Transcript Highlights:

• I've got timber mills that rely on jobs and the children who rely on the... Sorry, thank you, Mr.
• I've got timber mills that rely on jobs and the children who rely on the I've got timber mills that rely
• on jobs and the children who rely on the food that comes from their parents having jobs in those mills
• client believes that the tribal nations who actively manage their own commercial forest lands or milling
• Tribal nations who actively manage their own commercial forest lands or milling operations share our

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5838, which would add a federally recognized tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner and tribal leaders said the change would bring Indigenous knowledge and a voting voice to decisions on trust lands, while preserving existing tribal consultation. Some county and economic interests said they were not opposed to tribal participation but stressed the board’s fiduciary duty to trust beneficiaries and asked for more review of the board’s purpose; one witness questioned whether the beneficiaries had been consulted. The prime sponsor, Senator Claudia Kaufman, said the bill is about inclusion and equity and indicated openness to an amendment adding both eastside and westside tribal representation. The hearing closed with 142 written comments reported: 33 pro, 107 con, and 2 other. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5960, which would require Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and take predator mitigation actions when populations fall below specified benchmarks. Senator Shelley Short said the bill responds to declining deer and elk numbers and a lack of management, especially in northeast Washington. Supporters argued the bill would codify existing agency plans and restore balance in wildlife management, while opponents—including conservation groups, the Sierra Club, and several scientists and advocates—said the state’s predator-prey study found wolves were not the main driver of ungulate declines, pointing instead to habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions. Ranching and farm groups supported the overall goal but objected to the bill’s in-state wolf translocation provisions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it recognized the bill’s intent but opposed it because some directives were impractical, costly, or would require legislative approval. The hearing closed with 1,197 written comments reported: 843 pro, 352 con, and 2 other. The committee then held a work session on Lake Washington salmon predation. Larry Phillips and Muckleshoot Fisheries Director Jason Schaffler described a coalition effort to reduce predation on juvenile salmon in the Lake Washington system, saying invasive and predatory fish such as walleye, rock bass, American shad, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are harming sockeye and Chinook recovery. They said sockeye returns have fallen from hundreds of thousands to about 18,000 in recent years, ending tribal and sport fisheries, and argued that targeted predator removal, supported by prior state and county funding, could help restore runs. Senators asked about the methods and funding, and the presenters said fishing and netting are being used to suppress larger predatory fish and that more sustained investment is needed. Finally, the committee began public hearing on Senate Bill 1697, which would make federally recognized tribes eligible recipients for county conservation futures funds. Testifiers from the Washington Farmland Trust and the Tulalip Tribe said the bill would expand voluntary conservation partnerships, help tribes steward farmland and habitat, and make it easier to leverage county funds with other grants. They described past projects where tribal participation improved conservation outcomes but said tribes could not directly access conservation futures dollars under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Co-chair Mills. >> I'm here. >> Co-chair Whitten. >> here. Great.
• >> Yes, Senator Mills. Thank you, John. I appreciate the presentation.
• &gt;&gt; Co-chair<00:14:42.399><c> Mills.</c> &gt;&gt; Co-chair Mills. &gt;&gt; Co-chair Mills.
• ,</c><00:48:58.160><c> members</c> Uh, Chair Whitten, Chair Mills, members Uh, Chair Whitten, Chair Mills
• Um, Co-Chair Mills has a question.

Summary: The Kentucky Housing Task Force met and heard first from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which presented findings from a housing study done with the Home Builders Association. The chamber said housing is now a major economic-development issue, citing survey results that 90% of community leaders said their region could not absorb a major job announcement and 66% said housing is holding back Kentucky’s economy. The chamber described Kentucky’s housing shortage, rising home prices, declining permits since 2008, and the need for more production to support growth. It urged policy changes including zoning and land-use reform, tax incentives, regional approaches, and especially a residential infrastructure fund modeled on Indiana’s low-interest loan program to help communities finance roads and other infrastructure needed for new housing. Members asked about the severity of the problem, workforce shortages in permitting and construction, the loan interest rate, repayment, and whether Kentucky could replicate Indiana’s results; the witness said the issue is a crisis and that the program would be a revolving public-private partnership, likely around 3% interest, with implementation details still to be worked out. The Kentucky Bankers Association then testified that the housing gap is especially acute for households at 80% of area median income and below, which it said represents about 70% of Kentucky’s housing need. It emphasized that the shortage affects both urban and rural counties and pointed to examples such as Rowan County, where workers at major employers must commute long distances because local housing is unavailable or unaffordable. The bankers said high interest rates remain a major barrier and proposed a $20 million bank commitment for a revolving fund tied to tax credits to finance new housing, not refinances. They cited Hope of the Midwest as an example of a successful tax-credit housing model with a long track record and no defaults, and said the proposal would leverage public-private partnerships to create new units. Committee members questioned how the proposed fund would compare with industrial revenue bonds and whether it could be structured like Kentucky’s tobacco settlement fund, with seed money, a review board, scoring criteria, and possible population thresholds to ensure smaller communities benefit. The bankers said the proposal would be another tool for cities and counties, specifically tied to residential infrastructure, and that larger cities should not be able to capture all of the resources. No formal votes or actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The old mill building that sat empty for years is now full of artists, shops, and life.
• East Hampton is a little city that was a mill town and is now an artist bastion and a place for music
• that we can do, which is bring new exciting businesses to keep our downtown vibrant and to keep our mills
• East Hampton is a little city that was a mill town. that is and keep our momentum.
• East Hampton is a little city that was a mill town that is now an artist bastion and a place for music

Bills: S3082 , S3090 , H5425 , H5130 , H5114

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: animal telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, veterinary telehealth, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, pet care, companion animal, livestock, remote veterinary care, synchronous audio-video, telemedicine, prescription drugs, antimicrobial drugs, controlled substances, xylazine, compounding pharmacy, veterinary practice, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act, animal owner

Transcript Highlights:

• Flying out of Princeton, I can see from about a thousand feet up to Mille Lacs Lake if I take off to
• The people of Mille Lacs Lake did not get the memo.
• Flying out of Princeton, I can see from about a thousand feet up to Mille Lacs Lake if I take off to
• The people of Mille Lacs Lake did not get the memo.
• The people of Mille Lacs Lake did not get the memo.

Transcript Highlights:

• and keeping that flow going to our mills here in the state.
• And the third part is, what's our maximum mill capacity?
• When would we begin to max out our mill capacity?
• Chairman, if I could pull Jim Elvin up to answer the question about milling capacity, I think he's got
• When it comes to mill capacity, they have room to grow, and I think they would like to.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mills. Senator Williams. Senator Wise. Present. Vice Chair Ma... present.
• Senator Mills, Senator Webb, Senator Williams, Senator Wise, Chairman Carroll. I vote six to zero.
• Mills Senator web Senator Williams Mills Senator web Senator Williams Senator<00:09:30.640><c> wise</

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, passed over House Bill 291, and took up House Bill 479, an act related to dementia training. Rep. Derek Lewis, joined by Rep. Adriel Camel and Mackenzie Wallace of the Alzheimer’s Association, explained that the bill would provide free dementia-specific training for Adult Protective Services workers and help them better recognize and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and the needs of people with dementia. Testimony emphasized the personal impact of dementia on families, the difficulty of navigating diagnosis and care, and the need to connect families to services. A senator asked about the bill’s data and scope, and Wallace explained that the county-level figures reflected Adult Protective Services referrals and diagnosed cases of Alzheimer’s or other dementia among people 65 and older. She also noted broader public health efforts related to brain health and a federal grant effort tied to those issues. Several members spoke in support, including Sen. Denine, who described his father’s recent death after a difficult period with dementia and said the training would help families and workers identify and respond to the disease earlier. After discussion, Sen. Heron moved the bill, the motion was seconded, and the committee voted 6-0 to pass House Bill 479 with favorable expression. The chair said it should pass on the Senate floor. Afterward, the committee briefly reviewed administrative regulation 921 KAR 2:100 and found it reviewed with no questions. A child care block grant item was also presented for information only, with no questions raised. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, retail pet stores typically use large scale commercial breeders, also known as puppy mills,
• Puppy mills generally are known to prioritize profit over animal welfare, with many of these pets suffering
• pet food are making as much, if not more, money. than these retailers that sell puppies from puppy mills
• express strong support for Senate Bill 1652, which aims to shut down the pipeline of animals from puppy mills
• The breeders that we partner with are not puppy mills, but multi-generational farmers. ...who treat their

Bills: HB 12 , HB149 , SB229 , SB1361 , SB1749 , SB1897 , SB2113 , SB2566 , SB2677 , SB1652 , SB2327 , SB2344 , SB2696 , HB12 , HB149

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• The mills can't take it because the wood itself is cracked or fractured.
• But they said the system is, the mill reports it. That's correct. The mill does report it.
• And once it leaves that loader log, then it's up to the mill to report it.
• And I would think that any Louisiana mill may not be reporting. Yes.
• And it, you know, it depends on what, I guess, that mill understands where it comes from.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard the House Fiscal Division’s FY 2027 budget presentations for the State Treasury, Public Service Commission, Department of Civil Service, and Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Treasury’s recommended budget was about $15 million with 74 positions, funded largely by self-generated revenue. Treasury staff highlighted strong investment returns, record unclaimed property recoveries, a new ACH option to speed and reduce the cost of payments, a School Transparency portal that helped uncover questionable school spending, and a new online portal that has sped up processing of cooperative endeavor agreements and related payments. Members praised the transparency work and faster payments, and asked about bond ratings, CEA oversight, and the public accessibility of the transparency site. The Public Service Commission’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $11.5 million, entirely self-generated, with most spending on personnel; commissioners said salary and market adjustments were needed to address heavy attorney and auditor turnover. Civil Service’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $28.7 million, with major funding from interagency transfers and general fund, and officials explained recent pay-plan and special entrance rate changes intended to improve recruitment and retention across state agencies. Members asked how those compensation changes were developed and whether market studies supported them. The Agriculture and Forestry budget was presented at $91.4 million, with major funding from statutory dedications, general fund, and federal dollars, and the commissioner described severe pressure on farmers from low commodity prices, drought, freezes, wildfires, storm damage, and labor shortages. The Agriculture and Forestry discussion was the longest and most detailed. The commissioner said the state is working to expand markets, reduce costs, and help farmers through federal assistance, while also seeking more equipment and fuel for wildfire response after a severe fire weekend and ongoing drought conditions. Members raised concerns about storm-damaged timber, soil and water conservation funding, and the loss of federal dollars that depend on local technicians. The commissioner explained the wildfire suppression subfund, the role of severance taxes, and the limits of current firefighting equipment and staffing. He also discussed the seafood sector, especially shrimp and crawfish, saying imported seafood, currency changes, tariffs, and H-2B worker shortages are hurting Louisiana producers and processors. He said the department is testing imported seafood for antibiotics, wants more authority to hold contaminated product, and is pursuing legislation to support seafood promotion and testing. Members also asked about wood chips, rail transport, timber severance reporting, and incentives for wood pellet use, and the commissioner said the department is exploring new markets, including overseas buyers for wood and agricultural products. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, agency testimony, and member questions and comments. The tone throughout was supportive of the agencies’ work, with repeated praise for Treasury’s transparency efforts, Civil Service’s compensation reforms, and Agriculture and Forestry’s advocacy for farmers, foresters, and seafood producers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mills. Senator Neal. Senator Nemes. Senator Nunn. Senator Rocky Adams. Senator Rawlings.
• </c> Senator Mills. Senator Neal. >> [clears throat] >> Senator Nemes. Senator Nunn.
• Senator Mills. Senator Neal. Senator Nemes. Senator Nemes. Senator Nunn. Senator Rocky Adams.
• Senator<01:17:41.720><c> Mills.</c><01:17:42.560><c> Aye.</c> Senator Mills. Aye. Senator Mills.
• Senator<01:23:18.840><c> Mills.</c><01:23:19.680><c> Aye.</c> Senator Mills. Aye. Senator Mills.

Transcript Highlights:

• transfer property so that a private developer could construct a parking garage to redevelop an abandoned mill
• In 2005, the mill property and garage was sold to a private real estate interest, which brought about
• extensive renovations and saw the mill operate as private rental apartments.
• Then in 2016, UMass Lowell reacquired the redeveloped mill complex, which was used as student housing

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a public hybrid hearing with several late-file bills and a large turnout. The main topics were symbolic designations and local property/lease matters: bills to designate the American lobster as the official crustacean of the Commonwealth, asparagus as the official state vegetable, and a Waltham bill concerning the Veterans Memorial Ice Rink lease and right of first refusal. Senator Howard also testified on a Lowell bill making a limited language change to facilitate redevelopment of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINK) at UMass Lowell. Testimony on the lobster bill emphasized the industry’s cultural and economic importance to coastal Massachusetts, its sustainability efforts, and its role in working waterfronts and the seafood economy. The asparagus bill drew especially enthusiastic support from Hadley Elementary students, teachers, local farmers, and legislators, who described asparagus as central to western Massachusetts agriculture, identity, and civic education. The Waltham rink bill was presented as necessary to protect a heavily used community and youth hockey facility after major city investment, while committee members noted concerns about privatization and affordability of ice time. The Lowell bill was described as a narrow technical fix to remove a reversionary clause that could impede a major redevelopment project. Committee members generally expressed support or favorable reactions to the proposals, with several lighthearted comments about lobster and asparagus. The hearing concluded after testimony ended, and a motion was made and seconded to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• transfer property so that a private developer could construct a parking garage to redevelop an abandoned mill
• In 2005, the mill property and garage was sold to a private real estate interest, which brought about
• extensive renovations and saw the mill operate as private rental apartments.
• Then in 2016, UMass Lowell reacquired the redeveloped mill complex, which is used as student housing,

Bills: H5088 , H5315 , H5335 , S3061 , S3073

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: asparagus, official vegetable, state symbol, Massachusetts, Veterans Memorial Rink, Waltham, municipal lease, capital management, city right of first refusal, American lobster, cultural significance, marine life, property, Lowell, state administration, legislation, local government, official state vegetable, state designation, Commonwealth

Transcript Highlights:

• Our only Our only option would be to go to the people and go from five mills to 35 mills.
• Gene Mills. And we have a card for information only, Trellarigas.
• Jean Mills. And we have a card for information only, Trellarigas.

Bills: HR243 , HB939 , SB56 , SB72 , SB129 , SB171 , SB252

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then took up Senate Bill 56 concerning the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District and its possible transfer into the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West. Amendment Set 5327 was adopted to add a compliance officer with specified qualifications, described as a checks-and-balances measure separating that role from the chief of police. Testimony in support emphasized the district’s limited recurring revenues, the need for professional management, and the West Bank authority’s ability to provide administrative and operational support. A witness for affected landowners raised concerns about unpaid takings claims and urged amendments to preserve liability and avoid litigation, but the committee ultimately reported SB 56 favorably with amendments. The committee then received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Laude on the department’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing operations and maintenance, construction process improvements, faster contractor payment times, quicker change-order approvals, and improved project delivery rates. After that, the committee reported favorably Senate Bill 171, which makes cleanup changes to the new water resources authority, and Senate Bill 252, which updates driver’s license organ-donor authorization to record both yes and no choices. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic titles and vehicle registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, support electronic lien and title transactions, and set standards for secure digital titles; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would have created a Louisiana New and Used Motor Vehicle Commission, was converted into a substitute bill creating a Louisiana Vehicle Commission and consolidating the existing new and used vehicle commissions. After discussion of implementation, governance, funding, and employee-transition concerns, the committee adopted the substitute amendments and then deferred the bill. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate, was amended to add designated state officials for a related special plate request tied to security and parking around the Supreme Court in New Orleans, and it was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, as amended, urged safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident; the amendment shifted responsibility from DOTD to surrounding parish governing authorities, and the resolution was reported with amendments before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our only option would be to go to the people and go from five mills to 35 mills.
• Gene Mills. And we have a card for information only, Trellarigas.
• Jean Mills. And we have a card for information only, Trellarigas.

Summary: The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then adopted Amendment Set 5327, which adds a compliance officer requirement and related qualifications for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. Supporters of Senate Bill 56 argued that the Lafitte levee district lacks sufficient recurring revenue to maintain its system and that the West Bank flood authority could provide professional management, coordination, and financial support. Testimony also raised concerns about governance problems at SLFPA East and about unresolved landowner damage claims tied to prior levee work. The committee reported SB 56 favorably with amendments. The Department of Transportation and Development secretary then gave an update on the agency’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing, construction process improvements, faster contractor payments, quicker change-order approvals, and higher project delivery rates. The committee next reported Senate Bill 171 favorably, which cleans up language for the recreation, economy, navigation, and transportation authority board, and Senate Bill 252 favorably, which allows driver’s license records to reflect both acceptance and refusal of anatomical gift authorization. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic vehicle titles and registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, require electronic lien and title functions for certain users, and set implementation timelines; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would create a Louisiana Vehicle Commission by consolidating the motor vehicle commissions, was amended with a substitute but then voluntarily deferred to allow more stakeholder work. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate and adding a special plate provision for designated state officials tied to Supreme Court parking/security concerns, was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, urging safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident, was amended to shift responsibility to parish governing authorities and was reported with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first page from district 31, Sivera Park High School, Will Adriion; district 15, Watkins Mill High
• :09:46.160><c> district</c><00:09:47.120><c> 15,</c><00:09:47.600><c> Watkins</c><00:09:48.160><c> Mill
• </c><00:09:48.399><c> High</c> uh district 15, Watkins Mill High uh district 15, Watkins Mill High School

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Rocky Adams, Senator Berg, Senator Carol, Senator Douglas, Senator Haron, Senator Mills, Senator
• Senator nemis present Senator Mills Senator nemis present Senator Rollings<00:01:36.759><c> here</c>
• Senator Mills, aye. Senator Nemes, aye. Senator Rawlings, aye. Senator Richardson, aye.
• Mills, would you like to cast a vote for Senate Bill 13? Mr.
• Senator Mills, thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum, first taking up referred administrative regulations. One regulation was deferred, and two others were noted as deficient; with no one wishing to speak, the committee treated the regulations as reviewed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13 from Chairman Meredith, which would reduce the number of Medicaid managed care organizations from five to three. Meredith argued the bill would reduce administrative burden, improve oversight, help rural providers, and potentially lower costs for families and the Medicaid program. Senators Berg, Herron, and Douglas asked about data, patient impact, network adequacy, and prior authorization burdens; Meredith said the effect on patients would be indirect through better access and less administrative delay. The committee approved a committee substitute and passed SB 13 favorably on a 10-0 vote. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 26, presented by Senator Richardson and Kentucky Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ben Mudd. The resolution asks the Department of Medicaid Services to provide data and cost analysis on paying pharmacists fairly for clinical services already within their scope of practice under Medicaid and KCHIP. Supporters said pharmacists can improve access, especially in rural areas, by providing services such as medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and preventive care, and that the resolution is intended to gather information before any future bill. Senator Douglas questioned whether expanded pharmacy duties have actually improved access or outcomes and whether there is published data; Mudd said the Board of Pharmacy tracks use of protocols but that more data is needed. The committee approved the resolution by roll call, with all members voting aye. At the end of the meeting, Chairman Meredith announced that Senate Bill 27 would be heard for discussion only and not acted on that day so members could review it further. Senator Brandon Storm introduced SB 27, which would create a Kentucky Parkinson’s disease research registry, and noted that a Michael J. Fox Foundation representative could not attend because of a winter storm; her letter was included in the packet. Storm said the registry is intended to support research and policy by tracking Parkinson’s disease in Kentucky, citing national prevalence and cost figures. No vote was taken on SB 27 during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hirsch Mental Health Services, Ashley Mills, Vice President of the Crisis Care, D.D.
• Thank you, and we will move on to our final panelist, Ashley Mills. Thank you. Thank you.
• And we will move on to our final panelist, Ashley Mills.
• My name is Ashley Mills.
• Mills, the data is there. You see the spike in 24-year-olds and younger, and it’s not just data.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have mill levy, two mill levies.
• We have mill levy, two mill levies.
• So, sometimes we interject bond and mill levies.
• So, sometimes we interject bond and mill levies.
• Based on their current eligibility, they're at a mill of 12 and they have a MEM of 1,000 roughly.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:04:25.520><c> Meredith,</c> Senator Meredith, Senator Meredith, Senator<00:04:27.600><c> Mills
• ,</c><00:04:29.040><c> Senator</c><00:04:29.520><c> Neil,</c> Senator Mills, Senator Neil, Senator Mills
• Senator Meredith, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:49:00.480><c> Mills,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Mills, &gt;&gt; Senator
• Senator Mills, yes. Senator Neil, yes. Senator Neimis, yes. Senator Nun, yes.
• Senator Meredith, Senator Mills, Senator Neal, Senator Neighbors, Senator Nunn.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Mills. >> Here. >> Senator Thomas. >> Here. >> Senator Webb. >> Senator Williams. >> Here
• Senator Mills, did you have a question of the first speaker? >> Maybe the first speaker.
• </c><00:31:55.040><c> Uh</c><00:31:55.200><c> Senator</c><00:31:55.600><c> Mills,</c><00:31:55.920><c
• Uh Senator Mills, did stay seated there.
• </c><00:37:17.800><c> Um</c> Senator Mills' questions. Um Senator Mills' questions.

Committee: Senate Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:

• And unfortunately, the policies that we see aren't helping the student that's trying to get to Mills
• And unfortunately, the policies that we see aren't helping the student that's trying to get to Mills
• And unfortunately, the policies that we see aren't helping the student that's trying to get to Mills
• And unfortunately, the policies that we see aren't helping the student that's trying to get to Mills
• And unfortunately, the policies that we see aren't helping the student that's trying to get to Mills

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.