Transcript Highlights:

• That's us working with the architectural engineering firms who are using third-party cost estimators
• One of the things that was value engineered out of the cash range is we worked to make sure that the
• That's us working with the architectural engineering firms who are using third-party cost estimators
• One of the things that was value engineered out of the cash range is we worked to make sure that the
• That's us working with the architectural engineering firms who are using third-party cost estimators

Keywords: Call to Order 00:17 Department of Corrections 01:35 Community Transitional Services 06:47 Administrative Office of the Courts 23:06 Department of Criminal Justice Training/ KSP 45:49 Adjournment 59:14, 958, all

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:

• only shaped the future of global energy systems, but has also inspired and educated generations of engineers
• only shaped the future of global energy systems, but has also inspired and educated generations of engineers
• only shaped the future of global energy systems, but has also inspired and educated generations of engineers
• This country has long been a magnet for global talent, engineers, scientists, and doctors who come here
• It creates permanent fees that illegal immigrants must pay for their applications so American taxpayers

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll see the College of Engineering, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, usually called the
• We'll see the College of Engineering, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, usually called the

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met, confirmed a quorum, and heard opening remarks from Chair Busata. The chair reviewed the committee’s prior meetings on the state higher education budget and the state university system, then announced that the committee would leave the Capitol for an on-site visit to FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s Innovation Park. Members were told the tour would include the College of Engineering, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (the MagLab), and the Florida Center for Advanced Aero Propulsion. The chair described the visit as an opportunity to see the facilities firsthand rather than just review budget figures and noted that the committee would adjourn at Innovation Park and return by shuttle later in the afternoon. No bills were heard, no testimony was taken, and no votes or formal actions were recorded beyond the announcement and adjournment for the site visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is an intensively engineered site to do that work, and so the river there is actually part of
• That's why, when you look at it, a lot of this is ecological engineering.
• That's why, when you look at it, a lot of this is ecological engineering.
• I have not read the whole thing yet; it's 750-some pages of engineering details and economics, but we
• a lot of it is ecological engineering a lot of it is how<01:47:11.880> do<01:47:11.960> we

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beyond the vital role in our modern digital landscape, data centers are significant economic engines
• Beyond the vital role in our modern digital landscape, data centers are significant economic engines
• Beyond the vital role in our modern digital landscape, data centers are significant economic engines
• Beyond the vital role in our modern digital landscape, data centers are significant economic engines
• Beyond the vital role in our modern digital landscape, data centers are significant economic engines

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My background is mechanical engineering, electrical engineering.
• My background is mechanical engineering, electrical engineering.
• My background is mechanical engineering, electrical engineering.
• My background is mechanical engineering, electrical engineering.
• protection engineer and the fire<03:09:33.279> protection<03:09:33.680> engineers<03:09

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support of organizations that include the American Institute of Architects, American Council of Engineering
• Companies of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Federation of Building Officials, American Council of Engineering
• boundaries between commercial interior design practice and the professions of architecture and engineering
• him numerous accolades, including being named the 2013 Salesperson of the Year at Barry Plastics' engineered

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two resolutions recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the nation’s 250th anniversary and congratulating Zachary Erich on becoming an Eagle Scout, and then took up several committee reports and extension orders. The chamber suspended rules multiple times to act immediately on committee extensions for Financial Services and State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and it referred a House petition on cleft lip and cleft palate treatment to Financial Services. Members also adopted an order extending the Financial Services committee’s reporting deadline on credit union and mortgage financing matters. The Senate then considered and passed House No. 4361, a bill on teacher retirement benefits, after extensive debate in support of a one-time window for certain teachers who were excluded from Retirement Plus due to administrative errors. Senators described the measure as a long-overdue fix for more than 8,500 educators, noting that eligible teachers would have to pay the difference in contributions. The bill was ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call, and sent on for further action. The chamber also passed Senate No. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and Senate No. 3107 on commercial interior design licensure, both after supportive remarks about patient safety and professional regulation. A major item was the conference committee report on H. 5280, the FY26 fair share supplemental budget. Supporters highlighted funding for municipal winter relief, MBTA operations and capital needs, education initiatives, housing incentives, home heating assistance, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents raised concerns about MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax policy implications. After roll call, the report was approved by a 37-3 vote. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble and passed H. 5470, the FY26 supplemental appropriations bill, and later enacted local bills including Berkeley recall authority, a Milton school deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing. Near the end of the session, the Senate recognized guests from the Caribbean diplomatic corps and the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, who spoke about Caribbean American Heritage Month and partnership agreements with Massachusetts. The chamber then concurred in a House amendment to Senate No. 2563, a bill updating disability-related terminology in the general laws, with senators emphasizing the importance of person-first language and dignity for people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and enacted the bill. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday and with adjournment in memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in recognizing Captain Matthew Fortin, Captain Eric Estes, Engineer James Tauney, and
• Engineer David Goodwin.
• Members, please join me in extending a warm welcome to Captain Fortin, Captain Estes, Engineer Tauney
• , and Engineer Goodwin.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements that require multiple contracts, bids, for each project, whether it be architects, engineers
• 00:09:45.200> it<00:09:45.360> be<00:09:45.519> architects,<00:09:46.080> engineers
• , whether it be architects, engineers, whether it be architects, engineers, contractors,<00:09:47.440

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 3 March, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first considered a strike-all related to the Mississippi Upskill Grant Program and a K-12 bridge bill tied to CTE and special purpose schools. Members discussed the alignment of workforce and career-technical education from pre-K through higher education. Senator Hopson moved to add a reverse repealer, which was adopted, and the strike-all was then passed as amended and forwarded to appropriations. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1488, which would authorize the University of Southern Mississippi to sell or enter into a long-term lease for university property in Hattiesburg. Senator Johnson explained that the roughly 600-acre tract, gifted in the 1920s and formerly used as a golf course, has a master plan for redevelopment; the bill would streamline the sale process while preserving requirements such as two appraisals and IHL approval. After questions about the acreage and safeguards, the bill was passed as amended and sent to appropriations. Members also approved a strike-all addressing financial literacy requirements for colleges and universities, including added content on mortgages and real estate, and then passed House Bill 1495, a companion to Senate Bill 2238, allowing Mississippi State University and the Oktibbeha County school district to co-mingle funds by mutual agreement for their partnership school/high school project. Finally, House Bill 1582 on community college energy performance contracts was discussed at length; the chair said it needed further vetting by the public property committee, so the committee added a reverse repealer and passed the bill as amended. The meeting ended with a rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh most of these jobs don't need an engineering degree.
• counties generate 300 of this uh most of these jobs don't need an uh most of these jobs don't need an engineering
• <00:15:19.040> Uh<00:15:19.600> Kentucky<00:15:20.079> now engineering degree
• Uh Kentucky now engineering degree.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met without a quorum and heard presentations on several workforce and school-safety funding requests. The first item was a proposal for a school mapping data program, presented by Rep. Steve Bratcher with law enforcement and mapping partners. They said the plan would move money to the 911 system so school maps could be embedded there and kept current for all schools, public and private, to improve response times and officer, student, and teacher safety. The request was described as a $10 million one-time appropriation, with an estimate that the work could be completed in about a year. The committee then heard testimony on the Be Proud Initiative, a mobile workshop program aimed at exposing students age 13 and up to skilled trades and related education and career opportunities. Speakers from the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, MI2, the Kentucky Treasury, and the Associated General Contractors said the program would improve perceptions of manufacturing, construction, and metals careers, connect students to training and employers, and help build the workforce pipeline. They said private industry would contribute $1 million in FY 2026-2027 before state funds are released, and requested $3 million in state funding in FY 2027-2028 contingent on that match. A Treasury official said handling the funds through the Treasury would have minimal impact on the office. Committee members responded favorably, including a comment from Rep. Bojanowski about the value of hands-on learning for students who struggle with test-focused instruction. Speakers also explained that the program includes classroom materials before and after the truck visit and ongoing outreach for students and parents. The final presentation was on an MI2 metals career pathway proposal, which cited economic impact data for Kentucky’s metals industry and asked for a $3 million one-time investment for FY 2027-2028 to pilot a middle- and high-school pathway in Carroll and Logan counties. The proposal would be matched by industry funds and used for curriculum, equipment, dual-credit and apprenticeship connections, student stipends, and parent outreach. The chair closed by noting it was the final scheduled meeting of the session and moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Architecture firms of all sizes serve as vital economic engines.
• 52.240> economic of all sizes serve as vital economic of all sizes serve as vital economic engines
• .<00:43:53.520> Yet,<00:43:53.839> their<00:43:54.079> greatest engines.
• Yet, their greatest engines.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would note that the NSA's workforce of specialized nuclear scientists and engineers is fundamental
• founded upon the bedrock of a strong technical education with an undergraduate degree in marine engineering
• Naval Academy and a graduate degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, you know, K-12, up to colleges.

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas, from computer and information technology for cybercrime. ...cybersecurity to manufacturing engineering
• of Pennsylvania, a law degree from Samford University, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University and completed the
• I did grow up in Pearland, attended Texas A&M as an aerospace engineering student, and then spent 26

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• story that just broke at the beginning of this month in India where 100,000 medical, nursing, and engineering
• story that just broke at the beginning of this month in India where 100,000 medical, nursing, and engineering
• story that just broke at the beginning of this month in India where 100,000 medical, nursing, and engineering
• story that just broke at the beginning of this month in India where 100,000 medical, nursing, and engineering
• story that just broke at the beginning of this month in India where 100,000 medical, nursing, and engineering

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 173 from Senator David Givens, which would create a legislative review process for the state health plan and state plan amendments, modeled after the administrative regulations process. Givens argued the legislature should have a stronger policy role in reviewing the plan, saying the bill would allow lawmakers to find components deficient rather than approve them outright. He tied the proposal to Medicaid spending growth and projected enrollment changes, saying the state needs a new oversight tool. Committee members generally supported the concept, though Senator Berg expressed concern that the legislature lacks the executive branch’s healthcare expertise. The bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 137, sponsored by Chairman Meredith, which would create a pathway for certain internationally trained physicians to practice in Kentucky without repeating residency in the United States. Supporters said the bill is aimed at addressing Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and cited projections of a statewide shortage of about 3,000 physicians by 2030 and a shortage of primary care doctors in particular. Testimony from Cicero Action and Baptist Health emphasized that many foreign-trained physicians are already fully trained, that residency slots are limited, and that the bill could help fill shortages in underserved counties while preserving quality through existing exams, ECFMG certification, English proficiency requirements, primary source verification, and mentoring/oversight. Several members raised questions and concerns. Senator Berg asked about verification, required exams, and oversight, and Senator Tishner raised concerns about fraudulent credentials in some countries and whether the bill could admit underqualified physicians. Witnesses responded that applicants would still have to pass the same exams, obtain ECFMG certification, and undergo primary-source credentialing and employer oversight. Supporters also argued the bill would not displace U.S.-trained physicians because it would use otherwise limited residency capacity more efficiently. After discussion, the committee adopted the bill and reported it favorably by unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott Baker, Division of Engineering, Finance Cabinet.
• Scott Baker, Division of Engineering, Finance Cabinet.
• Scott Baker, Division of Engineering, Finance Cabinet.
• Scott Baker, Division of Engineering, Finance Cabinet.
• Scott Baker, Division of Engineering, Finance Cabinet.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:38.560> at of Amazon Amazon's economic engine at of Amazon Amazon's economic engine
• They offer at least one non-engineering aviation degree initiative participation.
• They offer at least one non-engineering aviation degree initiative participation. Yep.
• They offer at least one non-engineering aviation degree initiative participation.
• 01:04:10.079> um non-engineering aviation degree um non-engineering aviation degree um initiative

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met on November 4, 2025, approved the prior minutes without objection, and then heard a presentation from Amazon on its Kentucky aviation and logistics operations. Amazon described its statewide footprint, including its Boone County air hub at KCVG, its investment of more than $60 billion in Kentucky since 2010, about 20,000 jobs in the state, and its use of Amazon Air as a middle-mile network supported by third-party carriers. The company also highlighted small-business support, community relief efforts, and workforce development through Career Choice, including partnerships with Kentucky schools and aviation maintenance training. Members asked about Amazon’s most in-demand workforce needs, future operational challenges, and whether autonomous vehicles are used on the KCVG ramp. Amazon said it would follow up on workforce-demand details, identified customer-driven innovation and culture as ongoing challenges, and said autonomous vehicles are in testing but are not part of regular KCVG operations. Amazon also emphasized sustainability efforts, including alternative aviation fuel, and said it wants to work with the legislature to expand AAF production and supply in Kentucky. The task force then heard from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Matt Wingate on the state’s aviation economic development strategy. They said aviation and aerospace are central to Kentucky’s logistics and economic-development goals, with aerospace identified as the state’s top export and air cargo as a major strength. They discussed outreach to general aviation airports, support for local grant matching, airport funding projects, workforce and education partnerships, and efforts to market Kentucky at aviation trade shows such as Paris Air Show and MRO America. No formal votes or other actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Advanced nuclear also creates thousands of well-paid permanent jobs in construction, engineering, and
• co-executive director of the Oppenheimer Project, and Max Retoni, Chair of UC Berkeley's Nuclear Engineering
• Chair of UC Berkeley's Nuclear Engineering Department.
• I'm Asimiliano Flatoni, professor and chair of the nuclear engineering department at the University of
• My department, the Department of Nuclear Engineering at UC Berkeley, as the only nuclear engineering

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendation is a pretty significant amount for water, including several of these items to the State Engineer
• Is that through the Engineer? Yeah, through the State Engineer. I thought Adrian was in the room.
• Adrian, make sure we schedule the State Engineer for the settlements.
• points that I think have to be happening in this presentation: New Mexico can be a national security engine
• course, and then OBEI, broadband expansion, and vocational rehabilitation, as well as the State Engineer

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we know that this legislature has given the CES out of Albuquerque money to do engineering plans
• We need somebody to sit there and go with it for the engineering plan; that person has to be out there
• Did that come through an engineering firm?
• A couple of things: we have been working with the Soil and Water Conservation on the engineering plan
• We've been working with Tomas Gonzalez to do the engineering plan to be able to get the water.

Transcript Highlights:

• From doctors to scientists to engineers and to government officials, they learn from us, and we learn
• know, according to these letters that we've received, that one of the biggest concerns is in the engine
• , as well as an addendum for bargaining unit 12, which represents operating engineers.
• This bill implements as well as an addendum for bargaining unit 12, which represents operating engineers
• Our national parks are not only natural wonders, they're economic engines and cultural landmarks.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long floor session focused heavily on budget trailer bills, labor agreements, housing, environmental review, and several resolutions. Members also introduced visiting guests, including family members, district staff, Mandela Washington Fellows, and UC Berkeley public policy students. Procedural motions were taken up early, including a successful roll-call vote to suspend rules so certain budget-related bills could be heard without reference to file. The chamber approved several major budget measures. SB 129, the labor trailer bill, passed 56-4 after supporters said it made technical budget adjustments, funded collective bargaining, supported In-Home Supportive Services, and addressed pension and project-related issues. SB 131, the public resources and housing trailer bill, passed 50-3 after extensive debate over homelessness funding, CEQA exemptions, advanced manufacturing, high-speed rail, rural access to funds, tribal consultation, and environmental protections; multiple members voiced support while also urging follow-up changes. The Assembly also adopted SB 139, implementing agreements for professional and operating engineers, by 69-1, and SB 140, implementing the correctional officers’ agreement, by 71-0. Later, AB 130, the housing trailer bill, was taken up on concurrence in Senate amendments after a successful rule suspension; members discussed tribal consultation protections, CEQA reform, prevailing wage, and vehicle miles traveled provisions, with debate continuing as the transcript ended. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 927, extending the Williams inspection window for certain school districts, which passed 70-0. In addition, ACR 16 naming the 10th Street Bridge the POW/MIA Bridge passed 70-0. AJR 9, urging full and consistent federal funding for the National Park Service, drew broad bipartisan support and passed 66-0 after members highlighted California parks’ economic and cultural importance. HR 47, recognizing the Fourth of July and the Declaration of Independence, prompted extended remarks on democracy, civics, immigration, military service, and community celebrations before being adopted by voice vote with 64 co-authors added. The consent calendar was also adopted 64-0.