read by title only and placed on the calendar for action on the next legislative day. The chamber also took up two adopted House Concurrent Resolutions honoring long-serving State House staff. HCR 279 honored Head Doorkeeper Michael C. Waite and his wife, Sergeant-at-Arms Administrative Assistant Donna Waite, for their public service, and HCR 282 honored Doorkeeper Dennis Miles for his dedication to the General Assembly and Vermonters. Both resolutions recounted the honorees’ military, law enforcement, educational, and State House service and directed the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees. Several members then offered remarks recognizing the Waite and Miles families, praising their mentorship, service, and support for the page program and chamber operations. Additional announcements included a diaper and wipes drive in the State House lobby to support Vermont military families through the National Guard Family Readiness Program, a welcome for Vermont nurses participating in a national rally, and recognition of guests from Champlain Community Services. The House then recessed until approximately 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:56.360> High training I'm able to do my classes High training I'm able to do my classes
• on school work however I attend class on school work however I attend class once<00:25:12.720>
• to make the next um 170 days of my well to make the next um 170 days of my well I<00:32:09.840><
• We can all say, well, if you have an associate's degree, well, associate's degrees can look different
• > degree<00:54:46.119> Tada<00:54:46.760> well an associates degree Tada well an

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good afternoon. We will convene the conference committee for House or Senate Bill 2129.
• Well, it's not really completely right, but you made the changes.
• And so, and part of that was this piece as well. So expressing some concern.
• But at the same time, we've got many people doing this job that are very well trained.
• They're graduating Well, the one that you were talking about.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on House/Senate Bill 2129 met to resolve the House amendment to the Senate-passed bill, which concerns exemptions related to veterinary practice. The main dispute centered on the House language adding terms such as “specialized or holistic trade” and expanding exemptions to include acupuncture/acupressure and non-veterinary dentistry, while the Senate preferred a narrower, more definitive list of exempt activities. Senators and House members discussed whether the word “includes” made the exemption open-ended, and whether equine dentistry should be treated as veterinary medicine or allowed as a separate practice. Testimony from Dr. Sarah Lyons of the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and veterinarian Troy Dutton emphasized that dentistry, including equine dentistry, is generally considered the practice of veterinary medicine and can involve invasive procedures and animal safety risks. They argued the House amendment lacked educational or licensing requirements and could allow untrained individuals to perform procedures such as dentistry or acupuncture. House members raised concerns about rural access, shortages of veterinarians, and the practical reality that some horse owners and equine practitioners currently perform float work and similar services. After extended discussion, the committee did not reach agreement. Members noted that the House amendment language differed from the Senate version on the key exemption provisions, and that further review of proposed alternative language would be needed. A motion was made and approved by roll call that the committee was unable to agree at this time and would schedule another meeting. The meeting was then adjourned pending rescheduling.