Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:08.000><c> So,</c><00:49:08.240><c> Chair</c><00:49:08.480><c> Fischer</c><00:49:08.800><c
• &gt;&gt; Uh,<00:49:10.640><c> thank</c><00:49:10.720><c> you</c><00:49:10.960><c> committee</c><00:49
• you committee for the opportunity<00:49:11.680><c> to</c><00:49:11.839><c> present</c><00:49:12.079>
• I hope it<00:49:12.880><c> will</c><00:49:13.040><c> become</c><00:49:13.280><c> part</c><00:49:13.440
• ><c> would</c><00:49:14.960><c> renew</c><00:49:15.280><c> my</c><00:49:15.440><c> motion</c><00:49:15.599

Bills: HF4210 , HF4212 , HF4549 , HF4464 , HF4546 , HF4447

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• :22.240><c> out</c><00:49:22.480><c> with</c><00:49:23.040><c> uh</c><00:49:23.200><c> with</c><00:49
• :25.839><c> we</c><00:49:26.480><c> uh</c><00:49:26.720><c> we</c><00:49:27.040><c> took</c><00:49:27.280
• ><c> we</c><00:49:28.880><c> did</c><00:49:29.040><c> all</c><00:49:29.280><c> the</c><00:49:29.920><
• :49:32.160><c> then</c><00:49:32.400><c> we</c><00:49:32.559><c> had</c><00:49:32.800><c> therapists<
• uh</c><00:49:34.800><c> at</c><00:49:35.280><c> one</c><00:49:35.599><c> point</c><00:49:35.839><c>

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services heard Senate Bill 18, a bill described by the sponsor and podiatry witnesses as a modernization of Kentucky’s podiatry laws. The bill would recognize and regulate podiatric assistants, podiatric residents, and supervising podiatrists; allow podiatrists to supervise physician assistants in podiatry practices with approval from the relevant licensing boards; require new podiatrists licensed after January 1, 2027 to complete at least two years of residency; and extend disciplinary authority to the new categories. Witnesses said the measure would improve access to foot and ankle care, especially in rural areas, without expanding scope of practice. The Kentucky Medical Association was said to be neutral after working on the language with the sponsors. Committee members raised concerns about the meaning of “supervision,” whether it required direct or indirect oversight, and whether the bill could broaden billing or coding privileges. Dr. Roberts said supervision could mean direct supervision or indirect supervision, including being available by telephone, and noted the bill mirrors language used in allopathic PA supervision. He also said the bill would not change office staff billing roles and that podiatric assistants would not bill separately. Several senators said they supported moving the bill forward but remained concerned about workforce, cost, and scope creep. The committee adopted a committee substitute, then voted on the bill. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression. After the vote, the committee moved on to a presentation on outpatient pediatric therapies, where providers described Medicaid reimbursement pressures, workforce turnover, and long waiting lists for children’s therapy services, but no action was taken on that presentation in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :49:01.679><c> do,</c><01:49:02.239><c> and</c><01:49:02.480><c> I</c><01:49:02.719><c> appreciate</c
• </c><01:49:05.280><c> I</c><01:49:05.520><c> think</c><01:49:05.600><c> you</c><01:49:05.840><c> know
• </c><01:49:06.719><c> So,</c><01:49:06.880><c> if</c><01:49:07.119><c> you</c><01:49:07.280><c> will<
• &gt;&gt; Please<01:49:17.280><c> raise</c><01:49:17.520><c> your</c><01:49:17.760><c> right</c><01:49
• You about to give<01:49:20.719><c> the</c><01:49:20.880><c> truth,</c><01:49:21.040><c> the</c><01:49

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Austin Reid of the National Conference of State Legislatures on education-related provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Reid said the law is projected to increase the federal deficit over 10 years, with major savings coming from Medicaid, student loan changes, and SNAP. He focused on how those changes could affect schools, including possible effects on free and reduced-price meal certification, state funding formulas that use SNAP as a proxy for low-income status, and Medicaid-funded school services for students with disabilities. Reid also outlined the new federal scholarship tax credit, which gives a dollar-for-dollar credit for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. He said families up to 300% of area median income may benefit, the program begins in 2027, and states must opt in and designate eligible organizations. He noted unresolved questions about whether states can add their own criteria and said Treasury regulations will be important. He also described the expansion of 529 plans to cover more K-12 and postsecondary expenses. On higher education, Reid explained a new workforce Pell grant option for short-term programs, with states and governors playing a role in determining eligible programs. He said the programs must meet placement, completion, and earnings measures and that implementation is expected to be tight before the July 1, 2026 effective date. He also reviewed student loan changes, including lower institutional loan limits, prorated borrowing for part-time enrollment, new caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and a new earnings-based accountability standard that could make some programs ineligible for student loans if graduates earn too little. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So um then<00:49:05.280><c> I'll</c><00:49:05.440><c> switch</c><00:49:05.599><c> to</c><00:49:05.760
• </c><00:49:07.040><c> I</c><00:49:07.200><c> apologize</c><00:49:07.599><c> with</c><00:49:07.680><c>
• </c><00:49:09.280><c> Um</c><00:49:10.000><c> so</c><00:49:10.480><c> in</c><00:49:10.640><c> one</c>
• It's<00:49:13.040><c> a</c><00:49:13.119><c> two</c><00:49:13.359><c> two-stage</c><00:49:13.920><c>
• Um<00:49:15.280><c> at</c><00:49:15.440><c> that</c><00:49:15.520><c> time</c><00:49:15.680><c> it</c

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:36.160><c> this</c><00:49:36.319><c> amendment</c><00:49:36.720><c> and</c><00:49:36.880><c
• :49:41.839><c> get</c><00:49:41.920><c> what</c><00:49:42.079><c> they</c><00:49:42.240><c> want</c><
• and get<00:49:42.720><c> it</c><00:49:42.880><c> off</c><00:49:43.040><c> the</c><00:49:43.200><c> Senate
• ><c> we</c><00:49:46.880><c> hear</c><00:49:47.119><c> before</c><00:49:47.359><c> we</c><00:49:47.599
• </c><02:49:51.200><c> And</c><02:49:51.359><c> I</c><02:49:51.680><c> think,</c><02:49:52.240><c> you

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:04.640><c> The</c><00:49:04.880><c> two</c><00:49:05.040><c> largest</c> and agriculture.
• </c><00:49:10.480><c> and</c><00:49:10.720><c> 2023.
• ><c> vehicles</c><00:49:17.280><c> that</c><00:49:17.520><c> we</c><00:49:17.680><c> use</c><00:49:17.839
• 00:49:22.000><c> has</c><00:49:22.240><c> seen</c><00:49:22.400><c> about</c><00:49:22.640><c> a</c><
• <00:49:23.920><c> and</c><00:49:24.160><c> the</c><00:49:24.319><c> largest</c><00:49:24.640><c> sources

Bills: HF3556

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• 49:23.839><c> on</c><00:49:24.280><c> is</c><00:49:25.280><c> more</c><00:49:25.520><c> and</c><00:49
• :49:01.520><c> it</c><01:49:01.679><c> is</c><01:49:02.159><c> um</c><01:49:02.960><c> gives</c> and
• 01:49:03.480><c> idea</c><01:49:03.760><c> where</c><01:49:03.880><c> we</c><01:49:04.000><c> need</c
• ><01:49:04.119><c> to</c><01:49:04.239><c> be</c><01:49:04.400><c> and</c><01:49:04.520><c> with</c>
• um</c><01:49:05.159><c> Mr</c><01:49:05.480><c> chair</c><01:49:06.159><c> um</c><01:49:06.840><c> take

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:49:25.480><c> would</c><00:49:25.680><c> also</c><00:49:25.880><c> like</c><00:49:26.040><c> to
• </c><00:49:26.280><c> add</c><00:49:26.920><c> that</c><00:49:27.720><c> um</c><00:49:28.200><c> we</
• we have um<00:49:29.200><c> we</c><00:49:29.319><c> were</c><00:49:29.599><c> the</c><00:49:29.720><
• 00:49:34.400><c> we</c><00:49:34.720><c> were</c><00:49:34.960><c> so</c><00:49:35.240><c> happy</c><
• we<00:49:35.720><c> wouldn't</c><00:49:36.000><c> have</c><00:49:36.119><c> to</c><00:49:36.240><c>

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1046 SD1 on condominiums. Testimony on that bill focused on reserve funding and enforcement of reserve study requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would create hardship, confusion, and be difficult to administer, while also urging stronger penalties for boards that fail to comply with reserve study rules. The Real Estate Commission offered comments, and one testifier spoke in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee then heard SB 532 SD2 HD1 relating to the Department of Education, which would improve access to pre-approved medications for students with health conditions at school and during off-campus activities. The Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing and medical programs, and the Department of Education all supported the measure, with DOH suggesting amendments to better identify the correct student and improve medication safety. Members had no questions, and the bill moved on. Next was SB 1245 SD2 HD1 relating to pharmacists, a bill to allow reimbursement for clinical services pharmacists are already trained and licensed to provide. The University of Hawaiʻi, Board of Pharmacy, Walgreens, Mikai Drugs, and the Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association supported the bill, emphasizing improved access to care, recruitment and retention of pharmacists, and better chronic disease management. The Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association also discussed proposed amendments to prevent plans from denying coverage or network participation when pharmacists meet credentialing requirements. Members questioned whether insurers would actually use pharmacists and how the bill would affect pay and contracting; no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 1279 SD2 HD1, another pharmacists bill focused on telepharmacy and 340B-related issues. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported it, saying telehealth could reduce costs and avoid travel for audits, while the Board of Pharmacy opposed it. Lānaʻi representatives opposed the bill and asked for an exemption, arguing the island already has close in-person access to a resident pharmacist and clinics. The Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association supported the measure, citing large patient savings from 340B pricing, while Mikai Drugs opposed it, arguing that mail-order and telepharmacy are not necessary on some islands and can create delivery and medication-safety problems. Members asked questions about insurer participation, scope of practice, and whether the bill would meaningfully change reimbursement; the transcript ends before any final action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:37.680><c> Um</c><00:49:38.160><c> but</c><00:49:38.720><c> that</c><00:49:40.000><c> oh</
• whatever</c><00:49:49.599><c> just</c><00:49:50.400><c> say</c><00:49:50.640><c> that</c><00:49:50.880
• check<00:49:54.800><c> and</c><00:49:55.040><c> therefore</c><00:49:55.440><c> you're</c><00:49:55.599
• 56.720><c> we</c><00:49:56.960><c> do</c><00:49:57.040><c> that</c><00:49:57.200><c> all</c><00:49:57.359
• And so the order<05:49:08.638><c> from</c><05:49:08.878><c> the</c><05:49:09.120><c> public</c><05:49

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:10.920><c> can</c><00:49:11.119><c> ever</c><00:49:11.440><c> fully</c><00:49:11.839><c> make
• up for<00:49:12.920><c> the</c><00:49:13.040><c> taking</c><00:49:13.359><c> of</c><00:49:13.559><c>
• <00:49:16.319><c> much</c><00:49:16.559><c> can</c><00:49:16.720><c> be</c><00:49:16.880><c> said</c>
• 49:27.920><c> whomever</c><00:49:28.359><c> would</c><00:49:28.799><c> listen</c><00:49:29.799><c> over
• :49:41.799><c> has</c><00:49:41.960><c> been</c><00:49:42.079><c> a</c><00:49:42.240><c> devout</c><00

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is a charge<00:49:12.640><c> there</c><00:49:12.800><c> is</c><00:49:12.960><c> a</c><00:49:
• All<00:49:17.760><c> right</c><00:49:18.079><c> thank</c><00:49:18.240><c> you.
• </c><00:49:19.520><c> All</c><00:49:19.599><c> right.
• <00:49:22.480><c> I</c><00:49:22.720><c> have</c><00:49:22.800><c> a</c><00:49:23.680><c> director.
• </c><00:49:26.000><c> Thank</c><00:49:26.079><c> you,</c><00:49:26.319><c> Mr.

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 49:01.079><c> but</c><00:49:01.240><c> you</c><00:49:01.319><c> can</c><00:49:01.480><c> give</c> we
• c><00:49:02.359><c> information</c><00:49:03.359><c> maybe</c><00:49:03.599><c> Mr</c><00:49:03.880><
• Mr Gates can send<00:49:04.640><c> it</c><00:49:04.880><c> over</c><00:49:05.280><c> sure</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:07.240><c> branch</c><00:49:07.559><c> has</c><00:49:07.720><c> it</c><00:49:08.160><c> I<
• I just requested<00:49:08.960><c> it</c><00:49:09.160><c> thanks</c><00:49:09.640><c> thank</c><00:49

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:50.920><c> and</c><00:49:51.200><c> and</c><00:49:51.400><c> they're</c><00:49:51.559><c> not<
• <00:49:54.960><c> they'll</c><00:49:55.280><c> pass</c><00:49:55.559><c> through</c><00:49:56.839><c>
• :49:38.760><c> the</c><01:49:38.840><c> DMV</c><01:49:39.280><c> rule</c><01:49:39.599><c> set</c><01
• <01:49:51.239><c> that</c><01:49:51.400><c> we</c><01:49:51.560><c> offer</c><01:49:52.480><c> uh</c>
• 49:57.599><c> you</c><01:49:57.719><c> to</c><01:49:57.920><c> take</c><01:49:58.679><c> um</c><01:49

Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , division<00:49:11.839><c> of</c><00:49:12.000><c> risks</c><00:49:12.319><c> and</c><00:49:12.559><
• </c> Yeah,<00:49:27.599><c> I</c><00:49:27.920><c> noticed</c><00:49:28.400><c> that</c><00:49:28.960
• ><c> um</c> there<00:49:32.240><c> were</c><00:49:32.640><c> modest</c><00:49:33.359><c> increases,</
• ><c> modest</c><00:49:36.319><c> increases</c><00:49:37.680><c> in</c><00:49:37.920><c> the</c><00:49
• :41.200><c> premium</c><00:49:41.839><c> cost,</c><00:49:43.040><c> but</c><00:49:43.440><c> nearly</

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> 10</c><00:49:01.839><c> points</c><00:49:02.160><c> as</c><00:49:02.319><c> well.
• That<00:49:04.720><c> process</c><00:49:05.200><c> wraps</c><00:49:05.440><c> up</c><00:49:05.599><c>
• ><c> we</c><00:49:09.119><c> are</c><00:49:09.359><c> we</c><00:49:09.680><c> are</c><00:49:09.839><c
• are taking time this<00:49:11.040><c> month</c><00:49:11.280><c> to</c><00:49:11.520><c> be</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:14.400><c> um</c><00:49:14.559><c> new</c><00:49:14.880><c> to</c><00:49:15.040><c> this</

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote on final passage is 49 ayes, 0 nays.
• The vote on final passage is 49 ayes and 0 nays.
• The vote on final passage is 49 yeas, 0 nays.
• The vote on final passage is 49 yeas, 0 nays.
• The vote on final passage is I's 49. Nay, zero.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session. On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage. Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education. In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 49 will now allow for that appeal to occur.
• All of these witnesses were in favor of the changes provided in H. 49.
• H. 49 will now allow for that appeal to occur.
• All of these witnesses were in favor of the changes provided in H. 49.
• H. 49 will now allow for that appeal to occur.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560><c> stay</c><00:49:00.840><c> in</c><00:49:01.000><c> the</c><00:49:01.120><c> state</c><00:49
• It<00:49:02.280><c> does</c><00:49:02.440><c> not</c><00:49:03.000><c> save</c><00:49:03.360><c> the<
• /c><00:49:03.480><c> state</c><00:49:03.800><c> or</c><00:49:03.920><c> cost</c><00:49:04.280><c> the
• arguing</c><00:49:11.160><c> on</c><00:49:11.400><c> bills</c><00:49:11.680><c> in</c><00:49:11.800><
• </c><00:49:14.040><c> on</c><00:49:14.480><c> on</c><00:49:14.640><c> fiscal</c><00:49:14.960><c> note

Transcript Highlights:

• . it was<00:49:02.000><c> how</c><00:49:02.160><c> do</c><00:49:02.319><c> I</c><00:49:02.480><c> make
• </c><00:49:02.640><c> sure</c><00:49:02.800><c> that</c><00:49:02.960><c> I</c><00:49:03.200><c> keep
• I keep those entrusted<00:49:04.720><c> to</c><00:49:04.880><c> me</c><00:49:05.040><c> and</c><00:49
• Um something<00:49:07.200><c> I</c><00:49:07.520><c> never</c><00:49:07.839><c> want</c><00:49:08.079
• </c><00:49:11.359><c> Um</c><00:49:12.079><c> and</c><00:49:12.559><c> my</c><00:49:12.880><c> wife</

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:01.359><c> Chairman,</c><00:49:01.680><c> I'll</c><00:49:01.839><c> take</c><00:49:01.920>
• Chairman, I'll take a stab at it.<00:49:02.720><c> Um,</c><00:49:03.359><c> your</c><00:49:03.599><c>
• question in regards to the billing addresses,<00:49:06.079><c> that</c><00:49:06.319><c> is</c><00:49
• 07.760><c> true</c><00:49:08.000><c> concern</c><00:49:08.400><c> across</c><00:49:09.599><c> pretty<
• </c><00:49:11.359><c> Now,</c><00:49:11.839><c> you</c><00:49:12.079><c> made</c><00:49:12.240><c> a<

Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001

Committee: House Appropriations