Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker and members of the Assembly, House Bill 1549 refers to corrections facility grant programs, a
• housing task force, criminal justice data collection, and other programs.
• data collection, and other programs.
• other programs that are available, so we need a special program here.
• on the Native American Reentry Program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then approved journal corrections and recognized visiting students from Underwood School. The chamber also handled several conference committee appointments after failing to concur with Senate amendments on House bills 1022, 1049, 1229, and 1029, and after the Senate failed to concur on House amendments to Senate bills 2010 and 2113. The House then concurred in or passed a series of amended measures, including House Bills 1481 (dental insurance loss ratio and reporting), 1511 (physician guidance on abortion law, with an emergency clause), 1562 (mandated reporter training), 1197 (correctional facilities study), 1095 (child protective services liaison work group), 1317 (barber licensing board changes), 1549 (corrections facility grants and reentry-related provisions), 1354 (appraiser evaluations), 1374 (open meeting exemption for township supervisors during on-site inspections), 1355 (abbreviated notice for administrative rulemaking), 1025 (advanced nuclear energy study), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes), 1592 (Lignite Research Council updates), and 1375 (alcohol service/photo ID provisions). Final passage votes were recorded on each bill, with most passing comfortably and some drawing notable opposition, especially HB 1470 and HB 1549. The House spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol appropriation. Members discussed shifting one-time funding from the general fund to the Electronic Motor Carrier Permit Fund, including body armor, preliminary breath tests, an emergency vehicle course, resurfacing, fleet costs, and handgun/taser replacement, while also noting a federal grant and no new FTEs. Questions focused on salary-line increases and the new-and-vacant FTE pool, with Appropriations explaining that those dollars had been moved back into agency budgets from OMB. The bill passed 84-6. The House also passed Senate Bill 2013, the Commissioner of University and School Lands appropriation, after discussion of Trust Lands operations, unclaimed property staffing, and distributions from the Common Schools Trust Fund; one member was excused for a conflict, and the bill passed 67-22. Senate Bill 2023, the Racing Commission appropriation, passed 65-25 after a brief explanation of the agency’s responsibilities and funding. A major policy debate centered on Senate Bill 2385, which revises mobile home park regulation. Supporters said it creates receivership procedures if a license is revoked, requires clearer tenant notices, limits certain fees, and strengthens protections against eviction and utility overcharges. Two members were excused from voting due to conflicts tied to mobile home park ownership, and the bill passed 84-4. Another extended debate occurred on Senate Bill 2159, which allows the State Energy Research Center to study nuclear-related projects with approval from the Industrial Commission and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. Supporters said it is meant to help study advanced nuclear energy while preserving existing prohibitions on high-level radioactive waste storage; opponents raised concerns that the language could weaken prior protections and open the door to waste-related research or storage. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on SB 2159 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm pleased to present AB 681, which increases the annual loan cap under the existing Dream Loan Program
• funds to be distributed in a way that better reflects the actual cost of graduate programs.
• funds to be distributed in a way that better reflects the actual cost of graduate programs.
• AB 681 ensures that the Dream Loan Program continues to be a cost-neutral investment for the state while
• He was in the marching band in high school, and he was in a German exchange student program.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 9, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and a consent calendar. The committee first approved a set of unanimous consent bills, then heard and acted on several measures, generally with authors describing them as having minor or absorbable fiscal effects. Bills discussed included AB 439 on Coastal Act streamlining, AB 322 on school-based health and mental health reimbursement participation, AB 679 on state park land acquisition exemptions, AB 482 updating the California Table Grape Commission law, AB 681 increasing the Dream Loan Program cap, AB 40 clarifying emergency services include reproductive health care, AB 454 making the California Migratory Bird Protection Act permanent, AB 572 creating protections for families of people killed or seriously injured by peace officers, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams to avoid extra regulation for certain water operators. Testimony was largely in support of the bills. Supporters included representatives from the University of California, the California Table Grape Commission, Audubon California, Sempervirens Fund, emergency physicians, health equity groups, water districts, and several impacted family members and advocacy organizations on AB 572. AB 572 drew especially emotional testimony from family members describing police-involved deaths and the need for transparency and protection from coercive questioning. No organized opposition was raised on most of the bills heard in committee, though AB 439 drew no-votes from some Republicans, and AB 572 and other measures were framed as low-cost or cost-neutral. The committee reported the bills out on roll calls after motions and seconds, with several measures passing on B-roll calls and AB 482 passing on an A-roll call. After the hearing on presented bills, the committee also approved the suspense calendar and accepted brief public comment on bills not heard that day, including opposition to AB 339 and support for AB 335. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is the purpose of the program.
• <01:07:18.760> and through, and I quote, "lower program and through, and I quote, "lower program
• state dollars from other grant programs. state dollars from other grant programs.
• , public programs, public programs, and<01:09:41.440> the<01:09:41.880> the<01:09:42.080
• stop fraud and stop our public programs stop fraud and stop our public programs um<01:09:58.200>

Bills: HF3643, HF4470, HF4462, HF4366, HF4172, HF3629, HF4356, HF3093

Keywords: Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, memorial park, state park, working group, Minnesota Historical Society, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Saint Paul, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Legislative Coordinating Commission, general fund appropriation, park planning, interpretive services, public engagement, state memorial, land use, natural resources, commemorative legislation, HF4470

Transcript Highlights:

• , vaccine clinics, child welfare assistance, and a host of community gatherings and celebrations.
• , vaccine clinics, child welfare assistance, and a host of community gatherings and celebrations.
• , vaccine clinics, child welfare assistance, and a host of community gatherings and celebrations.
• for our child welfare program, legal department, tribal assistance program, and elder advocates.
• the airport carbon accreditation program the airport carbon accreditation program and<00:38:12.960

Bills: HF1126, HF967, HF1066, HF1669, HF926

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

Transcript Highlights:

• training academy and the child welfare training academy and DCF<00:14:50.399> and<00:14:50.519
• This bill requires the director of child sex trafficking prevention to submit a program evaluation to
• Senator Utke: This bill requires the director of child sex trafficking prevention to submit a program
• Senator cek thanks Madam chair I program Senator cek thanks Madam chair I guess<00:43:44.680> you
• It allows the recommendations for MDH to include and require the program to have additional oversight

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is a testament to the Legislature's commitment to helping our homeowners.
• We are the top state in America for school choice, and our school choice program has changed lives.
• Our universal school choice program works.
• We created a program to accelerate the repayment of state debt.
• We created a law enforcement bonus and scholarship program to recruit and retain great police officers

Summary: The Florida House and Senate met in joint session to open the 2025 legislative session, receiving the Florida Cabinet, the Florida Supreme Court, and then Governor Ron DeSantis. The session included a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a motion to appoint a committee to notify the governor that the joint session was ready to receive his message. The committee was appointed, the governor was introduced, and the joint session recessed until his arrival. In his address, Governor DeSantis highlighted Florida’s economic performance, low unemployment, business growth, tourism, and insurance reforms, and urged further action on property insurance, the My Safe Florida Home program, and tax relief. He also called for continued immigration enforcement, praised school choice and teacher pay initiatives, defended higher education reforms, and discussed Hope Florida, hurricane recovery, environmental restoration, and infrastructure. He specifically urged lawmakers to address petition fraud and the constitutional amendment process, condominium reform, and stronger Second Amendment protections. The governor also reviewed prior legislative accomplishments, including tax cuts, parental rights and education measures, anti-DEI actions, law enforcement bonuses, and other conservative policy changes. He thanked legislative leaders and cabinet officials, encouraged continued cooperation over the next 60-day session, and closed by urging lawmakers to build on Florida’s record of productivity. After the governor departed, the joint session voted to dissolve.

Transcript Highlights:

• and reports House Bill 669 should pass with House Committee Substitute 1, an act relating to child welfare
• 36 should pass with House Committee Substitute 1, a concurrent resolution establishing the Child Welfare
• and reports House Bill 669 should pass with House Committee Substitute 1, an act relating to child welfare
• 36 should pass with House Committee Substitute 1, a concurrent resolution establishing the Child Welfare
• 36 should pass with House Committee Substitute 1, a concurrent resolution establishing the Child Welfare

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding essential services and programs funding essential services and programs in<01:22:37.440>
• :48.719> human<01:27:49.040> health program helps protect um human health program helps
• It has a division of animal welfare.
• And that the and public programs.
• Uh this program is a burial assistance program that provides payment for burial and cremation services

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas the Alabama legislative internship program was established to include student interns in the
• this program. this program.
• and Debutante Program and its founder,<04:55:43.840> Cheyenne<04:55:44.320> Webb<04:55
• <04:56:43.080> Study Alabama Schools STEM Program Study Alabama Schools STEM Program Study
• Cutting food stamps, cutting welfare, and that ain't all for Black families.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, CMA sharing that what their members have not submitted any concerns of the program.
• The program provides coverage to over 1,200 public agencies and schools.
• with how few people have completed the Care Court program.
• SB 874 takes meaningful steps to strengthen... ...in the Medi-Cal program.
• As an autistic consumer of public programs, my survival depends on Medicaid.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1377, a bill on medical exemptions for school immunizations. The author and supporters said the measure was a narrow reform to restore physician discretion and reduce what they described as chilling effects from audits and license discipline; opponents from pediatric, medical, public health, and school groups argued the current system already works, protects against fraudulent exemptions, and should not be weakened. Committee members debated the data, the number of exemptions reviewed or revoked, and the effect of the proposed amendments. The bill was amended in committee, but because there was no quorum it was not formally voted on at that time. The committee then heard SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, which would create a statewide inspection and compliance framework for large private detention facilities. The author and supporters described severe conditions in immigration detention, including denial of medication, unsafe food and water, and lack of oversight, and the bill was presented as a response to those abuses. The California Hospital Association raised concerns about duplicative regulation and overlapping standards, but said it was continuing to work on a solution. The committee discussed constitutional and jurisdictional issues, and the bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Judiciary with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Next, SB 1089 was heard, proposing expanded access through CalPERS and CalRX to GLP-1 medications for chronic weight disease and diabetes prevention. The author and supporters from the American Diabetes Association and medical groups argued the drugs are effective tools to prevent type 2 diabetes, reduce long-term costs, and improve health equity, while the author also shared personal experience with weight loss and medication access barriers. There was no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 1221, dealing with Murphy conservatorships for people found not guilty by reason of insanity or otherwise under criminal-mental health conservatorship. Supporters, including prosecutors and psychiatrists, said the bill addresses a gap created by a court decision and would improve public safety and placement decisions for a small population of high-risk individuals. Opponents from county behavioral health and disability rights groups warned it would turn a civil process into a quasi-criminal one, expand district attorney involvement, and disrupt bed prioritization and least-restrictive-placement principles. The discussion centered on the scope of the bill and its amendments, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• as well as expands the funding opportunities for public boat ramps, parking marinas, and marina programs
• against the scrub jay, claiming that because the bird lands in people's hands for food, it has a welfare
• against the scrub jay, claiming that because the bird lands in people's hands for food, it has a welfare
• Listen, we found a way to win from a conservation easement, from the Florida Forever program and some
• And yes, so the first thing this is going to do is set up a pilot program.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cut nutrition programs by at least $187 billion.
• It also establishes a pilot program for digital reporting to determine best practices.
• In terms of the program, they save annually about $2 billion.
• Since then, the program has effectively done just that.
• The program provides students with an...

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and an intern in the Sato program.
• But our program of doctors from Mexico was never intended to be a permanent licensed program.
• There are 28 programs, with four more in development, and existing programs have been approved to grow
• Dental programs are focused on restorative treatment.
• Dental programs are focused on restorative treatment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:20.159> Advanced midwiffrey programs in Hawaii.
• Advanced midwiffrey programs in Hawaii.
• >> Seeing none, SB 3272 relating to child welfare service.
• at risk of involvement or reinvolvement with the child welfare system.
• 30.799> department<01:02:31.040> of program manager for the department of program manager

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• many absences, there becomes a time frame when that school has to notify our counties or our child welfare
• And then they start a child welfare case, which can actually lead to individuals being removed from their

Transcript Highlights:

• President, House Bill 4746 is a bill to amend the Social Welfare Act.
• President, House Bill 4746 is the bill to amend the Social Welfare Act.
• President, the House has returned to the Senate Senate Bill 415, a bill to amend the Social Welfare Act
• tax credits for seniors and working families, water affordability grants, and affordable housing programs
• Because of the work you've done, we've done... ...and affordable housing programs.

Summary: The Senate met with 33 members present and a quorum, then repeatedly recessed and reconvened to take up a large number of House bills and one Senate resolution. Early action included discharging several bills from committee and moving them to the General Orders calendar, including House Bills 4062, 4063, 4064, 5249, 4750, and 4644. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 135, recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, after extended remarks by Senator Cherry reflecting on American ideals and the nation’s history. Later, the Senate considered additional bills dealing with political activity, public health, foster care and adoption, the Michigan Vehicle Code, military leave, tax and insurance matters, child care licensing, open meetings, school code, property conveyance, juvenile diversion, and child abduction broadcasts. Most bills advanced with little or no debate, though several members offered amendments or floor substitutes that were adopted, withdrawn, or ruled out of order. Senator McBroom gave multiple no-vote explanations, objecting to the political-activity bills as restrictions on speech and association, and later criticizing piecemeal changes to the Open Meetings Act and a military-leave bill as potentially discouraging employers from hiring reservists. Senator Albert also explained no votes on the military-leave measures, saying the bills could create disincentives for employers and should have included a funding offset. On Senate Bill 22, McBroom offered a humorous amendment about payment methods that failed. On Senate Bill 373, his tie-bar amendment to unrelated “rice generator” bills also failed. The Senate passed and, in many cases, granted immediate effect to numerous bills, including House Bills 4062, 4063, 4064, 4750, 4644, 4189, 4207, 4208, 4309, 4396, 5570, 5571, 5806, 5807, 5995, 6043, 6074, 4100, 4103, 4104, 4517, 5232, 5233, 5249, and 4746, as well as Senate Bills 527, 569, 1052, 22, and 373. Some immediate-effect motions passed by the required two-thirds vote, while others were recorded as passed and then granted immediate effect. The Committee of the Whole reported several bills with amendments and others without amendment, and the Senate concurred in the committee’s recommendations before adjourning to recess again.

Transcript Highlights:

• Carissa Teeter, Tricia Gutieres from the Help New Mexico Regional Program, and I have Mary Almanza with
• to consider whether any legislation that comes before us has a negative effect on the health and welfare
• experience, and I stand in support of my southern colleagues who are concerned about the health and welfare
• Same thing with out-of-school driver's ed programs.
• Senator Sedia Lopez: The title is, "relating to the public peace, health, safety, and welfare, imposing

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Jody Mson Rodriguez, and I'm the deputy legislative auditor for OLA's program
• <00:02:20.080> evaluation auditor for OA's program evaluation auditor for OA's program evaluation
• Child Welfare Disproportionality Act. Child Welfare Disproportionality Act.
• <01:10:21.280> audit, had a request for a um program audit, had a request for a um program
• the investigate of the um uh program the investigate of the um uh program review?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Audit Commission heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of the Office of Ombuds for Families (OBFF). Auditors said the office remains important because of Minnesota’s long history of racial disparities in the child protection system, but they found major problems with how OBFF is operating. The report said OBFF’s statutory duties are very broad compared with its small staff and budget, and that the ombuds persons are not carrying out all required duties while spending substantial time on activities not required by law. Auditors also said the office’s recent impact is unclear and that its complaint-handling work has significant deficiencies, including poor documentation, limited data, few policies, inconsistent handling, and failure to follow best practices. The presentation also focused on oversight and accountability. Auditors said OBFF’s three community boards, which are supposed to appoint and oversee the ombuds persons, have not provided adequate oversight: meeting requirements were often not met, attendance was low, and there was little evidence the boards were fulfilling their statutory duties. The auditors further said OBFF’s unusual structure, with no single designated leader and shared authority among the three ombuds persons, creates unclear lines of accountability. Their recommendations included revising OBFF’s statutory duties to better match legislative goals and resources, improving complaint-handling practices, strengthening board oversight, and establishing a single leadership position for the office. Members asked follow-up questions about racial disproportionality in out-of-home care, spending on nonrequired activities, and whether the ombuds persons met statutory qualification requirements. Auditors referred members to the report for more detailed data, said the office does not track expenditures by function, and noted that while the ombuds persons have relevant professional backgrounds, the evaluation raised concerns about whether they are meeting their duties as expected. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:18.920> have<00:56:19.119> been residential programs have been residential programs
• Uh, the way we make decisions as to whether we take kids, um, we're currently in a pilot program with
• Our kids are referred through the statewide referral program, but there's also a committee that Holly
• <01:03:58.559> but the Statewide referral program but the Statewide referral program but there's
• It's called the 5S program, where we were a big part of that program was to help bring kids back into

Keywords: 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:22 Roll Call 00:01:56 Discussion on SB 85 00:14:03 Vote on SB 85 00:16:15 Explanation of Agency Amendment 00:19:04 Voice Vote on Amendment 00:19:33 Discussion on Kentucky Foster Children Housing, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Meredith, which would move the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the State Auditor’s office and make related cleanup changes. Meredith said the bill grew out of a prior task force and a two-year transition from Senate Bill 48, and he argued the move would create independence, improve access to the ITWIST database, ensure complaints are not lost in the handoff, and add confidentiality protections for whistleblowers. Auditor Allison Ball and her staff said the bill would codify access and procedures after earlier disputes and a court-mediated settlement, and they described the measure as necessary to make the new structure work effectively. Members asked how the Ombudsman would handle complaints and verify services in cases involving waiver recipients and other cabinet services. Ball and her staff said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints, make inquiries, and provide accountability outside the cabinet structure, with timelines and procedures similar to the Auditor’s office. The committee also discussed staffing and whether the office would need more personnel; Ball said the office already had about 100 people but could use more. The bill passed 10-0 with favorable expression. The committee then approved an agency amendment to administrative regulation 922 KAR 1:001490 concerning foster parent background checks. Cabinet staff explained the amendment corrected a drafting error by removing references to civil determinations in a second section of the regulation because the system cannot search those determinations, while still allowing the required checks under state and federal law. Senator Herron asked what a civil determination meant, and staff said it could involve a court finding in a custody or abuse case, though such findings are now typically handled through the child abuse and neglect registry. The amendment was adopted. Afterward, the committee began a discussion on Kentucky foster children housing and related issues. Ball and Ombudsman staff presented a preliminary assessment of children placed in office buildings, saying the review covered 49 children placed over a four-month period and showed a different picture than the public narrative of only older, high-acuity youth. They reported that some children had no documented behavioral or disability issues, many came directly from home, the average age was 13, the average stay was four nights, and placements were spread across several regions rather than centered only in Louisville. Members raised concerns about the lack of formal policies and procedures, staff safety, and how to ensure children are treated appropriately, and Ball said the Ombudsman was continuing a deeper review. No final action was taken on that discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• welfare and true needs of our people. welfare and true needs of our people.
• So, in my PhD program, we took three courses in driving change in organizations.
• The substitute clarifies that no state appropriations will be used for the program.
• Instead, it is funded by an existing FEMA program.
• It is a targeted investment in program.

Keywords: 958, all