Transcript Highlights:

• :00.720><c> what</c><00:49:00.960><c> is</c><00:49:01.119><c> looked</c><00:49:01.280><c> at</c><00:49
• :01.520><c> what</c><00:49:01.680><c> isn't</c><00:49:01.920><c> looked</c> so what is looked at what
• and</c><00:49:03.440><c> um</c><00:49:03.680><c> can</c><00:49:03.920><c> you</c><00:49:04.079><c> just
• and um can you just walk me through<00:49:04.720><c> just</c><00:49:04.880><c> a</c><00:49:05.040><c
• > little</c><00:49:05.119><c> bit</c><00:49:05.200><c> of</c><00:49:05.359><c> these</c> through just

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.440><c> um</c><00:49:01.079><c> an</c><00:49:01.480><c> NPR</c><00:49:02.480><c> a</c><00:49:02.640
• :03.319><c> about</c><00:49:03.640><c> a</c><00:49:03.799><c> clinical</c><00:49:04.240><c> trial</c>
• <00:49:04.599><c> that</c><00:49:04.799><c> she</c> Representative Cbor said she was talking about a
• :54.320><c> of</c><01:49:54.360><c> Minnesota</c><01:49:54.840><c> through</c><01:49:55.159><c> several
• <c> years</c><01:49:56.800><c> um</c><01:49:57.080><c> decades</c><01:49:57.520><c> so</c><01:49:57.840

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We had discussion already on House Bill 49, and the suggestion was to come back with an amendment or
• To move the committee substitute for HB 49 for discussion.
• Bill 49?
• Oh, I'm sorry, do not pass on House Bill 49 and a due pass.
• Sorry, do not pass on House Bill 49, and a due pass on committee substitute for House Bill 49.

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• If the<00:49:48.000><c> last</c><00:49:48.240><c> one</c><00:49:48.599><c> disappears,</c><00:49:49.599
• , the concept disappears.<00:49:52.240><c> Difference</c><00:49:52.559><c> between</c><00:49:52.960><
• Difference between two and one<00:49:53.920><c> is</c><00:49:54.240><c> nowhere</c><00:49:54.640><c>
• </c><00:49:57.280><c> And</c><00:49:57.520><c> so</c><00:49:57.680><c> we</c> between one and zero.
• And so we need<00:49:58.000><c> to</c><00:49:58.160><c> keep</c><00:49:58.319><c> this</c><00:49:58.880

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :56.559><c> land</c><00:49:57.200><c> back</c><00:49:57.599><c> off</c><00:49:57.839><c> of</c><00:49
• If<01:49:30.159><c> all</c><01:49:30.320><c> members</c><01:49:30.639><c> present</c><01:49:30.960><c
• <01:49:31.679><c> to</c><01:49:31.920><c> vote,</c><01:49:32.560><c> House</c><01:49:32.800><c> will<
• attend the<01:49:33.360><c> state</c><01:49:33.600><c> of</c><01:49:33.760><c> the</c><01:49:33.920>
• &gt;&gt; We<06:49:03.520><c> have</c><06:49:03.600><c> a</c><06:49:03.840><c> request</c><06:49:04.160

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> could</c><00:49:47.160><c> escalate</c><00:49:47.920><c> its</c><00:49:48.200><c> costs</c> which
• Where<00:49:51.680><c> and</c><00:49:51.960><c> have</c><00:49:52.360><c> that's</c><00:49:52.720><c>
• been</c><00:49:52.920><c> a</c><00:49:53.040><c> kind</c><00:49:53.280><c> of</c> Where and have that's
• in</c><00:49:54.680><c> the</c><00:49:54.800><c> PU,</c><00:49:55.200><c> you</c><00:49:55.320><c> know
• And<00:49:58.080><c> so</c><00:49:58.240><c> the</c><00:49:58.360><c> bill</c><00:49:59.200><c> in</c

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:49:42.800><c> and</c><01:49:42.960><c> I</c><01:49:43.199><c> think</c><01:49:43.280><c> it</
• </c> So<01:49:48.719><c> I</c><01:49:48.880><c> guess</c><01:49:49.040><c> that's</c><01:49:49.199><c
• > what</c><01:49:49.280><c> I</c><01:49:49.440><c> would</c><01:49:49.600><c> offer.
• Madam<01:49:50.159><c> Chair,</c><01:49:50.480><c> thank</c><01:49:50.639><c> you.
• &gt;&gt; Thank<01:49:52.960><c> you</c><01:49:53.119><c> very</c><01:49:53.360><c> much.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays.
• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays.
• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays. I have received a constitutional majority.
• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays. Thank you. Mr.
• President, they're reporting 49 ayes, zero nays. I have received a constitutional majority.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , SB6006 , SB6260 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6354 , SB6355 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2152, known as Ryan’s Law, would allow limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; supporters said it would improve quality of life, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails and codifying federal Prison Rape Elimination Act-related standards, drew debate over whether amendments were needed and whether the bill would burden or protect staff and inmates; two amendments were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19. Second Substitute House Bill 1906, as amended, increased transparency and consumer protections for water system rates, especially for older or smaller systems, and passed unanimously 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 tightened voter registration challenge procedures and gave county auditors more discretion in handling challenges; an amendment to broaden who could challenge voters statewide was rejected, and the bill passed 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, as amended, allowed registered nurses without EMT certification to staff certain inter-facility ambulance transports under specified conditions to reduce delays, and it also passed 49-0. The Senate also passed Second Substitute House Bill 2429, which extends and updates the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and aligns agency planning with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan; a committee striker was adopted despite concerns about added government structure, and the bill passed 49-0. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Office of Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after the chamber rejected the committee striker and adopted a revised striking amendment. The session ended with a point of personal privilege from Senator Lovick and an adjournment motion, and the Senate adjourned until March 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.960><c> prefer</c><01:49:01.200><c> to</c><01:49:01.640><c> to</c><01:49:01.800><c> see</c><01:49
• c> that's</c><01:49:06.360><c> my</c><01:49:06.480><c> two</c><01:49:06.640><c> cents.
• I appreciate<01:49:07.480><c> you.</c><01:49:07.720><c> Thank</c><01:49:07.880><c> you.
• I<01:49:09.160><c> respect</c><01:49:09.520><c> that</c><01:49:09.640><c> perspective.
• Any<01:49:10.800><c> other</c><01:49:11.160><c> questions,</c><01:49:11.680><c> comments,</c><01:49:12.080

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• [00:49:35] Let's not leave children behind, and let's not leave child care behind.
• AB 49 being an Thank you. For all licensed child care and state preschool programs.
• AB 49, being an urgency bill, is still being fully implemented.
• I would also like to note that both AB 49 and AB 495 passed without any appropriation, so there is no
• Both AB 495 and AB 49 give us a framework, but without any funding, we cannot deliver on it.

Summary: The California State Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its second hearing focused first on disaster response, especially wildfires and flooding, and how they affect child care infrastructure. State agencies described their disaster preparedness and response work, including evacuation notifications, shelter coordination, emergency guidance, waivers, and support services. The Department of Education said wildfires have displaced tens of thousands of families and impacted thousands of preschool families, and recommended statutory changes to help rebuild programs, require early childhood programs to be included in local recovery plans, expand mental health supports, and review disaster, tax, and insurance policy gaps. Child care advocates and providers described major losses from the L.A. fires and San Diego flooding, including destroyed homes and businesses, lack of insurance, delayed permits, lost income, and the need for emergency grants, relocation help, and better disaster planning for child care programs. Several providers gave personal testimony about rebuilding after fires and floods, including one family child care provider from Pasadena/Altadena whose home and business were destroyed and who is still trying to reopen while paying rent, a mortgage, and permit costs. Another provider described flood damage, health impacts on children, and thousands of dollars in losses. Committee members emphasized that child care is often overlooked in disaster recovery and asked state officials what is being done to integrate child care into emergency planning and to improve coordination among state and local agencies. Officials said the statewide child care disaster plan exists and has been updated over time, but acknowledged more work is needed and that the hearing itself should inform future improvements. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on the child care system. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said immigration raids and enforcement activity are causing families to keep children home, reducing attendance and enrollment, increasing fear and trauma, and destabilizing providers and the broader early learning workforce. They argued that child care settings are trusted spaces and that enforcement undermines continuity of care, child development, and program viability. They urged stronger privacy and safety protections, statewide training and technical assistance, trauma-informed guidance, legal support for families, transportation and subsidy protections, and emergency funding for providers. Speakers also highlighted recently enacted laws AB 49 and AB 495, but stressed that implementation will require funding and clear guidance. Committee members agreed that funding and implementation are critical and heard public testimony from providers describing fear, family separation, and the need to keep child care safe and stable for immigrant families.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pass and retain on file items 49... ...on file item 48.
• Pass and retain on file items 49, 50, 51, 52, and 53.
• The clerk will close the roll, tally the votes: 49 ayes, 7 noes.
• Ayes 49, noes 4. Senate amendments are concurred in. Thank you. Ayes 49, noes 4.
• Ayes 49, noes 1. Senate amendments are concurred in.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and began with prayer and a moment of silence in response to the shooting of Charlie Kirk, with members and the presiding officer condemning political violence and urging decorum. The body then recessed briefly for caucuses and later resumed floor business, including a series of procedural motions to move bills to the inactive file, suspend rules, and allow committees to meet on specified measures. No substantive committee votes were taken in the opening portion beyond those procedural suspensions and referrals. The main floor action was on Senate third-reading bills and later concurrence items. Members approved a wide range of measures covering consumer protection and privacy (SB 709 on self-storage contracts, SB 683 on unauthorized use of name/image/likeness, SB 361 on data brokers), family and health issues (SB 450 on adoptions, SB 418 on health care coverage and hormone therapy, SB 313 on birth certificate confidentiality), public safety and government operations (SB 47 on the State Bar exam audit, SB 509 on transnational repression, AB 1370 on legislative NDAs), energy and environment (SB 630 on state parks acquisitions, SB 500 on Energy Star alternatives, AB 527 on geothermal projects), labor and education (SB 578 on the Workplace Outreach Program, AB 563 on child care planning, SB 472 on Holocaust and genocide education), and transportation, taxation, and elections-related bills. Several measures were passed unanimously or with broad bipartisan support, while others drew some opposition, including SB 630, SB 825, SB 418, and SB 578. The Assembly also took up multiple concurrence items from the Senate, including AB 64 on diacritical marks in vital records, AB 260 on reproductive health care, AB 288 on collective bargaining rights, AB 515 on civil procedure, AB 524 on agricultural land, AB 543 on Medi-Cal and field medicine, and AB 1370 on transparency and NDAs. Most of these were concurred in by comfortable margins. The chamber also adopted several rule waivers and committee meeting notices, and moved some items to the inactive file at the request of authors. Toward the end of the session, the Assembly paused for adjournment-in-memory tributes honoring Ermilo Don Rodas, John Burton, Nina Chomsky, and Barbara “Bobby” Samperey, with members highlighting their public service, community advocacy, and lasting impact. After the memorials, the House recessed and later returned to continue concurrence votes on additional bills, including SB 472, SB 820, SB 243, and a series of Assembly bills, with recorded roll-call votes generally showing passage and concurrence in Senate amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; I don't know about you folks's concerns, &gt;&gt; I don't know about you folks's concerns, but<00:49
• :55.440><c> I</c><00:49:55.599><c> mean</c><00:49:55.760><c> I'll</c><00:49:55.920><c> take</c><00:49
• :56.079><c> your</c><00:49:56.400><c> concerns</c><00:49:56.800><c> to</c> but I mean I'll take your
• concerns to but I mean I'll take your concerns to heart,<00:49:57.440><c> but</c><00:49:58.800><c> we
• </c><00:49:59.119><c> do</c><00:49:59.280><c> need</c><00:49:59.520><c> hostas.

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several health-related measures. SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance drew support from the Department of Health, healthcare organizations, and others, with DOH explaining the bill would formalize a surveillance program that has helped with real-time flu tracking and response to events like the Maui fires. A member raised privacy concerns from opponents, and DOH responded that the data are deidentified and do not include Social Security numbers or dates of birth. No votes were taken on the bill in the portion provided. SB 3134 on emergency medical systems of care received broad support from SHIPA, DOH, military and EMS representatives, and others, who said it would modernize the EMS system. SB 3136 on lead materials and water infrastructure was also supported by DOH and SHIPA; members asked whether the bill would allow Hawaii to keep stronger standards if federal drinking water rules were weakened, and DOH said the state would not have to follow weaker federal standards as long as Hawaii remained as stringent or more stringent. SB 3138 on independent audits of deposit beverage distribution drew support from DOH and several industry groups, but with amendments to reduce burdens on small businesses, raise the audit threshold, and modernize reporting; opponents also testified. DOH later clarified that the measure would affect a limited number of distributors and said it is working on an electronic submission system, though not yet for audit filings. SB 3139 concerning SHIPA was supported by SHIPA and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, while HMSA suggested one provision should remain under the insurance commissioner’s purview. SHIPA said the bill is about collaboration and a broader health vision, not regulation, and members indicated they were comfortable with removing the disputed portion. SB 3207 on background checks drew support from healthcare providers but opposition from the Attorney General and DOH. Supporters argued the FBI fingerprinting requirement is costly, duplicative, and difficult to schedule, while opponents said the bill would improperly shift fingerprint collection authority to hospitals and other facilities and could conflict with federal law. The committee engaged in extended questioning about costs, federal requirements, and whether the mandate would be passed on to patients; no final action is reflected in the excerpt. The committee then began SB 2271 on hospital licensing, with support from SHIPA, the Developmental Disabilities council, healthcare groups, Kaiser Permanente, and DOH, and commenters said the bill would allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance through CMS-recognized accreditation, with a suggested wording change to “approved” accrediting organization.

Transcript Highlights:

• um bill as the other bill we heard to um that<00:48:59.440><c> we</c><00:48:59.920><c> talked</c><00:49
• :00.160><c> about</c><00:49:00.400><c> today.
• </c><00:49:01.200><c> Um</c><00:49:01.599><c> 2939</c><00:49:02.559><c> will</c> that we talked about
• Um 2939 will be<00:49:02.960><c> available</c><00:49:03.920><c> um</c><00:49:04.079><c> to</c><00:49:
• 04.319><c> us</c><00:49:04.640><c> next</c><00:49:04.960><c> session</c><00:49:05.359><c> and</c> The

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.240><c> Bale,</c><00:49:48.640><c> second</c><00:49:48.880><c> by</c><00:49:49.040><c> Senator</c
• ><00:49:49.280><c> Elliot.
• Senator Bale, second by Senator Elliot. discussion<00:49:50.160><c> I'm</c><00:49:50.400><c> certain<
• /c><00:49:50.640><c> on</c><00:49:50.880><c> by</c><00:49:51.040><c> Senator</c> discussion I'm certain
• &gt;&gt; Now,<00:49:54.039><c> [clears throat]</c> &gt;&gt; so<00:49:58.960><c> you</c><00:49:59.599>

Bills: SB309 , HB192 , SB178 , SB179 , SB237 , HB10 , HB107 , HB189 , HB37 , HB226 , SB309 , HB192 , SB178 , SB179 , SB237 , HB10 , HB107 , HB189 , HB37 , HB226

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> any</c> all in favor of adjournment say I any all in favor of adjournment say I any opposed<00:49
• :00.799><c> we</c><00:49:00.960><c> are</c><00:49:01.160><c> adjourned</c> yeah<00:49:52.799><c> very
• </c><00:49:53.000><c> good</c><00:49:53.079><c> to</c><00:49:53.200><c> see</c><00:49:53.319><c> you<
• /c><00:49:53.520><c> guys</c><00:49:53.920><c> nice</c><00:49:54.040><c> to</c> yeah very good to see
• you guys nice to yeah very good to see you guys nice to meet<00:49:54.319><c> you</c><00:49:54.480><

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 145, sponsored by Sen. David Givens. The bill would update retail installment contract statutes for automobile sales, allowing retailers with installment contracts shorter than 28 days to begin collections after three days instead of waiting for multiple missed payments, and it also harmonizes a related dollar amount in statute from $10 to $15. The committee asked no questions, and the bill received a favorable expression on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183 from Sen. Matt Nunn, with testimony from Chris Nolan of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. The bill would require proxy advisers acting for the State Retirement System to act solely in the financial interest of current and future retirees and to avoid political or social considerations in shareholder voting recommendations. Supporters argued it would keep politics out of public pensions and align proxy advice with fiduciary duties; members praised the bill and noted Kentucky could be among the first states to adopt such a model. The committee approved the bill with favorable expression after a roll-call vote. The committee also reviewed administrative regulation 808 KAR 9:10 from the Department of Financial Institutions, with no vote required. It then took up House Bill 413, a PBM rebate pass-through bill, with testimony from Sarah Wood of the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. She said the bill would require 85% of negotiated drug rebates to be passed through to patients at the point of sale, lowering out-of-pocket costs, especially for high-rebate drugs such as insulin, while still allowing 15% to remain with plans. She cited examples from other states and argued the bill would benefit about 650,000 Kentuckians. Hope McClaflin of Anthem opposed the bill, saying it would reduce employers’ ability to use rebates to lower premiums, could disproportionately favor high-cost brand-name drug users, and could create significant costs for state and fully insured plans. Members asked questions about other states’ pass-through rates and the effect on premiums, but no final action on House Bill 413 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.520><c> thank</c><00:49:00.680><c> you</c><00:49:00.799><c> please</c><00:49:01.000><c> call</c>
• second on the bill thank you please call second on the bill thank you please call the<00:49:01.280><c
• > RO</c><00:49:02.280><c> Senator</c><00:49:02.680><c> Rocky</c><00:49:03.040><c> Adams</c><00:49:03.559
• ><c> I</c><00:49:04.359><c> Senator</c> The roll call vote: Senator Berg, aye.
• :56.440><c> TI</c> Senator TI Senator TI I<00:49:59.160><c> chair</c><00:49:59.720><c> meridi</c><00:

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, which would create conscience protections for health care professionals who object to participating in certain procedures or services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. Senator Donald Douglas and several supporters argued the bill is a recruitment and retention tool for Kentucky’s health care workforce, emphasizing provider shortages, maldistribution, and the need to protect individual conscience rights. Supporters said the bill would not apply to emergency care, would not permit denial of care based on a patient’s identity, and would mainly protect professionals from being forced to perform procedures they believe are unethical. They also cited similar laws in six other states and said the bill would have a cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Supportive testimony came from an emergency physician, a registered nurse, and others who described personal experiences or examples involving objections to abortion-related care, opioid prescribing, and pressure to participate in procedures that conflicted with conscience. They said conscience protections would help attract providers, preserve ethical integrity, and allow clinicians to make professional judgments without corporate or institutional coercion. In questioning, senators asked about practical examples, the scope of the bill, whether it would cover hypothetical cases involving patients of particular religions or identities, and which states have similar laws. The sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the bill is about procedures, not patients, and that it should not be read to allow discrimination against individuals. Opponents, including pediatricians and a registered nurse/minister, warned that the bill is overly broad and could allow refusals of care by not only physicians but also pharmacists, clerks, and ambulance drivers. They argued it could delay treatment, increase discrimination, and worsen access problems in rural areas, especially for contraception, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other services. Critics said existing professional ethics already require patient care and that the bill could undermine evidence-based medicine and worsen Kentucky’s provider shortage. The committee took testimony and questions; no final vote or disposition was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.799><c> yes</c><00:49:01.400><c> representative</c><00:49:02.480><c> marzian</c> Maddox yes representative
• marzian Maddox yes representative marzian representative<00:49:04.079><c> moer</c><00:49:04.920><c>
• yes</c><00:49:05.920><c> representative</c> representative moer yes representative representative moer
• Petri<00:49:10.599><c> representative</c><00:49:11.200><c> Roberts</c><00:49:11.960><c> yes</c> Petri
• :15.240><c> representative</c><00:49:15.799><c> Whitaker</c><00:49:16.640><c> yes</c> Representative

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a full roll call and first took up House Bill 220, which would strengthen Kentucky DUI penalties. The sponsor and a Commonwealth’s attorney testified that the bill would make a third DUI within 10 years a felony, while keeping first- and second-offense penalties the same, and that the committee substitute also adds escalating fines for under-21 DUI offenses and aligns interlock requirements. Supporters argued the change is needed to protect families and respond to repeat impaired driving, citing a fatal case involving a young victim and a repeat offender with a high blood alcohol level and prior DUI convictions. Members asked about treatment, sentencing, and drafting details. The sponsor explained that the existing mandatory substance-abuse treatment requirement for fourth-or-greater offenses would apply to third-or-greater offenses under the substitute, and that a 120-day minimum remains in place. Questions were also raised about removing redundant statutory language and about whether felony treatment could sometimes result in less actual jail time than a misdemeanor; the sponsor and prosecutor said such cases are rare and that the bill gives prosecutors and juries more tools. Representative Blanton supported the bill but noted it does not address fentanyl, and the sponsor said he has a separate bill for that issue. Opposition testimony came from Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who said he supported tougher DUI enforcement but opposed felonyizing the third offense. He argued that the current system already imposes mandatory jail and treatment, that felony cases often resolve through plea bargains with parole eligibility that may not increase actual time served, and that the better approach would be stronger mandatory counseling, longer license suspensions, and ignition interlock requirements rather than felony status. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and passed HB 220 favorably by a 19-0 vote. The committee then began House Bill 136, which would require the Department of Corrections to compile and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on corrections and parole outcomes, including time served and supervision data. The sponsor and a witness from the Georgia Center for Opportunity said the bill is intended to improve transparency and give lawmakers better data for policy decisions. Members voiced support for better post-release data and asked whether DOC could implement the reporting; the witness said DOC had not expressed concerns and already submits some reports. Discussion on HB 136 was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 48:59.440><c> of</c><00:48:59.440><c> our</c><00:48:59.599><c> dorm</c><00:48:59.839><c> room</c><00:49
• :01.280><c> other</c><00:49:01.920><c> um</c><00:49:03.200><c> we</c><00:49:03.440><c> have</c><00:49
• :03.520><c> the</c><00:49:03.680><c> ability</c><00:49:04.000><c> to</c> then other um we have the ability
• <00:49:06.400><c> rooms</c><00:49:06.800><c> and</c><00:49:06.960><c> other</c><00:49:07.200><c> sites
• </c><00:49:07.520><c> there.

Summary: The Public Safety and Judiciary Committee met without a quorum, so approval of the January 3, January 20, and February 3 minutes was postponed. The committee then heard an update from the Department of Corrections on halfway house and Recovery Kentucky funding and operations. Deputy Commissioner Hillary Daily said DOC contracts for up to 1,752 halfway house beds and 780 Recovery Kentucky beds, with 16 halfway houses and 13 Recovery Kentucky centers statewide. She reported 6,329 admissions in fiscal year 2025, average daily populations of 1,041 in halfway houses and 494 in Recovery Kentucky, and explained that Recovery Kentucky placements are more restrictive, generally excluding violent and sex offenders, while halfway houses serve probationers, parolees, and sex offenders who need treatment. She also described programming such as MRT, parenting, adult basic education, and trauma-focused services, and said some facilities offer supervised visitation. Daily said no new funding request was included in the current budget, though DOC has sought rate increases in prior cycles. Community Transitional Services director Barbara Stum also testified in support of halfway houses as re-entry and substance abuse treatment centers. She said CTS primarily serves men coming out of prison or returning to prison who need treatment, and that halfway houses provide security, accountability, treatment, employment support, and help with home placement. Stum said the state moved substance abuse treatment into the community in 2010 to avoid sending people back to prison for treatment, and argued halfway houses are the least expensive form of incarceration. She cited daily rates of $33.61 for CTS beds and DOC figures of $37.33 to $44.33 per day, compared with higher prison and jail costs, and said reimbursement has not kept pace with inflation since the last increase in 2019. She said staffing and supplies are the main pressure points, with counselor pay below market rates, and noted two counselor vacancies. A former resident, Michael Bird, testified that CTS helped him recover and re-enter the community successfully. The committee also received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of the video arraignment/video conferencing system. AOC officials Zach Ramsey and Charles Buyers said the system is now fully implemented in all courtrooms and is used for video arraignments and other Zoom-based court proceedings. Buyers described the pandemic-era transition from older, inconsistent equipment to improvised laptop/webcam setups, then to a more integrated vendor-supported system with touchscreen controls and a judicial support specialist position for training and operation. He said 324 courtrooms are already up to the current standard, with 128 remaining on an older bundle, and that there are no technical barriers to continued use. AOC said it is seeking $3.8 million in recurring annual funding to keep the systems upgraded and current, and plans to upgrade 46 systems in fiscal year 2026 across 15 counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.200><c> Lewis</c><00:49:00.559><c> pardon</c><00:49:00.799><c> me</c> Senator representative Lewis
• pardon me Senator representative Lewis pardon me yes<00:49:02.559><c> and</c><00:49:03.000><c> Senator
• </c><00:49:03.480><c> West</c> yes and Senator West yes and Senator West I<00:49:07.079><c> there</c>
• <00:49:07.319><c> being</c><00:49:08.160><c> five</c><00:49:08.559><c> I</c><00:49:08.839><c> votes</
• c><00:49:09.240><c> one</c><00:49:09.520><c> no</c><00:49:09.839><c> vote</c> There being five aye votes

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a long agenda of administrative regulations, most of which were advanced with staff-suggested amendments and no objection. Early items included the Kentucky Public Pension Authority’s 105 KAR 1:451, which updates reporting language and adds the contractor wizard for certain employers, and a large package of Board of Veterinary Examiners regulations that revise fees, facility and AHP registration requirements, continuing education, liability, and practice rules. The Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s compact-related regulation and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors’ complaint and compact rules were also reviewed and approved with amendments, along with fish and wildlife rules affecting elk hunting, youth deer season length, bear-dog approvals, and foxhound enclosure permits. The committee also approved transportation, education, workplace standards, horse racing, and several health and human services regulations, including Medicaid waiver reimbursement updates and a child care regulation that sends certain large claims to the Office of Inspector General for review. Several agencies briefly explained their regulations when members asked questions. Fish and Wildlife said the elk population is strong and the baiting change is intended to support harvest monitoring and fair chase, while the longer youth deer season was meant to give young hunters more opportunity. The Department of Community-Based Services said the $10,000 and $5,000 claim thresholds were meant to clarify rare cases involving possible fraud or unresolved recoupment issues. The Department of Financial Institutions’ 808 KAR 5:305 drew the most discussion: it would allow certain state-chartered credit unions with a low-income designation to participate in federal programs, including limited non-member deposits and supplemental capital, but the regulation was deferred again amid continued discussions. The Kentucky Bankers Association testified against the credit union regulation, arguing that allowing non-member deposits conflicts with existing statute limiting credit union deposits to members and other credit unions, and that an administrative regulation cannot override that statutory restriction. Committee members heard the agency’s explanation that the proposal is intended to help underserved communities and that the non-member deposit authority would be limited, but no final action was taken because the item was deferred. The meeting otherwise concluded with the remaining regulations being called, discussed briefly, and approved or advanced without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• :55.920><c> uh</c><00:49:56.040><c> we</c><00:49:56.240><c> had</c><00:49:56.400><c> over</c><00:49:56.880
• ><c> 40</c><00:49:57.280><c> districts</c> yesterday uh we had over 40 districts yesterday uh we had
• over 40 districts that<00:49:57.839><c> had</c><00:49:58.000><c> used</c><00:49:58.319><c> all</c><00
• :49:58.520><c> of</c><00:49:58.640><c> their</c><00:49:58.799><c> ni</c><00:49:59.280><c> days</c><00
• <00:49:59.880><c> that</c><00:50:00.040><c> means</c><00:50:00.400><c> is</c><00:50:01.000><c> is</c>

Summary: The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first took up House Bill 14, which would establish Alyssa’s Law in Kentucky public schools. The bill, as amended by committee substitute, would allow districts to implement wearable panic alert systems for school staff beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Sponsor Rep. Kevin Jackson and supporters described the system as a silent badge/button that can alert school offices, 911, first responders, and other personnel, with different button sequences for different emergencies. Testimony from Lori Alade, Alyssa’s mother and founder of Make Our Schools Safe, emphasized that “time equals life” and said the technology can help in active threats, medical emergencies, weather events, and other urgent situations. Students from St. Margaret Mary’s Kentucky Youth Assembly also supported the bill, citing the Georgia school shooting response as an example of how such systems can save lives. Members asked about vendor neutrality, costs, training, and whether the system could be used off campus; sponsors said the bill is intended to be vendor neutral, estimated statewide costs ranged from about $2 million to $6 million, training would be provided before the school year, and they would follow up on the off-campus question. The committee approved HB 14 with the committee substitute attached. The committee then reconsidered and approved House Bill 48, a cleanup measure related to school reporting requirements. The substitute was described as addressing department concerns about eliminating certain reporting forms while preserving district flexibility and reducing burdensome reporting. It would allow schools to maintain or use alternative reporting methods, provide KDE a timeline and guidelines for reporting on Cognia software used for CPS and C-dips, and require a written report to the LRC describing reporting requirements imposed on public schools and districts, with items not reapproved by the legislature sunsetting in 2026. The bill passed the committee with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 190, as amended by committee substitute, which would shift the measure from a planning-and-action bill to a planning-only bill for advanced coursework and codify some gifted-student regulations. Rep. Duvall and Dr. Julia Link Roberts of WKU said the bill is intended to expand opportunities for high-potential students by requiring districts to set policies on advanced coursework or accelerated learning options for grades 4 through 12. The substitute changes the standard from “proficient” to “distinguished,” allows districts flexibility in how they implement the policies, and may require automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished, with opt-out provisions and a principal exception if coursework conflicts with career pathways or CTE access. Members discussed how the proposal differs from current advanced programs, the broader inclusion of students, and district variation in available opportunities. No final vote on HB 190 was included in the transcript excerpt.