Transcript Highlights:

• The Commissioner said that has helped the state.
• "We became, I believe, the 49th state in the country that left the state-run system and had a privatized
• We became, I believe, the 49th state in the country that left the state-run system and had a privatized
• state program, that's also set at a million dollars.
• State agencies.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and approved the March 4, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee first considered House Bill 55, which updates and modernizes workers’ compensation statutes to reflect the privatized system, remove obsolete provisions, and adjust the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three. The Insurance Commissioner testified that the bill is part of the cleanup from privatization and would give the governor more flexibility in appointments. After adopting a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, the committee reported HB 55 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. The committee then took up House Bill 5463, which would reduce BRIM’s required liability coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s director testified that the excess market was difficult to access and costly, but several senators raised concerns that lowering coverage could reduce protection for victims and school-related claims. After a divided vote, the motion to report the bill failed, and HB 5463 was not passed by the committee. Next, the committee considered House Bill 4869, creating guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies, including annual birthday replacement rights and a special right for certain Medicaid recipients losing eligibility. Counsel said the bill would prohibit underwriting barriers during the guaranteed issue periods and require an annual report on premium trends. With no amendments offered, the committee reported HB 4869 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. The bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to offset payments by amounts received from other sources and limit lawsuits over claims reported to BRIM. Members debated a proposed strike-and-insert amendment that would have softened the litigation limits and added notice and remedy provisions, but the amendment was rejected. The committee then reported HB 5462 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only specifically state employees.
• And the insurance code for our state employees and so.
• And District 11 is the state of Texas. Thank you for that clarification.
• We're the largest statewide organization in the state of Texas.
• But the following do not have those same protections on the state level, state employees, retired teachers

Bills: HB201, HB272

Keywords: disabled veteran, partially disabled veteran, veterans property tax exemption, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, surviving spouse, appraisal district, Tax Code, local government revenue, homestead portability, service-connected disability, veteran benefits, Texas property tax, residence homestead, disability rating, disaster response, financial assistance, helicopter, municipalities

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:01:10.640> University Murray State University, the University Murray State University
• Pursuant to cars equipment purchases.
• Medical Examiner and Kentucky State Medical Examiner and Kentucky State Police<00:01:48.399>
• <00:14:19.440> coming<00:14:19.600> on purchase of equipment that's coming on purchase
• State Property and Buildings Commission Project Number 136 to refund certain outstanding State Property

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:45 Approval of Minutes 01:01 Information Items 06:25 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions-KCTCS 10:50 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 18:08 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 27:12 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 33:56 Rpt from OFM – CED EDF Grants 47:20 Rpt from OFM – Office of Financial Mgmt 56:53 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the February meeting minutes and several information items. Those items covered university equipment purchases, school district and transportation-related debt issuances, Northern Kentucky University’s planned construction-manager/general-contractor delivery method for the medical examiner/crime lab relocation project, a lease-space advertisement, postsecondary asset preservation allocations, and lease-law compliance reports. Members then discussed the Northern Kentucky crime lab project in more detail; staff explained that the memorandum of agreement would cover the construction portion while the lease would cover operations, and members were told the project should move forward without procurement problems. The committee approved a Kentucky Community and Technical College System project to modify the fire academy maintenance building after the related dormitory project was set aside because of major cost overruns. KCTCS said the dormitory would be about $3 million over budget, so it would not be bid; instead, the maintenance building would be expanded to add showers and restroom/locker facilities, bringing that project from $2 million to about $3.2 million. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet project for the Hardin County I-65 southbound commercial motor vehicle station relocation, with members asking about the estimate, the lack of a direct prior example, and the fact that the loadometer equipment itself would be purchased separately and was not included in the construction estimate. Finance and Administration Cabinet lease items were then considered. The committee approved a Department of Public Advocacy lease in Christian County and a Transportation Cabinet vehicle regulation lease in Kenton County, both negotiated down from initial asking prices and both including utilities. Two lease modifications were reported without action: a Department of Revenue fit-up in Jefferson County and an expanded vehicle regulation lease in Adair County. Members also approved a package of Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including four loans and six Cleaner Water Program grant reallocations, covering sewer and water projects such as MSD’s Patty’s Run flood pumping station, Paducah-McCracken County’s wastewater treatment plant, Mount Washington’s lift station replacement, and Eminence’s wastewater plant expansion. Finally, the committee heard a batch of Kentucky Product Development Initiative economic development grants and approved the action items in one vote. The projects included due diligence and infrastructure work for industrial and site-development projects in multiple counties, with local match requirements and KEDFA approvals described for each. The committee also received three line-item water grants from House Bill 1 that required no action, and the meeting ended after the grant presentations and approvals.

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes it harder for tribal governments to navigate state programs and harder for the state to deliver
• So it's not just dealing with wineries in the state of California that sell their products in the state
• of California, but wineries located in all states across the United States that use the appellation
• The federal standard for any state to label as a state is only 75%.
• State. Okay.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . states. states.
• than other forms of debt that the state than other forms of debt that the state can<00:07:35.919
• service obligations of the state service obligations of the state increase. increase. increase.
• housing stakeholders across our state. housing stakeholders across our state.
• Their engagement at the our state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And very often are not residents of a single state.
• part of the state.
• Um, as you stated for the record, my name is Tom Onney.
• Uh, specifically, um, purchases of coal, uh, for our coal power plant, purchases of gas for our gas power
• Uh, we do, uh, it's usually not terribly long term, but we, when we purchase coal, we purchase a lot

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:21:09.719> of opportunities throughout the state of opportunities throughout the state
• the biggest crisis in the in the state the biggest crisis in the in the state and<03:30:53.359><
• They left the state.
• of the state that would wish to purchase of the state that would wish to purchase real<04:54:04.120
• of New Hampshire versus residents of the state or possibly residents from another state moving in?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it create a disincentive for people to purchase cigarettes in the state of New Hampshire?
• In addition, most states also charge sales tax on top of the purchase price.
• <00:01:58.880> of uh purchase cigarettes in the state of uh purchase cigarettes in the state
• . state. state.
• The state transfer tax is the 3% tax that you have to pay when you purchase a home.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:29.280> House from state government affairs. House from state government affairs.
• This bill also states that anyone who has already purchased one of those Helping Schools tags, and I've
• This bill also states will always be.
• /c><00:38:52.800> already<00:38:53.280> purchased that anyone who has already purchased
• responsible, and conservative state responsible, and conservative state government<01:20:47.120>

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• purchasing another firearm? purchasing another firearm?
• But there are parts of the state where we rely on our state troopers.
• But there are parts of the state where we rely on our state troopers.
• But there are parts of the state where we rely on our state troopers.
• So, uh, purchase.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:38.280> that 1851 um in 2021 uh the FBI stated that 1851 um in 2021 uh the FBI stated
• <00:04:11.079> that violation section two states that violation section two states that section
• <00:07:34.120> Attorneys of Justice and many State Attorneys of Justice and many State Attorneys
• Opportunity for us to do something within the state of Minnesota for people who may operate in our state
• <00:47:19.559> or at when the stocks were purchased or at when the stocks were purchased or

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a native nut maker, so don't dis my state too hard. It's a wonderful state.
• I am a native nut maker, so don't dis my state too hard. It's a wonderful state.
• I am a native nut maker, so don't dis my state too hard. It's a wonderful state.
• She said she believed Senate Bill 112 would now give the state the ability to enter into a power purchase
• up in several other states.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• could be purchased for $20 million. could be purchased for $20 million.
• the state the state by<00:30:32.559> having<00:30:33.039> all<00:30:33.360> of<
• uh that basically explained how states uh that basically explained how states are<01:04:10.079><
• <01:58:12.800> purchases<01:58:13.199> this is that if the state purchases this is
• that if the state purchases this property<01:58:13.679> and<01:58:13.920> gives<01:58:14.080

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I ask you to ask of this state?
• debt, affecting the revenue of the state.
• debt, affecting the revenue of the state.
• The bill state buildings and land.
• In section one, the Senate added state lease buildings, excuse me, state lease buildings, which we removed

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Reverend Kemp Randolph, who reflected on the idea that simpler solutions often require letting go of existing assumptions and urged lawmakers to consider what they may need to give up to achieve the greatest good. After the prayer, the chamber introduced House Bill 889, exempting disability-related income on candidate disclosure forms, and House Bill 890, aimed at reducing barriers for nonprofit religious organizations providing preventive health care services. Both bills were read the first time and referred to committee. The House also referred three bills to money committees under House Rule 35A: H.548 to Appropriations, and H.557 and H.567 to Ways and Means. Members then offered several announcements, including welcoming the guest pastor Kemp Randolph and visiting European Parliament member Maria Walsh, along with her mother and aunt. There were also notices about caucus meetings and a correction to a prior vote explanation regarding H.70. The House then took up H.611, a technical and housekeeping bill affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access. Committee testimony and floor remarks described provisions to reduce administrative burdens, update advisory committee membership, remove outdated references tied to the individual/small group market split, adjust the VARMM prescription drug assistance program, increase the allowable amount in Medicaid-related prepaid funeral arrangements, and delay Medicaid coverage for doula services by one year while federal approval is sought. The Health Care and Appropriations committees both recommended the bill, with Appropriations noting no fiscal impact and correcting a prior vote tally. The House adopted the Health Care Committee amendment to H.611 and ordered the bill to third reading. It then passed H.540, relating to recommendations of the post-adjudication reparative program working group. Finally, the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with further amendment on H.50, concerning identification of underutilized state buildings and land; the committee explained changes restoring annual reporting, removing leased buildings from the inventory, and directing annual reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development through 2030. The chamber concluded with announcements about a Joint Fiscal Committee meeting on a rural health transformation grant and then adjourned until February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill requires any state employee who learns of a notice from the U.S.
• Arizona is also a mid-tier state when it comes to private and state land per capita.
• They're the kinds of good things that happen when the state legislature... A year.
• The vast majority of land in this state is already public land, and under the U.S.
• of Arizona and from private property owners erodes our being as a state.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• law is because there conflict with state law is because there is<00:15:56.399> state<00:15:56.720
• <01:00:56.480> a experience um in going to purchase a experience um in going to purchase a
• spaces in the state.
• I have the state spaces in the state.
• <01:03:57.280> do that uh most people in the state do that uh most people in the state do

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We purchased those pumps and then and store them until a fire department needs them then they purchase
• other state agencies, but also with all of our counterparts across the United States.
• Ten of these around the state.
• Public workforce system, as the other 49 states are in the United States.
• Other states use them.

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Secretary Blaine Arthur and Deputy Commissioner Jan Lee described the agency’s divisions and recent efforts to improve efficiency, including expanded online licensing, electronic veterinary inspection certificates, and a new laboratory information system. They highlighted youth and workforce programs, local food initiatives for schools, market development efforts, and ongoing animal health concerns such as avian influenza, equine herpesvirus, and the threat of New World screwworm. They also discussed staffing, turnover, and uncertainty around federal cooperative agreement funding, while noting they were not requesting new or additional appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year. Members asked about meat inspection staffing, the use of one-time forestry firefighting funds, biosecurity and national security coordination, and agency staffing levels. The department said meat inspection was currently in good shape but dependent on federal funding stability, and explained that prior firefighting dollars had been used for equipment purchases. They also said they work with state and federal partners, including DHS and FBI, on threat preparedness and have reduced turnover by adjusting salaries and maintaining staffing at or below prior levels. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission then presented its budget and program overview. Staff described the agency’s long history and current work in water quality, flood control, soil health, unpaved roads, wetlands, and woody species control, especially eastern red cedar removal. They emphasized data-driven, voluntary conservation practices, citing stream cleanups, flood-control dam benefits, pond cleanouts during drought, and the Cherry-Peach watershed project as examples of programs that improve water resources and reduce wildfire risk. The agency said its workload has grown significantly and requested funding for critical dam repairs, local conservation district staffing, continued unpaved roads work, and expansion of woody species control statewide. Members asked about county matching for road and dam projects, who to contact about flooding roads, sediment removal from pond cleanouts, and the effectiveness of county training programs. Commission staff explained that county in-kind work can count as match, local conservation districts are the first point of contact, and the road training has produced measurable savings and better maintenance practices. They also clarified that “high hazard” dams are those where failure could threaten people or infrastructure downstream, not necessarily dams that are structurally failing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those projects typically have, as you all know, a federal, state, and local component.
• already costs our state $33 billion each year, or $1,878 per resident.
• I'm a sophomore at Florida State University.
• I'm a senior here at Florida State University.
• $2.1 billion... ...the residents of this state to save the residents over $2.1 billion.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee considered several tax-related measures. SB 674, allowing county property appraisers to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses with Department of Revenue approval, was supported by property appraisers and reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 318, as amended, would create a tangible personal property exemption for agricultural land used in agricultural production or agritourism; the amendment clarified the property’s location and allowed the Legislature to define conditions, and the resolution was reported favorably with support from Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber. The committee also advanced C.S. for SB 1664, as amended, which requires locally approved discretionary taxes to be reauthorized by voters when they expire and sets rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds. Local government and tourism-related groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, beach funding, transportation surtaxes, and long-term planning, while supporters argued voters should periodically reaffirm taxes; the bill was reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, were both amended to sharply narrow a proposed long-term lease property tax exemption to one qualifying property and to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominiums; counties and cities opposed the measures as tax shifts, but both were reported favorably. The committee then took up SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions for certain clothing and bullion, multiple tax holidays, a temporary motor vehicle fee reduction, a property tax study, corporate and insurance tax credit changes, a communications services tax freeze, and other tax provisions, with staff estimating $2.1 billion in total revenue reduction. Testimony included support for studying property taxes and strong opposition to the firearm and ammunition tax holiday from students and advocacy groups, who argued it was unsafe and inappropriate; others urged adding combined reporting or removing tourist development tax changes. After debate, the committee reported the package favorably and also approved a motion to submit it as a committee bill. The meeting ended after Senator Bernard recorded an affirmative vote on tab 5 and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:47.280> of that is retained by the state of that is retained by the state of Minnesota
• medication purchased.
• <00:03:56.159> places<00:03:56.480> the the state of Minnesota places the the state
• <00:16:22.079> your first, if you could please state your first, if you could please state
• It's a diamond in our state work.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:44.160> uh<00:14:44.279> surveillance state uh surveillance state uh surveillance
• <00:32:14.720> in across the country and in States in across the country and in States in
• Of note, litigation on these state laws is currently occurring in courtrooms across the United States
• Of note, litigation on these state laws is currently occurring in courtrooms across the United States
• Of note, litigation on these state laws is currently occurring in courtrooms across the United States

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.