Transcript Highlights:

• 45.760><c> regardingc><00:14:46.079><c> thisc><00:14:46.320><c> typec><00:14:46.480><c> ofc>
• this type legislate budget officer to do this type of<00:15:23.040><c> analysis,c><00:15:23.680><c>
• c> thisc><00:15:35.120><c> typec><00:15:35.279><c> ofc><00:15:35.440><c> analysis?
• :40.480><c> thisc><00:15:40.720><c> typec><00:15:40.880><c> ofc><00:15:41.040><c> evaluation.
• > onc><00:27:14.720><c> thisc><00:27:14.880><c> typec><00:27:15.039><c> ofc><00:27:15.120><c>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Caucus Public Commission met with a quorum present, approved the September 3, 2025 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson on proposed updates to the fiscal note uniform standards and procedures. The main changes clarified that agencies must still complete a fiscal note when a bill or section cannot be implemented because of federal law, with the note explaining the implementation issue and costing only the portions that can be implemented. A second change said technical comments about possible future litigation may be included in the narrative but not in the cost tables. Members discussed how these rules would apply when only part of a bill is unimplementable versus when an entire bill is, and whether requiring a note in those cases is the best use of agency time. The commission also approved a new procedure on funding-source assumptions for expanded programs, including assuming the current funding source unless the bill says otherwise and defaulting to the general fund if no source is identified. The updated standards and procedures were adopted by a 7-0 roll call vote, with Senator Wickland excused. The commission then received a second presentation from Director Larson on a possible analysis of the accuracy of fiscal estimates and budget items after enactment. He described this as a variance analysis comparing fiscal note estimates to actual fiscal impacts, intended to improve future estimates, inform the legislature, and increase accountability. He summarized practices in other states, noting that most variance reviews are ad hoc, while Utah and Tennessee have more formalized legislative reports; he also referenced an LBO pilot review done in 2022 based largely on Tennessee’s model. The presentation outlined possible report formats, including a single annual report, standalone briefs, or topic-specific reviews, and raised implementation questions such as who would select items for review, whether the analysis should be limited to fiscal notes, what statutory authority or data access would be needed, and what resources would be required from both agencies and the LBO. Members did not take action on the second presentation. Representative Anderson and Vice Chair Pratt commented that the proposal is complicated but potentially useful for improving future fiscal notes and transparency, and the chair indicated the discussion was for future consideration rather than an immediate decision.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:02:28.760><c> anyc><00:02:29.080><c> typec><00:02:29.480><c> pHc><00:02:29.920><c> aistc><
• 00:02:30.560><c> anyc><00:02:30.760><c> typec><00:02:30.920><c> ofc> With that, if you all have
• that uh those<00:08:25.039><c> thosec><00:08:25.240><c> typesc><00:08:25.560><c> ofc><00:08:25.960
• ><c> licensec><00:08:26.400><c> soc><00:08:26.599><c> that'sc> those those types of license so
• that's those those types of license so that's what<00:08:26.840><c> itc><00:08:26.960><c> isc><00

Keywords: Roll Call 00:20 Discussion on HB 303 00:45 Vote on HB 303 04:41 Discussion on HB 305 05:32 Vote on HB 305 08:34, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• type one projects<02:19:58.800><c> andc><02:19:59.040><c> thenc><02:19:59.280><c> typec><02:19
• thec><02:20:01.520><c> typesc><02:20:01.680><c> ofc> Type one projects are the types of Type one
• c><02:21:16.000><c> Typec><02:21:16.319><c> twoc> that's for type one projects.
• :34:07.280><c> typec><02:34:07.520><c> twoc> type two meeting the type two type two meeting the type
• c><02:35:31.439><c> typec> that live there.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• inc><00:01:27.360><c> theirc><00:01:28.360><c> uhc><00:01:29.280><c> theirc><00:01:29.759><c
• c> ifc><00:05:40.720><c> youc><00:05:40.960><c> getc><00:05:41.560><c> ac><00:05:41.720><c> strange
• thesec><00:07:08.639><c> typesc><00:07:08.919><c> ofc><00:07:09.479><c> criminalsc><00:07:10.440
• ><c> whatc> prosecute these types of criminals what prosecute these types of criminals what I<00:07
• ><c> beenc><00:09:20.360><c> ac><00:09:20.480><c> lotc><00:09:20.600><c> ofc><00:09:20.800><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typec><00:02:22.800><c> 1c><00:02:23.120><c> diabetes.
• 29.120><c> typec><00:04:29.440><c> onec><00:04:29.600><c> andc><00:04:29.840><c> typec><00:04
• c><00:04:31.280><c> Suddenly,c> between type one and type two.
• :05:09.120><c> ofc><00:05:09.199><c> peoplec> type 1 diabetes that a lot of people type 1 diabetes
• ><c> typec><00:23:09.760><c> ofc><00:23:09.840><c> things.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met and first considered House Bill 141, which would make type 1 diabetes information available to students through KDE, school district websites, and school locations such as youth service centers, front offices, and nursing stations. The sponsor explained that a committee substitute removed a requirement that districts distribute the information annually to students, in response to concerns about teacher workload. Members spoke in support, citing the value of helping schools recognize the signs of type 1 diabetes and the usefulness of the information for families. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill favorably with the substitute attached. The committee then heard House Bill 415, described as a cleanup measure to House Bill 300, the teacher due process law. The sponsor said the substitute would improve communication between the Education Professional Standards Board and superintendents, remove a requirement that teachers meet with EPSB when a complaint is filed, and move appeal hearings from EPSB to the Attorney General’s office effective July 1, 2027. Members discussed the changes and the bill passed favorably with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 555, which would define student-based enterprises and allow local school boards to decide whether to permit them. The sponsor and a Taylor County High School business teacher described student-run businesses as hands-on learning opportunities that build workforce skills, generate funds for student scholarships and activities, and operate under local control. Members asked about red book compliance, tax and business issues, and how the enterprises relate to programs like DECA and Junior Achievement. The committee passed the bill favorably, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:52:41.680><c> meetingc> provider types helps with um meeting provider types helps with um meeting
• :00.400><c> allc><01:03:00.640><c> providerc><01:03:01.040><c> typesc><01:03:01.440><c> orc><
• c><01:03:45.119><c> typec><01:03:45.280><c> thatc><01:03:45.520><c> wec> >> Sure.
• ><c> typesc><01:04:49.359><c> arec><01:04:49.839><c> thec> >> Uh, the other provider types are
• c><01:10:03.040><c> typesc><01:10:03.280><c> ofc> about this.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• B21 that type of things very clearly B21 that type of stuff<00:08:48.480><c> soc><00:08:48.680><c>
• :10:24.399><c> yearc><00:10:25.000><c> allc><00:10:25.200><c> thatc><00:10:25.360><c> typec><
• :50.560><c> refillsc><00:15:51.040><c> andc><00:15:51.199><c> thosec><00:15:51.360><c> typesc
• ><c> cupsc><00:16:02.480><c> thosec><00:16:02.639><c> typesc><00:16:02.839><c> ofc><00:16:03.040
• :43.360><c> butc><00:26:43.480><c> itc> type of thing was allowed before but it type of thing was

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :40.880><c> everyc><00:10:41.880><c> uhc> type and again this is not every uh type and again this
• :37:58.520><c> lookc><00:37:58.720><c> atc><00:37:59.079><c> anyc><00:37:59.359><c> typec><00
• and trying to resolve uh any type<00:38:03.960><c> ofc><00:38:04.119><c> fraudulentc> type of fraudulent
• ><c> typec><00:42:52.520><c> ofc><00:42:52.680><c> otherc><00:42:52.880><c> auditc> a desk audit
• or some type of other audit a desk audit or some type of other audit that<00:42:53.400><c> theyc><

Keywords: 958, all

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:

• :07:38.720><c> thec><00:07:38.880><c> fuelc><00:07:39.120><c> typec><00:07:40.160><c> andc><00
• fuel type and no payments again<00:07:41.599><c> arec><00:07:41.840><c> madec><00:07:42.080><c>
• ><c> uc> other types of assistance programs u other types of assistance programs u reducing<00:09:42.640
• c><00:13:07.440><c> otherc><00:13:07.600><c> typec><00:13:07.839><c> ofc><00:13:08.000><c> private
• life that's been dedicated<00:15:51.440><c> thisc><00:15:51.600><c> typec><00:15:51.759><c> of

Keywords: 958, all

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:

• uh<00:03:41.159><c> youc><00:03:41.280><c> knowc><00:03:41.439><c> thec><00:03:41.599><c> type<
• /c><00:03:41.760><c> ofc><00:03:41.920><c> taxpayersc><00:03:42.439><c> whoc> uh you know the type
• of taxpayers who uh you know the type of taxpayers who would<00:03:42.640><c> bec><00:03:42.720><c
• care and not Place certain standards of care and not Place certain types<00:23:43.000><c> ofc><00:
• 23:44.000><c> enclosurec><00:23:44.919><c> toc> types of dogs in the same enclosure to types of dogs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing first took up SB 696, which would create an emergency management office and fund tax credits, grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify homes, shelter development, and staffing. Supporters argued Hawaii needs a dedicated preparedness office and funding before the next hurricane season, while the Tax Foundation said the bill was too vague, especially on who would qualify for the tax credits and under what conditions. The Department of the Attorney General and the insurance division offered comments, and both committees recommended deferral of SB 696. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then heard SB 179 on construction defect remedies and the contractor repair act. Builders, Realtors, carpenters, and a mortgage industry witness supported the bill, saying it would reduce abusive litigation, speed repairs, and help housing production and affordability. Homeowner advocates and plaintiff attorneys opposed it, arguing it would weaken consumer protections, shift repair costs to homeowners, and delay or limit legitimate claims. One testifier suggested the Senate focus instead on stronger alternative dispute resolution, and the committee noted 105 written supporters, four opponents, and one comment submission. The committee next heard SB 416 on allowing pets in rental housing, with the Attorney General recommending a non-impairment safeguard because of possible effects on existing contracts. SB 593 on commercial dog breeders drew support from the Hawaii Humane Society and others, with concerns raised that counties would be expected to enforce the new regime without funding. SB 641, creating a tax on low-alcohol-by-volume spirits beverages, drew opposition from the Wine Institute, which said it would create a tax break for one segment and likely reduce state revenue. SB 1048 on online crowdfunding received support from GoFundMe and comments from the Attorney General, with GoFundMe urging changes to reduce burdens on charitable fundraising. SB 1213, allowing businesses to accept service of process by email instead of maintaining a registered agent, drew DCCA comments and opposition from LegalZoom, which warned email service could be unreliable and vulnerable to phishing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:11.240><c> certainc><00:05:11.520><c> typesc> property tax relief to uh certain types property
• ><c> certainc><00:05:13.000><c> typesc><00:05:13.199><c> ofc> of properties or certain types of
• <00:08:59.880><c> typesc><00:09:00.079><c> ofc><00:09:00.240><c> basesc><00:09:00.640><c> that<
• /c><00:09:00.760><c> canc><00:09:01.000><c> youc><00:09:01.200><c> bec> different types of bases
• ><c> typec><00:58:47.440><c> ofc><00:58:47.599><c> districtc><00:58:48.000><c> isc><00:58:48.160

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met to hear a House Research presentation from Jared Swanson on Minnesota’s property tax system. Before the presentation, the chair announced that the committee would put the governor’s budget on hold until the department could provide the information needed for a proper hearing. The committee then approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. Swanson gave an overview of how property taxes are structured and collected in Minnesota, explaining that the state uses a levy-based system in which local governments set levies and counties collect and distribute payments. He described the property tax cycle, the difference between referendum market value and net tax capacity, and how classification rates shift tax burdens among property types. He also outlined the state general property tax, noting it is split between commercial-industrial property and seasonal recreational property, and reviewed how Minnesota compares with other states, with residential taxes generally around the middle and commercial-industrial taxes relatively higher. The presentation also covered major property tax relief and aid programs. Swanson explained three broad relief mechanisms: shifting burdens through exclusions and classification rates, state-paid credits and refunds, and state aid to local governments or levy reductions. He discussed local government aid (LGA), township aid, and county program aid (CPA), including their funding levels, formulas, and general-purpose nature. Members asked why some cities receive no LGA and how the funds may be used; Swanson said cities with strong tax bases often receive zero aid and that the money generally can be used for the same purposes as property tax revenue. No votes were taken on the presentation itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes<00:05:14.600><c> ac><00:05:14.680><c> newc><00:05:14.840><c> typec><00:05:15.160>
• <c> ofc><00:05:15.280><c> childc><00:05:15.560><c> carec> authorizes a new type of child care authorizes
• ><00:10:22.960><c> ac><00:10:23.040><c> newc><00:10:23.480><c> typec> challenges of creating a
• new a new type challenges of creating a new a new type of<00:10:23.800><c> servicec><00:10:24.160><
• 28.440><c> ofc> that type of that type of situation. situation. situation.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in that bill<00:11:06.320><c> coversc><00:11:07.320><c> differentc><00:11:08.120><c> typesc><00
• c><00:32:47.760><c> psychotherapyc> 67 discredited types of psychotherapy 67 discredited types of
• thatc><00:39:28.240><c> typec><00:39:28.640><c> ofc> the ability to seek that type of the ability
• ><c> typec><00:43:20.720><c> ofc> urge parents to think that this type of urge parents to think that
• this type of therapy<00:43:21.920><c> isc><00:43:22.119><c> thec><00:43:22.280><c> answerc><00

Keywords: Consideration of HB 9 00:02:20 Consideration of HB 495 00:08:53 Consideration of HB 520 00:46:51 Consideration of HB 622 00:54:39 Consideration of HB 635 00:59:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 9, which would create oversight for Medicaid-related policy through a board modeled after the Public Pension Oversight Board. Sponsor Rep. Adam Bowling said the measure was intended to bring legislative, executive, and stakeholder voices together to vet issues and make better-informed Medicaid policy. Members generally supported the concept, though some questioned the proposed board’s party breakdown and whether the language should be updated now rather than later. After discussion, the committee voted 19-0 to pass HB 9 favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 495, which Rep. Hail said would protect mental health care professionals, institutions, and ordained ministers from discrimination when providing what the bill calls protected counseling services. He described the bill as a parental-choice measure that would allow counseling aligned with family values and said it also creates a civil cause of action for harmed parties. Opponents argued the bill would shield conversion therapy, with Dr. Eric Russ, Brandon Long, Dr. Brandon Creech, Brenda Rosen, Chris Hartman, and Dr. Bobby Glass testifying that conversion therapy is discredited, harmful, and associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide risk. They said professional medical and counseling organizations oppose such practices and urged rejection of the bill. During questions, Rep. Layman pressed the sponsor on whether the bill would protect therapies even if a child was not in distress and on whether the committee should be endorsing a practice discredited by professional organizations. Rep. Hail responded that he viewed the issue as a parental choice and said he believed the bill protects providers offering those services. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 495, with no final vote shown on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32.440><c> Wetlandc><00:09:33.040><c> typec> bill and that is again all Wetland type bill and that
• ><c> typesc><00:29:42.960><c> ofc><00:29:43.159><c> propertiesc><00:29:43.559><c> inc><00:29:
• 43.679><c> thec><00:29:43.799><c> Metroc> those types of properties in the Metro those types of properties
• ><c> expensec><01:04:38.200><c> toc><01:04:38.440><c> itc><01:04:39.160><c> andc> type of Tails
• :50.639><c> typec><01:23:50.840><c> ofc> presentation depending on the type of presentation depending

Bills: HF1250

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:37:43.920><c> typec><00:37:44.240><c> ofc> There's a need for this type of There's a need
• c><00:53:28.160><c> Andc><00:53:28.400><c> it'sc> type evaluation program.
• been type um these devices that had been type evaluated.<00:54:30.720><c> Theyc><00:54:31.040><c> are
• c><00:54:31.200><c> nowc><00:54:31.440><c> beingc><00:54:31.599><c> typec> evaluated.
• c><01:59:09.280><c> atc><01:59:09.520><c> thesec><01:59:09.840><c> typesc> got us.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• the types<00:04:42.919><c> ofc><00:04:43.120><c> homesc><00:04:43.560><c> thatc><00:04:43.680>
• <c> arec><00:04:43.880><c> rightc><00:04:44.080><c> forc><00:04:44.360><c> theirc> types of homes
• um federal zoning laws and those types um but<00:25:28.000><c> makingc><00:25:28.480><c> surec><
• starter home uh specific to sort of the starter home uh type<00:26:55.559><c> ofc><00:26:55.799><c>
• ><c> bringingc> type of Housing and so we're bringing type of Housing and so we're bringing that<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:04:28.479><c> typec><00:04:28.639><c> ofc><00:04:28.720><c> thingc><00:04:28.880><c> and
• c><00:04:29.120><c> ifc><00:04:29.199><c> it'sc> plan that type of thing and if it's plan that type
• c><00:04:34.320><c> Soc><00:04:34.560><c> withc><00:04:34.720><c> thatc> this type of a grant
• c><00:05:21.440><c> inc><00:05:21.680><c> thisc><00:05:21.840><c> typec><00:05:22.000><c> of<
• thisc><00:33:55.840><c> typec><00:33:56.080><c> ofc><00:33:56.240><c> support.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> thatc><00:56:09.520><c> typec><00:56:09.680><c> ofc><00:56:09.720><c> analysis,c><00:56:10.040
• ><c> whatc><00:56:10.160><c> wec> and do that type of analysis, what we and do that type of analysis
• :15.120><c> typec><00:56:15.320><c> of,c><00:56:16.040><c> uh,c> role into determining what type
• ><c> variancec><01:11:48.360><c> analysisc> what this type of variance analysis what this type of
• <c> typec><01:13:45.720><c> ofc><01:13:45.800><c> output.

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.240><c> twoc> called type two connections and type two called type two connections and type two
• typec><00:15:26.639><c> twoc> able and to utilize those type two able and to utilize those type
• c> typec><00:16:21.199><c> twoc> transitioned of off of type two transitioned of off of type two
• /c><00:33:23.440><c> typec> both end of that.
• <00:49:52.000><c> Gregc><00:49:52.480><c> typec> schools? Greg type schools?

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 Kentucky Department of Education 00:01:20 Kentucky Communications Network Authority 00:36:45 Accelecom 01:01:22 Auditor of Public Accounts 01:29:50, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met to hear a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials David Couch and Mike Lingham on the history and current status of Kentucky’s K-12 internet network, including its relationship to KentuckyWired. They described the original KETS design from 1995, when KDE established district internet hubs and left local districts to connect to them, and said that model helped Kentucky become a national leader in school connectivity and cloud-based services. They also emphasized the importance of E-rate eligibility, saying it has saved the state substantial money and remains central to KDE’s network contracting. Couch and Lingham said the current “next generation Kentucky K-12 internet” contract with Education Networks of America is more reliable, offers more functionality, and costs less than the prior system, including lower bandwidth and firewall costs. They explained that the transition was complicated by build-out and provisioning issues, especially the need for more “type two” connections through local providers, which pushed some implementation past the June 30, 2024 E-rate deadline. As a result, 39 sites remain on type two connections, and KDE absorbed the loss of federal discount dollars for the portion of the transition that extended into July. The witnesses also discussed home internet access for students. They said KDE has tracked home access for about 20 years and estimates about 4.5% of students still lack adequate internet at home, with roughly 3% able to reach access nearby and 1.5% having no access. They said the biggest barrier is usually cost rather than lack of available lines, and noted that temporary hotspot support during COVID helped students continue schoolwork. Senator Williams asked about the costs of the transition, the current type two sites, and the potential cost of any future transition, but the transcript cuts off before a full answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> havec><00:03:27.040><c> beenc><00:03:27.200><c> filmedc><00:03:27.560><c> inc> types of
• c><00:03:36.040><c> typesc><00:03:36.280><c> ofc> draw to states where these types of draw to states
• > typesc><00:04:09.239><c> ofc><00:04:09.400><c> Productionsc> California these types of Productions
• :31.680><c> ofc><00:04:31.800><c> featurec><00:04:32.199><c> filmsc> to attract these types of
• ><00:14:34.519><c> thosec><00:14:34.839><c> typesc><00:14:35.079><c> ofc><00:14:35.320><c> things

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:52 SB 1 Discussion 01:33 SB 1 Vote 32:39 SB 76 Discussion 34:35 SB 76 Vote 36:20 SB 162 Discussion 37:04 SB 162 Vote 46:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1, which would create a Kentucky Film Office and a Kentucky Film Leadership Council to promote film production in the state. Sponsors said the bill is intended to expand Kentucky’s use of film tax incentives, improve marketing and infrastructure, and attract productions that could generate jobs, tourism, and broader economic development. They noted a committee substitute made two changes: adding a salary cap for the film office executive director and correcting a date. Members asked about whether the office should instead be housed in the Economic Development Cabinet, how Kentucky’s refundable credit compares with Georgia’s transferable credits, the bill’s obscenity language, the size of the current incentive cap, and whether there should be reporting on the program’s results. Supporters cited a University of Louisville study estimating about $200 million in industry revenue in 2022 and argued the state is not fully using existing credits; an outside witness, Andrew McNeel, opposed the bill, calling the incentives subsidies, warning that Georgia’s uncapped program could lead to pressure to raise Kentucky’s cap, and arguing the bill could subsidize films with little lasting local benefit. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed Senate Bill 1 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 with an expression of opinion that it should pass. Several members explained their votes, including concerns about transparency, local hiring, and the need for further review. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 76, which would raise the threshold for a retainage/escrow requirement in certain real estate improvement contracts from $500,000 to $2 million. The sponsor said the change is meant to reflect construction cost inflation since the statute was enacted in 1990. The transcript indicates a motion and second were made, but the discussion was cut off before any final action on the bill is shown. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 162, a simplified bill on unemployment insurance fraud. The sponsor said it would require suspected fraud to be referred to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement authorities, including the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, county or Commonwealth’s attorneys, and, where applicable, the U.S. Department of Justice, to create a clearer process and accountability. The transcript ends during the presentation, before any vote or committee action on SB 162 is recorded.