Transcript Highlights:

• For the human development centers? That was DDS, yes, sir.
• For the human development centers? Yes. That was DDS, yes, sir.
• This is for dental services with the Arkadelphia Human Development Center.
• This is for psychology services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center.
• This is physician services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center.

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• "For the human development centers?" "That was DDS. How many people does it..."
• "For the human development centers. Yes, that was DDS.
• This is for dental services with the Arkadelphia Human Development Center.
• This is physician services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center.
• This is physician services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome you to the first meeting of the House Standing Committee on Economic Development
• Uh, first item on the agenda is House Bill 577, an act relating to economic development.
• This bill modernizes Kentucky's economic development statutes to better support early stage and high
• So we were a little surprised that there didn't seem to be a lot of interest to develop that plan.
• <00:13:56.079> that a lot of interest um um to develop that a lot of interest um um to develop

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll call: 01:22 HB 577 discussion: 03:04 HB 577 vote: 05:26 HB 392 discussion: 06:55 HB 392 vote: 09:54 HCR 16 discussion: 11:00 HCR 16 vote: 14:07, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met for its first meeting, reviewed housekeeping procedures, and established a quorum. The committee first considered House Bill 577, relating to economic development. The bill sponsor and a representative from Blue North said it would modernize Kentucky’s economic development statutes to better support startups and high-growth companies, rename the innovation center program as the Kentucky Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub program, clarify statutory definitions, expand the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, allow certain out-of-state companies to qualify if they commit to becoming Kentucky-based within 180 days, and broaden the angel investment program to include pass-through entities. The committee approved HB 577 with a favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 392, relating to local public agency transactions, and adopted a committee substitute negotiated with stakeholders including the Kentucky Press Association and the Kentucky Association of General Contractors. The sponsor said the substitute removed the original bill’s best value and reciprocal bidder provisions, lowered the small purchase threshold from $60,000 to $50,000, and would increase that threshold by $10,000 every five years to account for inflation. It would also allow local governments to use certain state contracts with price ranges, permit independent evaluation of some small non-evaluative equipment, and exempt law enforcement vehicles and related equipment from procurement code requirements. HB 392, as amended by committee substitute, passed with a favorable expression. House Concurrent Resolution 16 was then heard. The sponsor, who had co-chaired the Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force, said the task force held six meetings and heard from airports, aviation and education stakeholders, logistics companies, and others. She said the group found there was no real strategic plan for advanced air mobility and recommended that state agencies study infrastructure needs and that the General Assembly develop a strategic plan and legislation for AAM vehicles. Members discussed airport and drone-related issues, and the resolution passed with a favorable expression. Finally, House Bill 593, relating to data centers, was announced but passed over for a later hearing, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT REQUIRES HOSPITALS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO PEDIATRIC PATIENT
• BACK IN THE 2012 TIMEFRAME WE ARE IN A DEEP LEARNING OF AI DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, AND THE
• I AM VERY PROUD OF THE TRAINING WE ARE CURRENTLY SUPPORTING AND WE ARE ALSO DEVELOPING TO SUPPORT.
• SOME OF THE OTHER USE CASES AS WAS MENTIONED WE HAVE USED IT FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT.
• ALSO WE RECENTLY FUNDED BY THE MACY JUNIOR FOUNDATION TO DEVELOP A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK IS ANOTHER WAY

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, good morning everyone, and welcome to the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth
• Development Board also known as Celico. Today I am here on behalf of Executive Director Ms.
• She wasn't able to come, but I want to take the opportunity through workforce development.
• He's worked with me on operations, marketing, website development.
• I also serve as a part-time consultant for the Los Angeles Mall Development Center.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:25.440> these recognized as a in developing these recognized as a in developing these
• They've worked development messaging.
• <00:26:26.720> and business economic development and business economic development and tourism
• <00:26:30.400> this feedback as they are developing this feedback as they are developing this
• Development. Development.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:58 Putting Young Kentuckians to Work: First Year Update 00:04:06 Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative 00:21:59 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership 00:57:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October minutes, and heard first a progress report on the state-funded “Putting Young Kentuckians to Work” initiative. Workforce leaders from Cumberland Workforce Development Board and Kentucky Works said the HB 1 funding has allowed them to contract with all 10 workforce boards and build new pipelines with high schools, area technology centers, school districts, and community and technical colleges. They reported an end-of-year goal of 3,600 job placements, with 218 placements reported as of October 2025 and enrollment numbers continuing to rise. Testimony emphasized that the program is aimed at disconnected youth and high school seniors, that federal WIOA funds are too limited to support this work alone, and that the flexible state funding has enabled short-term training and placements in fields such as welding, CDL, and CNA. Members asked about barriers to implementation, wage levels, and services for students with disabilities; presenters said the main challenge was building school relationships and that wage growth should improve as students gain more skills and credentials. The committee then received an update on the Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative. Representatives from Greater Louisville Inc. and Commerce Lexington explained that the General Assembly previously provided $250,000 for a consultant to develop a statewide talent attraction and retention strategy, and that more than 13 organizations across the state support the effort. Development Counsellors International described its research process, including statewide stakeholder engagement, and said the goal is to create a Kentucky talent value proposition that combines job opportunities with quality-of-place messaging. They reported that Kentucky faces a shrinking labor force and a projected national worker shortfall, while internal research found 47% of working-age respondents could consider leaving the state within two years because they are not confident in career opportunities. At the same time, they said 96% of surveyed higher education students would stay if offered a full-time job, and 72% of employers expect to expand staffing in the next two years. The presenters said they are moving from research into messaging and an action plan, and that the strategy should be customized and measurable rather than one-size-fits-all.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:12.480> its<00:16:12.800> own education will develop its own education will
• One in five Americans eventually develop skin cancer from not acquiring everyday sunscreen habits.
• developing SPF habits from a young age. developing SPF habits from a young age.
• Children and teenagers like me in public schools are at major risk for developing skin cancer because
• This will allow them to develop sunscreen habits that they will use for the rest of their lives.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:02 Bills for Consideration: 26RS HB 383: 1:03 26RS HB 469: 6:32 26RS HB 586: 14:46 26RS HB 621: 19:58 Adjournment: 28:32, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met and first considered House Bill 383, which concerns military-connected students with IEPs and 504 plans. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended by a committee substitute and then a committee amendment, is intended to emphasize Kentucky’s priority for military children and to have their existing or new plans adopted within 30 days of arrival to the greatest extent possible, while documenting cases where that is not possible. Members spoke in support, including references to military families who would benefit. The committee adopted the substitute and amendment and then passed HB 383 favorably to the House floor with the committee substitute attached. The committee next heard House Bill 469, which would require school board candidates to undergo a background check and can test before appearing on the ballot. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns about school board access to children and school buildings, and that the cost would be paid by the candidate. Members asked about the criteria for disqualification and the open records exemption; the sponsor said the background check would use existing pass-fail criteria and the records exemption would protect candidates from embarrassment if they failed. The committee passed HB 469 favorably with the committee substitute attached. House Bill 586 was then considered, clarifying that sunscreen is not a medication in schools. The sponsor and a student advocate testified that some districts treat sunscreen as an over-the-counter medication, limiting student use without a provider order, and argued the bill would help prevent sunburn and skin cancer by allowing students to use sunscreen more freely. Members praised the advocacy and asked about the medication issue; the sponsor said the concern came from dermatology stakeholders. The committee passed HB 586 favorably to the House floor. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 621, which would move special education caseload and class-size limits from regulation into statute. The sponsor said the bill responds to proposed Department of Education changes that worried special education teachers, would slightly increase class-size maximums when a paraprofessional is present, and would not affect waiver procedures, preschool caseloads, or speech-language pathologist caseloads. Members asked about the rationale and supporting data for the limits; the sponsor said there are no federal guidelines and the bill was meant to preserve current regulatory numbers. The committee passed HB 621 favorably to the House floor, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• because of my district, but it would be Lincoln Trail Area Development District, Green River Area Development
• the development and proposing the development and implementation<00:19:50.080> of<00:19:50.240
• <00:21:13.679> which three area development districts which three area development districts
• be Lincoln Trail air development be Lincoln Trail air development district.<00:21:19.440> Green
• Green River area development district.

Keywords: 26RS SB 38 Testimony 00:28 26RS SB 38 Roll Call Vote 06:54 26RS SCR 9 Testimony 11:06 26RS SCR 9 Roll Call Vote 32:00 Adjournment 32:49, 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 38, sponsored by Sen. Richardson, which would require Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services already within their legal scope of practice. Richardson and Taylor Williams of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association argued the bill would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, reduce emergency room use, and lower Medicaid costs by using pharmacists as lower-cost providers. Members asked whether the bill’s language simply aligned Medicaid with an earlier commercial parity law, and Richardson confirmed that it did. He also cited prior study work, research articles, and examples such as strep/flu testing and medication therapy management as covered services. The bill passed unanimously, and several members commented in support, including concerns about pharmacy access and the need for pharmacists to remain available to patients. The committee then took up a concurrent resolution sponsored by Sen. Meredith calling for a feasibility study of a proposed new Medicaid delivery model. Meredith argued that Kentucky’s Medicaid spending is growing unsustainably and that current managed care arrangements are not improving outcomes enough. He proposed an accountable community health care organization, described as a locally owned, not-for-profit public-private partnership combining elements of accountable care models, with the goal of reducing bureaucracy, improving outcomes, and lowering costs. He said the study would examine a five-year program and ultimately test the model in five regions, with initial focus on the Lincoln Trail, Green River, and Barren River area development districts. Members asked about the study timeline, vendor costs, rural versus urban impacts, and provider recruitment; Meredith said the resolution would be studied by November and that no fiscal note had been prepared. The resolution passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:42.000> sustainable<00:02:42.480> funding developing sustainable funding developing
• everybody's talent to be developed as absolutely as far as they can go.
• everybody's talent to be developed as absolutely as far as they can go.
• everybody's talent to be developed as absolutely as far as they can go.
• We really need in the state, and we need to develop everybody's talent to be developed as absolutely

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have developed modular model.
• <00:09:57.040> a Minnesota, we are proposing to develop a Minnesota, we are proposing to develop
• support from the renewable development support from the renewable development account.<00:10:21.120
• <00:46:47.040> in uh designed uh and developed in uh designed uh and developed in partnership
• to region five economic development to region five economic development commission<01:18:34.960>

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:26.160> So, development dollars move slower. So, development dollars move slower.
• ,<00:16:19.240> you So, if you're a multi-developer, you So, if you're a multi-developer,
• , the developer, the developer, the<00:17:34.400> project<00:17:34.880> type,<00:17
• <00:18:22.200> and<00:18:22.960> um non-profit developers and um non-profit developers
• <00:21:36.200> got of what single-family developers got of what single-family developers got

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that our, I've heard by their own admission, that AI developers are developing... ...their own
• admission that AI developers are developing and reiterating and iterating while also deploying, which
• We know that our, I've heard by their own admission, that AI developers are developing... ...their own
• admission that AI developers are developing and reiterating and iterating while also deploying, which
• So I see that the bill requires developers to implement measures to So I see that the bill requires developers

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on Commerce and Economic Development? on Commerce and Economic Development?
• and Economic Development Trust Fund. and Economic Development Trust Fund.
• This would be a small step to fulfilling that agenda. develop good public policy to buffer develop good
• <03:07:21.680> has The dam safety program developed has The dam safety program developed has
• of work for the division to develop of work for the division to develop planning<03:14:09.160>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first suspended the rules briefly to make announcements, including welcoming former representative Doug Gage to the gallery. It then returned to House Bill 211 on data brokers and personal information, where the Appropriations Committee explained a $50,000 appropriation to the Secretary of State for a consultant-led study on an accessible deletion mechanism for consumers to delete personal data held by data brokers, with interim and final reports due in 2027 and 2028. The committee reported a 9-0-2 vote in favor, and the House agreed to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee’s amendment and ordered third reading. Floor debate on H. 211 focused heavily on the bill’s deletion and exemption framework. Supporters argued the bill is needed to give Vermonters meaningful control over their data and to prevent data brokers from commingling information for unrelated uses. Opponents warned the bill could conflict with existing federal frameworks such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, and the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, and could make credit, banking, insurance, fraud prevention, and identity verification harder. In response, the sponsor said the bill uses use-case-based exemptions rather than broad entity-level exemptions, noted testimony from banks, insurers, a data broker, a former data broker employee, and the Attorney General, and said no constitutional concerns were raised. The House ultimately adopted the amendment and advanced the bill. After H. 211, the House moved to House Bill 577, establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. Committee reports from Health Care, Ways and Means, and Appropriations were read into the record, and the Colchester member described the bill as a way to lower prescription drug costs by joining the multi-state Array Rx program. The bill would let any Vermont resident obtain a free discount card for FDA-approved prescription drugs, with claimed savings up to 80% on generics and 20% on brand-name drugs. The House then proceeded to second reading on H. 577.

Transcript Highlights:

• > development development where brownfield development development where brownfield development
• Let's develop would like I'm I'm good. Let's develop the<00:35:25.359> list.
• possible, brownfield development where possible, and only then greenfield development.
• sites that could be developed. sites that could be developed.
• process in terms of future development? process in terms of future development?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:18.399> or of Housing and and Urban Development or of Housing and and Urban Development
• related so the intent when we developed related so the intent when we developed the<01:23:21.440
• We had those concerns developing this, and when we developed the language, we were aware of the things
• We had those concerns developing this, and when we developed the language, we were aware of the things
• we spend our resources on developing we spend our resources on developing them<03:31:01.960>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, right now the interstate was going to be commercial development for them, and we've got a bunch
• of the land at one of the major exits that they can't develop commercially. >> Senator, is that the
• because there's not a cleared developed because there's not a cleared up<00:11:23.519> who<00
• for them and and we've got a development for them and and we've got a bunch<00:11:44.399> of<
• exit that they can't develop exit that they can't develop commercially. commercially. commercially

Bills: SB337, HB520, HB75, SB337, HB520, HB75

Keywords: SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, discrimination, immunization, facial coverings, healthcare rights, religious convictions, civil rights, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• Chitten Southeast District, Senator Rahm Hinsdale, for the report of the committee on economic development
• <00:09:52.240> which committee on economic development which committee on economic development
• on economic development. on economic development.
• The question is, shall the resolution be amended as recommended by the Committee on Economic Development
• Are you ready on Economic Development?

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
• Again, Matt Schuller, Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
• Again, Matt Schuller, Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
• VoteCal was developed in response to a federal mandate.
• VoteCal was developed in response to a federal mandate.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, colleagues, please join me in recognizing students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development
• In recognizing students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program as they're standing just
• And historic Lighthouse Point in my district would be overrun with excessive development and instead
• In my district, we responsible development with coastal protection is more important now than ever.
• This will reduce costs for duplicative fees and lower overall development costs.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Court Reporters Board and the California Law Revision Commission, each approved by roll call vote. The chamber then considered SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, public trails, and resilience, while one senator argued the commission can overrule local control and slow development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with broad support focused on survivor advocacy and accountability, and SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, which passed unanimously. Several bills were then approved on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement, SB 930 on encryption for school exam proctoring, SB 917 on winery sales at farmers’ markets, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissals, and SB 969 on remote developmental services. Later, SCR 131 called for an urgent, coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness, emphasizing interim shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Supporters said the state must stop normalizing encampments and better coordinate resources; one senator objected that the resolution did not sufficiently address self-sufficiency or alternatives to housing-first approaches. The resolution passed 34-0. The Senate also adopted SCR 157 honoring school bus drivers, approved the consent calendar, heard committee announcements, and adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, a conservation advocate and longtime executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Transcript Highlights:

• For developers, this has real economic impacts.
• <00:08:05.280> For<00:08:05.599> developers,<00:08:06.319> this<00:08:06.560
• For developers, this has real as well.
• For developers, this has real economic<00:08:07.680> impacts.
• , it may not be manageable for developers, it may not be manageable for them.<00:08:18.879> What

Bills: HB69, HB114, HB161

Keywords: firearms, possession, Class 1 municipalities, criminal penalties, federal law, stolen firearms, prohibited persons, HB114, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, dental board, dental licensing, dentist regulation, professional licensing, occupational licensing, healthcare regulation, licensure board, state agency continuation, agency sunset review