Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:10.399><c> beyond</c><00:13:10.800><c> what</c><00:13:10.959><c> we</c><00:13:11.120><c> could
• imagine.<00:13:12.320><c> And</c><00:13:12.480><c> I</c><00:13:12.639><c> want</c><00:13:12.720><c>
• It's allowed<00:13:17.200><c> the</c><00:13:17.440><c> opportunity</c><00:13:17.920><c> for</c><00:13
• 18.800><c> income</c><00:13:19.120><c> we</c><00:13:19.279><c> have</c><00:13:19.440><c> to</c><00:13
• <00:13:35.680><c> account</c><00:13:36.160><c> in</c><00:13:36.399><c> response</c><00:13:36.720><c>

Summary: The House took up the conference committee report on House File 2446, the agriculture budget bill for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Anderson explained that the conference agreement kept the core House and Senate priorities while accepting some Senate policy provisions and fee increases, including grain license fees and food handling fees. He said the overall target was reduced, but major programs were preserved, including funding for the Board of Animal Health, egg emergency and inspection programs, elk and wolf compensation, milk processing capacity, farm safety and innovation, a new bioefficiency program to reduce fertilizer use in limited areas, and increased meat inspection funding. Representative Hansen and several other members urged adoption, describing the bill as a bipartisan “hybrid” that reflects changing agriculture and includes both traditional farm support and newer priorities. Supporters highlighted food assistance and worker protections, including funding to offset federal cuts to local food purchasing and milk distribution programs, farm-to-school and early care programs, avian flu testing, urban agriculture, and a study to expand Olmsted County’s soil health and nitrate reduction work. Some members noted concerns about fees, while others emphasized support for all types of agriculture, cottage food bakers, and the role of farm workers. After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report and advanced the bill. Following further discussion, the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 4 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I might<00:13:04.640><c> think</c><00:13:04.800><c> that</c><00:13:04.880><c> all</c><00:13:04.960
• </c><00:13:09.360><c> So</c><00:13:09.520><c> thank</c><00:13:09.760><c> you</c><00:13:09.839><c> to<
• budget</c><00:13:17.720><c> target,</c><00:13:18.280><c> so</c><00:13:18.480><c> we</c><00:13:18.600
• All<00:13:52.040><c> in</c><00:13:52.160><c> favor</c><00:13:52.560><c> signify</c><00:13:53.040><c>
• All<00:13:55.040><c> those</c><00:13:55.160><c> opposed</c><00:13:55.480><c> say</c><00:13:55.640><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• coming</c><00:13:02.519><c> up</c><00:13:03.320><c> um</c><00:13:04.320><c> we've</c><00:13:04.519><c
• > numbers</c><00:13:12.639><c> are</c><00:13:12.800><c> up</c><00:13:12.959><c> a</c><00:13:13.040><c
• ><c> uh</c><00:13:14.440><c> they</c><00:13:14.519><c> will</c><00:13:14.720><c> not</c><00:13:14.880
• c><00:13:16.880><c> that</c><00:13:17.079><c> we</c><00:13:18.000><c> know</c><00:13:18.279><c> is</c
• :13:24.880><c> their</c><00:13:25.079><c> Cadets</c><00:13:25.760><c> that's</c><00:13:25.880><c> a</

Transcript Highlights:

• House<00:13:11.519><c> Bill</c><00:13:11.839><c> 351,</c><00:13:12.480><c> an</c><00:13:12.639><c> act
• House Bill 352,<00:13:18.560><c> an</c><00:13:18.720><c> act</c><00:13:18.959><c> relating</c><00:13:
• House<00:13:24.560><c> Bill</c><00:13:24.880><c> 353,</c><00:13:25.760><c> an</c><00:13:25.920><c> act
• House<00:13:29.760><c> Bill</c><00:13:30.079><c> 354,</c><00:13:30.959><c> an</c><00:13:31.120><c> act
• House<00:13:37.760><c> Bill</c><00:13:38.079><c> 355,</c><00:13:38.880><c> an</c><00:13:39.040><c> act

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost<00:13:11.200><c> every</c><00:13:11.519><c> single</c><00:13:12.240><c> uh</c><00:13:12.399><c
• 00:13:15.760><c> seat</c><00:13:15.920><c> on</c><00:13:16.079><c> the</c><00:13:16.240><c> board</c>
• mayors</c><00:13:18.320><c> to</c><00:13:18.560><c> make</c><00:13:18.720><c> sure</c><00:13:18.800>
• Um we admit<00:13:24.079><c> we</c><00:13:24.079><c> we've</c><00:13:24.399><c> been</c><00:13:24.480
• </c><00:13:26.639><c> late</c><00:13:26.880><c> 80s</c><00:13:27.760><c> u</c><00:13:27.839><c> when<

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy met for a public hearing and presentation on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After approving the minutes, members heard from Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky, who explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant used in Kentucky to help low-income households pay home energy bills, prevent utility disconnects, and support weatherization and crisis assistance. Hall outlined the program’s income eligibility limits, the fact that payments go directly to vendors or utilities rather than households, and the program’s funding levels, including $43.4 million spent in federal fiscal year 2025 and an anticipated $58 million for federal fiscal year 2026. The presenters described LIHEAP’s main components: fall and spring subsidy programs, winter crisis assistance, and weatherization. They gave participation figures for recent program cycles, including tens of thousands of households served in each component, and explained that weatherization prioritizes elderly, disabled, households with children, and high-energy-burden homes. They also noted that weatherization is carried out in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and includes repairs and efficiency measures such as insulation, air sealing, and safety checks. Rick Baker described Community Action Kentucky’s role as the statewide administrator through 23 local community action agencies, emphasizing their presence in all 120 counties and their local board structure. Members praised Baker’s long service and the program’s importance for families facing high energy costs, especially in coalfield areas. One member asked for clarification on a slide reference to “Assurance 16,” but the transcript cuts off before the answer is completed. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 13:02.519><c> um</c><00:13:02.680><c> for</c><00:13:02.880><c> example</c><00:13:03.519><c> when</c><
• ><00:13:06.480><c> they</c><00:13:06.600><c> end</c><00:13:06.760><c> up</c><00:13:06.920><c> with</c
• attorney<00:13:07.959><c> bills</c><00:13:08.880><c> they</c><00:13:09.040><c> end</c><00:13:09.240><
• legal aid<00:13:16.720><c> or</c><00:13:16.920><c> even</c><00:13:17.079><c> to</c><00:13:17.279><c>
• often told really<00:13:20.040><c> we</c><00:13:20.279><c> can't</c><00:13:20.519><c> help</c><00:13

Summary: Legislators unveiled the Master Common Interest Community and Homeowner Association Policy Reform Bill, describing it as a comprehensive package built from a 14-meeting interim work group and public listening sessions. Speakers said the bill is intended to update Minnesota law with clearer standards for governance, open meetings, governing documents, dispute resolution, fines and fees, foreclosure procedures, conflicts of interest, and the roles of municipalities and civil rights protections. They framed the measure as a bipartisan effort aimed at consumer protections, transparency, fairness, and clearer expectations for both homeowners and volunteer board members. Much of the discussion focused on complaints from constituents about excessive fines, unexplained fees, lack of access to financial documents, weak dispute processes, and conflicts of interest involving property managers and contractors. Examples included a small trash-can violation escalating to foreclosure and a roof-repair contract steered to a subsidiary of the property management company. Senators and representatives said the bill would require associations to adopt written fine policies, provide notice and time to cure violations, and create internal dispute-resolution procedures so homeowners are not forced immediately into costly legal fights. A key policy question was Article 3, which would bar cities and municipalities from conditioning approval of new developments on amenities or features that require an HOA, while still allowing voluntary HOAs. Sponsors said this would reduce the number of homeowners pushed into associations and prevent local governments from shifting costs onto residents. They also said the bill is part of a broader package that includes separate measures on registration requirements, attorney general enforcement, an ombudsman office, and a task force to study insurance costs. No formal votes were taken in the transcript. The speakers said the Senate bill was expected to have a housing committee hearing the following week, with additional committee stops likely in state and local government and judiciary, and that House-side negotiations were ongoing. They also said the bill could still be refined as testimony continues and stakeholders raise concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> like</c><00:13:12.800><c> we</c><00:13:12.920><c> haven't</c><00:13:13.160><c> touched</c><00:13
• /c><00:13:20.320><c> I</c><00:13:20.399><c> want</c><00:13:20.519><c> to</c><00:13:20.720><c> just</c
• if</c><00:13:22.560><c> this</c><00:13:22.680><c> is</c><00:13:22.880><c> truly</c><00:13:23.320><c>
• 00:13:28.360><c> an</c><00:13:28.560><c> Amazon</c><00:13:29.600><c> or</c><00:13:29.959><c> that</c>
• 00:13:38.920><c> um</c><00:13:40.240><c> I</c><00:13:41.240><c> I</c><00:13:41.360><c> guess</c><00:13

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Be<00:13:08.360><c> it</c><00:13:08.560><c> further</c><00:13:08.920><c> resolved</c><00:13:
• ><c> businesses</c><00:13:20.440><c> in</c><00:13:20.560><c> the</c><00:13:20.680><c> state</c><00:13
• </c> I<00:13:47.360><c> recognize</c><00:13:47.880><c> the</c><00:13:47.960><c> member</c><00:13:48.240
• &gt;&gt; State<00:13:52.320><c> your</c><00:13:52.440><c> point</c><00:13:52.640><c> of</c><00:13:52.720
• &gt;&gt; Madam<00:13:54.440><c> Speaker,</c><00:13:54.920><c> it</c><00:13:55.000><c> has</c><00:13:55.200

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:04.000><c> to</c><00:13:04.079><c> tell</c><00:13:04.240><c> us</c><00:13:04.399><c> a</c>
• <00:13:39.200><c> the</c><00:13:39.440><c> same</c><00:13:39.600><c> thing</c><00:13:39.680><c> to</c
• So, it's the same<00:13:42.959><c> thing</c><00:13:43.120><c> that</c><00:13:43.279><c> we</c><00:13:
• 00:13:45.120><c> relation</c><00:13:45.440><c> to</c><00:13:45.519><c> the</c><00:13:45.760><c> other
• This<00:13:46.399><c> one</c><00:13:46.560><c> is</c><00:13:46.800><c> just</c><00:13:47.040><c> the<

Committee: Joint Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res

Transcript Highlights:

• We did get<00:13:01.760><c> word</c><00:13:02.079><c> that</c><00:13:02.959><c> um</c><00:13:03.279><
• They<00:13:05.760><c> did</c><00:13:06.160><c> receive</c><00:13:06.560><c> that</c><00:13:06.800><c>
• 13:09.360><c> last</c><00:13:09.600><c> meeting</c><00:13:10.639><c> and</c><00:13:10.959><c> the</c>
• 13:21.279><c> keeping</c><00:13:21.600><c> you</c><00:13:21.760><c> up</c><00:13:21.839><c> to</c><00
• 13:24.399><c> we</c><00:13:24.560><c> hear</c><00:13:24.720><c> anything</c><00:13:25.040><c> about</

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and reported that no action was taken. It then approved a motion finding there was no reason to believe the respondent in case 25 LAC1 had committed or was about to commit a violation of the code, and dismissed the complaint under KRS 6.86(1)(b)3. Members next reviewed and approved the September financial report, which staff said was based on state accounting data and showed the commission within year-to-date budget parameters. Staff also reported that all required forms for the recent reporting period had been filed and that there were no outstanding forms. The main substantive discussion concerned a proposed one-year, $6,000 contract with Tyler Technology/Kentucky Interactive to add an online payment portal for the commission’s re-registration process. Staff said the system would let employers pay registration fees online using an employer ID, reduce manual handling of 3,000 to 3,500 forms and hundreds of credit card payments, and improve security by keeping credit card information out of commission staff hands. Members asked about user fees and procurement concerns; staff explained that users would still pay the existing credit card processing fee, that an e-check option would also be available, and that the $6,000 cost was viewed as below the de minimis threshold. The commission approved the contract. In other updates, staff said informal opinions were included in the materials and remained confidential, reported on a presentation to the UK Martin School, noted that the regular session calendar would likely require meetings to shift during the legislative session, and said the commission’s statutory recommendations had been received by LRC and referred to a state government committee. The meeting then moved into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13:01.200><c> in</c><00:13:01.440><c> the</c><00:13:01.600><c> special</c><00:13:01.839><c> session<
• 13:06.399><c> comp</c><00:13:06.800><c> or</c><00:13:07.040><c> vacation</c><00:13:07.440><c> time.
• </c><00:13:17.839><c> um</c><00:13:18.000><c> as</c><00:13:18.240><c> that</c><00:13:18.480><c> has</
• </c><00:13:19.839><c> of</c><00:13:20.079><c> either</c><00:13:21.200><c> uh</c><00:13:21.600><c> and
• <00:13:27.120><c> or</c><00:13:27.360><c> comp</c><00:13:27.680><c> time</c><00:13:28.639><c> um</c><

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> don't</c><00:13:13.600><c> we</c><00:13:13.760><c> it</c><00:13:13.920><c> does</c><00:13:14.199
• ><00:13:17.600><c> yes</c><00:13:17.760><c> go</c><00:13:17.880><c> ahead</c><00:13:18.279><c> thank<
• ><c> I</c><00:13:21.720><c> think</c><00:13:21.880><c> a</c><00:13:22.079><c> really</c><00:13:22.519
• </c><00:13:35.440><c> and</c><00:13:35.680><c> offered</c><00:13:36.240><c> for</c><00:13:37.240><c>
• <00:13:45.920><c> that</c><00:13:46.199><c> you</c><00:13:46.480><c> considered</c><00:13:47.040><c>

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, adopting committee substitutes where offered. Senate Bill 176, relating to statutory committees within the Legislative Research Commission, was presented by Senator Matt Nunn as a cleanup and process-streamlining measure for appointments, vacancies, and appointing authorities. It passed the committee 15-0 with a title amendment. Senate Bill 104, presented by Senator Scott Maiden and the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority, would update deferred compensation law by adding a fiduciary standard, allowing less expensive liability insurance, making federal-law compliance self-correcting, and authorizing a self-directed brokerage account option. It passed 15-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 9, presented by Senator Jimmy Higdon, would change teacher retirement-related leave provisions, including up to 30 days of maternity leave, a 13-day annual rollover toward retirement, limits on using annual leave to increase retirement benefits, reporting requirements, and related cleanup provisions. After questions about maternity leave, district flexibility, and the actuarial cost of additional days, it passed 15-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 129, presented by Senator Rocky Adams and House sponsor Representative John Hudson, was described as a housing and redevelopment measure aimed at vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties in Louisville. Testimony focused on allowing qualified nonprofits to purchase certain tax-delinquent properties after a waiting period, along with provisions on density development, accessory dwelling units, urban development incentives, fire and code enforcement recovery, a Central Business District tax fix, and changes to binding elements. Members raised concerns about nonprofit qualifications, land bank overlap, and county clerk burden; the bill passed 13-1 with one pass and received a title amendment. Senate Bill 178, presented by Senator Mike Nemes, was a short reorganization bill to codify the transfer of the Department of Disability Determination Services Program from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Labor Cabinet. It passed 12-0. The committee then recorded additional votes and adjourned, with the chair thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160><c> that</c><00:13:00.720><c> oh</c><00:13:00.959><c> sorry</c><00:13:01.839><c> I</c><00:13:
• who was<00:13:11.800><c> basically</c><00:13:12.600><c> uh</c><00:13:13.480><c> a</c><00:13:13.680><
• </c><00:13:26.959><c> of</c><00:13:27.160><c> legislation</c><00:13:28.000><c> but</c><00:13:28.399><
• ><c> for</c><00:13:29.480><c> a</c><00:13:29.680><c> while</c><00:13:30.639><c> and</c><00:13:30.959>
• ><c> a</c><00:13:31.920><c> motion</c><00:13:32.399><c> once</c><00:13:32.560><c> in</c><00:13:32.680

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• chair for<00:13:07.320><c> the</c> testimony<00:13:10.480><c> office</c><00:13:10.720><c> of</c><00:13
• M and<00:13:22.279><c> members</c><00:13:22.519><c> of</c><00:13:22.680><c> the</c><00:13:22.800><c>
• <00:13:25.880><c> strategy</c><00:13:26.360><c> consultant</c><00:13:26.800><c> for</c><00:13:26.959>
• :13:28.199><c> Affairs</c><00:13:28.880><c> we</c><00:13:29.199><c> stand</c><00:13:29.360><c> on</c>
• support of HB 295<00:13:31.880><c> and</c><00:13:32.000><c> I'm</c><00:13:32.120><c> here</c><00:13:

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a wide range of housing-related bills. HB 295 on Hawaiian homelands drew support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and individual testifiers who described long waits for DHHL housing, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands offered comments noting that lowering the Native Hawaiian blood quantum from 50% to 25% would require multiple legal and federal review steps. The committee also heard testimony on several Hawaii Public Housing Authority measures, including HB 99, HB 1096, HB 1097, HB 1095, HB 1093, and HB 1094, which generally received agency support and little or no public opposition during the hearing. HB 1094 prompted questions about the handling and sale or donation of seized property, and the agency said it lacked capacity to manage that work directly and would need to consult the Attorney General on liability concerns. The committee then heard HB 1056 and HB 1467, both related to a proposed Hawaii Homes or housing resiliency program. DCCA, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported HB 1056, while the Attorney General requested clarification on fund language. The Insurance Commissioner said DCCA was willing to run the program and that strengthening homes would help keep insurance available in Hawaii. For HB 1467, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and Climate Advisory Team also supported the measure, with the Attorney General raising concerns about delegation, the special fund, and extension authority. Testimony on both bills emphasized hurricane retrofits, with some witnesses urging harmonization of the two similar proposals and one witness warning that the bills could conflict with efforts to reduce building-code minimum standards. Other measures included HB 1013 on important agricultural lands, which received support from HHFDC, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, DBEDT, the Agri-Business Development Corporation, and Purple Maiʻa Foundation, with some agencies offering comments. HB 1294 on agricultural workforce housing drew comments from the Attorney General, who said commissions may be established by law rather than by the department itself, along with support from OHA, a council member, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus. HB 89 on teacher housing received support from OHA and education groups, while the Attorney General said the bill may have constitutional issues and suggested amendments to set standards for voucher applications. HB 276 on condominiums and HB 528 on residential leases also drew support, with no testimony in opposition. HB 415 on public safety and fire sprinklers generated the most clear split in testimony: the State Fire Council, a fire department representative, and an individual supported the bill, arguing sprinklers improve safety and can prevent major losses, while BIA Hawaii, Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution, NAAP Hawaii, Gentry Holmes, and DR Horton Hawaii opposed it, saying the added cost would worsen housing affordability and that existing codes already address safety. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly closed each bill after testimony and questions, and the hearing moved through the agenda without recorded committee votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:03.600><c> Uh,</c><00:13:03.839><c> and</c><00:13:04.079><c> I'd</c><00:13:04.320><c> want
• </c><00:13:06.160><c> But</c><00:13:06.240><c> I</c><00:13:06.399><c> think</c><00:13:06.480><c> the<
• /c><00:13:07.760><c> NRA</c><00:13:08.160><c> is</c><00:13:08.240><c> not</c><00:13:08.399><c> a</c><
• &gt;&gt; Senator,<00:13:18.000><c> my</c><00:13:18.320><c> question</c><00:13:18.480><c> to</c><00:13
• ><00:13:54.320><c> might</c><00:13:54.480><c> be</c><00:13:54.560><c> able</c><00:13:54.720><c> to.

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:04.000><c> use</c><00:13:04.160><c> of</c><00:13:04.240><c> the</c><00:13:04.399><c> funds.
• I do know<00:13:20.720><c> that</c><00:13:20.880><c> they</c><00:13:21.120><c> have</c><00:13:21.360>
• <c> used</c><00:13:21.680><c> some</c><00:13:21.839><c> of</c><00:13:22.079><c> re</c><00:13:22.320><
• </c><00:13:34.079><c> um</c><00:13:34.720><c> the</c><00:13:35.680><c> in</c><00:13:36.000><c> terms<
• of we<00:13:37.360><c> don't</c><00:13:37.519><c> call</c><00:13:37.760><c> out</c><00:13:38.000><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• um all<00:13:04.160><c> information</c><00:13:04.800><c> that's</c><00:13:05.000><c> held</c><00:13:
• state<00:13:07.959><c> agencies</c><00:13:08.600><c> as</c><00:13:08.720><c> well</c><00:13:08.839><c
• ><c> chapter</c><00:13:48.040><c> 13</c><00:13:48.600><c> so</c><00:13:49.120><c> chapter</c><00:13:49.440
• ><c> 13</c><00:13:50.079><c> will</c> aspect of chapter 13 so chapter 13 will aspect of chapter 13 so
• 00:13:55.120><c> as</c><00:13:55.680><c> um</c><00:13:56.160><c> I</c><00:13:56.240><c> can</c><00:13

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:07.240><c> of</c><00:13:07.400><c> crimes</c><00:13:07.880><c> that</c><00:13:08.040><c> are</
• more<00:13:09.040><c> and</c><00:13:09.160><c> more</c><00:13:09.960><c> organized</c><00:13:10.760>
• :13:28.839><c> one</c><00:13:28.960><c> is</c><00:13:29.080><c> coordinating</c><00:13:29.720><c> the
• /c><00:13:31.160><c> arrests</c><00:13:31.680><c> are</c><00:13:31.839><c> hard</c><00:13:32.160><c>
• In<00:13:33.880><c> short,</c><00:13:34.320><c> we</c><00:13:34.480><c> need</c><00:13:35.040><c> some

Summary: The meeting was a bipartisan presentation in support of House File 2879, a bill responding to organized retail crime and supply chain theft in Minnesota. Speakers said the problem goes far beyond ordinary shoplifting and involves coordinated criminal networks that move quickly across cities, counties, and state lines, affecting retailers, trucking companies, manufacturers, workers, and consumers. They argued that Minnesota’s 2023 law defining organized retail crime was an important first step, but that the state now needs better execution and coordination. The bill would create an organized retail and supply chain crimes advisory board at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to bring together law enforcement, prosecutors, labor, and industry stakeholders. Testimony from a detective, a retailer, the Minnesota Trucking Association, and the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association described repeat theft patterns, assaults and threats against employees, cargo theft, identity theft, fictitious pickups, GPS spoofing, and other sophisticated tactics. Witnesses said local agencies often lack the ability to connect cases across jurisdictions and that a statewide coordinating body would help identify patterns, track repeat offenders, and build stronger enterprise-level cases. Representatives Witty and Norris described the bill as a practical next step from definition to coordination, and supporters said the effort has broad backing from business, law enforcement, and labor groups. No vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript, and the presentation ended with an invitation for questions and further interviews.

Transcript Highlights:

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Transcript Highlights:

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Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary heard an update from the Department of Corrections on Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI), sentence-credit payments for program completion, and the expansion of the Little Sandy Correctional Complex. Department officials said KCI, the department’s long-running re-entry program, operates 15 industries in 11 institutions, employs more than 400 inmates and 37 staff, and had $5.8 million in expenditures against $6.8 million in revenues through January 31. Members asked about inmate pay, the role of the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification (PIE) program, and whether KCI generates profit; the department said it aims to break even while supporting state government, with PIE participants earning prevailing wages and some programs offering certificates tied to post-release employment opportunities. The subcommittee also reviewed the budget-authorized sentence-credit program for county jails. Officials reported 37,300 program completions in fiscal year 2024 and, through January, $6.128 million paid for 90-day sentence credits and $1.6548 million for 60-day credits, with total county jail expenditures of $8.1 million and 67 jails participating. They said additional participation would require more funding and that they do not expect many more jails to join, though attendance and population levels can affect costs. Members asked how jails opt in, whether there are added costs, how inmate earnings are handled, and whether deductions are made for child support or victim compensation; the department said jails apply through an approved program matrix, inmate earnings are tracked in individual accounts, and required deductions are made when ordered. Questions from members focused on re-entry outcomes and program structure. Officials said evidence-based programming and employment opportunities are major contributors to lowering recidivism, and they cited a recent recidivism rate of 30.8 percent, down about 1 percentage point, while noting they would provide additional trend and savings data later. The department also clarified that adult education and GED programming are separate from KCI and are handled by a different education division. For the Little Sandy expansion, officials said the project remains on schedule for completion on June 25, 2025, with inmate transfers expected to begin at about 50 per week and roughly 200 additional staff eventually needed; they said hiring is being phased in as inmate population increases. The committee asked for the total construction cost of the expansion, which the witnesses said they did not have at the meeting and would report back. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for February 18.