Transcript Highlights:

• I have a friend whose birthday is today.
• Today is her birthday.
• Big day today.
• Hello for the first time today. How are you? Good. Our first amendment today, I would imagine.
• I am much happier with where we are today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we do have a full agenda today. So, the key words today is to be brief.
• So, the we do have a full agenda today.
• Be brief key words today is to be brief.
• </c> asking for today is your consideration. asking for today is your consideration. and<00:18:07.520
• </c><01:35:48.080><c> and</c> for giving us this time here today and for giving us this time here today

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Partners are today in those kinds of programs.
• Cancer care today is also part of this growth.
• I've heard it just a little bit today.
• And so what is in the bill today?
• So now I'll fast forward to today.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It'll be the same thing today.
• Um, I open the executive easy one today.
• </c> Department of Labor, and I'm here today Department of Labor, and I'm here today with<01:06:13.039
• </c><02:10:53.199><c> I</c> vortex when we walked in today. I vortex when we walked in today.
• </c><05:12:51.280><c> and</c> Harrington who's not here today and Harrington who's not here today and

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise [clears throat] today in support of H.R. today in support of H.R. 4662 to designate the facility
• Today we passed the Kids Act.
• And I strongly urge my colleagues to support it today so we can make it even it today so we can make
• Today, we Today, we have an opportunity to make the internet safer for the next generation.
• today.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we hear today to hear those, Ms.
• I am not speaking to you today. I am not speaking to you today because this is a want.
• Today, we bill $18.52.
• Proud to be joined by my colleague today.
• What is your ask today? How for me? What is your ask today? Half a million in the budget.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests. The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students. A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Metcalf, I'm glad that y'all are here with us today.
• It's an honor to have you guys here today.
• Members, today at 12:10, there will be a 21-cannon salute.
• I appreciate the time today.
• They're in the gallery with us today. Please stand up.

Bills: SB4 , SB23 , SB3 , SJR2 , SJR85 , SB34 , SB60 , SB75 , SB706 , SB1814 , SB1220 , SB523 , SB565 , SB1253 , SB840 , SB764 , SB2383 , SB2155 , SB1535 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1566 , SB1804 , SB1728 , SB1816 , SB1952 , SB1948 , SB2037 , SB2068 , SB1455 , SB213 , SB243 , SB627 , SB646 , SB670 , SB896 , SB917 , SB1184 , SB971 , SB1255 , SB1261 , SB1283 , SB1358 , SB991 , SB1733 , SB21 , SB231 , SB739 , SB1252 , SB1371 , SB664 , SB40 , SB9 , SJR1 , SB687 , SB1332 , SB458 , SB482 , SB927 , SB984 , SB651 , SB1620 , SB2124 , SB2448 , SB841 , SB843 , SB402 , SB2662 , SB2053 , SB2332 , SB2112 , SB745 , SB1247 , SB1789 , SB27 , SB207 , SB2938 , SB1901 , SB1227 , SB1248 , SB912 , SB1321 , SB2143 , SB2145 , SB1497 , SB1239 , SB2180 , SB1388 , SB1662 , SB1951 , SB1537 , SB493 , SB378 , SB1020 , SB1018 , SB992 , SB958 , SB920 , SB1350 , SB1762 , SB552 , HCR109 , SB2185 , SB4 , SB23 , SB3 , SJR2 , SJR85 , SB34 , SB60 , SB75 , SB706 , SB1814 , SB1220 , SB523 , SB565 , SB1253 , SB840 , SB764 , SB2383 , SB2155 , SB1535 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1566 , SB1804 , SB1728 , SB1816 , SB1952 , SB1948 , SB2037 , SB2068 , SB1455 , SB213 , SB243 , SB627 , SB646 , SB670 , SB896 , SB917 , SB1184 , SB971 , SB1255 , SB1261 , SB1283 , SB1358 , SB991 , SB1733 , SB21 , SB231 , SB739 , SB1252 , SB1371 , HB2970 , HB 109 , SB2308

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, today I rise to Mr.
• </c><00:31:53.200><c> These</c> broke out one year ago today. These broke out one year ago today.
• I rise today to honor Mr.
• I rise today to Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor<00:53:38.640><c> Mr.
• And I think today proves it.

Transcript Highlights:

• “We are here today in support of two particular bills.
• “Senator, they are not today. We work very closely.
• And today, everybody is talking about quantum.
• So I want to note that to the committee today.
• As of today, 49 regents have completed the training.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• But my personal privilege today is very exciting because today is the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
• So the question before this body today is simple: What is reasonable today when you're having a direct
• for a vote today.
• for a vote today.
• Cruz: Members, remember today is Tuesday.

Bills: HR94 , HR95 , HR96 , HR97 , HR98 , HR99 , HR100 , HR101 , HR102 , HR103 , HR104 , HR105 , HR106 , HR107 , HR108 , HR109 , HR110 , HR111 , HCR45 , HCR46 , HCR47 , HCR48 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HR92 , HR93 , HCR44 , SB11 , SB72 , SB78 , SB151 , SB207 , SB210 , SB219 , SB241 , SB286 , SB324 , SB351 , SB376 , SB409 , SB411 , HR74 , HCR26 , HB4 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB244 , HB288 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB380 , HB392 , HB403 , HB420 , HB459 , HB476 , HB513 , HB540 , HB596 , HB608 , HB615 , HB631 , HB637 , HB648 , HB665 , HB682 , HB789 , HB813 , HB815 , HB835 , HB870 , HB905 , HB915 , HB933 , HB938 , HB944 , HB971 , HB987 , HB1040 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HCR10 , HB81 , HB134 , HB154 , HB163 , HB170 , HB194 , HB217 , HB220 , HB254 , HB259 , HB290 , HB308 , HB311 , HB360 , HB382 , HB401 , HB410 , HB417 , HB463 , HB575 , HB592 , HB718 , HB723 , HB750 , HB755 , HB776 , HB812 , HB844 , HB882 , HB888 , HB961 , HB966 , HB980 , HB54 , HB67 , HB73 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB195 , HB245 , HB280 , HB283 , HB296 , HB319 , HB339 , HB399 , HB407 , HB448 , HB550 , HB591 , HB826 , HB995 , HB1085 , HB1086 , HB722 , HB140 , HB468 , HB546 , HB746 , HB842 , HB923 , HB166 , HB349 , HB352 , HB429 , HB436 , HB588 , HB747 , HB780 , HB782 , HB911 , HB827 , HB953 , HB796 , HB901 , HB9 , HB52 , HB58 , HB193 , HB284 , HB400 , HB570 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB733 , HB735 , HB868 , HB952

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Wu and the committee for having me here today.
• Thank you all so much for your time today.
• We have warned you out today, so we appreciate it.
• My testimony today is on the issue of live streaming.
• Well, we're here today as a, as a resource witness.

Bills: HB47 , HB1552 , HB1686 , HB1953 , HB2151 , HB2355 , HB2582 , HB2697 , HB2895 , HB3073 , HB3418 , HB47

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• That being opposition on this today. That being said,<00:02:38.000><c> Dr.
• But ultimately, we are not the people making this decision today. You are.
• </c> the people making this decision today. the people making this decision today.
• Thanks for presenting today. >> Thank you. >> An additional question, Mr.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Thank you all for coming today. &gt;&gt; Thank you all for coming today.

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So whether it be in agriculture, as you're focused on today, or water, as you're focused on today, or
• I do want to say thank you, Madam Chairman, for having us today.
• So thank you very much for having us today.
• But Josh will be talking with you a little bit about today.
• Thank you for having us back here today.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been taking federal dollars, Senator, today.
• For that, there wouldn't be a Sonora, Texas today.
• I'm here to talk to you today about the exceptional item number 18.
• It is passed on to us today. is still part of Texas law today. right of superior and senior rights, and
• I'm here today to ask for your favor.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Chair Kaggel, for the fourth item of business today, we have House File 4250 before us with the
• </c><00:10:30.480><c> uh</c> excited that I get to cite her today uh excited that I get to cite her today
• Thank you for taking the time today to learn more about the issue of ticket access, affordability, and
• Today, the independent live industry supports HF4250.
• Today, including many here in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as I think now today, and Superintendent Kane can explain more, there's a small amount that gets
• Today, I attend therapy and counseling and rely on grounding exercises as part of my daily life.
• Chair for today. Mr. Chairman. I'm Mr. Chair for today.
• Chairman, and thank you members of the committee for giving us this opportunity to present today.
• I've got multiple witnesses with me here today.

Bills: SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Eleven states—Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia
• Thank you for being here today.
• Delegate welcome thank you thank you for being here today we'll give you a chance to make an opening
• reference, and I would note that we have a representative from the Treasurer's Department with us today

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• a number of states this morning that have done similar things, including Iowa, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair. building today in the growing cities building today in the growing cities within<00:14:27.680>
• </c> part of why we're doing this heing today part of why we're doing this heing today we<00:52:57.520
• It's a pleasure to be here today.
• </c> home which you've heard here today home which you've heard here today however<01:41:21.880><c> new
• time today we are adjourned

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> educational experience with you today. educational experience with you today.
• ,</c> The pressures facing students today, The pressures facing students today, including<00:05:21.520
• </c> listen to us students today. listen to us students today.
• </c> outlined today. outlined today.
• </c> thank you all for this opportunity today thank you all for this opportunity today to<01:51:02.840

Committee: Senate Education Policy