Transcript Highlights:

• The Office of Transportation Delivery administers that benefit.
• Transportation delivery administers that benefit<00:26:11.919><c> they</c><00:26:12.240><c> contract
• The Office of Transportation Delivery does send a report on a routine basis.
• The Office of Transportation Delivery does send a report on a routine basis.
• The Office of Transportation Delivery does send a report on a routine basis.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services held its first meeting and received an overview from the Department for Medicaid Services on Medicaid’s behavioral health and substance use disorder services. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beal said Kentucky Medicaid serves about 1.4 million members, including over half of Kentucky children, with 485,000 expansion members, more than 69,000 enrolled providers, and total fiscal year 2024 expenditures of $18.5 billion. They said Kentucky covers a broad range of behavioral health services, and behavioral health provider enrollment has grown from a little over 4,500 in 2019 to nearly 8,000 in 2024. They also described how Medicaid spending and utilization are tracked through claims and encounter data, with most members served through managed care organizations. Members focused on sharp increases in certain behavioral health billing codes, especially peer-to-peer services, and asked about reimbursement, utilization review, and whether the growth reflected increased need or expanded coverage. DMS said the rise was partly tied to combining facility and nonfacility behavioral health fee schedules in 2023, choosing the higher reimbursement rate to avoid cuts, and that the department has seen an uptick in peer-to-peer services. In response to concerns about overutilization, DMS said it mailed a letter to behavioral health providers, is considering limits and prior authorizations for some services, and plans to create a standardized monthly behavioral health report to monitor trends consistently and identify when controls may be needed. Lawmakers also asked whether the provider network is sufficient and whether access is adequate, especially for children. DMS said provider enrollment has expanded because behavioral health services were added to Medicaid in 2014 and because demand increased after COVID, but acknowledged studies showing children have less access than adults and said that would be an area of focus. The department said managed care organizations are required to ensure access to needed services and that current trends indicate access is available, though one member disagreed and said workforce shortages remain a major concern. Another member asked about non-emergency medical transportation spending, and DMS explained that it is handled through a capitated arrangement administered by the Transportation Cabinet rather than directly by the managed care organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Project Delivery and Innovative Practices.
• Last but not least, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity.
• Last but not least, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity.
• That's well along the way in terms of successful construction delivery.
• That's well along the way in terms of successful construction delivery.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then really conclude with, as we always do, some of our project delivery updates.
• So with that, we'll transition quickly to project delivery updates.
• And so very excited about that, along with our project delivery initiative.
• And so very excited about that, along with our project delivery initiative.
• Transitioned back, we have our last update on the project delivery side.

Summary: The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received updates from the Department of Transportation and Development on its transformation efforts, including a new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work. DOTD said the dashboard is now live and tied to daily field updates, and reported progress on its T4LA initiatives, including improved project transparency, customer service, and a new highway sponsorship litter program. Members praised the department’s work and asked about litter funding, with DOTD saying last year’s $14.7 million litter pickup effort included the legislature’s supplemental appropriation. The committee also heard detailed progress reports on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling and roadway projects, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry. DOTD reported that LTIF 1.0 is about 80% complete and that LTIF 2.0 has encumbered nearly $150 million, with several projects ahead of schedule and some under budget. The Office of Highway Construction said 62 bridge projects are in the bundle, 11 are under construction, and emergency procurement has helped accelerate delivery. DOTD said the Calcasieu River Bridge remains on track for a mid-to-late April groundbreaking, with all federal permits in hand and right-of-way acquisition underway; it also reported that new Cameron Ferry boats are under construction and that a privatization proposal from Labmar Ferry Services will go to the Louisiana Transportation Authority. Members then reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction across 302 projects and about $1.2 billion total investment. The committee also received public comment on the statewide flood control program, which recommended six projects expected to reduce flood damage by more than $289 million, and on the airport construction and development priority program, which includes 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects. DOTD also noted no current projects for the rail infrastructure program but said it expects to request $13 million and has 19 projects in the queue, and it presented three port projects that are not yet funded but will be considered by the Louisiana Transportation Authority. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented data on impaired driving, saying impaired driving remains a major factor in fatalities and injuries, with alcohol and drugs together contributing to a large share of crashes and about $700 million in annual economic costs. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways; the presenters emphasized education, enforcement, and treatment as part of a broader safety strategy. No formal votes were taken during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after receiving the presentations and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2024, for the councilors in the several districts, together with a schedule showing the number of ballots

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and began the session with a moment of silence requested by Sen. Fattman for victims of the New Orleans attack, with remarks expressing sympathy for the families and those injured. The chamber then adopted organizational orders, including notifying the House of the Senate’s organization, informing the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Governor’s Councilors of their election, and receiving the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s certified election returns for executive councilors. The Senate also adopted an order to appoint a joint committee to count the votes for executive councilors, and the Senate members named were Sen. Eldridge, Sen. Driscoll, and Sen. Durant. Sen. Brady then offered a memorial tribute for Brockton firefighter Jeffrey W. Albanese, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest while responding to an incident. The memorial highlighted his 24 years with the Brockton Fire Department, his family, and his service to the community. The Senate approved a moment of silence in his honor. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. Sen. Driscoll moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Jeffrey W. Albanese.

Transcript Highlights:

• circuit court determines such person did not comply, he or she is disqualified from placement on the ballot

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Ethics and Elections Committee met with a quorum and considered two bills. Senate Bill 588, relating to campaign communications and repeated political text messages or calls, was introduced by Senator Leake. He explained it would create a cause of action to stop unwanted campaign communications and recover attorney’s fees, but said the bill may be too broad and asked to temporarily postpone it while he works with stakeholders to narrow it. The committee agreed, and a pending amendment by Senator Polsky became moot. The committee then took up Senate Bill 280, which would create a private right of action to enforce party-affiliation qualification requirements for candidates seeking partisan office. Senator Arrington said the bill would allow political parties or others with standing to challenge a candidate who did not meet the 365-day party affiliation requirement before qualifying, and that a court could disqualify the candidate from the ballot. She offered a strike-all amendment clarifying that the 365 days must be the consecutive days immediately preceding qualifying and narrowing who may bring suit to political parties and other candidates for the same office. After brief questions, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted on the bill as amended. The roll call was unanimous in favor, and SB 280 was reported favorably. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• believe—one candidate and two political committees—in a year in which both the Senate and House are on the ballot
• We had one during a year in which there were no state offices on the ballot, and then in a year in which
• only the House was on the ballot, I believe they only had one.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• My language has got to pass on the ballot. They both do.
• The real result of that, though, is going to be longer, more complicated ballots, increased administration
• This bill handler, or resolution handler, often talks about the importance of transparent ballot language

Transcript Highlights:

• And conceivably, the person would be on the ballot this coming November, I mean...
• The person would be on the ballot this coming November, having served on the bench maybe three or four
• So then you have people getting on the ballot and running in that election. So it's a circus.

Bills: SB3 , HB70 , HB49 , HB60 , HB151 , HB164 , SB17 , SB35 , SB164

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 35, which would create one additional judgeship in the First Judicial District. Senator Trujillo and Chief Judge Bichai explained that the position had been approved through the judiciary’s unified budget process based on caseload and weighted-caseload needs. Members asked about how the new judge would be appointed, election timing, and courthouse space; the judge said the district would make room temporarily and that technology had helped with courtroom efficiency. One member of the public testified in opposition, alleging questionable case-assignment practices in the district court. The committee then voted do pass on SB 35 to the Finance Committee without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 17, the Stop Illegal Gun Trade Act, with extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters, including the sponsors, gun-violence survivors, prosecutors, law enforcement, city representatives, educators, and advocacy groups, argued that the bill would address a retail-to-criminal pipeline by requiring gun dealers to secure inventory, train employees, track sales, report suspicious activity, and restrict future sales of certain military-style firearms and large-capacity magazines. They cited gun violence statistics, local homicides, and the impact on children and schools. Opponents, including NRA and industry representatives, sheriffs, ranchers, dealers, and other citizens, argued the bill would violate the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments, create a de facto registry, impose costly burdens on lawful businesses, and fail to stop criminals. Several opponents also raised concerns about litigation costs and the effect on rural gun owners. Committee members then questioned the sponsors and debated the bill’s definitions, recordkeeping, confidentiality, and dealer requirements. Senator Duhigg offered and the committee adopted several amendments, including removing narrow loss-language tied to fire/theft/flood, changing backup timing language back to the federal standard, and revising the confidentiality/IPRA language to protect names and personal identifying information of transferees. The sponsors said the bill was intended to align with or build on federal standards in some areas while adding state-level dealer oversight. The chair allowed extended amendment discussion and indicated the committee would continue working through the substitute bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe a ballot measure would provide the strongest and safest... ...of that program.
• I believe a ballot measure would provide the strongest and safest, most resilient pathway to sustainable
• I believe a ballot measure would provide the strongest and safest, most resilient pathway to sustainable

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• voter information and safeguarding the process by which constitutional amendments are placed on the ballot
• voter information and safeguarding the process by which constitutional amendments are placed on the ballot
• The process by which constitutional amendments are placed on the ballot for consideration by Florida

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into a series of special-order bills and House messages. Early floor action included passage of a claim bill for Mandy Penny Lemon (HB 6503) and bills on sewer collection systems (HB 1123) and farm products (HB 211), all passing unanimously. The chamber also took up an ad valorem tax exemption resolution for agricultural tangible personal property (CS/HJR 1215), which passed 37-0. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the Senate recessed and later returned to House messages and additional special orders. The Senate then addressed multiple House amendments and conference-style motions. It concurred in amended versions of SB 994 on driver safety, SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, and HB 1609 on waste incineration/auxiliary containers after extended debate over hurricane recovery rules, local government restrictions, and plastic container preemption. The chamber also concurred in CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiative petitions, increasing the number of petitions a volunteer may carry from 2 to 25, and in CS/HB 733 on Brownfields. Other House amendments were rejected or sent back, including SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, SB 116 on veterans policy, SB 168 on mental health, and HB 1101 on out-of-network provider referrals. Later, the Senate approved CS/HB 1255 on education and CS/HB 875 on educator preparation, with discussion focused on school readiness, teacher training, and changes to certification and testing requirements. It also concurred in CS/HB 1427, a broad health care bill, after the House added a major nursing education amendment that tightened Board of Nursing oversight, required standardized evaluation and remediation, and imposed accountability measures tied to NCLEX pass rates and program performance. Several members raised concerns or praised negotiated compromises throughout the day, but the recorded actions were mainly concurrence motions, refusals to concur, and final passage votes on the bills considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Should the state pass both the legislative and ballot process, it would send a strong message to those
• You know, when we hear and here we want to put this on the ballot to let people have a choice.
• We didn't take it to the ballot to let the people have a choice.

Transcript Highlights:

• circuit court determines such person did not comply, he or she is disqualified from placement on the ballot
• And there were too many people who were just jumping onto ballots or changing to NPA just to... ...year
• And there were too many people who are just jumping onto ballots or changing to NPA just to mess up in

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care. The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be Senate Bill 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act.
• This will be Senate Bill 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act.
• The Health Care Delivery and Access Act was created through legislation during the 2024 session.
• SB 101 passes this framework because it preserves crucial provisions of the Health Care Delivery and
• By keeping the law in effect, SB 101 avoids harmful gaps in health care delivery and affirms that access

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 38, which would continue New Mexico’s affordable spay and neuter grant program. Supporters, including animal shelter officials, veterinarians, county advocates, and nonprofit representatives, said the program is needed because shelters are overwhelmed by dog and cat overpopulation, and they cited high intake and euthanasia rates, especially in rural and low-income areas. Several speakers said the grants have already funded spay/neuter and trap-neuter-release work and should not sunset. One public comment raised concerns that some money was going to private parties and could create anti-donation issues, while another witness responded that the legal challenge is still pending and no court has ruled on the law’s constitutionality. Dr. Lawrence Young of the Veterinary Medicine Board said about $1 million has been awarded to 28 organizations, with additional funds in escrow, and described the program as transparent and accountable. The chair said the bill would be taken up for a vote later, not at that meeting. The committee also heard SB 101, the Health Care Delivery and Access Act, which would repeal the program’s July 1, 2030 sunset and make it permanent. The sponsor and the Health Care Authority said the act has already helped optimize nearly $1.5 billion in federal hospital funding, which hospitals must reinvest in care, workforce, and quality improvements. Support came from the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico Safety Over Profit, the New Mexico Hospital Association, and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, all of whom said the program provides stability for hospitals, especially rural and safety-net facilities, and helps avoid service disruptions. No opposition was voiced, and the chair said the committee would return to the bill for a vote on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1894 has been amended to ensure that imported water deliveries are made in compliance with invasive
• Rather, it ensures that water deliveries operating under an approved state control plan can continue.
• The need for AB 1894 became evident when imported water deliveries intended for groundwater recharge
• The need for AB 1894 became evident when imported water deliveries intended for groundwater recharge
• At its core, AB 1894 is a water delivery bill.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:

• and consolidate into a single, more efficient organizational culture and more efficient service delivery
• Number two is the integrated service delivery, which is what I talked about.
• the secret sauce behind what Utah was able to do to integrate and create more efficient service delivery
• They spend all their time trying to negotiate cost arrangements and service delivery arrangements in
• The question is, do you have an integrated service delivery structure where...

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• liquid fuels from the retail delivery fee.
• </c> fuels from the retail delivery fee. fuels from the retail delivery fee.
• </c><00:47:12.240><c> fee</c> members and how the retail delivery fee members and how the retail delivery
• ><c> fee</c><00:47:36.240><c> to</c> Applying the retail delivery fee to Applying the retail delivery
• Like, I think it's not what the delivery fee was intended for.

Bills: HF3131 , HF3436 , HF3106 , HF3241 , HF3531

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 78 amends the type of school budget ballot vote that would happen for the supplemental district
• <01:25:16.280><c> of</c><01:25:16.400><c> school</c><01:25:16.640><c> budget</c><01:25:17.000><c> ballot
• </c> &gt;&gt; amends the type of school budget ballot &gt;&gt; amends the type of school budget ballot
• into bags and brought them to classrooms to avoid large congregations of students, organized food delivery
• </c> when they cast their ballots. when they cast their ballots.

Transcript Highlights:

• While three were traditional deliveries, one was of our daughter Bridget, who was not expected to survive
• If D.C. residents do not like the members' vote, residents can vote them out of office or pass a ballot
• </c> them out of office or pass a ballot them out of office or pass a ballot measure. measure. measure
• 34.240><c> a</c> cannot vote them out of office or pass a cannot vote them out of office or pass a ballot
• That is the antithesis ballot measure. That is the antithesis of<04:52:39.120><c> democracy.

Transcript Highlights:

• As everyone indicated their presence, cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. 96 members present; the chair

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 96 members present. Members granted several leaves of absence and recognized guests, including Arkansas State Troopers and the nurse of the day. The clerk then read the governor’s proclamation calling the General Assembly into extraordinary session. The governor’s call said the special session was convened to consider tax relief measures, specifically lowering the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reducing the top corporate income tax rate to 4.1% effective January 1, 2027. The call also included payment of House and Senate expenses and per diem for the special session. The Speaker reminded members that only matters within the governor’s call could be considered. The House adopted motions to suspend House Rules 41A and 41B, which normally require bills to be on the desk for 24 hours before final passage and limit how soon bills can be placed on committee agendas, as well as Rule 60A on committee meeting notice requirements, for the duration of the special session. House Bill 1001, titled “Revenue and tax,” was read twice. The House then notified the Senate and governor that it was ready for business and adjourned until 9:30 the next morning, with the Revenue and Tax Committee scheduled to meet later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then it gets put on the ballot in the county.

Bills: HB590

Committee: House Local Legislation