Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:03 Approval of Minutes of the October 17, 2024 Meeting: 00:04:18 State of the Judiciary: 00:04:30 Domestic Violence Protective Order Cases in Kentucky Courts: 00:33:53 Update on 22RS SB90: 01:15:41, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear the State of the Courts address from Chief Justice Van Meter, with Chief Justice-elect Lambert also recognized. After opening remarks, roll call, approval of the October 17 minutes, and tributes to retiring members and the late Senator Turner, the Chief Justice outlined the judiciary’s transition to new leadership and technology. He highlighted the selection of Zack Ramsey as Administrative Office of the Courts director, the rollout of a new cloud-based trial court case management system by Tyler Technologies, and the move toward expanded electronic filing and eventually an all-electronic record, with select-county implementation expected in 2026 and statewide rollout in 2027. He also discussed probate reform efforts, juror compensation concerns, and ongoing work to improve court accessibility and efficiency. The address also covered several statewide judiciary programs: foster care review boards, juvenile court processing, mental health courts, behavioral health liaisons, and implementation of Senate Bill 90 and House Bill 385 (Seth’s Law), which reduced outpatient competency evaluation times. The Chief Justice noted a $53.5 million maintenance pool for county court facilities and described budget pressures on the judicial branch, including a deficit since 2010 and short-term cost-saving measures such as holding vacancies, limiting travel, and reducing operating budgets. Members responded with both praise and criticism: one member defended the General Assembly’s past funding and raises for judicial employees, while another expressed concern that the courts are becoming too focused on social services rather than core judicial functions. The committee also received a facility update on the Graves County courthouse site-selection process and a request to ensure the new case management system interoperates with prosecutor and victim-notification systems. At the end of the meeting, Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong was recognized and began a presentation as a researcher on court systems, drawing on her prior work as a legal aid attorney serving domestic violence survivors in rural Kentucky. She said her experience showed that rural court challenges can differ significantly from urban ones and that some of those issues are not always elevated in broader discussions of the court system.

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:14 GRANT Program Discussion 00:02:27 Judicial Branch Budget 00:13:45 Kentucky Electric Vehicle Charging Program 00:32:30 Reports Received 00:44:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October minutes and noted that an agenda item on a job skills program appropriation and property purchase had been removed because a witness had a family death; members were told follow-up questions would still be sent to those involved. The main presentation then came from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development on the grant program, which officials said was designed to build long-term capacity for federal grant applications, improve communication with applicants, and coordinate with area development districts and Grant Ready Kentucky. They reported 115 projects approved, $66 million committed, about $332 million in total projects leveraged so far, and roughly $133 million still available. The cabinet said applications have ranged from water and sewer projects to housing, trails, recreation, senior centers, workforce training facilities, and tourism-related projects, and members praised the program’s implementation and potential return on investment. The committee then heard an update from the judicial branch on its budget and cost pressures. Chief Justice VanMeter and AOC staff said House Bill 264 funded mental health court expansion, additional positions, salary increments, local facilities funding, and asset preservation projects, but that the branch is facing new deficits from higher health insurance and workers’ compensation costs, as well as operating and local facilities expenses. They said $53.5 million had been appropriated for asset preservation, with $2.8 million obligated and another $8.3 million in contracts circulating, and that the branch had implemented cost-saving measures including a 60-day hold on vacant positions, travel limits, and reduced operating budgets. They also said the branch’s restricted fund carry forward was $51 million going into fiscal year 2025 and could be used to help cover shortfalls if needed. Members questioned why the judicial branch now projected a deficit after earlier budget assumptions that new judgeships would be absorbable. The branch responded that the combined effect of several items, including the delayed cost of nine judgeships, higher insurance and workers’ comp premiums, and ongoing operating deficits, changed the outlook after the fiscal year closed and expenditures were rebudgeted. Senators and representatives urged the branch to work with the committee well in advance on any future shortfalls or program expansions and expressed concern about using carry forward balances as a de facto reserve. The discussion also touched on video and audio technology in courts, with officials saying video arraignment adoption is improving but cooperation varies by county, and that the audio-video systems being installed are intended to improve court records and support broader implementation.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee on Health and Family Services met without a quorum, so no formal action was taken and approval of the minutes was deferred. The main agenda item was a presentation from the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities by Commissioner Katie Marks, Deputy Commissioner Stephanie Ccraft, and Medical Clinical Director Dr. Alan Brenzel. They outlined the department’s mission, funding streams, and three priorities: expanding access to behavioral health and intellectual disability services, improving quality of care, and supporting a resilient, inclusive workforce. A large portion of the presentation focused on substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. Department officials described a continuum-of-care model that includes school-based prevention, coalition building, youth mental health first aid, naloxone distribution, tobacco and medication safety efforts, anti-stigma campaigns, and 988 crisis response. They highlighted reported declines in overdose deaths and youth substance use indicators, as well as programs such as Unshame Kentucky, Find Naloxone Now Kentucky, and the expansion of local 988 call coverage. They also discussed treatment access through primary care, hospitals, the behavioral health conditional dismissal program, quick response teams, and the findhelpnow.org locator. The presentation also covered recovery supports, including employment assistance through SITE, recovery community centers, and recovery housing standards. Officials emphasized special efforts for pregnant and parenting families, veterans and military-connected youth, and people leaving the criminal legal system. Throughout, the department stressed that treatment should be available through a “no wrong door” approach and that community-based, peer-supported services are central to improving outcomes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Life Learning Center of Covington and Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders on the HEART program and its MRT monitoring component, which connect defendants with substance use treatment, aftercare, and reentry support. Sanders described how the program began in 2015 in response to the opioid crisis and the number of low-level drug defendants spending months in jail without treatment. He said the partnership with Life Learning Center began in 2019 and evolved to include transportation, treatment verification, weekly provider meetings, and individualized placement based on jail-based assessments of treatment needs, housing, insurance, transportation, and other life circumstances. Sanders also discussed a new deferred prosecution model launched after hiring an in-house detective on October 1, allowing some defendants to avoid indictment if they complete treatment, participate in MRT, and stay out of trouble for a year. He said 30 defendants had been enrolled in that new track, with two already removed for noncompliance, and that 779 defendants had been enrolled in MRT year to date in 2024 out of roughly 1,000 annual drug possession cases in Kenton County. He said participants can be removed for new offenses or repeated failed drug tests, but some drug-related relapses may still be handled through the program. Life Learning Center leaders emphasized that the organization is not a treatment facility but an aftercare and workforce-readiness provider serving at-risk people, many with felony convictions and substance use disorders. They described a curriculum built around five pillars—physical, financial, emotional, relational, and spiritual—and said the goal is permanent change, dignity, and employment. Several graduates gave testimony about homelessness, addiction, and recovery, saying the program helped them build stability, confidence, and healthier relationships. The presenters said the model has produced strong outcomes, including a reported 6.2% recidivism rate among monitored graduates, 87% employment among completers, and estimated economic benefits of $7.2 million last year. Members of the committee asked about the program’s start date, eligibility, failures, and expansion; Sanders said Boone County has already begun working with Life Learning Center, Campbell County may follow, and the model is intended to expand beyond Kenton County. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the September 18 minutes.

Keywords: 0:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:42 Approval of Minutes 0:00:58 Winter Weather Preparedness and Cost Projections 0:29:52 City-County Road and Bridge Program Update 1:12:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 16 minutes by voice vote, and then heard an update from Secretary Gray and State Highway Engineer James Ballinger on winter weather preparedness and cost projections. Gray also briefed members on the fire damage to the Cincinnati approach of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge (I-471) in Campbell County, explaining that Ohio DOT is leading repairs while Kentucky is assisting, and that the southbound lanes remain closed with one left lane still shut. Members asked about the overnight call and the seriousness of the incident, and Gray noted coordination with ODOT, Federal Highways, and the City of Cincinnati. Gray also highlighted Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews deployed to North Carolina to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery, describing the effort as self-sustaining and praising the crews’ professionalism and camaraderie. The discussion then turned to snow and ice readiness, with Gray saying the cabinet has stockpiled salt, calcium chloride, brine, plows, and personnel, and that winter operations are a year-round effort. Ballinger followed with more detail on 2024 expenditures and projections, saying last season’s snow and ice costs were about $48 million, typical winters have risen from the mid-$30 millions to the mid-$40 millions, and transition years can reach $70–80 million. Ballinger explained that costs are driven by materials, labor, and equipment, and that Kentucky uses RWIS stations, GPS, AVL tracking, weather observers, the National Weather Service, WKU’s Mesonet, traffic data, and the Go Kentucky map to manage storms efficiently. Members raised concerns about inflation, the gas tax formula, and the limits of federal funds, noting that federal dollars help with construction but cannot be used for snow and ice maintenance. Ballinger and Gray emphasized that the cabinet must stretch limited resources while keeping roads safe and commerce moving, and members closed with comments thanking transportation workers for their storm response and long-standing service.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:38 Attendance Roll Call: 00:04:53 Approval of Minutes: 00:05:24 Discussion of Artificial Intelligence Policy Considerations: 00:05:43 Discussion of Artificial Intelligence in Amazon’s Logistics Operations in Kentucky: 00:28:10 Discussion of Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: 01:23:53 Adjournment: 01:54:12, 958, all

Summary: The task force opened by discussing its process for submitting recommendations. Members were asked to send written recommendations by November 1 so staff could compile and circulate them before the November meeting, with a later discussion of the recommendations and findings planned for November 13. The committee then called the roll, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the October 8 meeting. The first presentation was from Will Schroer, senior counsel to the Kentucky Attorney General, on artificial intelligence and child exploitation. He described the rapid growth of AI-generated sexual images and videos, including deepfakes involving minors and adults, and said Kentucky’s recent changes to child sexual abuse material and revenge porn laws already put the state ahead of many others. He also discussed age verification for romantic or sexual chatbots, concerns about false or misleading AI-generated videos, and the possibility of reviewing other criminal statutes such as fraud and identity theft to ensure prosecutors have adequate tools. Members asked about proving whether AI-generated material is fake, whether additional statutes are needed, and how to balance innovation with protection; Schroer said current law covers many of the issues but that further review may be warranted. The committee then heard from Amazon’s regional policy lead, John Estus, who described how Amazon uses AI in Kentucky for robotics, forecasting, and transportation. He said the company has long used machine learning in its Kentucky operations, including at its Campbellsville facility and CVG air hub, and emphasized safety and efficiency gains from automation. Amazon said it supports targeted, reasonable regulation and governance-based safeguards for high-risk AI uses, while noting that it has developed many AI-based tools and services and uses AI across its Kentucky workforce and logistics network.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:04:20 Engaging Kentucky Employers & Communities in Child Care Solutions 00:05:40 Site Selection Overview & Kentucky’s Competitive Positioning 00:45:14 Igniting a Spark and Going Beyond – The Future of Economic Development and Tourism 01:12:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its meeting by mourning the death of Senator Johnny Turner, with Senator Wheeler offering a lengthy memorial describing Turner’s life, legal career, service in the legislature, and commitment to family and workers. The chair asked members to keep the Turner family, Eastern Kentucky, the Mountain Caucus, and the General Assembly in their thoughts. After a roll call established a quorum, the committee approved the minutes from its September meeting by motion and voice vote. The main presentation was on “Engaging Kentucky Employers and Communities in Child Care Solutions” by representatives of the Child Care Council of Kentucky, EC Learn, and Community Coordinated Childcare. Speakers argued that child care is a major workforce barrier and economic development issue, citing data that many prime-age adults are out of the workforce because of child care responsibilities and that trust in quality care is as important as affordability. They said Kentucky has more than 76,000 adults not working due to child care, and that closing roughly 30,000 child care seats could significantly reduce the state’s labor force participation gap. They also emphasized the long-term benefits of early childhood education for kindergarten readiness, later reading outcomes, earnings, health, and reduced reliance on public assistance. The presenters described the role of local resource and referral agencies in helping families find care, supporting providers with training and technical assistance, and working with businesses and communities. They highlighted family child care networks, startup grants, and employer partnerships, including work with Northern Kentucky Works, CVG Airport, and Louisville Metro land-use reforms that expanded home-based and 24-hour child care options and reduced permit barriers. They reported that five agencies collectively trained 555 providers, reaching an estimated 44,040 children and families, and that 106 family child care startup grants had opened at least 636 new slots. They also discussed workforce shortages and low wages in the child care field, noting that more than one in five workers expect to leave within three years. The group recommended continued support for child care workforce assistance, including the Child Care Assistance Program for child care employees, the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECAP), and funding for family child care networks and startup grants. They urged lawmakers to increase awareness of ECAP and to continue working with the Cabinet and General Assembly on policies that expand access, support providers, and treat child care as essential infrastructure for workforce participation.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Consultant Overruns 00:00:45 Attendance Roll Call 00:26:37, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met without a quorum at first, then later approved the minutes once a quorum was reached. The main discussion centered on Senator Steve Meredith’s concerns about large increases in architectural and engineering contracts, especially where amendments appeared to add substantial new funding for additional design work, change orders, or expanded scope. He cited numerous examples of percentage increases far above the original contract amounts and questioned why such work was not included in the original scope, why sole-source or repeat vendor arrangements were used, and whether the process lacked transparency, accountability, and adequate oversight. He also raised related concerns about attorney fee contracts, retroactive approvals, and whether additional bonding or separate RFPs should be required for major scope changes. Committee members and staff responded that many of the cited increases were not construction overruns but amendments for new and additional work requested by the Finance and Administration Cabinet after a project’s scope changed. One explanation given was that, in some cases, the state had first procured feasibility or preliminary design work and then later asked the same firm to perform follow-on design services, rather than rebidding the work. A staff member noted that the board’s authority is advisory and that line-item projects are limited to 115% of the original appropriation, but that the examples discussed were procurement questions rather than evidence of wrongdoing. Members agreed the issue warranted further review of advisory committee responsibilities, possible statutory changes, and better coordination among oversight bodies. The board also discussed broader process improvements, including reducing retroactive approvals and limiting sole-source contracting. One member said those practices have improved significantly in recent years, though more could be done. The board approved the minutes by vote after the quorum was established, and the meeting concluded with notice that the board will resume meetings in May of the next year for the next capital planning period.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with remarks honoring the late Senator Johnny Lloyd Turner, followed by approval of the September 26 meeting minutes after a roll call established quorum. Representative Kim Banta then presented a proposal related to teacher licensure testing, saying the Praxis requirement should be made optional for school districts rather than mandatory. She argued the test is costly, does not predict teaching quality, may worsen teacher shortages, and has been eliminated in several other states. Representative Klein supported the idea, saying the test did not help his own long career in education. The main policy discussion centered on proposed changes to Kentucky’s physical therapy statutes. Representatives from the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy and APTA Kentucky described a long-overdue update to language dating back to 1958, including clearer disciplinary provisions, definitions for physical therapist assistants, a process to expunge minor violations after compliance, shifting reporting responsibility for felony/misdemeanor convictions to the person convicted, and raising statutory fee and fine caps without increasing current fees. They also proposed allowing the board more flexibility for internationally educated physical therapists who have already practiced in the U.S. to avoid unnecessary supervised practice requirements. A major part of the testimony focused on giving physical therapists authority to refer patients for imaging, not to perform imaging themselves. Supporters said this would speed care, reduce delays and costs, and improve outcomes by letting PTs use their longer patient encounters and musculoskeletal expertise to determine when imaging is clinically appropriate. They cited military experience, other states, and research suggesting PTs order imaging less often than primary care providers. Committee members raised questions about insurance barriers, the need for imaging before therapy in some cases, and whether the proposal was really about convenience versus appropriateness. No votes were taken on the physical therapy proposal during the meeting, and members indicated more work would be needed on the bill and related insurance issues.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:26 Awesome Inc: Building the Entrepreneurial Community in Kentucky 00:03:02 Backroads of Appalachia Update 00:38:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September minutes, and observed condolences for the recent passing of Senator Johnny Turner. The main presentation was from Awesome Inc., which described its mission to build Kentucky’s entrepreneurial community through technology creation, technology education, entrepreneurship creation, and entrepreneurship education. Speakers Brian Rainey, Emily Worley, and Mackenzie Haynes outlined the organization’s history, its core values of being good, excellent, a friend, and yourself, and the idea that entrepreneurs should be given permission to try, fail, and learn. They also described the “bullets versus cannonballs” approach to managing risk, using examples from Rainey’s early software ventures and the failed “Basketball Jones” T-shirt project. Awesome Inc. explained its main programs, including Apex Software, the Awesome Inc U coding school, co-working space, the Fellowship accelerator, the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, the Five Across pitch competition, and the Awesome Fund. The presenters highlighted examples of companies that advanced through their pipeline, including Clover Leaf and Forecaster, and said their programs have helped more than 700 startups, created over 780 jobs, and supported more than $155 million in capital raised in Kentucky. They also noted that the Awesome Fund, launched in 2023, is a $5 million fund supporting startups. The final portion focused on Awesome Inc.’s partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and its grant-supported work. Mackenzie Haynes said the organization began with limited funding, then expanded after proving its impact and being named an Innovation Hub. She said the current grant cycle will emphasize new partnerships in rural communities, collaboration with the Small Business Development Corporation, and entrepreneurship efforts at universities, while continuing to strengthen existing partners such as Base Here. No votes or legislative actions beyond approving the prior minutes were taken.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee began with roll call, a quorum, the pledge, prayer, and a moment of silence honoring Senator Johnny Turner, who was remembered by members as a respected colleague and mentor. The committee then approved the minutes by voice vote. Members next recognized Sergeant First Class Robert Fuche of the Kentucky Army National Guard for his recruiting, retention, and community outreach work in Louisville. He was introduced as a highly effective recruiter and instructor who exceeded his enlistment mission and was selected as Kentucky’s 2024 Director’s 54 RRNCO of the Year. Fuche briefly thanked the committee and said it was an honor to be recognized and to represent the Guard and the Commonwealth. The committee also held a solemn recognition of the Air Evac Life Team 133 crew killed in the October 7, 2024 helicopter crash in Owen County. Logan Rubin and others described the dangers faced by EMS and air medical responders, and the committee read a citation honoring pilot Butch Edward Alaman Jr., flight nurse Bethany Joy Aen, and paramedic James Donald Welsh. Members and guests shared personal remarks about the victims and the importance of emergency air transport. The Kentucky Army and Air National Guard then provided an extensive update on readiness, missions, and recruiting. General Brian Wler, General Dave Monus, and retired General Charlie Jones described the Guard’s statewide footprint, domestic response role, overseas deployments, and support during recent hurricanes and other emergencies. They reported improving recruiting and retention trends, said standards had not been lowered, highlighted the Kentucky Enlistment Enhancement Program and State Partnership Program, and noted Kentucky’s recognition by AUSA as the best National Guard among the states and territories. Members asked questions about ASVAB standards and recruiting, and the witnesses said they would follow up where needed.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a roll call, a moment of silence honoring the late Senator Johnny El Turner, and approval of the September 25 minutes. The committee then moved to consider administrative regulations before hearing an update on Kentucky’s colon and lung cancer screening programs. Dr. Whitney Jones, Dr. Connie White, and Representative Amy Neighbors presented on the colon cancer program, describing it as a long-running, state-funded effort that has expanded screening access for uninsured and underinsured Kentuckians and brought together state agencies, providers, hospitals, and advocates. For colorectal cancer, the presenters reported major gains: screening rates up about 40% since 2000, incidence down about 30%, mortality down about 34%, and estimated annual direct cost savings of nearly $68 million. They also emphasized the program’s role in finding precancerous polyps and earlier-stage cancers, and noted that the advisory committee has become a model for other states. A major concern raised was the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s; Representative Neighbors spoke as a survivor and urged continued or increased legislative funding to expand awareness and screening. The presenters said current service delivery funding is solvent through the first quarter of 2026. The lung cancer update described Kentucky LEADS and related screening efforts as having improved outcomes in a state that still has high lung cancer mortality. Presenters said Kentucky is now among the top states for lung cancer screening, with substantial increases in early-stage detection and declines in late-stage disease, including at St. Elizabeth Health Care. They highlighted the expansion of Kentucky LEADS II to additional health systems, the importance of reaching rural areas, and a forthcoming HEDIS quality measure that could further drive screening rates. Members asked about data timeliness and the causes of rising early-onset colorectal cancer; staff explained that newer data are under review and that broader state data come from the Kentucky Cancer Registry and BRFSS. No votes were taken on the cancer presentations, and the transcript ends with discussion and questions.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the September 25, 2024 minutes, and reviewed 922 KAR 001:350 on foster, adoptive, and respite care provider requirements, which was reported as reviewed without questions. The main early item was an announcement from State Auditor Allison Ball that her office is opening a preliminary inquiry into whether the governor and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services can carry out Senate Bill 151 on kinship care. Ball said the review would be collaborative and aimed at determining the facts, including whether funding or other resources are already available. Norma Hatfield, a longtime advocate on the issue, thanked the auditor’s office, and several legislators expressed support for her efforts and for getting the bill implemented. The committee then shifted to an early childhood education update from DCBS Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Child Care Director Andrea Day. They described child care as both early learning and a workforce support, reported that Kentucky has maintained roughly 164,934 child care slots since before COVID, and said 50 counties are now considered child care deserts. They highlighted several policy changes and investments, including paying CCAP providers based on enrollment rather than attendance, capping family co-pays at 7%, raising reimbursement rates and eligibility thresholds, and using ARPA and state funds to stabilize providers and expand access. Dennis and Day also discussed the Child Care Employee Income Exclusion and the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership program, saying the employee exclusion has affected about 34,400 families and nearly 5,900 children, while the partnership program has grown from 116 families in year one to 98 approved families and 135 children so far in year two. Members asked about employer participation, administrative capacity, and whether the programs are adequately funded through the biennium. One member raised a loophole allowing some child care employees to qualify based on after-hours work at a center; the department said it had already updated policy and requested a system change to tie eligibility to direct child care work, while preserving eligibility for staff actually working at least 20 hours in the program. The department also said Child Care Aware of Kentucky had released a new employer and employee toolkit to help promote the program.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:02 Discussion of State Fire Marshal’s Office Operations 00:02:09 Presentation of Special Purpose Governmental Entity Reports 00:41:30 Discussion of Short-Term Rental Policy 01:11:55 Discussion of Local EMS Staffing and Inter-Facility Patient Mobility 01:32:10, 958, all

Summary: The Local Government Committee received a presentation from the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction on the State Fire Marshal’s Office, focusing on the Division of Fire Prevention. Officials described the division’s two main functions—hazardous materials permitting/inspection and general fire code inspections—along with related statutory programs for fire-safe cigarettes and consumer fireworks. They also outlined staffing, noting field inspectors across the state, several current vacancies, and that most of the division’s budget is personnel-driven. Fiscal year 2024 activity included nearly 15,000 fire and life safety inspections, 951 hazardous materials plan reviews, 645 fireworks retail registrations, 136 fire investigations, and fire code classes for more than 200 local fire department personnel. Members asked about how the office is funded and whether inspections generate fees. The division said general inspections are funded by the general fund and do not carry inspection fees, while hazardous materials work has restricted fee revenue tied to permitting and inspection of underground storage tanks and piping. Questions also centered on university dormitory and building inspections, with one member expressing concern that inspections may not be keeping pace and urging the General Assembly to identify funding needs. The division responded that staffing shortages and the COVID period affected inspection coverage, though dormitories are generally targeted annually. A major discussion point was fire investigations. Officials explained that the State Fire Marshal does not respond to every fire, but investigates when requested by local fire chiefs, sheriffs, KSP, or local law enforcement. Members raised concerns that the 136 investigations performed out of 257 reported fires may indicate gaps in rural areas, especially where volunteer fire departments may lack arson-investigation training. The division said it would try to provide more detailed data. Members also asked about the deputized fire department program, and officials explained that local departments can voluntarily take on varying levels of inspection authority after receiving the same training and testing as state deputies; the state does not provide direct compensation for that role. The committee also discussed staffing methodology, with officials saying positions are based largely on inspection workload and geographic coverage, and that sprinkler inspections are handled by licensed private-sector inspectors rather than state employees.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:09 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:31 Approval of Minutes: 00:17:30 Overview of System Membership/Payroll Data Judicial Form Retirement System: 00:01:30 Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:17:48 Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System: 00:40:43 Adjournment: 01:28:57, 958, all

Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board received presentations on membership and payroll trends for the Judicial Form Retirement System (JFRS) and the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA). Bo Craycraft of JFRS reviewed five years of valuation data, explaining the active, inactive, and retired populations for the judicial and legislative plans, the distinction between legacy and cash balance tiers, and the active-to-retired ratios. He said both plans are mature, with retirees outnumbering active contributors, and noted that JFRS membership trends have been fairly consistent overall, with cash balance membership growing faster in the legislative plan than in the judicial plan. He also described salary and benefit distributions, including that higher legislative retirement benefits generally reflect members who later served in executive or judicial positions and qualified for enhanced calculations using non-legislative salary. Board members asked about unusually high legislative retiree benefits, health insurance benefits for retirees, and the number of legislators participating in the legislative retirement system versus other systems. Craycraft said retiree health coverage is available to monthly benefit recipients, with legacy members eligible for varying premium subsidies, and that some legislators are retired reemployed and therefore not participating. Members also discussed the effect of recent salary increases on newer legislators and the fact that some elected officials could not opt out of the retirement system. The board then approved the minutes once quorum was reached. KPPA staff then presented preliminary, unaudited 2024 data on the broader state retirement systems, focusing on tier structure, active membership, and retiree payroll trends. Ryan Barrow and Rebecca Atkins said Tier 3 membership has grown sharply in the newer hybrid cash balance plans, while Tier 1 membership is declining as members become eligible to retire. They reported that active payroll and average pay increased over the last five years in CERS nonhazardous, KRS nonhazardous, and especially the State Police system, where pay scales rose significantly. On the retiree side, KPPA said total payroll rose from about $2.1 billion in 2020 to $2.3 billion in 2024, with most of that money flowing back into Kentucky communities. Members asked about average and minimum benefit amounts, the relationship between final compensation, service, and benefit levels, and whether some very small monthly payments could be eliminated; staff said some tiny payments result from Social Security offset options and that there is currently no minimum benefit cutoff.