Transcript Highlights:

• :40.720> just<00:11:40.880> sum<00:11:41.120> it<00:11:41.279> up<00:11:41.440
• <00:11:47.040> We<00:11:47.360> do<00:11:47.600> need<00:11:47.760> to
• We do need to get to<00:11:48.480> an<00:11:49.279> 11:15 to an 11:15 to an 11:15 hearing
• So, if we don't<00:11:56.000> make<00:11:56.240> that,<00:11:56.640> all<00:11:56.880
• <01:11:33.199> It's<01:11:33.440> just<01:11:33.679> saying<01:11:33.920>

Bills: HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861

Keywords: land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :53.120> but<00:11:53.279> I<00:11:53.440> can<00:11:53.519> get<00:11:53.680
• >> Yeah,<00:11:54.160> I<00:11:54.480> sprung<00:11:54.720> that<00:11:54.880
• > one<00:11:55.040> on<00:11:55.200> you,<00:11:55.680> but<00:11:56.079>
• to<01:11:06.480> the<01:11:06.719> needs<01:11:06.960> that<01:11:07.120>
• <01:11:29.199> um<01:11:29.440> knowing<01:11:29.920> that<01:11:30.239>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee first heard from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s Grants Management Division on federal victim-services funding. Staff described the main grant programs they administer, including STOP VAWA, VOCA victim assistance, sexual assault services, Byrne state crisis intervention, and Project Safe Neighborhoods. They emphasized that VOCA is especially volatile because it is funded by the federal Crime Victims Fund, which has declined sharply in recent years, reducing Kentucky’s available awards and forcing cuts to state, local, and nonprofit subgrants. They also outlined steps the cabinet has taken to stabilize funding, including changing the subaward formula, aligning the grant period with the state fiscal year, subawarding one year behind the federal cycle, and retaining a reserve. Members asked about how funds reach victims, how subgrantee amounts are determined, and requested a breakdown of grant recipients and amounts; staff said they would provide that information later. The committee then received a detailed presentation from the Department of Juvenile Justice on alternatives to detention. Commissioner Randy White and staff explained that ATDs are short-term, less restrictive placements for low-risk youth, including electronic monitoring, home supervision, group homes, foster care, private child care, community programs, mentoring, evening reporting centers, and in-home wraparound services. They described the referral and approval process involving court-designated workers, detention alternative coordinators, courts, and county attorneys, and said DJJ currently has 16 ATD-related contracts, with placements, programs, and electronic monitoring among them. They also reported that between July 1, 2024, and July 30, 2025, 1,652 juveniles were involved in the process, including 168 diversion cases. Members questioned the cost of juvenile detention versus adult incarceration, whether families pay for electronic monitoring, whether there is a national model for juvenile detention, and what alternatives exist for truancy and contempt cases. DJJ said families do not generally reimburse for electronic monitoring, there is no single national model, and day treatment centers are an important alternative for some youth. The department also said it builds daily routines and wellness education into its facilities, and that more than two-thirds of its programs are evidence-based. Officials said they currently monitor vendor performance through quarterly reviews and can end contracts for poor performance, but that data tracking is still largely manual. They said the new JCOM system, now in pilot in the eastern region, should improve reporting and help identify outcomes and recidivism more effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hoffman,<00:11:31.519> ex<00:11:31.839> explain<00:11:32.720> what<00:11:33.040>
• That's what I'm asking.<00:11:35.680> Thank<00:11:35.839> you,<00:11:36.000> Mr.
• Um,<00:11:39.120> House<00:11:39.360> File<00:11:39.760> 2115<00:11:40.720> is
• /c><00:11:45.200> we<00:11:45.440> focused<00:11:45.760> on<00:11:45.920> a
• <00:11:55.839> I<00:11:56.000> hope<00:11:56.160> everybody bill, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:11:00.640> he<00:11:00.880> wrote<00:11:01.600> no<00:11:01.920> animal
• 11:23.519> cause<00:11:23.839> to<00:11:24.079> believe<00:11:24.320> that
• So<00:11:28.160> he<00:11:28.399> felt<00:11:28.560> that<00:11:28.720> that<
• <00:11:32.000> Um<00:11:32.399> he<00:11:32.640> said<00:11:32.800> that<
• <00:11:36.320> of<00:11:36.480> years<00:11:36.640> ago<00:11:37.600> that

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:11:06.000> the<00:11:06.240> governor<00:11:06.560> has<00:11:06.800> $50
• > the<00:11:13.440> first<00:11:13.680> bianium<00:11:14.320> and<00:11:15.000
• <00:11:21.480> 256<00:11:22.480> is<00:11:22.800> the<00:11:22.959> governor's
• The current<01:11:16.880> eligibility<01:11:17.520> for<01:11:17.760> these<01:11
• Federal<01:11:44.080> Indian<01:11:44.400> law<01:11:44.640> and<01:11:44.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:11:11.440> He<02:11:11.679> will<02:11:11.840> be<02:11:12.000> missed
• >> I<02:11:17.599> seek<02:11:17.760> unanimous<02:11:18.239> consent<02:11
• Speaker, America<03:11:13.920> is<03:11:14.080> at<03:11:14.240> a<03:11:14.399>
• <03:11:17.040> Do<03:11:17.200> we<03:11:17.439> want<03:11:17.600> to
• <03:11:21.520> Do<03:11:21.760> we<03:11:22.080> want<03:11:22.240> them<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• injured worker<01:11:25.360> certainly<01:11:25.679> if<01:11:25.800> the<01:11
• /c><01:11:28.080> and<01:11:28.199> they<01:11:28.320> have<01:11:28.400> a
• a right to<01:11:29.000> secure<01:11:29.320> one<01:11:29.480> if<01:11:29.600
• <01:11:31.719> um<01:11:32.199> and<01:11:32.520> and<01:11:32.679> we<01
• 11:29.439> your<04:11:29.840> case<04:11:31.119> um<04:11:32.119> it<04:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I've learned<00:11:25.120> a<00:11:25.360> lot<00:11:25.519> about<00:11:25.760
• and<00:11:27.440> I<00:11:27.680> appreciate<00:11:28.079> all<00:11:28.240
• :28.800> hard<00:11:29.040> work<00:11:29.760> uh,<00:11:29.839> to<00:11
• :11:09.360> 9.5<01:11:10.000> to<01:11:10.239> 8.3<01:11:10.800> and<01:11
• <01:11:48.000> Actually,<01:11:48.400> this<01:11:48.560> is<01:11:48.719>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > in<01:11:31.120> which<01:11:31.280> we<01:11:31.520> know<01:11:31.679
• We're not<01:11:34.480> we're<01:11:34.719> not<01:11:34.960> we're<01:11:35.280
• /c><01:11:37.520> as<01:11:37.760> a<01:11:37.920> result<01:11:38.000> of
• c><01:11:39.920> we<01:11:40.080> see<01:11:40.239> that<01:11:40.480> fall
• :11:55.120> at<01:11:55.280> a<01:11:55.440> it<01:11:55.679> is<01:11:55.760

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:09.079> are<00:11:09.720> all<00:11:10.160> right<00:11:11.160> K<
• have<00:11:11.600> too<00:11:11.720> many<00:11:11.880> of<00:11:12.000> these
• <00:11:26.720> so<00:11:26.920> what<00:11:27.040> was<00:11:27.200> the<
• :11:48.600> we<00:11:48.720> can<00:11:48.880> hold<00:11:49.120> that then
• ><00:11:54.839> is<00:11:55.399> the<00:11:55.519> live<00:11:55.800> birth

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So,<00:11:01.680> so<00:11:01.839> if<00:11:02.000> they're<00:11:02.160
• >> I<00:11:05.760> mean,<00:11:05.920> I<00:11:06.079> don't<00:11:06.160>
• :07.519> telling<00:11:07.760> you,<00:11:08.560> uh<00:11:09.680> I<00:11
• <00:11:12.959> It<00:11:13.200> is<00:11:13.360> really<00:11:13.600> bad
• :20.560> of<00:11:20.800> time<00:11:21.120> that<00:11:21.360> it<00:11:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December meeting minutes and received several information items, including quarterly capital project status reports, University of Kentucky medical and equipment purchases, school district bond issue notices, and a University of Kentucky RFP for an enterprise services partner. Members also briefly discussed a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for student housing and dining, with comments that such arrangements may improve efficiency and use of taxpayer dollars during a difficult budget year. The main substantive discussion centered on a new CHFS lease in Harlan County for the Department for Community Based Services. Members questioned the proposed annual cost of $25.62 per square foot, which was far above the county average cited in the meeting, and raised concerns about the one responsive bid, the long lease term through 2033, and whether a nearby hospital or other entity might have been interested. CHFS staff said the current office space is in poor condition, that the new lease includes needed construction and 60 parking spaces, and that the office is limited to considering only actual bidders. After debate over whether to rebid or negotiate, the committee voted to approve the lease, with some members supporting it because of the current facility’s condition and others recording reservations. The committee then approved the remaining 10 lease renewals as a group. These included one renewal for the Commonwealth’s prosecutorial system and renewals for several CHFS offices, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Natural Resources. One member noted that seven of the 10 renewals were at or below the county average rate and said the overall package was substantially in line with local market conditions.

Transcript Highlights:

• attractions<01:11:12.000> is<01:11:12.239> the<01:11:12.400> unique<01:11:12.719
• We<01:11:30.400> have<01:11:30.719> all<01:11:30.960> witnessed<01:11:31.360>
• Be it victims<01:11:35.199> of<01:11:35.400> wildfires<01:11:36.400> or<01:11:36.800
• <01:11:37.840> in<01:11:37.920> Wiki<01:11:38.880> who<01:11:39.040> are<
• The<01:11:55.920> Special<01:11:56.320> Use<01:11:56.640> Improvement<01:11:57.120

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:11:06.240> uh<00:11:07.040> the<00:11:07.600> some<00:11:07.920> of
• Um,<00:11:14.160> so<00:11:14.560> I<00:11:14.800> think<00:11:15.040> having
• was 11 days. was 11 days.
• >> 11. 11. Yeah.
• 11:27.760> to<02:11:28.000> this<02:11:28.239> bill<02:11:28.560> as<02:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Manufactured<00:11:17.760> housing<00:11:18.120> is<00:11:18.240> our<00:11:18.320
• We<00:11:31.400> did<00:11:31.560> have<00:11:31.760> a<00:11:31.800> discussion
• :43.320> and<00:11:43.880> we<00:11:44.000> had<00:11:44.120> a<00:11:44.200
• good discussion<00:11:45.360> in<00:11:45.480> committee<00:11:45.800> and<00:11
• :11:51.600> addressing<00:11:52.040> it<00:11:52.760> in<00:11:52.920> that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Is<00:11:24.640> is<00:11:24.880> there<00:11:25.040> any<00:11:25.279>
• > want<00:11:36.800> it<00:11:37.040> to<00:11:37.120> be<00:11:37.279>
• Do<00:11:42.079> we<00:11:42.399> do<00:11:42.640> our<00:11:42.880> existing
• <00:11:43.440> laws<00:11:44.640> I<00:11:44.800> mean,<00:11:44.959> have
• You feel, but I<00:11:55.120> mean,<00:11:55.279> explain<00:11:55.600> the<00:11

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.160> without<00:11:02.440> the<00:11:02.600> CPR<00:11:03.600> um
• c><00:11:03.839> the<00:11:04.360> Naran<00:11:05.360> um<00:11:05.920> may
• have<00:11:06.440> brought<00:11:06.680> him<00:11:06.880> back<00:11:07.440
• 11:13.199> uh<01:11:13.360> I<01:11:13.640> remain<01:11:13.840> hopeful<
• <01:11:14.600> is<01:11:15.159> an<01:11:15.400> idea<01:11:15.800> that<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and<00:11:04.839> I<00:11:04.920> was<00:11:05.079> hoping<00:11:05.360>
• > do<00:11:06.639> not<00:11:06.839> see<00:11:07.480> her<00:11:08.480><
• /c><00:11:13.959> than<00:11:14.120> I<00:11:14.279> do<00:11:14.639> which
• c><00:11:14.760> is<00:11:14.880> not<00:11:15.040> a<00:11:15.279> high
• <00:11:21.440> gra<00:11:22.000> maray<00:11:23.000> thank<00:11:23.160>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:11:02.160> then<00:11:02.320> what<00:11:02.560> doesn't<00:11:02.880>
• at school.<00:11:12.079> I'm<00:11:12.240> not<00:11:12.480> sure<00:11:12.640>
• >> Mr.<00:11:17.120> Chairman,<00:11:17.600> this<00:11:17.760> would<00:11
• 00:11:22.000> conception<00:11:22.560> to<00:11:22.800> birth<00:11:23.120> and
• the teacher<00:11:25.600> opens<00:11:25.920> it<00:11:26.079> up<00:11:26.240>

Bills: HB0159

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080> we<01:11:00.240> can<01:11:01.040> best<01:11:01.280> get<01:11:
• <01:11:04.800> Um,<01:11:05.160> and<01:11:05.320> I<01:11:05.360> think<
• upfront at<01:11:16.240> when<01:11:16.480> a<01:11:16.560> storm<01:11:16.960>
• 11:33.400> on<01:11:33.600> the<01:11:33.680> fact<01:11:34.000> that<01:
• And<01:11:42.920> so,<01:11:43.240> I<01:11:43.320> think<01:11:43.560> that<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk or<00:11:26.000> Madame<00:11:26.320> Clerk,<00:11:26.720> I<00:11:26.880>
• Clerk, Madame<00:11:28.560> Clerk,<00:11:28.880> would<00:11:29.040> you<00:11:29.200
• > us<01:11:05.120> to<01:11:05.360> enjoy<01:11:05.840> that<01:11:06.080
• Now,<01:11:11.040> it's<01:11:11.360> soon<01:11:11.600> going<01:11:11.760>
• > to<01:11:12.719> be<01:11:12.800> busy<01:11:12.960> at<01:11:13.120>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.