Video & Transcript Research : 'variance requests'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 25th, 2026 at 01:12 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A quorum call has been requested. Members, please activate your machines upon entering the chamber.
- A quorum call has been requested. Members, please activate your machines upon entering the chamber.
- A quorum call has been requested. Please activate your machines when you enter the chamber.
- Ropeca has been requested. If you favor the advancement, you vote aye.
- All favors roll call has been requested on the motion.
Bills:
SB1778, SB1570, SB134, SB1966, SB1636, SB1725, SB1726, SB259, SB504, SB592, SB2030, SB1572, SB843, SB1242, SB1255, SB1262, SB1264, SB1286, SB1581, SB1290, SB1316, SB1319, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1400, SB1427, SB1436, SB1461, SB1496, SB1509, SB1534, SB1553, SB904, SB1592, SB1645, SB1684, SB1767, SB1772, SB1813, SB1894, SB1928, SB1946, SB1980, SB2040, SB2060, SB2061
Keywords:
reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of Commerce is requesting approval of their plan to provide lump sum bonus awards up to
- ... and d require a motion to approve these are approval items item c beginning on page nine is a request
- The Department of Veterans Affairs, on page 13, is requesting approval of their plan to provide special
- Approval of the request will allow the department's State Medical Board to utilize the listed fiscal
- This request is required by Arkansas Code 21-5-226.
Summary:
The committee first took up several personnel and compensation requests. It approved a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism reclassification that would trade three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager. It also approved one-time bonus and recruitment plans for the Department of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs, including up to $5,000 bonuses tied to the unemployment insurance modernization project and $2,000 bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the state veterans homes. A Department of Health request to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board was also approved; members were told the position was already authorized and would not increase total positions.
The committee then reviewed a Department of Commerce reduction in force affecting the Division of Workforce Services for the Blind and Employment and Training divisions. Secretary Hugh McDonald and Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits explained that the cuts were driven by over-obligated federal funds, a prior realignment, and what they described as long-standing fiscal mismanagement in the Division of Services for the Blind. They said 56 employees remained furloughed, five employees in a separate grant group were still working, and 17 positions were on the permanent RIF list. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the independent board, and whether the layoffs were being handled fairly, including a request for racial composition data on the workforce and the RIF group.
Members also discussed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Staff explained that the reports cover average staffing levels over each quarter, and members focused on overtime spending, especially in DHS, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Transportation. OPM said overtime is being reviewed, direct care positions remain exempt from the hiring freeze, and agencies have been hiring more staff since the new pay plan took effect. The committee asked for additional reporting on overtime trends, and the meeting adjourned without further action.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 2/4/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Did you do an oral request today because of the language in the secretary's reply brief that you hadn't
- made an oral request to be recognized?
- c><00:02:46.200>
today <00:02:46.760>because <00:02:47.120>of you do an oral request - today because of you do an oral request today because of the<00:02:47.519>
language <00:02:48.159 - <00:02:53.400>
to <00:02:53.480>be request to be request to be recognized<00:02:55.319>
Summary:
A House Republican spokesperson gave an update on the ongoing Minnesota House standoff, saying Republicans continue to seek formal recognition from the Secretary of State and objecting to what they described as the executive branch blocking duly elected members from being recognized on the House floor. They said the Minnesota Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case filed against the Secretary of State over that issue, and they argued that motions had been placed at the desk for several days and that the Secretary’s court filings mischaracterized the parties’ communications.
The spokesperson also said negotiations with Democratic colleagues over starting the session were continuing, describing Democrats as showing increased motivation to reach a deal and attributing that, in part, to public pressure. They said House Republicans have been present and working each day, while criticizing absent Democratic members and noting that more than $200,000 in taxpayer funds has been paid to members who have not shown up. They said another meeting was planned for that evening, with no meeting scheduled yet for the next day.
Questions also touched on recall efforts and the status of Representative Brad Tab. The spokesperson said recall petitions are a separate process handled by the state party and, once initiated, cannot be stopped by House leaders. On seating Representative Brad Tab, they said the House retains authority to judge the eligibility of its own membership and that their position had not changed.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THAT BRINGS US TO OUR UPCOMING LBI REQUEST. 25/26. WE ARE REQUESTING 36,000,00625.
- IT'S THE SAME NUMBER WE REQUESTED LAST YEAR.
- THOSE WILL BE THE MAIN FOCAL POINTS FOR THE UPCOMING REQUEST.
- THAT WILL THEN TAKE US TO THE LBR REQUEST FOR THIS YEAR.
- THIS, FOR THIS UPCOMING YEAR, WE ARE REQUESTING 28 MILLION.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President. >> Uh, Senator, request a roll call. >> Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
- A roll call has been requested.
- Instead, the participant could request administrative reconsideration by the agency.
- participant could request administrative participant could request administrative reconsideration
- request members vote yes. request members vote yes.
Summary:
The Senate first received a House message reappointing a conference committee on Senate File 2077, the environment and natural resources appropriations bill, and took no further action on that message. The chamber then moved through motions and resolutions, including a failed attempt to suspend the rules to make House File 4102 a special order for immediate consideration. Senator Howe argued the bill was urgent because it would extend a study on state law enforcement pay and help address State Patrol recruitment and retention, while Senator Friends opposed suspending the rules; the motion failed on a roll call vote, 35 ayes to 32 nays.
The Senate then took House File 3629 from the table, made it a special order, and adopted the A5 amendment. The bill, relating to grants management and the Department of Administration, was described as refining agency authority over exemptions, adding reporting requirements, expanding whistleblower protections, and broadening fraud-prevention tools. The A5 amendment added stronger payment-withholding authority for agencies based on credible allegations of fraud, removed the 60-day withholding limit, allowed cross-agency withholding in some cases, replaced court appeal with agency reconsideration, made the authority permanent, and added a reporting requirement for DHS and DCYF inspector general activity. Supporters said it would improve transparency and protect taxpayers; the bill then passed final roll call 67-0.
Finally, the Senate took up House File 4492, which was amended with the A4 delete-everything amendment. The new version combined three articles: READ Act provisions, a veterans diploma provision, and early literacy field-experience changes. Senators described the veterans section as requiring school districts to award diplomas to veterans who left high school to serve in the Korean or Vietnam Wars, and the READ Act and literacy provisions as aligning teacher preparation and early literacy instruction with state standards. Members also discussed school discipline and classroom safety issues in the course of debate. The bill was then read for final passage, with senators speaking in support of the combined package and its education and veterans provisions.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 18th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- , Chairman Ingram's request, Chairman Ingram's request, we<00:01:12.560>
have <00:01:12.720 - Well, there's a lot of games that's played with public information requests.
- Well, there's a lot of games requests.
- . requests. requests.
- while the public information request while the public information request sounds<00:15:40.560>
Keywords:
machinegun, enhanced sentencing, homicide, manslaughter, assault, public safety, HB404, Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, cosmetology, barbering, makeup artist, makeup application, lash artist, brow artist, lash/brow permit, esthetician, salon licensing, studio licensing, mobile salon, mobile studio
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (3-4-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Um but for a why they've requested this.
- That was a request of the Department of Financial Institutions.
- That was not a delayed effective date for any other reason requested by industry or anyone else.
- That was a request of the is correct.
- requested by industry or anyone else. requested by industry or anyone else.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:29
Discussion SB 153 01:25
Vote SB 153 10:35
Discussion SB 118 11:36
Vote SB 118 12:48
Discussion HB 380 13:40
Vote HB 380 40:12, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up three bills. Senate Bill 153, sponsored by Sen. Greg Elkins, aimed to combat insurance fraud tied to post-disaster contractor scams. Testimony from the Attorney General’s Office and committee members described problems involving roofing, siding, and debris-removal scams, including vandalism used to create claims and companies that disappear before victims can recover losses. The bill would expand enforcement tools by making certain vandalism-related conduct criminal, giving the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with local prosecutors, creating a post-disaster contractor registry, and banning door-to-door solicitation during declared emergencies. The committee approved the bill by roll call and sent it forward with a favorable recommendation.
Senate Bill 118, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm, addressed credit property insurance offered by consumer loan companies. The sponsor and a representative of the Kentucky Consumer Finance Association explained that the product has been offered for years and that the bill would provide statutory authority for its continued use. The committee raised no substantive objections, and the bill passed on a roll call vote with a favorable recommendation.
House Bill 380, sponsored by Rep. Tom Smith, focused on regulating cryptocurrency kiosks in convenience stores to curb fraud against seniors. The committee heard emotional testimony from a sheriff and a fraud victim describing scams that led victims to deposit cash into crypto kiosks, often under pressure from callers posing as authorities or relatives. AARP Kentucky supported the bill, citing widespread losses to older adults and the need for guardrails. A committee substitute was adopted that would cap daily transactions at $2,000, require fee disclosure and customer consent, impose licensing and compliance requirements, mandate identification for transactions, and add criminal penalties and Attorney General enforcement. Members discussed the bill’s scope, including that it would not address gift card scams, and noted the delayed effective date was requested so regulators could write rules. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the bill favorably on roll call.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 5th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it's the number one requested data source.
- We do receive all the data from Tricor, LabCorp, and Corporation. request.
- How does the State Personnel Office handle ADA requests?
- to make a request, right?
- So those were the answers, except for reviewing ADA requests.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It also requests that the procedure be posted... posted on the county-wide website.
- You know, in the data requests that you asked, I'd be happy to sit down with you to figure out what request
- you made and perhaps why they were telling you no to certain requests.
- Make an open record request. I'll just give it to you. Ms. Plesa. Yeah, thank you. So, Mr.
- So we've honored that request by drafting this very bill. HB1638 does just that.
Keywords:
early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, HB 766, precinct chair, precinct chair candidate, ballot application, Texas Election Code, Section 172.021, election administration, candidate filing, party precinct chair, county party, political party office, email address, telephone number, confidential candidate information
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- So, with that, I would respectfully request to strike the title on the bill.
- There is a request to strike the title without objection that Will be the order.
- So they currently make a request through OMES.
- Than the last senator, so I agree this is an efficiency request.
- It's a request from OKCpD and the corporation commission, not a formal request, but he had agents of
Keywords:
firearm rights restoration, nonviolent felons, Oklahoma firearm laws, gun ownership, pardon, expungement, public safety, transportation of inmates, Department of Corrections, correctional facilities, sentencing, health records, firefighters, sex offenders, employment restrictions, Oklahoma laws, bomb, explosive device, incendiary device, simulated bomb
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- I request to speak to that motion. Mr. Speaker, I've been pretty quiet this session, but— Mr.
- Kindly use your request speak button to get into the queue.
- Third portion of the morning hour legislation by for the day, and I'm not aware of any such requests.
- Kindly use your request speak button to get into the queue.
- Police chiefs were requesting a way to prevent gun violence on their campuses.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assembly Member Gallagher to have
- At the request of the author, please... Of the chamber today.
- At the request of the author, please move file item 87, AB 362 (Ramos), to the inactive file.
- And in that spirit, and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I humbly request your aye vote for ACR 116.
- All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work.
The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote.
The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They know that if there was a request for data, and not PHI, but like there's been some requests in the
- And that if the data needs to be requested, that the requests go to the tribe, who is the actual owner
- And either right before or right after we started working on that, USA Today requested all of the data
- the data requested, DOH said, we just have to follow the law.
- And we said, okay, if you gather tribal affiliation and you get a public records request, do you have
Summary:
The House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held a field hearing on the Puyallup Reservation, where members first received an overview of sports betting in Washington. Tribal casino representatives and the Washington State Gambling Commission explained that sports betting became legal in 2020 under HB 2638 and is currently limited to tribal casinos through sportsbook, kiosk, and on-premise mobile wagering. Testimony covered how odds are set, compliance with federal anti-money-laundering rules, and the role of third-party vendors. Tribal representatives said sports betting supports tribal economic development and asked to expand betting to include Washington college teams, while warning that prediction markets and other unregulated products pose a threat. Committee members asked about geo-fencing, betting limits, in-state college betting restrictions, and regulatory oversight. No votes were taken.
The committee then heard from Vicki Lowe of the American Indian Health Commission on tribal data sovereignty and health data. She described tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility, and said tribes should have equitable access to their own health data and control over how it is used. She explained that during COVID, tribes often lacked direct access to state health data, which complicated case tracing and other public health work. Lowe said the Department of Health stopped collecting tribal affiliation in some contexts because of Public Records Act concerns, and she argued that this is inconsistent with tribal data-sharing principles adopted through the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council. Members asked for clarification about what counts as tribal data and how public records concerns affected data collection. No formal action was taken.
Finally, Lucy Smartlut gave an update on the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force. She reported on the task force’s structure, its extension through 2027, and progress on recommendations including a fully funded cold case investigation unit in the Attorney General’s office, an updated missing persons resource, and forensic genetic genealogy work on unidentified remains. She said the cold case unit has active investigations, has helped locate missing Indigenous people, and made its first homicide arrest. She also presented data showing Native people are disproportionately represented among homicide and missing persons cases, and noted survey findings that many law enforcement agencies rely on officer observation for race data and have limited consultation with tribes. Committee members asked about funding, interagency coordination, and whether the task force is shifting toward prevention. The presenter said sustainability, continued awareness, and stronger collaboration remain priorities, and no vote was taken.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- code and must hold a hearing on the motion, not later than 30th day after such hearing has been requested
- And the only delivery method we had was certified mail, return receipt requested.
- And the only delivery method we had was certified mail, return receipt requested, and that has not been
- And the only delivery method we had was certified mail, return receipt requested, and that has not been
- ...be delivered as requested. Thank you very much. Any questions for the witness?
Keywords:
judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence heard several family-law and probate bills. Senate Bill 2052 would codify a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of a child and require clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in disputes involving non-parents; the author and several witnesses supported the bill as a clarification of existing case law, while one witness suggested refining the modification language. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1923, which would allow child support to follow a child placed temporarily with kin or fictive kin under a parental child safety placement or authorization agreement; the bill’s author and a grandparent caregiver testified in support, while one witness suggested the Attorney General could handle the change administratively. That bill was also left pending.
Senate Bill 1838 would standardize fee schedules and compensation rules for attorneys ad litem and related court-appointed counsel in DFPS child-protection cases. The author said the bill would clarify unclear current law, and witnesses from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and family-defense bar supported it, though one asked that expert-witness expenses be expressly included. Senate Bill 387 would raise the bond requirement for county judges handling guardianship proceedings to at least $500,000; the author described it as a refiling of a prior bill that passed unanimously but was vetoed, and a statutory probate judge testified in support. Senate Bill 1839 would require original or paper wills to be delivered to the transferee court when probate proceedings are transferred; the committee substitute broadened the delivery methods, and the district clerk witness supported the change. All three bills were left pending.
The committee also took up Senate Bill 1536, which had previously been voted out with the wrong committee substitute; members reconsidered the vote, adopted the corrected substitute, and then voted 3-0 to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, with local and contested calendar certification. Finally, Senate Bill 1940 would create a transfer-on-death mechanism for manufactured homes classified as personal property, similar to existing tools for real property and vehicles; the author and an estate-planning attorney testified that it would streamline transfers and reduce probate costs. A non-substantive committee substitute was still being prepared, and the bill was left pending.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is support, support, and I respectfully request an aye vote.
- Bonta: I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you, Ms. Bonta.
- I respectfully request your aye vote.
- I respectfully request your aye vote. Ms.
- I respectfully request your I vote. in prison. I respectfully request your I vote.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:04.680>
over unanticipated mutual aid requests over unanticipated mutual aid requests - <01:28:52.600>
of So, we did leave this this request of So, we did leave this this request - >> Constituent<01:43:23.640>
requests. >> Constituent requests. - >> Constituent requests. >> Constituent<01:43:24.680>
requests. - So, we'll hear those uh next requests.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the parent Bill of Rights at the request the parent Bill of Rights at the request of<00:18:22.799
- Gillman had requested a fiscal note.
- Gillman had requested a fiscal note. Thank you, Chair.
- wondering if uh rep Gilman had requested wondering if uh rep Gilman had requested a<00:36:38.040
- Number one, I'd like to re-request a roll call on this, please.'
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- We will, I can tell you, entertain favorable requests. We'll look at the language.
- We respectfully request your support in advancing Article 97.
- And I remember that I asked a very pointed question about a request that had come in, a request that
- and the response, the answer that I got, is seared into my mind: we never got that request.
- We never got that request.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue.
Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I request to move for advancement.
- So this was a request. This is from a COG, the Council of Councils of Governments.
- They do wonderful things for our communities, and this was a request to aid them.
- It was a request bill going through the appropriations process.
- Had signed requesting a meeting. He was all excited to meet, but still no response.
Bills:
HB3257, HB3176, HB3544, HB3619, HB3546, HB1782, HB2293, HB4358, HB3081, HB3983, HB3790, HJR1023, HB4139, HB3297, HB3041, HB3673, HB4105, HB3338, HB3048, SR33, SCR21, SCR20, HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4034, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4044, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4071, HB4065, HB4067, HB4072, HB2992, HB4338, HB4170
Keywords:
veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, artificial intelligence, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development, social AI companions, minors, emotional attachment, safety protocols, civil penalties, parental controls, geographic information
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House B.R. Sub. on Economic Development, Pub. Protection, Tourism, and Energy (1-14-26) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- and our six-year capital plan and annual budget requests.
- But we're requesting that it be about $13 million.
- But we're requesting that it be out.
- RECCC has requested of state parks.
- >> that the the cooperative is requesting.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee heard testimony from the Energy and Environment Cabinet on the state-owned dam repair program and Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program. On dams, Commissioner Tony Hatton explained the legal definition and hazard classifications for Kentucky dams, noting there are 975 regulated dams statewide, including 76 state-owned dams, and that hazard ratings are based on potential loss of life or property damage if a dam fails. He described the cabinet’s screening criteria, including inundation mapping, engineering condition, and compliance status, and said the cabinet uses a design-bid-build procurement process to manage public funds responsibly.
Hatton outlined current and planned dam projects funded from the prior biennium, including Willisburg Lake in Washington County, where work will address hydraulic capacity, unstable downstream slopes, and likely require a coffer dam, flood wall, auxiliary spillway, and raw water line replacement. He also said Big Bone Lake State Park Dam will be decommissioned, Clemens Lake Dam at Morehead State University is in design for a major rehabilitation, and additional projects include Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chenoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and a rehabilitation study for the Mud River at Lake Malone. The cabinet also requested $500,000 for routine repairs and maintenance. Members questioned cost estimates, inflation, and whether it would be better to fund design separately; cabinet officials said estimates are current best engineering estimates, costs have generally stayed within about 10%, and the current funding flow requires all funds to be available before bidding.
The committee then received a status update on the electric grid resilience program, a five-year federal formula grant under Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Officials said Kentucky has received years one through three of funding, which has been allocated to state park facilities and municipal electric utilities, while years four and five have not yet been received and would go to distribution cooperatives and remaining municipal utilities. Projects discussed included upgrades at Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village, plus municipal projects in Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville. The cabinet said the selected projects focus on hardening infrastructure, replacing poles, wires, conductors, and transformers, improving vegetation management, and adding or upgrading outage management systems. Officials reported that all projects are under contract and moving into subcontracting and construction, while the Department of Parks is finalizing an agreement with Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative for the park-related work.