Video & Transcript Research : 'fiscal notes'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/11/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- fund and if you read through the fiscal fund and if you read through the fiscal note<00:09:06.360
- 00:09:13.920>
the updated fiscal note for this bill the updated fiscal note for this bill the - and this fiscal and this fiscal note<00:09:40.040>
uh <00:09:40.200>states note uh - <00:21:46.600>
note somewhat according to the fiscal note somewhat according to the fiscal - I think the fiscal note notes $5.36 million in the first year.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Jul 10th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We have already received in the past and current fiscal year.
- I noted that we're 83% committed or expended.
- I think that's an important point to note.
- You can see my space is covered with notes as always.
- I would note that we were given ten million dollars.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-12 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We heard from the Joint Fiscal.
- The Appropriations Committee reviewed the bill and went through the same fiscal note that the Committee
- <01:59:57.960>
Committee same fiscal note that that um Committee same fiscal note that that - in fiscal year 2027. in fiscal year 2027.
- this fiscal year. this fiscal year.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/10/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and I know it's lacking a fiscal note.
- Um and I I know it's uh lacking a fiscal<01:12:58.400>
note. - So if it could go on today fiscal note.
- note it generates look at the fiscal note it generates revenue<01:44:34.719>
but <01:44:34.960 - The premium subsidy bill, I think, was similar in the fiscal note we received, but we need the fiscal
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/03/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- That cannot go on the consent calendar because the fiscal note is greater than $10,000.
- <04:16:44.560>
note <04:16:45.040>is calendar because the fiscal note is calendar because - the fiscal note is greater<04:16:45.920>
than <04:16:46.720>$10,000. - And with regards to the fiscal note, I would note that the fiscal note estimate from the DRA is, in fact
- The fiscal note estimate from the DRA is, in fact, $75,000, and that's to update their system.
Summary:
The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported.
The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-TCA, PSM Public Hearings 02-05-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:37.280>
that and 19 of the bill we also note that and 19 of the bill we also note that - The first fiscal year, FY 26, would be $5 million.
- And then the second fiscal year, FY 27, will be $2.2 million.
- <00:49:07.160>
year the first year fiscal year the first year fiscal year 26<00:49:09.000> - <00:49:24.400>
27 and and then the second year fiscal 27 and and then the second year fiscal
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion.
On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added.
On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So the fiscal note, in my opinion, is a bit exaggerated.
- So the fiscal note, in my opinion, is a bit exaggerated.
- So the fiscal note, in my opinion, is a bit exaggerated.
- So the fiscal note, in my opinion, is a bit exaggerated.
- So the fiscal note, in my opinion, is a bit exaggerated.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 216, which Representative Carol Maguire described as a fix to a workers’ compensation/retirement “glitch.” The bill would remove the current limit that only one year of workers’ compensation time can be credited as retirement service time. Maguire argued the limit is arbitrary and affects only a very small number of grievously injured workers, while committee members asked about the fiscal impact, available data, and whether the change could affect workers’ compensation rates or incentives. Mark Kavar of the New Hampshire Retirement System said Labor could not provide data on how many people exceed a year on weekly indemnity benefits, so the fiscal note used a conservative estimate that could be scaled down; he also explained that workers’ comp is not earnable compensation, which is why service credit stops after a year, and noted that many long-term cases move into disability retirement or lump-sum settlements. The committee closed the hearing, entered executive session, and voted ought to pass on HB 216 by a 13-0 roll call, sending it to consent and noting it would also go to Finance.
The committee then acted on House Bill 85, adopting Amendment 0037 and then voting ought to pass as amended by another 13-0 roll call. The bill was described as allowing second-year respiratory therapy students to work under supervision using the skills they have already learned, with support from the Hospital Association and no opposition noted.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 267, the animal chiropractors bill. Members said the bill had been approved previously but was vetoed because of a defect; the problem has now been corrected, and the bill is intended to reduce delays caused by requiring veterinary referrals before chiropractors can treat animals. The committee voted ought to pass 13-0 and placed the bill on consent.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:03.400>
relationship the state and local fiscal relationship the state and local fiscal - uh Minnesota state and uh local fiscal uh Minnesota state and uh local fiscal relationship<00:47
- there was a um a large really um fiscal there was a um a large really um fiscal reform<00:48:10.280
- With that, I think we're going to House Fiscal.
- and House fiscal um I want to give you and House fiscal um I want to give you the<01:00:05.640>
time
Summary:
The House Tax Committee met to hear a House Research presentation from Jared Swanson on Minnesota’s property tax system. Before the presentation, the chair announced that the committee would put the governor’s budget on hold until the department could provide the information needed for a proper hearing. The committee then approved the prior meeting minutes without objection.
Swanson gave an overview of how property taxes are structured and collected in Minnesota, explaining that the state uses a levy-based system in which local governments set levies and counties collect and distribute payments. He described the property tax cycle, the difference between referendum market value and net tax capacity, and how classification rates shift tax burdens among property types. He also outlined the state general property tax, noting it is split between commercial-industrial property and seasonal recreational property, and reviewed how Minnesota compares with other states, with residential taxes generally around the middle and commercial-industrial taxes relatively higher.
The presentation also covered major property tax relief and aid programs. Swanson explained three broad relief mechanisms: shifting burdens through exclusions and classification rates, state-paid credits and refunds, and state aid to local governments or levy reductions. He discussed local government aid (LGA), township aid, and county program aid (CPA), including their funding levels, formulas, and general-purpose nature. Members asked why some cities receive no LGA and how the funds may be used; Swanson said cities with strong tax bases often receive zero aid and that the money generally can be used for the same purposes as property tax revenue. No votes were taken on the presentation itself.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 116 May 9th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I know there's a fiscal note on this of a half a million dollars.
- I know there's a fiscal note on this of a half a million dollars.
- I know there's a fiscal note on this of a half a million dollars.
- <04:36:45.520>
note, $16,000 pet projects with a fiscal note, $16,000 pet projects with a - So, why don't we dive in, fiscal note?
Summary:
The House opened with a quorum call, a Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal in a lighthearted exchange honoring Representative Bacon’s father. Members then announced upcoming committee meetings, including State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; Finance; and Appropriations. The chamber moved into third reading and took up a series of bills, with several laid over or moved on the calendar before votes began.
The House adopted House Bill 1433 on firefighter behavioral health benefits, House Bill 1416 on transfers from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund, and House Bill 1431 on occupational licensure portability. It also adopted House Bill 1426, a Department of Law report bill, after a technical third-reading amendment correcting numbering errors. House Bill 1063, requiring an accessible list of secure transportation providers on certain department websites, also passed. In addition, the chamber adopted Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range Passenger Rail District, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 175 on experience modification factors in workers’ compensation, Senate Bill 131 on abusive practices in sports betting, Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 157 on a town with critical water infrastructure, Senate Bill 154 on Colorado Channel Authority Board appointments, and House Bill 1286 requiring a human present when an automated driving system operates a commercial motor vehicle.
House Bill 1422, concerning security measures for certain governmental entities, drew the most extended debate. Representative Luck opposed it, citing concerns about creating a legislative police force, language affecting online speech and constituent conduct, and what she described as a workaround for TABOR. Representative Clifford explained the bill’s security provisions and sought a technical amendment to address local records language; the amendment and the bill both passed, though with notable opposition. House Bill 1424, increasing protections for persons engaged with transportation network companies, also prompted extensive testimony from Representative Wilford, who described her own assault by a rideshare driver and argued that Uber and Lyft have minimized and obscured sexual assault data while failing to protect riders; after a technical amendment, the bill passed. The House then continued with additional third-reading votes, including House Bill 1325 on natural medicine, which passed despite some opposition.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- year following the fiscal year of noncompliance.
- What do you You project the fiscal will be.
- Thank you So is there a separate fiscal for the training?
- There is no fiscal impact on this bill. There's actually no fiscal impact in this bill.
- I need to be a note today.
Bills:
SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778
Keywords:
career readiness, education reform, high school assessments, workplace skills, state education, credentialing, teacher certification, principal requirements, education administration, special education, Oklahoma education law, SB2045, Grow Your Own Educator Program, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, alternative certification, alternative teacher certification, teacher preparation, tuition reimbursement, course fee reimbursement
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Jul 1st, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- This is going to be fiscal cuts under Doji.
- One last fiscal thing for us to worry about.
- I think it might be the calendar year, but it could be the fiscal year.
- And then, um, the tax has to be at 3.5% by federal fiscal year 2032.
- Please take note that we start at 8:30 tomorrow, not at 9:00.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (09/26/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- If our error rate for fiscal liability.
- <00:20:51.600>
year <00:20:51.919>28 fiscal year 28 fiscal year 28 uh<00:20:54.400> - >
year <00:20:56.799>25 uh based on federal fiscal year 25 uh based on federal fiscal year - yet since the fiscal year is not over. yet since the fiscal year is not over.
- notes and listen at the same time. notes and listen at the same time.
Summary:
The committee first approved the draft minutes of its May 16, 2025 meeting, with one correction removing Representative Dry from the attendance list because she was present as a guest rather than an appointed member. The committee then received a Department of Health and Human Services update from Commissioner Lori Weaver, who focused on the rural health transformation grant process. She said the department has been gathering stakeholder input since July, issued a request for information on September 22, and is working toward an end-of-October draft and a November 3 deadline, with a grant writer request expected to go before Governor and Council at no cost to the state.
The bulk of the meeting centered on federal changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid. Karen Heert explained that the federal law changes commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill” or HR1 will affect SNAP eligibility and state costs, including a shift in administrative cost sharing from 50/50 to 75/25 beginning in October 2026 and a possible state share of benefits if New Hampshire’s error rate is too high. She said the program affects about 43,000 households, that New Hampshire’s federal fiscal year 2024 error rate was 7.57% versus a national rate of 10.93%, and that the state must get below 6% to avoid liability. She also said DHS is preparing remediation steps, auditing cases, and seeking technology and staffing support, including a grant for automation and training.
Henry Litman then described Medicaid changes under HB2 and the new federal law. He said New Hampshire returned to pre-pandemic eligibility verification rules on July 1, including a 10% income compatibility standard and reduced ex parte renewals, which has increased manual work and contributed to a drop in enrollment from about 185,000 in late June to about 178,000 in early September. He also reviewed new child premiums, pharmacy copays, Granite Advantage premiums, and possible Medicaid work requirements, noting that DHS is working with CMS on implementation details and may use a state plan option rather than an 1115 waiver because it would be less expensive and faster. Members asked several questions about the SNAP error-rate rules, the distinction between administrative and client errors, the effect of unpaid copays, and the timing and legal risk of the Medicaid work requirement; no votes were taken on those policy issues.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- You got a fiscal note on this and >> Nice.
- Did she get a fiscal note for this one, do you know, or is there no fiscal note?
- >> Then we need a fiscal note. >> Then we need a fiscal note.
- We<03:02:57.640>
do <03:02:57.880>fiscal <03:02:58.320>notes We do fiscal notes - care in in calculating the fiscal notes. care in in calculating the fiscal notes.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- There's no cost to the state, no fiscal note.
- Um, it does have a red, you may have noticed the fiscal note we're actually working on a committee sub
- But it does deal with that fiscal note so we can get this done and help and help streamline adoptions
- This bill is fiscally responsible and it's just really the right thing to do.
- That's what you'll see in the fiscal note.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- fiscal year 2032-33 and reserved an allocation of $3.5 million for statewide bond costs.
- You noted there was a crowd here.
- As noted, the Budget Act moved some funds around, about 18 million of that was moved As noted, the Budget
- We chose this vehicle because of the fiscal situation. All right. Great. Thank you.
- I note I'm leaving off the Administrative Procedure Act, right?
Summary:
The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions.
The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline.
Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (10/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- From fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2025 the change was 97%, and then overall from fiscal year 2017
- <01:30:02.639>
year from fiscal year 2022 from fiscal year from fiscal year 2022 from fiscal - >
22 <01:30:08.239>to <01:30:08.560>fiscal From [snorts] fiscal year 22 to fiscal - overall from fiscal year 17 to fiscal overall from fiscal year 17 to fiscal year<01:30:14.320>
- :58.400>
fiscal <01:41:58.719>year >> Their fiscal Yeah, their fiscal year >> - :58.400>
Summary:
The commission met to continue its study of the cost of special education, with the chair emphasizing that the group needs to narrow its focus over the coming year toward specific cost drivers, including the IEP process, Medicaid, charter schools, and EFAs. Members reviewed a draft first report due November 1 and agreed it would be a brief synopsis of prior meetings, with minutes attached. The September 30, 2025 minutes were amended to correct the number of federally funded department staff from 234 to 23, and to revise language about Senator Sullivan’s comments so they reflected concerns about IEP advocates and fees charged to families rather than support for the concept. The amended minutes were then approved unanimously, with abstentions noted for members who were absent.
The main presentation focused on how special education costs are handled for students attending charter schools. The DOE representative said there are 804 students with disabilities in charter schools across 88 of the state’s 176 districts, and that the district of residence remains responsible for all services and costs. She explained that students must meet IDEA criteria through district evaluation and parent consent, and that services are determined through individual IEP meetings rather than by a blanket charter-school decision. Members asked how those costs are tracked, whether any students are merely “monitored,” and whether districts separately identify charter-school special education expenses; the answer was that most districts fold those costs into their overall special education budget, though some may break them out as a line item.
The discussion then turned to transportation and mileage costs for staff providing services at charter schools. Testimony indicated that districts may use their own staff, contract staff, or contract with a charter school for certified services, and that travel costs are often either built into contracts or absorbed as part of staff time rather than separately reimbursed. Members questioned whether mileage is reimbursed when staff travel to distant charter schools and whether those costs can be isolated in district budgets; the response was that practices vary by district and are not usually broken out by special education function. Several members argued this makes it difficult to determine the true cost of delivering special education, especially given New Hampshire’s model in which the district of residence pays regardless of where the charter school is located. The chair noted the complexity of the system and compared it to the state’s separate tuition and transportation approach for career and technical education centers.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (01/13/2026)
Public Works and Highways
Transcript Highlights:
- I can talk about the fiscal note. I prepared that myself.
- <01:30:45.040>
I I can talk about the fiscal note. I I can talk about the fiscal note. - Chairman, I would move House Bill 1785 with fiscal note OTP. >> We have a motion.
- with fiscal note ITL passes. with fiscal note ITL passes.
- for bill607 with fiscal note is referred for interim<02:27:23.040>
studying.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Just shifting to my notes. Okay.
- She asked how much of the fiscal impact noted on the materials is assumed to transition to county responsibility
- fiscal impacts that are noted of these fiscal impacts that are noted on<01:14:37.520>
here, <01 - . fiscally. fiscally.
- I know that there's fiscal impacts.
Bills:
HR1
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Stum has done a substitution, if you could just walk us quickly through the fiscal note, and then we’
- House File 1161 has a fiscal note.
- And that is the fiscal note. Thank you, members.
- We don’t have a fiscal note or a revenue note, but if you read the summary, my point, members, to the
- We just got the fiscal note for this morning.
Keywords:
HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (9-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:43:18.640>
year at this again at the end of fiscal year at this again at the end of fiscal - We're fiscal agent. We set a lot of and we run certain programs by law.
- ,<00:48:27.920>
you important thing I want to note, you important thing I want to note, you - We're fiscal<00:48:53.680>
agent. - We set a lot of and we run fiscal agent.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:02
Statewide Emergency Response System Monthly Update- 00:02:23
Shock Probation: Administrative Office of the Courts-00:34:28
Shock Probation: Department of Corrections Oversight-01:04:04
Adjournment-01:12:22, 958, all
Summary:
The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow.
Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground.
Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.