Transcript Highlights:

• And they've hauled truck after truck after truck. That's where I'm selling it all at.
• <c> after</c><00:20:50.960><c> truck</c> And they've hauled truck after truck And they've hauled truck
• after truck after<00:20:51.440><c> truck.
• That's where I'm selling it after truck. That's where I'm selling it all<00:20:52.600><c> at.
• </c><00:24:57.360><c> the</c> in the Richmond area and trucking the in the Richmond area and trucking

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28, which would create a framework for the $5 million in agricultural economic development funding included in the 2024 budget. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified that the bill is intended to support agriculture-focused economic development, especially processing and further processing projects, by giving the Department of Agriculture tools to identify opportunities, convene partners, and offer incentives. He emphasized the role of the new economic development division in the department and said the effort is meant to complement, not replace, the work of the state Economic Development Cabinet. Shell and several senators described the bill as a rural development tool aimed at helping smaller communities attract projects that fit their scale. He cited examples such as poultry processing, grain and elevator operations, milling, and specialty crop ventures, arguing that local processing can create jobs, strengthen markets for farmers, and keep more value in Kentucky. Senators discussed the need for return-on-investment metrics and clawback provisions for unsuccessful projects, and Shell said the framework includes those concepts. He also said the department is working on opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and other markets that could bring more acres into production. Members also raised questions about small-farm innovation, raw milk, and direct-to-consumer opportunities. Shell said raw milk testing and related consumer protection issues are more closely tied to the University of Kentucky and the department’s consumer/environmental protection functions than to the bill’s economic development focus, but he said the department can help expand small-farm programs such as Kentucky Proud, Buy Local, KOAP, CAP, food-as-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. The discussion also turned to beef processing and feedlot development, with Shell saying Kentucky wants a beef processor but first needs to prove it can feed cattle at scale; he said changing conditions in western states could create an opening for Kentucky if it can build the necessary supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fortunately, for this particular driver, you know, typically his truck, his friend's trucks, they're
• So yes, sir, they're they're they're a company that we've any trucking companies large trucking I know
• you do independent so if I own a truck and I get a better truck that's considered better Any large trucking
• I believe we have had some larger trucking companies. Most of the trucking.
• Like a haul truck, a commercial haul truck. So there's already EPA standards on those.

Bills: HB512 , HB2248 , HB2679 , HB2832 , HB3112 , HB3368 , HB3490 , HB3512 , HB3623 , HB3666 , HB3700 , HB3711 , HB3770 , HB3963

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to a rental company that owns trucks to a rental company that owns trucks registered<00:20:36.880
• The way this bill is written, it now exempts two years from cars, light trucks, medium trucks, heavy
• trucks, RVs, trailers, and commercial vehicles.
• </c><00:48:06.400><c> medium</c><00:48:06.800><c> trucks</c><00:48:07.200><c> heavy</c> Cars light trucks
• medium trucks heavy Cars light trucks medium trucks heavy trucks<00:48:08.680><c> RVs</c><00:48:09.680

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers. The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• the gap between diesel and battery-electric truck vehicle costs.
• chargers out there if there are no trucks to use them and generate revenue.
• And displacing one aging diesel truck with a new RNG truck creates the same air quality benefits as taking
• And displacing one aging diesel truck with a new RNG truck creates the same air quality benefits as taking
• , near warehouses where those trucks frequent.

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the final special item is actually sponsored, if you will. you will, by the Texas Trucking Association
• Now CDLs are not just over-the-road trucks.
• CDLs include bus drivers for school districts, CDLs include the tank battery trucks in West Texas that
• It's the fuel delivery trucks that take the fuel to the gas. stations, and then all of the local delivery
• and of course that wonderful brown truck who brings your.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• An example would be, um, there was a vehicular accident involving a garbage truck.
• The garbage truck was owned by a truck.
• The CDL governs driving a truck.
• </c><01:04:24.240><c> And</c> The CDL governs driving a truck. And The CDL governs driving a truck.
• ,</c> certainly if you're in DUI in a truck, certainly if you're in DUI in a truck, you're<01:04:27.200

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division A

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the food truck. Oh, the food, this is the food truck. Right. You need to lay it out.
• This has to do with food trucks.
• Food truck operators responded positively; it saved time and money.
• These are areas where the food truck industry is thriving. That's what the bill does.
• Let the food trucks roll. Okay, thank you. Any questions?

Bills: HB103

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're in the trucking association's leadership class called Lead MTA.
• And this is a group that identifies future leaders in the trucking industry.
• Mississippi Trucking Industry. They're Mississippi Trucking Industry.
• 00:24:26.960><c> leadership</c> in the trucking association's leadership in the trucking association's
• And with them is the trucking industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're told it takes trucks off the road.
• The trucks going by, probably in 15 minutes you'd see more trucks go by than they're going to take off
• It's rail is cheaper than trucks, and there's high profits, and that's why rail is their choice.
• We're told it takes trucks<00:20:00.000><c> off</c><00:20:00.240><c> the</c><00:20:00.480><c> road.
• And this is a trucks off the road.

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• fire truck matching assistance fund, the supplementary rural fire truck fund, and the annual fire truck
• </c> fire truck fund, the rural fire truck fire truck fund, the rural fire truck matching<03:44:52.560
• </c> going to change it to 50% of the truck. going to change it to 50% of the truck.
• . truck. truck.
• Well, it doesn't mean that that's a bad truck, or nor when the city of Biloxi wants to sell a truck that

Transcript Highlights:

• The Corporation Commission was seeing it with commercial trucks.
• So this is an attempt to give them authority when they stop a trucker and they're checking his truck
• So they stop a truck and the truck is defective. They're able to tag the truck.
• They're able to tag the truck. They're able to detain the driver.
• And when the OCC stops this truck, and for whatever reason, the guy may be drunk, he may have a felony

Bills: HB2936 , HB2937 , HB2951 , HB2960 , HB2979 , HB2980 , HB3062 , HB3082 , HB3087 , HB3148 , HB3152 , HB3262 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3268 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3299 , HB3544 , HB3606 , HB3678 , HB3790 , HB3903 , HB3996 , HB4139 , HB4140 , HB4142 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB4260 , HB4272 , HB4296 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4341 , HB4342

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: HB2936, children, child protection, adoption, Oklahoma Adoption Code, gestational carrier, gestational agreement, surrogacy, intended parent, preplacement home study, home study, prospective adoptive parent, foster placement, child abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, lewd molestation, sex offender registry, Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act

Transcript Highlights:

• in California in 2022, an average of more than one death per day involving large trucks.
• My name is Steve Gold and I own the 160 Driving Academy Truck Driving Schools.
• I own the 160 Driving Academy Truck Driving Schools. I'm here today to discuss AB 714.
• CDL schools will create and place over 3,000 new truck drivers into high-paying jobs.
• Chris Ramota, on behalf of the California Trucking Association, in support. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused on reproductive health, professional licensing and sunset reviews, consumer protection, and business regulation. Early testimony centered on AB 260, which would protect access to medication abortion, mifepristone, and telehealth reproductive care in California; supporters emphasized state protections against federal restrictions, while an opponent argued the bill removed safety safeguards. The committee also heard AB 714 on closing a loophole in regulation of low-cost commercial driving schools, AB 968 on allowing pharmacists to prescribe non-hormonal contraception, AB 671 on streamlining restaurant permitting, AB 1027 on strengthening cannabis product testing oversight, AB 1271 on broadband pricing and speed transparency, and AB 1332 on narrowly allowing medicinal cannabis shipments for seriously ill patients. Several sunset bills were also taken up, including AB 1482 on animal shelter and breeder transparency, AB 1501 on the Podiatric Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board, AB 1502 on the Veterinary Medical Board, AB 1503 on the Board of Pharmacy, and AB 1504 on the Massage Therapy Council. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with many bills drawing co-sponsors or support from industry, consumer, or professional groups. AB 1503 generated the most sustained opposition, with nurses, physicians, and drug industry representatives objecting to expanded pharmacy technician ratios, standard-of-care language, and therapeutic interchange authority; supporters argued the bill would modernize pharmacy practice and expand access. AB 1504 also drew mixed testimony, with massage therapy groups supporting continuation of the council but raising concerns about proposed public records and governance provisions. AB 1271 drew a policy dispute over whether broadband reporting requirements duplicated federal FCC processes, while supporters argued California needed its own consumer-facing data and complaint system. After quorum was established later in the hearing, the committee began taking roll-call votes. AB 1271, AB 1332, AB 1482, AB 1501, and AB 1502 were all reported out on due-pass motions, with AB 1271 amended and the others generally amended or as introduced as noted. Earlier bills including AB 260, AB 671, AB 714, AB 968, and AB 1027 also received motions and were approved once the quorum was present. The chair repeatedly noted the lack of quorum during the hearing, but once one was secured, the committee completed votes on the agenda items and advanced the measures to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, you're a Ford truck. Can it run on electricity? No, sir. It does not. No, sir.
• It just has an electric propulsion component in it that my truck can become a generator.
• But you're going to see many types of vehicles, not just trucks.
• I can, I can, my truck is classified also as a generator. I'll be honest with you.
• I can plug into the truck, or anybody who has that type of system in the vehicle that I drive.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action. The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable. Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recently purchased a new pickup truck, Chevy Silverado, with mid trim.
• Since this is a new truck, I was expecting tabs to be somewhat expensive.
• North Dakota, you know, $73, or if you have a big truck, it's $93.
• I actually asked him to send me his bill and he did. $812 for a $45,000 truck.
• . truck. truck.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sitting at Pocatello, four years ago, we bought a ladder truck and it cost $1.75 million, and we paid
• To order the same truck today is almost $2.5 million. That's for one truck.
• This simply just adds Could put a fire truck in that new fire station.
• But if you've got to buy a million-dollar fire truck, and 50% of that has to come from somewhere, at
• Meaning, when I say the impact fee... ...the cost of the truck, or have to absorb, they wouldn't get

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in the case of a dump truck driver, let's say there was a dump truck driver that retired from the
• and in the past or I guess currently that dump truck driver who has all the qualifications...
• So, in the case of a dump truck driver, let's say there was a dump truck driver that retired from the
• and in the past or I guess currently that dump truck driver who has all the qualifications...
• So, in the case of a dump truck driver, let's say there was a dump truck driver that retired from the

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then approved the prior journal and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber received multiple committee reports, including favorable reports on several finance and taxation bills, confirmations, local bills, and a series of resolutions. The Senate also confirmed several appointments to higher education and university boards, including Nicholas J. Balden, Jennifer Wit, Ronnie Stalworth, and Rex Reynolds, using long or previous roll calls as applicable. The Senate adopted a special order calendar that set up floor consideration of several bills, including measures on physician assistants, seafood/aquaculture, motor vehicles, campaign practices, property insurance and energy reduction, child custody, and school bus drivers. During debate on the special order calendar, Senator Smitherman raised concern that no bills on the calendar were sponsored by minority members, noting a prior understanding that minority-sponsored bills should be represented; Senator Wagner responded that the calendar was prepared based on legislation rather than sponsor party, and the exchange ended with an agreement to continue moving forward. The Senate then adopted the special order calendar and began taking up the listed bills. On the special order calendar, the Senate advanced House Bill 156 on physician assistant compacts, House Bill 277 on seafood/aquaculture tastings, and House Bill 42 on motor vehicles, with supporters describing each as consumer-friendly or supportive of industry. The chamber also considered local legislation, including bills for Madison, Tallapoosa, and Shelby counties; House Bill 337 for Madison County was amended and carried over, while House Bills 490, 491, and 493 passed after roll-call votes. Throughout the meeting, the Senate also adopted several commendatory and memorial resolutions, including measures honoring individuals, recognizing organizations and events, and naming a highway, with most adopted by voice vote and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 4, subsection C, you've amended it to add a Class 5 permit for food trucks.
• Do you have an idea of what the cost will be on the food truck industries related to these fees?
• So, this would also include any food trucks coming in for events or fairs, this sort of thing.
• So, in my district last session, in the interim, there had been a number of food trucks.
• Just questions related to food trucks. Can you repeat that? I didn't catch all that.

Bills: HB2979 , HB3790 , HB3142 , HB3463 , HB4143 , HJR1086 , SB392 , HB3087 , HB3037 , HB3581 , HB4058 , HB2959 , HB4227 , HB2997 , HB4125 , HB1453 , HB3521 , HB3691 , HB2015 , HB2940 , HB1016 , HB3267 , HB3695 , HB3697 , HB3045 , HB3662 , HB3453 , HB3053 , HB3301 , HB3495 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3845 , HB4198 , HB4425 , HB2970 , HB3338 , HB3443 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB3818 , HB1242 , HB1752 , HB2961 , HB2967 , HB2973 , HB2988 , HB3031 , HB3240 , HB3047 , HB3052 , HB3066 , HB3086 , HB3175 , HB3177 , HB3178 , HB3429 , HB3548 , HB3638 , HB3404 , HB3704 , HB1590 , HB3759 , HB3831 , HB3904 , HB4092 , HB1979 , HB1983 , HB1250 , HB2952 , HB3671 , HB3920 , HB4118 , HB3944 , HB3969 , HB3973 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3978 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3942 , HB4203 , HB2588 , HB3024 , HB3383 , HB3279 , HB3919 , HB3883 , HB4193 , HB3431 , HB3435 , HB4352 , HB4484 , HB1245 , HB3172 , HB3306 , HB4294 , HB3880 , HB2929 , HB3128 , HB2956 , HB3015 , HB3114 , HB3567 , HB3749 , HB4229 , HB4237 , HB4253 , HJR1046 , HJR1084 , HB3411

Keywords: HB2979, Talyn Bain Act, school zone, school safety, speed limit, 45 mph, state highway, Department of Transportation, ODOT, flashing beacons, traffic enforcement, speeding violation, public school, private school, K-12, drop-off, pick-up, highway safety, municipal maintenance, county commissioners

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that truck traffic has to go somewhere.
• </c><00:18:29.679><c> traffic</c><00:18:30.120><c> there</c><00:18:30.559><c> and</c> there's no truck
• traffic there and there's no truck traffic there and obviously<00:18:31.159><c> I94</c><00:18:31.760
• </c> know nice looking cars and no trucks know nice looking cars and no trucks well<00:18:41.440><c>
• ><c> to</c><00:18:42.280><c> go</c> well that truck traffic has to go well that truck traffic has to

Transcript Highlights:

• My truck, a year-old pickup truck, $1,050 to drive that truck for a year. It's expensive.
• My truck, a year-old pickup truck, $1,050 to drive that truck for a year. It's expensive.
• My truck, a year-old pickup truck, $1,050 to drive that truck for a year. It's expensive.
• My truck, a year-old pickup truck, $1,050 to drive that truck for a year. It's expensive.
• My truck, a year-old pickup truck, $1,050 to drive that truck for a year. It's expensive.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• already abide by because it's a Zach Lang, which is included in the CDL national law pertaining to truck
• I was in the trucking industry, and while I was in the trucking industry, we went through the transition
• Did that make the trucking industry more safe? Absolutely. I've seen the statistics.
• I was in the trucking industry, and while I was in the trucking industry, we went through the transition
• Did that make the trucking industry more safe? Absolutely. I've seen the statistics.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and heard a personal privilege statement praising Transportation Cabinet staff for helping a constituent obtain a Kentucky Uniform ID in time to board a cruise. The chair also recognized special guests and noted a page for the day. The main bill taken up was Senate Bill 99, with a committee substitute adopted before discussion. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Douglas, would strengthen Kentucky’s distracted-driving laws by prohibiting the use of personal communication devices to write, send, or read texts while operating a motor vehicle, with exceptions for emergency or public safety use and certain reporting or medical situations. The committee substitute clarified that GPS use remains allowed, including for younger drivers, and the bill also bars anyone under 18 from using a device in any manner while driving, sets a $100 fine with no points, and imposes a 90-day license revocation for minors. Supportive testimony and comments emphasized pedestrian and roadway safety, the dangers of distracted driving, and the bill’s alignment with existing CDL-related restrictions. After discussion, the committee voted on Senate Bill 99 by roll call and reported it favorably with the committee substitute attached. Members explaining their votes said the measure would save lives, reflected practices already used in trucking and bus operations, and was a reasonable enforcement approach similar to prior seat belt laws. The committee then received an informational update on five Transportation Cabinet administrative regulations, which were described as updates for federal compliance, signage standards, truck weight-limit renumbering, an OHV pilot program extension, and expanded electronic review of title applications; no substantive objections were raised. The meeting concluded with discussion of adjournment.