Transcript Highlights:

• We will start first with Representative Mellarine and House Bill 1101.
• And you get to the ultimate resolution. What's the truth?
• what House Bill 456 this year is seeking to do.
• House Bill 1047 doesn't invent something new.
• House bill 1047 doesn't invent something new.

Bills: HB282, HB293, HB390, HB456, HB460, HB561, HB819, HB1023, HB1047, HB1101

Keywords: employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition

Transcript Highlights:

• On December 11th, 2025, the White House issued an executive order titled Protecting American Investors
• On December 11th, 2025,<00:09:30.320> the<00:09:30.480> White<00:09:30.720> House
• ><00:09:30.880> issued<00:09:31.200> an 2025, the White House issued an 2025, the White
• House issued an executive<00:09:31.760> order<00:09:32.000> titled<00:09:32.480> Protecting

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:32 HB 136 Discussion: 01:46 HB 136 Vote: 05:53 HB 183 Discussion: 07:03 HB 183 Vote: 14:45, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a quorum and considered two bills. Senate Bill 136, sponsored by Vice Chair Frommeyer, made a housekeeping change to unemployment insurance fraud reporting by correcting prior language so suspected fraud is reported to the appropriate county or commonwealth attorney and the U.S. Department of Labor, rather than the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Members asked about how often local prosecutors pursue these cases and whether the state follows up on clawing back fraudulent payments; the cabinet said it would check on the exact recovery process. Senator Boswell also raised broader concerns about delays and difficulties claimants face in the unemployment insurance system. The committee approved SB 136 unanimously, 11-0, and reported it favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183 from Senator Nunn, which would regulate proxy voting advice by requiring transparency, economic analysis, and disclosure when proxy advisers rely on non-financial factors or give advice inconsistent with a company board’s recommendation. Nunn said the bill is intended to protect Kentuckians’ retirement and investment interests, prevent politically or ideologically driven advice, and create enforcement through Kentucky’s deceptive trade practices law. Senator Clemens questioned how the bill would apply to nontraditional groups and whether the affected firms are registered or regulated; a witness, Chris Nolan, said there is little federal oversight and no Kentucky oversight of proxy adviser firms. Senator Maiden supported the bill, while Senator Thomas opposed it, arguing investors should be free to seek advice based on their own interests and that the bill could chill such advice. The committee passed SB 183 by a 9-2 vote and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.600> and Department of housing, buildings, and Department of housing, buildings, and construction
• of Housing, Buildings, and<00:02:24.480> Construction.
• Along with, I was on the housing task force this year.
• <00:10:12.320> task Uh along with I was on the housing task Uh along with I was on the housing
• having housing having housing projects<00:10:26.440> go<00:10:26.640> up<00:10:26.840

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:32 Approval of Minutes 01:46 Public Protection Cabinet 19:05 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 33:14 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee met without a quorum at first, then approved the minutes once a quorum was reached. The first presentation was from the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction within the Public Protection Cabinet. Commissioner Max Fuller and Deputy Commissioner David Moore reviewed the department’s licensing structure, noting about 50 license types and roughly 42,000 active licenses, with most tied to plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. They compared Kentucky’s fees and requirements with neighboring states and said Kentucky is generally in line or slightly below surrounding states when local and contractor licensing requirements elsewhere are considered. The department also described staffing and inspection pressures. Officials said boiler inspections have a measurable backlog, with about 18% of state-jurisdiction boilers and pressure vessels past due statewide and a higher percentage in Jefferson County. They said building code plan review turnaround has risen from about 30 days to roughly 33–35 days, and that some areas are struggling to maintain same-day plumbing inspections and three-day HVAC inspections. Members asked whether the agency could handle increased housing construction, especially in rural areas; the department said it had requested additional plumbing staff and a plan reviewer, particularly for the Bowling Green/Warren County area, and noted that electrical inspectors are stretched across the state and are also pulled into disaster response work. The committee then heard from Kentucky Venues and the Kentucky State Fair Board on the Kentucky Exposition Center renovation and related operations. David Beck, board chairman David Williams, CFO Tony Shrek, and others said the project is progressing ahead of schedule, with keys to the new building expected in December and the facility already booked for future events. They reported strong tourism and economic impact, including record activity at the Exposition Center and downtown convention center, and said the Farm Machinery Show and other events continue to drive demand. Members asked about budget status, and the presenters said inflation, delayed access to funds due to the RFP/design process, and added costs have left them short of money to finish all planned work. They identified phase three funding needs, including food and beverage service improvements and completion of Freedom Hall seating, and said they are considering bringing food and beverage operations back under their control to improve efficiency and revenue. The meeting ended with no formal votes on the presentations and an announcement that the committee would meet again the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:01.440> be<00:46:01.520> the<00:46:01.760> smaller<00:46:02.079> states
• to<00:46:07.599> deal<00:46:07.760> with<00:46:07.920> this.
• But<00:46:08.960> your<00:46:09.200> problem<00:46:09.520> is<00:46:10.079> very
• >> Okay.<00:46:24.160> Well,<00:46:24.480> thank<00:46:24.560> you<00:46:24.720
• . housing. housing.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Kentucky’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative – Domestic Violence: 00:02:00 Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act: 00:46:41, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary approved the minutes from its July 24, 2025 meeting and heard an announcement about a lunch sponsored by the Kentucky State Buildings and Trades Council on forming a blue-collar caucus. The main presentation came from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center on the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s domestic violence work, which was described as a multi-year effort begun in 2023 to analyze data and interview stakeholders across the state. Presenters reported that domestic violence is widespread in Kentucky, with about half of adults experiencing some form of violence or stalking in their lifetimes, and that an average of about 22,000 IPV incidents occurred annually from 2018 to 2022. They said domestic violence is a major driver of violent crime, accounting for about 48% of person offenses over a six-year period, and is linked to significant shares of homicides, sex crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault. They also said reported incidents and arrests have risen in recent years, that protective-order violations and convictions have increased, and that Kentucky ranks near the bottom among surrounding states in the share of victim compensation for domestic-violence-related claims. Law enforcement survey results showed strong adoption of model policies and guidance, but limited use of screening tools for serious injury risk. The presenters emphasized that domestic violence also places heavy demands on law enforcement, courts, and corrections, citing roughly 30,000 law-enforcement responses in 2022 and noting that more than a third of people entering DOC custody and nearly a third under supervision had DV-related histories. They said a small group of repeat offenders drives ongoing harm and that targeted interventions could reduce recidivism. They highlighted a North Carolina example in which focused intervention reduced IPV-related homicides and calls for service, and they referenced Kentucky’s 2020 assessment recommendations on training, language access, protective-order service, and coordination with victim services and batterer intervention providers. They estimated that a 25% reduction in reported DV incidents could prevent nearly 5,000 victimizations annually and reduce DOC commitments and costs substantially. Committee members asked about the relationship between civil domestic violence petitions and companion criminal cases, and the presenters said they would check whether the data could answer that question. Members also discussed recent Kentucky legislation, including Senate Bill 319 on crime victims compensation and House Bill 38, which made a third domestic violence offense a Class D felony. Several members thanked the presenters and advocates, and one member raised concerns about service of process and recent violent incidents involving domestic violence-related warrants, prompting discussion of dedicated service units in larger jurisdictions and the resource limits faced by smaller agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, thank you for the opportunity to lay out House Concurrent Resolution 12.
• House Bill 3096 will be reported favorably to the full Senate.
• Another bill, another house bill.
• As such, House Concurrent Resolution designates Carthage as the official country music capital of Texas
• I am here to speak in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 29 by Representative Janie Lopez. currently

Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93, HCR12, HCR6

Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Ma'am, to act on a resolution. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Please ask the clerk to report House Resolution 43
• >> Ma'am, to act on a resolution. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Please ask the clerk to report House Resolution 43
• House Joint Resolution 46, Representative Truit, a joint resolution designating the Gerald Combmes Memorial
• House Joint federal budget. and House Joint Resolution<00:38:59.839> 46,<00:39:00.560> Representative
• 454; to families and children: House Bill 460; to health services: House Bills 2 and 466. resolutions

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:45 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20 Report of Committees 07:05 Orders of the Day 08:23 HB 214 08:33 HB 416 12:26 HB 281 16:20 HB 134 18:13 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15 ConC/Rules Report 42:29 Floor Amendments 44:27 Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14 Adjournment 46:40, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills. The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv81nAVCqiQ, 2026-07-02T01:23:15+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 0:45 - SB2686 28:25 - SB2687 38:00 - SB 2958 39:00 - SB 3033 43:45 - SB 3034 46:46 - SB 3036 49:00 - SB 3037 50:40 - SB 3159 59:20 - SB 3350 1:08:40 - DM JDC 9:30 AM Hearing Notice: JDC 9:30 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_02-15-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnVlQw0NR1A, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:40 Intro 01:14 SB 277 Discussion 02:17 SB 277 Roll Call Vote 06:20 SB 226 Discussion 07:10 SB 226 Roll Call Vote 13:53 SB 192 Discussion 14:29 SB 192 Roll Call Vote 17:28 SR 46 Discussion 17:57 SR 46 Roll Call Vote 24:55, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLxM5b9hjzU, 2026-07-02T01:22:57+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2025/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDN-ECD_02-13-25_.PDF 8:53 - Introduction 9:11 - HB 714, HD1 22:12 - Decision Making on HB 714, HD1 24:56 - HB 133, HD1 39:53 - HB 1234 1:15:32 - HB 1210 1:32:20 - HB 622 1:32:59 - HB 864, HD1 1:34:09 - HB 1065 1:35:18 - HB 1066 1:37:33 - HB 867, HD1 1:44:46 - HB 89, HD1 1:47:08 - HB 1437 1:56:03 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MISAwB7PQs8, 2026-07-02T01:22:49+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL_01-30-24_.PDF 8:52 - Introduction 10:14 - HB1627 13:14 - HB1918 14:57 - HB1901 21:40 - HB1928 33:23 - HB1529 44:37 - HB1544 46:53 - HB1900 47:42 - HB1781 49:16 - HB2724 50:54 - HB1902 52:20 - HB1835 53:02 - HB1930 53:32 - HB2611 58:17 - HB1922 59:24 - HB2473 1:12:38 - HB1592 1:14:12 - HB1581 1:17:56 - HB1841 1:20:22 - HB2174 1:23:01 - HB1948 1:53:40 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFe_nGH4CKs, 2026-07-02T01:22:39+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_CMV_03-23-22_.PDF 19:07 - Introduction 19:29 - SB2091 SD1 34:30 - SB2305 35:16 - SB3087 SD1 HD1 36:13 - Decision Making Followed by 10:30AM Agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_CMV_03-23-22_2_.pdf 1:19:25 - Introduction 1:19:46 - HCR8 / HR5 1:20:32 - HCR12 / HR10 1:25:41 - HCR16 / HR15 1:30:25 - HCR57 / HR51 1:31:20 - HCR91 / HR85 1:33:50 - HR95 1:36:02 - HR182 1:59:32 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you served in the House and that committee, and we're happy to have you serving with us in the
• This bill would provide that conflict resolution training will be provided for our kids in high school
• They don't have any understanding of how to deal with conflicts and resolutions. So...
• To deal with conflicts and resolution, the end result is to grab a gun or to do something.
• Well, I teach my kid conflict resolution.

Bills: SB140, HB102, SB133, SB34

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, dual enrollment, high school, community college, university, educational access, high school credit, juvenile court, juvenile delinquency, school notification, student safety, K-12, public schools, private schools, superintendent, principal

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair lays out the following resolution, the Secretary will read the resolution.
• I read the resolution.
• The resolution is adopted. 478 479 Chair lays out the following resolution.
• I should clap. 606 Following resolution. Secretary, read the resolution.
• Current resolution 20 by Zaffirini granting either house of the legislature permission to adjourn for

Bills: SB 26, SJR 36, SB 26, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SR 109, SR 122, SR 126, SR 130, SR 136, SR 137, SR 141, SR 142, SCR 20

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the Committee on Rules, House Joint Resolution number 8 by Representative Daniels mourns William
• Also, House Joint Resolution number 16 by Representative Faulkner mourns the death of William.
• Also, House Joint Resolution number 28 by Representative Lawrence commends John Clyde Rigs.
• Also, House Joint Resolution number 53 by Representative Sells commends Alice Pack.
• Also, House Joint Resolution number 59 by Representative Stadthagen congratulates Randall Shed. Mr.

Bills: SB 26, SJR 36, SB 26, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SR 109, SR 122, SR 126, SR 130, SR 136, SR 137, SR 141, SR 142, SCR 20

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Transcript Highlights:

• House Joint Resolution 42, stalking. and House Joint Resolution 42, Representative<01:38:35.280>
• <01:46:03.840> and<01:46:04.080> resolutions<01:46:04.639> to Thank you, Mr.
• >> House<01:46:26.719> floor<01:46:26.960> amendment<01:46:27.280> one<01:
• 46:27.520> to<01:46:27.679> House<01:46:27.920> Bill >> House floor amendment
• Without<01:46:46.159> objection,<01:46:46.560> the<01:46:46.719> House<01:46:46.960

Keywords: Convene 00:00:00 Senate Message 00:04:59 Orders of the Day 00:06:19 Recess 00:06:38 Reconvene 01:11:12 HB 306 01:11:42 HB 34 01:14:19 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 01:16:25 Rep. Petrie Statements on Budget 01:16:42 Motions, Petitions, and Communications continued 01:23:50 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:36:28 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 01:38:52 ConC/Rules Report 01:45:18 Floor Amendments 01:46:21 Adjournment 01:46:32, 958, all

Summary: The House convened on the 14th legislative day after winter weather closures, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 27, 30, 40, and 76 and requested concurrence. The chamber also suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and later recessed briefly for caucus and for meetings of the committee on committees and the rules committee. Two bills were taken up and passed on the floor. House Bill 306, relating to criminal trespass, was explained as a workplace-safety measure that would define disruptive or threatening behavior in workplaces and increase penalties for repeat offenses; it passed 83-7. House Bill 34, relating to death benefits, was described as expanding recognized cancers for fire service-related benefits; it passed 92-0. After passage of HB 34, a motion for a clincher was adopted without objection. During announcements, a member from Todd outlined the newly filed branch budget bills and said the executive budget would be a scaled-back, “bare-bones” operational budget focused on restraining spending growth and inviting more public review through budget subcommittees. The House also adopted a citation honoring Notre Dame Academy and Catholic Schools Week, heard an announcement about hearing screenings by the Kentucky Academy of Audiology, and received a lengthy floor speech marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day before adopting House Resolution 30 without objection. At the end of the session, new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on lactation consultation, Medicaid waivers, a child tax credit, postsecondary employment, long-term care, court security officers, prisoner monitoring devices, administrative regulations, the state budget, transportation, legislative and judicial appropriations, stalking, and memorial overpasses. The committee on committees referred several bills to standing committees, the rules committee posted House Bills 56, 214, 281, and 366 for the next day, a floor amendment to House Bill 320 was reported, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQvxObAaZ_o, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:16 HB 506 Discussion: 01:37 HB 506 Roll Call Vote: 06:59 HB 401 Discussion: 08:46 HB 401 Roll Call Vote: 09:56 HB 329 Discussion: 10:56 HB 329 Roll Call Vote: 13:12 HB 522 Discussion: 14:18 HB 522 Roll Call Vote: 15:09 SR 135 Discussion: 16:46 SR 136 Discussion: 25:54, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tLyC7Za0QY, 2026-07-02T01:23:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:39 - HB 90 08:46 - HB 91 HD1 22:04 - HB 93 23:22 - HB 97 HD1 35:39 - HB 99 37:27 - HB 130 HD1 38:28 - HB 137 HD1 43:15 - HB 138 46:12 - HB 140 47:44 - HB 142 49:29 - DM JDC 10:00 AM Hearing Notice: JDC 10:00 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_03-09-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s7yN79BKo0, 2026-07-02T01:22:32+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDN-HET_03-16-21_.HTM 6:39 - Introduction 7:44 - SB245, SD1 11:00 - SB1271, SD2 22:21 - SB813 26:12 - SB814, SD 1 28:36 - SB815, SD 2 44:14 - SB702, SD 2 45:28 - SB76, SD 2 51:15 - SD516, SD 1 54:29 - SD807, SD 2 1:28:24 - SB1004 1:33:01 - SB144, SD 2 1:33:38 - SB804, SD 1 1:46:48 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• First on our agenda is House Bill today.
• <00:02:31.120> District represent the 74th House District represent the 74th House District
• This committee has passed it the House.
• > reported<00:25:04.480> with >> House Bill 226 is reported with >> House Bill
• <00:28:15.120> with House Bill 258 is reported with House Bill 258 is reported with favorable

Keywords: 00:20 Roll Call 01:56 HB 7 13:46 HB 7 Vote 17:54 HB 226 24:05 HB 226 Vote 25:13 HB 258 27:13 HB 258 Vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met for its second meeting of the 2026 session and first took up House Bill 7, sponsored by Representative Hale, which would allow school districts to install stop-arm camera systems on school buses to enforce civil penalties against drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. Hale said the bill had passed the House before, described widespread violations and the danger to children, and outlined the bill’s provisions, including public warning signs, privacy protections, and fines of $300 for a first offense and $500 thereafter. Supporters cited child safety and personal experiences with school-bus-related incidents, while one member opposed the bill on the grounds that it relied too heavily on technology instead of a human officer. The committee then voted and reported HB 7 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 226, sponsored by Representative Bratcher, which would redirect the $5 fee from Kentucky National Guard specialty license plates from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to the Kentucky National Guard Association. Bratcher and National Guard representatives said the change would send roughly under $15,000 a year to support readiness, mobilization, and professional development for serving Guard members, and argued that specialty plate revenue should go to the organization tied to the plate. Representative Donworth raised concerns about taking money from the veterans trust fund and suggested a direct budget allocation instead, but the sponsor said the amount was small and that the current arrangement did not return the funds to the Guard. The committee voted to report HB 226 favorably. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Representative Payne, as amended by a committee substitute. The bill raises the weight limit for hauling milk from 80,000 to 90,000 pounds and clarifies that the rule applies to both state and federal highways, based on federal treatment of milk as a non-divisible product. After the substitute was adopted, the committee approved the bill, and HB 258 was reported favorably with the committee substitute attached.

Transcript Highlights:

• :07.040> in<00:46:07.200> traffic<00:46:07.599> at<00:46:07.760> a<00:46:
• <00:46:12.319> I<00:46:12.480> I<00:46:12.800> believe<00:46:12.960> in
• So, um um feel<00:46:19.599> free<00:46:19.760> to<00:46:20.000> to<00:46:20.480
• > get<00:46:20.720> with<00:46:20.880> me<00:46:21.040> on<00:46:21.200><
• With<00:46:27.680> that<00:46:27.839> being<00:46:28.000> said,<00:46:28.480>

Keywords: 01:09 Roll Call 02:11 SB 7 12:42 SB 7 Vote 13:48 SB 30 17:26 SB 30 Vote 19:56 SB 28 46:35 SB 28 vote, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 regular session, welcomed new member Senator Gary Clemens and an intern, established a quorum, and took up several bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Aaron Reid, would let counties voluntarily handle driver’s license renewals and duplicates locally through county clerks, circuit clerks, sheriffs, or county judge/executive offices, with a $25 convenience fee retained locally and interlocal agreements allowed. Reid said the bill was meant to address long travel distances, long lines, and delays, especially in rural areas, and emphasized it was not a mandate or an unfunded requirement. Senators asked about fraud, local interest, and stakeholder views; Reid said the bill would not directly change fraud but would increase local accountability, and he said most agencies were neutral or supportive. The committee reported SB 7 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation on a roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 30, also sponsored by Senator Greg Elkins, a cleanup bill for the Motor Vehicle Commission that would allow restricted funds from license fees to carry forward from one fiscal year to the next instead of lapsing. Elkins said the change would let the commission use its own fee revenue for operations in future years, and the chair noted the commission’s work on dealer regulation and lemon law cases. Senator Burke asked what happened to the money under current law and whether there would be a cap on accumulation; Elkins said the bill would simply allow carryforward and did not set a cap. The committee approved SB 30 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation. Finally, Vice Chair Douglas introduced Senate Bill 28, a hands-free/distracted driving bill sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon. Higdon said the measure was revised from prior versions to address concerns raised last year and would prohibit drivers from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving, while still allowing hands-free use, navigation, emergency reporting, and certain device functions. He cited safety research, support from advocates, and the death of Kimberly Burns in a distracted-driving crash as motivation for the bill. The proposal also included enforcement limits, a $100 fine, no license points, signage at highway entry points, and distribution of fine revenue to trauma and veterans-related funds. The transcript cuts off during Higdon’s presentation before any committee questions or action on SB 28 are shown.