Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:23.639><c> the</c><00:05:23.800><c> age</c><00:05:24.000><c> of</c> surrounding states the
• age of surrounding states the age of 15 House Bill 15 is a technical outlier on this matter.
• Feel free, and once you get ready, if you will state your name for the record, you may begin.
• Kevin Jackson, State Representative, District 20, Bowling Green and Warren County. Thank you, Mr.
• , if approved by the Transportation Cabinet.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held its first meeting of the 2025 session, established a quorum, welcomed new members and staff, and reviewed basic committee procedures, including phone silence, speaking through the chair, and the 24-hour amendment rule. The chair then moved to the agenda, which consisted of two bills. House Bill 15, sponsored by Representative Rudy, would lower Kentucky’s learner’s permit age to 15 to match surrounding states. Supporters said it would give parents more choice and help young drivers get licensed earlier; one member explained her yes vote by describing strong support from middle school students. The bill passed the committee with favorable expression, with Representative Lehman voting no and others voting yes. House Bill 161, sponsored by Representative Jackson, would allow third-party entities to process driver’s license renewals, not initial licenses. Jackson said the goal was to improve access after the state reduced renewal locations from county offices to regional centers, creating long travel times and long waits, especially for rural and older residents. He said the third-party model could be used by approved businesses or agencies, with an average added fee of about $2 to $5, and that it would still require the same vision-screening process. Members asked about Real ID renewals, timing, local testing options, and eye exam requirements. The bill also received favorable expression, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• not be residents of the state.
• So what the state actually contributes to all DAs across the state, but particularly for Baton Rouge,
• The state actually contributes to all DAs across the state, but particularly for Baton Rouge, is extremely
• That's all that we receive from the state.
• I mean, local elected official, state elected official. State elected official.

Bills: HB513 , HB581 , HB596 , HB660 , HB719 , HB766 , HB802 , HB940 , HB950 , HB1028 , HB1183 , HB1201 , SB233 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB411

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: supplemental pay, law enforcement, probation officers, parole officers, constitutional amendment, plugging credit, inactive well assessment, oil and gas regulation, well plugging, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, HB 660, district attorney salary, assistant district attorney salary, prosecutor pay raise, Louisiana prosecutors, state-paid salaries, warrant payment, R.S. 16:10, R.S. 16:11, general fund impact

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• are doing, we're working on actually I've got an AI process that we're working on right now with our state
• I've been working for about 6 or 8 months with our state AI officer and and OMEs we're trying to put

Bills: HJR1088 , SB1280 , SB1316 , SB1433 , SB1455 , SB1456 , SB1457 , SB1459 , SB1461 , SB1463 , SB1465 , SB1466 , SB1721 , SB1280 , SB1316 , SB1433 , SB1455 , SB1456 , SB1457 , SB1459 , SB1461 , SB1463 , SB1465 , SB1466 , SB1721 , HJR1088

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Keywords: education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, excise tax, oil tax

Transcript Highlights:

• action agencies across the state. >> All right.
• </c> Community Action Kentucky, the state Community Action Kentucky, the state association<00:03:01.040
• </c> agencies across the state. agencies across the state. &gt;&gt; All<00:03:06.400><c> right.
• They're again spread across the state.
• Some are again spread across the state.

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy met for a public hearing and presentation on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After approving the minutes, members heard from Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky, who explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant used in Kentucky to help low-income households pay home energy bills, prevent utility disconnects, and support weatherization and crisis assistance. Hall outlined the program’s income eligibility limits, the fact that payments go directly to vendors or utilities rather than households, and the program’s funding levels, including $43.4 million spent in federal fiscal year 2025 and an anticipated $58 million for federal fiscal year 2026. The presenters described LIHEAP’s main components: fall and spring subsidy programs, winter crisis assistance, and weatherization. They gave participation figures for recent program cycles, including tens of thousands of households served in each component, and explained that weatherization prioritizes elderly, disabled, households with children, and high-energy-burden homes. They also noted that weatherization is carried out in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and includes repairs and efficiency measures such as insulation, air sealing, and safety checks. Rick Baker described Community Action Kentucky’s role as the statewide administrator through 23 local community action agencies, emphasizing their presence in all 120 counties and their local board structure. Members praised Baker’s long service and the program’s importance for families facing high energy costs, especially in coalfield areas. One member asked for clarification on a slide reference to “Assurance 16,” but the transcript cuts off before the answer is completed. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a state agency, just like most state agencies: 120 state employees, a very diverse spectrum of
• We're a state agency, just like most state agencies: 120 state employees, a very diverse spectrum of
• The Coal Act does not cost the state. The Coal Act does not cost the state.
• I am also a state employee.
• Alabama and State v. Bassett.

Bills: SB5439 , SB6109 , SB6304

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: investment, thermal coal, divestment, state investment board, fossil fuels, environmental impact, renewable energy, detention facilities, state funds, privatization, criminal justice reform, Washington State Investment Board, responsible investment, sustainability, corporate governance

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this from your county, or is this from multiple counties across the state?
• as long as it's approved by the state treasurer.
• Something in our state statute that is allowable as long as it's approved by the state treasurer?
• So 4-H in the state of Oklahoma and OSU are almost operating in...
• Please state your question. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HB2398 , HB4363 , HB3557 , HB3701 , HB2210

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: credential of value, education, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, higher education, Oklahoma State University, Board of Trustees, presidential selection, college governance, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, academic programs, low-producing programs, Oklahoma State Board of Regents, program review, curriculum quality

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• It is an economic driver and a tourism driver for the state, and this bill is being presented as that
• It is an economic driver and a tourism driver for the state, and this bill is being presented as that
• It is an economic driver and a tourism driver for the state, and this bill is being presented as that
• No funds appropriated from the state general fund to a person shall be used for expenses incurred by
• We're adjourned. >> State, and this bill is being presented as that.

Bills: HB66 , HB79 , SB35 , HB255 , SB134 , HB159 , HB181 , HB66 , HB79 , SB35 , HB255 , SB134 , HB159 , HB181

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, HB255, Employees' Retirement System of Alabama, ERSA, State Police Tier II Plan, annual leave

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• I'm the state representative for 64A, and I'm the incoming DFL co-chair for Commerce.
• </c><00:04:27.880><c> combating</c> communities across the state combating communities across the state
• I'm the state representative for 64A, and I'm the incoming DFL co-chair for Commerce.
• </c><00:08:58.200><c> full</c><00:08:58.399><c> of</c> by a cabinet or fax cabinet uh full of by a cabinet
• Now you can't get it done at the state, federal, any level.

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• And I know some states have like these state advisory committees that coordinate.
• The average state lost 9%.
• The average state lost 9%.
• The average state lost 9%.
• The average state lost 9%.

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• In the United States, it's simple.
• Constitution or state constitution.
• or the United States.
• or of the United States.
• In 1956, the state of Alabama used its state laws to shut down the NAACP, and it took 10 years for this

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• It will be basically another savings account for the state.
• That is part of HR one where they changed the state match.
• If we get the error rate down, the state match goes down.
• But they go throughout the state of Oklahoma.
• It'll be here in the state of Oklahoma specifically.

Bills: HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4033 , HB4034 , HB4035 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4039 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4044 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4049 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4071 , HB4072 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1149 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a quick question about the amount, I think the $2 million that's going to the state fairgrounds
• Members, Senate Bill 1162 is the limits bill for the State Department of Health.
• As you all know, we have the number one wheat breeding program in the United States of America.
• It's a bill that deals with budgetary obligations of the state.
• State. Seeing no further questions, we have a motion and a second. No call for debate.

Bills: HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4033 , HB4034 , HB4035 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4039 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4044 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4049 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4071 , HB4072 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1149 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4033 , HB4034 , HB4035 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4039 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4044 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4049 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4071 , HB4072 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1149 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:11.440><c> as</c> project managers across the state as project managers across the state as
• The people of the Commonwealth want Kentucky State. They pray for Kentucky State to be successful.
• </c> Appo, it's a new day at Kentucky State. Appo, it's a new day at Kentucky State.
• </c> want Kentucky State. want Kentucky State.
• As far as the whole contract for the state that the finance cabinet does, I can't really speak on conversations

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with the understanding that the state with the understanding that the state would<00:05:44.000><
• </c><00:15:05.199><c> agencies,</c><00:15:05.839><c> state</c> whether that's state agencies, state whether
• that's state agencies, state funded<00:15:06.480><c> universities</c><00:15:07.040><c> or</c><00:15:
• Keep state. idea. Could you move closer? Keep state.
• Last is the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, Kentucky State Police Information Services Center roof

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> President Kentucky State AFL CIO. President Kentucky State AFL CIO.
• It's a wide variety of states.
• Usually, a state in the United States.
• Many of those are state licenses, the Kentucky State Plumbing license, the HVAC license.
• Many of those are state licenses, the Kentucky State Plumbing license and the HVAC license.

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September minutes, and heard testimony on a proposed “Kentucky by America” procurement preference bill. Representative Patrick Flannery described the concept as giving preference in public construction and public works contracts to iron, steel, aluminum, and other manufactured goods made in the United States, while emphasizing he wanted to avoid excessive taxpayer costs and was open to changes. Chad Connley of the United Steelworkers and Dustin Reinsteller of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO supported the idea, arguing it would strengthen domestic manufacturing, keep tax dollars in the local economy, and support jobs; Connley said the bill would include waivers for items not made domestically and noted Kentucky has opted out of the GPA trade agreement. Mike Buckington of Metals Innovation Initiative, testifying virtually, also supported the concept and said Kentucky’s metals sector has seen significant investment and can supply most construction needs, while stressing supply-chain reliability and national security concerns. Members generally expressed support but raised questions about implementation. Representative Branscum asked who would grant waivers and how contractors would know the rules during bidding; Flannery said he was open to revising the language and process. Representative Gentry supported the concept but said the bill would likely need editing to avoid harming businesses or markets. Senator Nun suggested aligning the bill’s definition of a U.S. good with industry country-of-origin standards to make compliance easier. Representative KC Carney asked for data on the impact of similar laws in other states, and Connley said he could provide numbers later but did not have them on hand. Senator Boswell supported the concept and asked about the cost threshold for waivers; Connley said the federal standard is a 25% cost increase, while the prior Kentucky version used 10%, and that the threshold is a key detail. The committee then shifted to an informational presentation on building trade apprenticeships. Eric Elie of the Kentucky State Pipe Trades Association, Nick Brown of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 502, and retired IBEW training director Steve Willinghurst explained how union apprenticeship programs work. Brown described earn-while-you-learn training, with apprentices placed on jobs by signatory contractors and attending classes two nights a week for five years. He outlined the work of plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVACR technicians, emphasizing that these trades support construction, industrial facilities, distilleries, and other critical infrastructure. No votes or formal actions were taken on the policy topics beyond approval of the prior minutes.

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• $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to the priority projects.
• It also amends the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock the I-69 funding that unlocks the Garvey bonds
• It also amends the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock the I-69 funding that unlocks the Garvey bonds
• budget to unlock transportation cabinet budget to unlock the the the I69<00:04:44.000><c> uh</c><00:
• Kevin Jackson, State Representative, District 20, Bowling Green and Warren County.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Joint Resolution 46, a county priority projects resolution. Members approved a committee substitute that added $1.47 million and included Butler, Carroll, Casey, Cumberland, McGoffin, Monroe, and Nicholas counties. The resolution was then reported favorably with a title amendment and an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up House Bill 546, which creates the local assistance road program and related rules. The committee substitute moved $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to priority projects and amended the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock I-69 funding tied to Garvey bonds. After discussion about continuing to refine the program, the committee approved the substitute, adopted a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably with an expression of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 443 was then heard, extending the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and Floyd to support future federal funding and four-laning of the corridor. The committee reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. Finally, House Bill 783 was presented as a response to temporary tag fraud in auto sales, with testimony from Representative Jackson, Warren County Sheriff Brad Hightower, and the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association. Supporters said the bill adds enforcement tools, including felony penalties for serious violations and discretion for the Motor Vehicle Commission so mistakes are not treated the same as deliberate fraud. The committee voted to report the bill favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just for state agencies. So the state agency will put this information together.
• , a small state like Airstone.
• Airstone compared to a very large state and a great state of Texas.
• Do you include vehicles that are sold in the state or travel through the state?
• We do get influenced in certain parts of the state. from other states like our neighboring states, for

Bills: HB512 , HB2248 , HB2679 , HB2832 , HB3112 , HB3368 , HB3490 , HB3512 , HB3623 , HB3666 , HB3700 , HB3711 , HB3770 , HB3963

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The timeline shown indicates that from 2013 to 2016 the state operated a state-based exchange.
• we be a state-based exchange?
• </c> um the state-based exchange. um the state-based exchange.
• </c> at the state fair and they can enter it. at the state fair and they can enter it.
• </c> includes both in-state and out of state includes both in-state and out of state providers.<01:21

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met for its third meeting and approved the July 30 minutes. The chair outlined a full agenda covering the state-based marketplace versus the federally facilitated marketplace, connectors and navigators, presumptive eligibility, eligibility/enrollment/redetermination, and a rural health transformation update. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Assistant Director David Barry presented first on Kentucky’s state-based exchange, Connect, explaining that it is an integrated eligibility and enrollment system for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, child care, and qualified health plans. They reviewed Kentucky’s move from a state-based exchange to healthcare.gov in 2017 and back to a state-based marketplace in 2021, and said the system helps route applicants to the correct program and allows families to move more easily between Medicaid and exchange coverage as circumstances change. The presenters said the exchange is funded by carrier assessments on qualified health plans rather than general fund dollars, with costs allocated across programs based on use. They said Kentucky’s exchange fees are lower than the federal platform’s and that the state-based system provides local assistance through DCBS offices, connectors, and licensed agents in every county. Members asked about startup and operating costs, fee-setting, and whether any general fund dollars are used; the department said it would follow up with the CFO on fee details and said it was not aware of general fund support for exchange operations. Members also raised concerns about Medicaid eligibility verification and improper enrollment, while the department emphasized that the state system uses different questions than healthcare.gov and is designed to identify the correct coverage based on monthly Medicaid income and annual tax-credit income. The board also discussed enrollment trends, including a COVID-era spike during the public health emergency when disenrollments were largely paused, and current qualified health plan enrollment of more than 97,000 people on Connect. Commissioner Lee explained presumptive eligibility as temporary Medicaid coverage, noting it applies to pregnant women and hospital-based cases, with hospitals able to grant it and certain providers able to grant it to pregnant women. She said full eligibility is still determined within 30 days and that presumptive eligibility ends when full Medicaid eligibility is determined or at the end of the following month. The meeting then shifted to connectors, with representatives from Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Primary Care Association describing their statewide outreach network, local offices, and role helping residents apply for Medicaid, renew coverage, report changes, and navigate benefits; they said connectors do not determine eligibility but assist with applications, recertifications, and outreach events across the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state government emergency.
• </c> rules to our state? rules to our state?
• </c> State Legislatures, no other state State Legislatures, no other state no<01:34:01.400><c> other<
• of the cabinet.
• </c> a utility housed outside of the cabinet. a utility housed outside of the cabinet.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the cabinet.
• for the cabinet.
• for the cabinet.
• </c> Kentucky State Police. Kentucky State Police.
• </c> Capital Construction, Morehead State. Capital Construction, Morehead State.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first approved the minutes from its May 13 meeting. Members then reviewed a deferred contract with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for the Kentucky Pharmacist Recovery Network (KYPRN), a program that provides monitoring and support for pharmacists and pharmacy interns with substance abuse or mental health issues. Board representatives explained that the contract is a long-running arrangement, renewed periodically, with an option for two additional two-year renewals. Senators asked about the program’s structure, participation trends, follow-up, and consequences for noncompliance. The board said enrollment has remained fairly consistent at about 52 participants, with roughly 500 participants over the life of the program, weekly and monthly check-ins during the five-year typical enrollment period, and possible additional sanctions if participants fail to meet obligations. The committee then approved the contract. The committee next considered a group of economic development contracts, including items from the Cabinet for Economic Development. Secretary Jeff Null and general counsel Matt Wingate testified about contracts tied to regional innovation and entrepreneurship hubs. Members focused on the large differences in funding between regions and pressed for more support for rural and eastern Kentucky. Null said the cabinet is working on a more tailored, non-one-size-fits-all approach, including possible changes to capital support, build-to-suit options, and additional resources for rural areas. He said the hubs have helped 193 startups over the last two years and helped attract nearly $350 million in private capital, and he agreed to provide a written report by hub district on startup viability. The committee approved the economic development contracts. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation then presented its contracts with vendor IGT for retail and internet sales systems. Lottery officials said the contracts are mission-critical, cover both the traditional retail system and iLottery, and are structured as a percentage of sales so no payment is made until revenue is earned. They described planned equipment upgrades, including refreshed terminals, new ticket checkers, cashless vending and bill acceptors, and connected-play features that would link retail and online wallets. Officials said keeping the same vendor reduces the risk of business disruption and that the arrangement has already produced cost savings. They also said the lottery continues to see year-over-year growth and expects to meet its annual contribution target of $360 million for scholarships and grants. The committee approved the lottery contract after discussion.