Video & Transcript Research : 'state education code'
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AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Baldwin County Legislation Committee Jan 20th, 2026
Baldwin County Legislation
TX
Bills:
SB 3074, HB 49, HB 2440, HB 3556, HB 3619, HB 3866, HB 4042, HB 4112, HB 4271, HB 4413, HB 4426, HB 5033
Keywords:
oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes, environmental safety, beneficial use, motor vehicle, air quality, energy source, engine, state implementation plan, construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Texas State Director for Alliance for Safety and Justice.
- , Section 4904, 4905, 4906, and 4906.5 of the Penal Code, and Chapter 71 of the Penal Code.
- Presley stated.
- This bill would give too much power to a state agency.
- What is wrong with the penal code that you already have in place?
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay
Summary:
The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending.
Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So there are 11 states right now, basically nine states that are not in the compact, and those nine states
- of Minnesota with all the training state of Minnesota with all the training and<00:21:06.600>
education - Kinky State.
- Kinky State.
- states to your question about how States states to your question about how States uh<01:18:31.600>
Keywords:
health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, newborn safety, anonymity, healthcare provider, safe place, child welfare, HF499, nursing, nurse licensure, temporary permit, temporary nursing permit, Board of Nursing, endorsement licensure, reregistration, refresher course, health occupations
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Catlin, who instilled in her the values of education, hard work, and service.
- In 1994, he was elected to the Alabama State Senate. Whereas together... Alabama State Senate.
- This bill is about... joining education for those members of the...
- Kelly replaces line 23 on page one with the following: "41 Code of Alabama 1975.
- States Air Force's inaugural Top Gun aerial gunnery competition.
Keywords:
SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Feb 12th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is all over the state, and you could argue all over the country, by a judicial system that seems
- records, so we know, because we know anecdotally this is happening in other big counties around the state
- I had to go to court with my family to ensure that they were going to get justice because in the state
- They travel the state, and so no, No one is safe in Texas.
- I urge everyone in the state to start looking at what we're doing in Harris County, which is the focus
Keywords:
SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So Corpus Christi is really a key economic driver for us here in the state of Texas.
- Panhandle continues to lead the state as an agricultural powerhouse.
- Members County Day at the State Capitol. Senator Creighton on the resolution.
- Thank you for coming to your state capitol.
- And I should also recognize someone well-known to many across the state.
Keywords:
SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- What what does state mean? >> districts? What what does state mean?
- >> State<00:57:17.520>
mean >> State mean >> State mean >> by<00:57:18.240 - <01:02:44.720>
state administer as through state state administer as through state state agencies - state of Wyoming, right?
- code.
Keywords:
felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:04 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The other factor to consider is that the state engineer's budget also includes some money from this fund
- The other factor to consider is that the state engineer's budget also includes some money from this fund
Bills:
SB193
Keywords:
SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, 996, all
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Juvenile Justice Oversight Council (11-7-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- to state.
- to state.
- to state.
- to state.
- to state.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:09
State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33
The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44
Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all
Summary:
The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics.
Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (11-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- the national average for other state the national average for other state court<00:15:02.639>
- accessible courouses across the state. accessible courouses across the state.
- While veterans state. Many of our buildings are state.
- education and career coaching have driven recidivism in that state to a record 21% overall and just
- That's huge for our state.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:09
State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33
The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44
Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary met on November 6, 2025, approved the minutes, and welcomed guests including Kentucky Specialty Courts manager Elizabeth Nichols and Boyle/Mercer Family Court Judge Bruce Petri. The committee then heard the Chief Justice of Kentucky, Deborah Lambert, deliver her state of the judiciary address, focused largely on judicial branch funding, facilities, technology, and specialty court programs.
Chief Justice Lambert said the branch is facing a projected $14.3 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 and asked lawmakers for supplemental support, access to reserve funds, and higher base appropriations to cover inflation and nondiscretionary costs. She also requested a 15% across-the-board pay increase for judicial branch employees, citing salary gaps with other state workers and declining judicial compensation relative to national averages. She emphasized that the branch has received a clean FY 2025 audit and said the requests were intended to sustain current operations rather than expand them.
A major portion of her remarks covered court technology and facilities. She described the move to Chamberlain during Capitol renovations, the purchase of that building as a cost-saving measure, and the need to fund courtroom audio/video systems and a new statewide case management system. She also discussed courthouse maintenance, flood damage, mold issues, security system upgrades, and the $47 million asset preservation fund created last session, while asking for additional local facilities funding and one-time disaster-related support. Lambert highlighted specialty court and statewide program results, including foster care review boards, family recovery courts, court designated worker programs, drug and mental health courts, and the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. She thanked legislators for prior bills and support, including House Bill 1, Senate Bill 26, and the CES law, and said 2026 recommendations will focus on civil commitment reforms under KRS 202C.
During questions, Senator Wheeler asked whether some courthouses are being overbuilt; Lambert said most facilities are inadequate, though some may be larger than needed, and that future needs and population changes must be considered. She also noted that virtual hearings and technology have improved efficiency. No votes or formal committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the presentation.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- compression issue on state salaries. compression issue on state salaries.
- They were coded to CO dollars. tasks. They were coded to CO dollars.
- <00:42:47.520>
The would call state general funds. The would call state general funds. - Um, state government was not.
- state government was not. state government was not.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
State Health Insurance Plans 00:00:03
Executive Branch Salary Schedule Adjustments 00:29:15
Nutrition Program for the Elderly 00:34:52
Update on DORIS 01:05:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met on November 5, 2025, and first approved the minutes after a moment of silence for the UPS airport tragedy. The main presentation was from the Personnel Cabinet on the state health insurance plans and executive branch salary schedule adjustments. Officials said the health plan covers roughly 265,000 active members and up to about 300,000 across all benefit offerings, including school board employees, retirees, and other eligible groups. They described rising claims and expenditures, especially from high-cost claimants and pharmacy spending, and said recent premium and benefit changes were intended to balance costs while preserving recruitment and retention efforts. They also explained that employee premiums had not increased for several years, while employer contributions rose sharply in recent years, and projected a 10% employer increase and 3% employee increase going forward based on actuarial analysis. Committee members asked about deductibles, GLP-1 drug costs, claims validation, and the causes of cost growth; officials said the plan uses multiple payment-integrity vendors and that the increases reflect utilization, drug trends, and high-cost cases rather than a change in coverage.
The committee also discussed executive branch salary schedule adjustments. Personnel and budget officials explained that when the legislature approves annual pay increases, the salary schedule is adjusted by the same percentage through executive order so the minimum and midpoint stay aligned with approved compensation levels. They said the 2025 adjustment was a 3% match effective September 16 and that the change was costless because salaries had already been increased. Members raised concerns about salary compression, noting that new hires can sometimes be paid near the level of long-serving employees. Officials said the adjustment helps prevent compression from worsening but does not solve it, and they acknowledged prior RFP efforts to address the issue were unsuccessful because no qualified bidder met the requirements.
After the health plan and salary discussions, the committee began a presentation from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on Kentucky’s senior meal program. Secretary Stack explained that the program is a federal-state-local partnership under the Older Americans Act, with area development districts helping deliver services. He outlined eligibility rules, noting that congregate meals at senior centers are available to people age 60 and older, with a spouse of any age allowed to join, and that home-delivered meals have additional homebound and assistance requirements. Members asked whether there was any means test for congregate meals, and the secretary said there is not; the only threshold is age for the center-based meals, while the home-delivered program has additional criteria.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- of state.
- to another state, but then re-register to vote in their new home state.
- their new home state. their new home state.
- multiple states. multiple states.
- state fair. Enjoy what we have there. state fair. Enjoy what we have there.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Senate Special Committee on COVID 19 April 9, 2020
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8tQ_IM11lI, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, This video was aired on Olelo Channel 49 on April 9th, 2020. Footage courtesy of Olelo Community Media.
Agenda
The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of
Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to:
1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures;
2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures;
3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and
timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and
4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom.
The special committee will be meeting with the following:
11:00 a.m. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Mr. Scott Murakami, Director
12:00 p.m. Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness
Mr. Scott Morishige
Behavioral Health Services Administration
Mr. Edward Mersereau, Deputy Director
Partners in Care
Ms. Laura E. Thielen, Executive Director
1:00 p.m. Releasing of incarcerated persons
Honorable Daniel Foley (Ret.), Special Master
2:00 p.m. Department of Public Safety
Mr. Nolan Espinda, Director
Please note that there may be committee members or invited speakers participating remotely
via video or teleconference.
Meeting of the Special Committee
Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19
Friday, March 27, 2020
The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 49 on Oahu and will go out
live for pick up by neighbor island public access channels. It will also be live-streamed via
http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=13.
No public testimony will be accepted.
If you require special assistance, please call 586-6800 or email your request to
waysandmeans@capitol.hawaii.gov.
-End of Agenda-, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- As you all have stated, yes.
- Being questioned in other states where they have multiple states because of the little note that was
- It prevents me from getting a license in another state.
- There were some that came from out of state.
- This change will not increase the cost to the state.
Bills:
SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422
Keywords:
healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Children, Youth and Family Services Apr 8th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Children, Youth and Family Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Could you elaborate a little bit on what some other states might be doing in this arena?
- You know, they're wards of the state and dependent on the state.
- And through no fault of their own, they have become wards of the state.
- If they're wanting to continue their education, I would be very supportive.
- The state becomes the parent of these children.
Keywords:
child care, licensing, definitions, foster care, child welfare, SB1983, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions, foster parent recruitment, foster parent retention
LA
Keywords:
exemption, motor vehicles, health savings accounts, debt relief, bankruptcy, civil procedure, abandonment, default judgment, court costs, notice requirements, construction contracts, jurisdiction, dispute resolution, public policy, Louisiana law, professional engineer, peremptive periods, construction, architect, real estate developer
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- What is the biggest threat on the state level? What can we do as a state with what you've seen?
- In particular, when you're talking about state-level procurement and you're talking to a state legislature
- So right now, with state funding from the state mine inspector, we're actually drilling tailings.
- So right now, with state funding from the state mine inspector, we're actually drilling tailings.
- This is the state. ...to okay, feds stay in your lane. This is the state.
Bills:
SB1046
Keywords:
telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2026-03-04
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- >> State your name.
- directly funded by the United States directly funded by the United States CIA.
- It consolidates the seldom used state soldiers assistance program veterans education assistance program
- , veterans education benefit.
- This one-time benefit was once the only available state education higher education benefit.
Keywords:
veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, veterans affairs, food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, state resources, reporting requirements, agency initiatives, veterans, educational assistance, tuition waiver, spouses, children, military service, benefits
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes, then heard an update from Metro Meals on Wheels on a veterans home-delivered meals grant funded by the committee in 2023. Testifiers said the program has served more than 82,000 meals to over 500 veterans, but funding is running short; enrollment was stopped in July 2025 and meal service was reduced to five per week to stretch dollars. They said the program is serving 168 veterans as of January 31 and will likely run out of funds in July unless additional money is provided. Members asked about eligibility and how the program ensures the grant is used only for veterans who do not qualify for other services; the organization said referrals come through county veteran service officers, MACV, hospitals, and other partners, and that it can provide confidential tracking information. No vote was taken on funding, but members expressed support and interest in more documentation.
The committee then took up House File 3919, which implements recommendations from a task force on benefits for SGU veterans and irregular forces who served in the secret war in Laos from 1961 to 1975. The Department of Veterans Affairs said the bill largely reflects the task force report and technical recommendations, including adding SGU veterans to the burial fee statute so burial costs in state cemeteries can be covered, while noting there is still an unresolved issue about headstone costs for spouses and dependents. A testifier from the task force supported the bill but objected to creating a separate SGU veteran designation on driver’s licenses, arguing it could create two classes of veterans and add administrative costs; he urged using a single veteran designation instead. Other public testimony emphasized the service of Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and other allies in Laos and urged the legislature to adopt the recommendations broadly. The committee discussed the burial fee language and the purpose of the designation, but no final action or vote on HF 3919 was taken in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So when ... educators and you know every everybody educators and you know every everybody that<00:10:
- <00:27:14.559>
State state audits and the special exam. - State state audits and the special exam.
- there's a state fee, there's a the state there's a state fee, there's a county<00:36:11.680>
fee,< - Mark Medcamp, your state treasurer. Mark Medcamp, your state treasurer.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:30
Personnel Cabinet 00:03:25
Department of Veterans Affairs 00:12:40
Auditor of Public Accounts 00:22:39
State Treasurer 00:42:24, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first heard from Personnel Cabinet officials on House Bill 6, which required the Kentucky Employees Health Plan to offer a qualified high-deductible health plan by the 2026 plan year. Officials said the plan was already added for 2025, described it as the lowest-premium option with higher deductibles, and explained that federal rules prevent first-dollar coverage except for limited preventive services. They said 264 members had selected the plan out of about 142,000, and noted it also allows health savings accounts. Members asked about the plan’s benefits, what “catastrophic” meant, the deductible amounts, and whether employees were aware of the option; the cabinet said it would continue to highlight the plan in communications and that the deductible is above $8,000 for individuals and above $16,000 for families.
The committee then received an update from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs on the Bowling Green veterans center. Officials said the current target is to move into the building on October 28, with first admissions about two months later, pending final fixes and certification steps for Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. They explained that about $7 million in FY25 appropriations lapsed because of construction delays, staffing ramp-up was postponed to avoid unnecessary spending, and the unspent funds should be considered in the next budget request. Members praised the project and asked about annual operating costs; officials said the current operating budget is about $15 million, though they do not expect to spend all of it this year. The commissioner also announced the fifth annual state commanders conference in Lexington, focused on veterans issues and featuring state, federal, and advocacy leaders.
State Auditor Allison Ball then outlined her office’s budget priorities. She said the office is primarily a billing agency that charges audited entities for its work, and warned that some agencies are now signaling they may refuse to pay for audits related to kinship care and the medical cannabis application process. She said the office plans to continue requesting outlier credits for unusually burdensome county audit fees, funding for the ombudsman office’s transition and expanded in-office operations, and revenue replacement for local government audits and possibly state audits and special examinations. Ball also said the office conducts about 500 audits, reviews, and examinations a year and wants to restore performance audits with seed funding, as well as add investigators to the ombudsman office to focus more on child abuse and neglect cases. Members discussed the value of performance audits, the possibility of raising certain board thresholds to account for inflation, and the need for additional capacity to handle more audits.