Transcript Highlights:

• >> Madam<00:12:02.280> Chair<00:12:02.600> and<00:12:02.840> Senator<00:12
• <00:12:04.960> Can<00:12:05.120> I<00:12:05.200> call<00:12:05.640> a
• Can I call a dial-up<00:12:06.320> a<00:12:06.360> friend<00:12:06.760> cuz<00:12
• <00:12:12.920> Are<00:12:13.000> they<00:12:13.160> shaking<00:12:13.560>
• If you<00:12:20.200> could<00:12:20.400> state<00:12:20.600> your<00:12:20.720><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:12:31.720> in<00:12:32.120> fiscal<00:12:32.399> year<00:12:32.680> 26<
• > little<00:12:34.440> more<00:12:34.639> than<00:12:34.720> $8<00:12:35.040
• in fiscal<00:12:36.120> year<00:12:36.680> 27<00:12:37.680> for<00:12:37.880>
• Governor's<00:12:39.040> ready<00:12:39.399> Ki<00:12:39.839> initiative<00:12:
• in fiscal<00:12:49.279> year<00:12:49.560> 26<00:12:50.279> and<00:12:50.440>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met in decision-making only and first took up HB 300, the Senate majority budget package. The chair described the bill as a response to economic uncertainty and reduced revenue forecasts, and outlined a wide range of appropriations and staffing changes across state agencies, including agriculture, education, health, public safety, housing, labor, natural resources, and corrections. The package emphasized one-year funding for many new programs, vacancy reductions, and investments in services such as preschool, mental health, wildfire mitigation, cybersecurity, public access, and workforce development. HB 300 was recommended to pass with amendments and was adopted unanimously, with members voting yes and no reservations noted only as procedural responses. The committee then acted on HB 794 and HB 795, both recommended to pass with amendments by changing the defective date to 2050; both measures were adopted without discussion. On the 101 agenda, HB 400, the Judiciary budget bill, was recommended to pass with amendments. The bill included vacancy reductions, security funding, permanent staffing for several court and justice programs, and support for civil legal services, immigration-related services, and technology licenses. HB 400 was adopted. HB 410 was also adopted with amendments and a defective date change to 2050. On the 102 agenda, the committee passed several bills either unamended or with targeted amendments. HB 3, HB 134, HB 177, HB 237, HB 648, HB 713, HB 735, HB 1391, and HB 1462 were passed unamended. HB 214 passed with amendments expanding eligibility for retired employees to fill labor-shortage or succession-planning positions, including certain management positions excluded from collective bargaining; one member raised concerns about school resource officers and community fit, which the chair said could be addressed in the committee report. HB 441 passed with amendments to direct cigarette tax funds to the Hawaii Cancer Research Special Fund, with a discussion about whether e-cigarettes should be included. Other measures passed with amendments included HB 448, HB 667, HB 727, HB 740, HB 806, HB 1020, HB 1345, and HB 1365, generally involving date changes, blank appropriations, or technical language. HB 1391 was adopted with a reservation from Senator Kim. The meeting concluded with HB 1462 adopted unamended.

Transcript Highlights:

• example Open<00:12:19.399> Table<00:12:19.959> to<00:12:20.199> distribute<00:12
• or concerns if<00:12:30.440> not<00:12:30.600> sener<00:12:30.920> Chang<00:12:
• > is<00:12:33.920> to<00:12:34.079> pass<00:12:34.279> with<00:12:34.480>
• > SP<00:12:43.040> 142<00:12:43.800> this<00:12:43.959> allows<00:12:44.240
• :12:47.800> check<00:12:48.040> to<00:12:48.160> the<00:12:48.279> insured's<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary decision-making meeting on February 21, 2025, considered a long list of previously heard measures and generally recommended passage, often with amendments that delayed effective dates to July 1, 2050 or made technical clarifications. Among the measures acted on were bills relating to property, hotels, service disruptions, transportation, consumer protection, license plates, condominium disputes and fines, election fraud intimidation, vehicle inspection fines, restaurant reservation services, insurance claim checks, foreclosed home sales, labor relations court authority, public housing authority powers, community outreach boards, arson penalties, driving without a valid license, pet animals in vehicles, important agricultural lands, public records retention, transit-oriented development review, sex offender-related licensing actions, National Guard assault penalties, federal recognition timing, medical cannabis caregivers, cease-and-desist orders, and critical infrastructure information sharing. Several measures drew specific discussion or reservations. SB 1030 on election fraud intimidation was amended after consultation with the Attorney General to focus on unconcealed carry and add definitions. SB 5 on legislative vacancies was recommended to pass unamended, but the committee noted constitutional concerns and requested an Attorney General opinion. SB 95 on inspection fines was amended to set a $400 fine amount, though one member objected and the recommendation failed in at least one committee. SB 102 on third-party restaurant reservation services was amended to clarify who may sue and to allow contracted reservation services to distribute reservations on a restaurant’s behalf. SP 1022 on leaving pets in vehicles was amended to remove duplicative language because existing animal cruelty law already covered the conduct. SP 1451 on critical infrastructure information sharing was amended to tighten confidentiality language from “would reveal” to “could reveal” vulnerabilities. Most measures were adopted by the committees with little or no opposition, though several members noted reservations or objections on particular bills, including transportation, consumer protection, and inspection-fine measures. One bill, SB 1255 on records retention for government-function contractors, was deferred to a later meeting on February 26, 2025. Overall, the committees advanced most measures with amendments and recorded the recommendations for transmission to the next committee or chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• please proceed<00:12:08.240> just<00:12:08.440> stand<00:12:08.720> up<00:12:09.000
• :12:58.000> is<01:12:58.199> Gil<01:12:58.440> Bell<01:12:59.080> I'm<01:
• to<04:12:03.000> fall<04:12:03.199> through<04:12:03.359> the<04:12:03.520>
• <04:12:06.159> are<04:12:06.319> still<04:12:06.560> countless<04:12:06.960>
• legal<04:12:09.840> protections<04:12:10.279> and<04:12:10.479> stability<04:12

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• wife<00:12:17.839> and<00:12:18.160> I<00:12:18.320> might<00:12:18.560>
• After I signed up<00:12:33.200> two<00:12:33.440> years<00:12:33.600> ago,<00:12
• <00:12:36.959> As<00:12:37.200> a<00:12:37.440> result,<00:12:37.680> the
• 12:39.519> decided<00:12:39.920> to<00:12:40.160> offer<00:12:40.399> this
• > for<00:12:41.279> all<00:12:41.440> the<00:12:41.600> hardworking<00:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• again<00:12:06.560> we<00:12:06.720> just<00:12:06.839> wanted<00:12:07.200>
• > so<00:12:08.880> of<00:12:09.079> the<00:12:09.560> for<00:12:09.760>
• :10.360> 2024<00:12:11.240> of<00:12:11.399> the<00:12:11.560> 2.3<00:12:
• > dropped<00:12:34.560> slightly<00:12:35.079> from<00:12:35.639> 2023<00:12
• <00:12:38.199> know<00:12:38.519> thousand<00:12:39.000> less<00:12:39.920><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services held its first meeting and received an overview from the Department for Medicaid Services on Medicaid’s behavioral health and substance use disorder services. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beal said Kentucky Medicaid serves about 1.4 million members, including over half of Kentucky children, with 485,000 expansion members, more than 69,000 enrolled providers, and total fiscal year 2024 expenditures of $18.5 billion. They said Kentucky covers a broad range of behavioral health services, and behavioral health provider enrollment has grown from a little over 4,500 in 2019 to nearly 8,000 in 2024. They also described how Medicaid spending and utilization are tracked through claims and encounter data, with most members served through managed care organizations. Members focused on sharp increases in certain behavioral health billing codes, especially peer-to-peer services, and asked about reimbursement, utilization review, and whether the growth reflected increased need or expanded coverage. DMS said the rise was partly tied to combining facility and nonfacility behavioral health fee schedules in 2023, choosing the higher reimbursement rate to avoid cuts, and that the department has seen an uptick in peer-to-peer services. In response to concerns about overutilization, DMS said it mailed a letter to behavioral health providers, is considering limits and prior authorizations for some services, and plans to create a standardized monthly behavioral health report to monitor trends consistently and identify when controls may be needed. Lawmakers also asked whether the provider network is sufficient and whether access is adequate, especially for children. DMS said provider enrollment has expanded because behavioral health services were added to Medicaid in 2014 and because demand increased after COVID, but acknowledged studies showing children have less access than adults and said that would be an area of focus. The department said managed care organizations are required to ensure access to needed services and that current trends indicate access is available, though one member disagreed and said workforce shortages remain a major concern. Another member asked about non-emergency medical transportation spending, and DMS explained that it is handled through a capitated arrangement administered by the Transportation Cabinet rather than directly by the managed care organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.280> Leno<00:12:01.640> and<00:12:01.800> I<00:12:01.920> saying<00:12
• ><00:12:03.440> year<00:12:03.920> and<00:12:04.160> last<00:12:04.480> year.
• Is<00:12:18.760> there<00:12:18.880> any<00:12:19.480> objection<00:12:20.040>
• Seeing<00:12:24.640> none,<00:12:25.160> I'd<00:12:25.320> like<00:12:25.480>
• /c><00:12:29.400> on<00:12:29.600> House<00:12:29.880> Bill<00:12:30.120> 655

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:08.839> library<00:12:09.279> for<00:12:09.480> all<00:12:09.639>
• :12:30.320> archives<00:12:30.760> the<00:12:30.880> audio<00:12:31.120> and<
• > files<00:12:31.800> of<00:12:32.000> both<00:12:32.160> the<00:12:32.320><
• > of<00:12:35.959> the<00:12:36.079> House<00:12:36.279> and<00:12:36.399
• > sessions<00:12:46.600> the<00:12:46.720> number<00:12:47.000> of<00:12:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met briefly to approve the January 16 minutes, then heard a series of informational presentations from legislative joint offices and commissions that fall under its jurisdiction. Michelle Urick of the Legislative Coordinating Commission explained the LCC’s governance structure, including its leadership-based membership and role overseeing joint offices such as the Legislative Auditor, Legislative Budget Office, Legislative Reference Library, Revisor of Statutes, and the LCC staff office itself. Christian Larson of the Legislative Budget Office described the office’s nonpartisan fiscal note work, local impact notes, and support for the Tax Expenditure Review Commission, noting the volume of requests it handles and that the office currently has 18 budgeted FTE. He also explained the LBO Oversight Commission’s role in setting standards and appointing the director. Elizabeth Lincoln of the Legislative Reference Library outlined the library’s services, including answering thousands of reference questions, maintaining state policy and legislative collections, archiving state documents, supporting the legislative website and search tools, and preserving House and Senate audio, video, and committee minutes. She also noted the library’s staffing levels and its move to the Capitol. In response to a question, she said copies of the book Minnesota Standoff were in constant circulation, that the title is out of print, and that the library had digitized it for use by legislators and staff. Ryan Inman, the Revisor of Statutes, described the office’s drafting, legal review, publication, IT, and other services. He said every bill introduced is reviewed by a Revisor attorney, the office publishes Laws of Minnesota, Minnesota Statutes, and Minnesota Rules, and it maintains the legislative drafting system now being replaced. He also discussed rule drafting for agencies, legal counsel, the claims subcommittee, court opinions reports, and the annual technical Revisor bill. Members asked about bill volume, amendment drafting, and the history of administrative rules review; Inman said the office is handling over 2,500 active bill requests and that a prior commission on administrative rules existed in the past. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• they<00:12:03.880> are<00:12:04.079> asked<00:12:04.320> to<00:12:04.480> do
• representative<00:12:32.680> Carol<00:12:33.120> quickly<00:12:33.560> so<00:12
• ><00:12:41.519> you<00:12:41.639> know<00:12:41.880> I<00:12:42.000> would
• c> to<00:12:42.720> go<00:12:43.079> back<00:12:43.279> and<00:12:43.480>
• <00:12:46.440> residents<00:12:47.199> but<00:12:47.760> I<00:12:47.839>

Bills: HF2371, HF2147, HF2557, HF1165, HF2466, HF2465, HF2482

Keywords: informed consent, sensitive examinations, healthcare, patient rights, anesthesia, hot water pools, rental properties, public health, safety regulations, Minnesota Statutes, health care access, hospital surcharge, fund allocation, medical assistance, health funding, health care, education, bonding capacity, financing, Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:21.560> They're<00:12:21.680> going<00:12:21.800> to<00:12:21.880>
• c><00:12:23.000> thought<00:12:23.320> that<00:12:23.680> I<00:12:23.760> was
• c> someone<00:12:24.520> who<00:12:24.640> was<00:12:24.839> 59<00:12:25.440
• <00:12:36.480> is<00:12:36.680> whether<00:12:36.920> or<00:12:37.000> not
• <00:12:38.240> looks<00:12:38.680> over<00:12:38.960> 60<00:12:39.440> years<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> a<01:12:05.199> shop<01:12:05.440> to<01:12:05.600> replace<01:12:05.840>
• a worn barrel<01:12:06.640> on<01:12:06.800> a<01:12:06.960> hunting<01:12:07.280
• A<01:12:15.600> retired<01:12:16.000> peace<01:12:16.320> officer<01:12:16.640><
• <01:12:50.400> I'm<01:12:50.640> not<01:12:50.800> sure<01:12:51.199> that
• /c><01:12:58.480> sponsors<01:12:58.880> have<01:12:59.120> done<01:12:59.600>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.279> not<00:12:25.440> a<00:12:25.600> guardian<00:12:26.000> if<00:12
• <00:12:33.680> says<00:12:33.920> they<00:12:34.079> don't<00:12:34.240>
• <00:12:40.480> So<00:12:40.639> there<00:12:40.800> is<00:12:40.959> no
• and legal<00:12:48.639> custody<00:12:49.040> until<00:12:49.600> a<00:12:49.920
• :12:51.680> in<00:12:51.920> many<00:12:52.160> cases<00:12:52.639> when<

Bills: HF2078, HF777, HF841, HF1112, HF1098, HF1926

Keywords: child care, day care, child care center, licensing, license requirements, parent access, guardian access, custody order, court order, furnishings, equipment standards, learning materials, early childhood education, infant care, toddler care, preschool, school-age child care, play materials, sensory materials, gross motor equipment

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:05.279> in<00:12:05.519> terms<00:12:05.760> of<00:12:06.240> uh
• <00:12:09.760> try<00:12:09.839> to<00:12:10.000> have<00:12:10.079> a
• what<00:12:16.800> works<00:12:17.040> best<00:12:17.200> for<00:12:17.279>
• And<00:12:17.680> we<00:12:17.760> have<00:12:17.839> a<00:12:18.000> bunch
• 00:12:21.040> I<00:12:21.200> think<00:12:21.279> have<00:12:21.519> very

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:21.360> is<00:12:21.600> that<00:12:21.839> we<00:12:22.079> we
• interface<00:12:22.959> with<00:12:23.120> them<00:12:23.360> and<00:12:
• <00:12:31.680> of<00:12:31.839> that<00:12:32.000> would<00:12:32.160> be
• I<00:12:43.440> do<00:12:43.600> have<00:12:44.079> a<00:12:44.399> couple
• the<00:12:51.279> the<00:12:51.600> 247<00:12:52.880> helpline<00:12:53.360>

Bills: SB2055, SB2152

Keywords: civil rights, helpline, investigator, data analysis, Aloha United Way, reporting, confidentiality, community support, mandatory retirement, Hawaii Constitution, judiciary, justices, judges, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 2055, which would create a Civil Rights Commission helpline for reports of harms from federal deployments in Hawaii and require annual reporting and a public hearing. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported the concept but said the bill should be broadened to cover civil rights and human rights violations more generally, and recommended using existing 211/Aloha United Way infrastructure. Testimony was largely in support, with a few opponents. Members focused on whether the proposed line was really a 24-hour legal hotline or a reporting/referral mechanism, what jurisdiction the commission would have over federal employees, and the estimated costs. The committee chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including adopting HCRC recommendations and adding appropriations for Aloha United Way, database/website development, and staffing. The committee then heard SB 2152, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 70 to 75. Judge Robert D.S. Kim, the Office of the Public Defender, Earthjustice, Community Alliance on Prisons, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers, the League of Women Voters, ILWU Local 142, CARES, and others testified in support, arguing that experienced judges improve stability, reduce vacancies, and preserve institutional knowledge. Opponents or skeptical comments were limited, but one member questioned whether the measure was just a temporary fix rather than a broader solution to judicial succession and mentoring. Members also asked about existing retention and fitness safeguards, including Judicial Selection Commission retention hearings and the Commission on Judicial Conduct’s ability to investigate complaints about a judge’s physical or mental ability to serve. The discussion noted that the measure would still leave those processes in place. No final vote on SB 2152 was taken in the portion provided, but the committee appeared to be moving toward decision-making after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• :26.720> for<00:12:27.160> House<00:12:27.440> Bill<00:12:28.040> 22<00:12
• <00:12:32.399> and<00:12:32.560> who<00:12:32.800> has<00:12:33.079> called
• last<00:12:35.519> 10<00:12:35.839> years<00:12:36.560> I<00:12:36.720>
• while<00:12:44.199> protecting<00:12:44.720> local<00:12:45.160> resources<00:12
• a<00:12:51.040> Melting<00:12:51.480> Pot<00:12:51.760> of<00:12:51.880>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 22, which would limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration detainers. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, the Office of the Public Defender, and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, argued the bill would protect due process and constitutional rights regardless of immigration status. Some supporters requested amendments, including removing a probable-cause terrorism provision, adding enforcement language, and preserving warrant requirements. Public testimony was heavily in favor, with the chair announcing 91 testimonies in support and 52 in opposition. The committee then heard HB 73, which would prohibit setting aside public lands for immigration detention facilities. Testifiers in support said public land should serve local needs, not detention centers, and cited housing, food security, and community trust concerns. The Office of the Public Defender and others also supported the measure, and the chair reported 85 testimonies in support and 40 in opposition. The committee next took up HB 438, which would fund legal representation for people in immigration proceedings. Supporters, including the Public Defender, the University of Hawaiʻi Law School Refugee and Immigration Clinic, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and the ACLU, emphasized the civil nature of immigration court, the severe consequences of removal, and the need for more pro bono and trained attorneys. Several suggested amendments focused on training and building a legal-services pipeline; the chair reported 83 testimonies in support and 51 in opposition. The committee also heard HB 457, aimed at requiring notice to detained individuals about their rights when ICE seeks to interview them or has a detainer request. Supporters said the bill would ensure people understand their right to remain silent and to refuse interviews, and the Legal Clinic suggested the warning be given orally, potentially via recorded messages, rather than only in writing. The Office of the Public Defender noted the bill aligns with existing due-process warnings in criminal court and suggested referencing current law. Finally, HB 476, which would raise the capital gains tax rate, drew support from Hawaiʻi Appleseed on fairness grounds; the Department of Taxation said it would review revenue questions but had no estimate available. After recess, the committee returned to decision-making and moved HB 22 forward on the chair’s recommendation of HD1, with the chair noting that the bill already contained language allowing counties to adopt stronger standards and protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> do<00:12:25.480> they<00:12:25.560> need<00:12:25.720> to<00:12:25.880>
• do they would<00:12:26.959> contact<00:12:27.279> our<00:12:27.519> KCA<00:12:28.079
• /c><00:12:34.199> the<00:12:34.399> process<00:12:34.920> that<00:12:35.000>
• would be great<00:12:35.519> just<00:12:35.680> to<00:12:36.000> to<00:12:36.160
• > have<00:12:36.279> an<00:12:36.480> idea<00:12:36.720> of<00:12:36.959>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary heard an update from the Department of Corrections on Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI), sentence-credit payments for program completion, and the expansion of the Little Sandy Correctional Complex. Department officials said KCI, the department’s long-running re-entry program, operates 15 industries in 11 institutions, employs more than 400 inmates and 37 staff, and had $5.8 million in expenditures against $6.8 million in revenues through January 31. Members asked about inmate pay, the role of the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification (PIE) program, and whether KCI generates profit; the department said it aims to break even while supporting state government, with PIE participants earning prevailing wages and some programs offering certificates tied to post-release employment opportunities. The subcommittee also reviewed the budget-authorized sentence-credit program for county jails. Officials reported 37,300 program completions in fiscal year 2024 and, through January, $6.128 million paid for 90-day sentence credits and $1.6548 million for 60-day credits, with total county jail expenditures of $8.1 million and 67 jails participating. They said additional participation would require more funding and that they do not expect many more jails to join, though attendance and population levels can affect costs. Members asked how jails opt in, whether there are added costs, how inmate earnings are handled, and whether deductions are made for child support or victim compensation; the department said jails apply through an approved program matrix, inmate earnings are tracked in individual accounts, and required deductions are made when ordered. Questions from members focused on re-entry outcomes and program structure. Officials said evidence-based programming and employment opportunities are major contributors to lowering recidivism, and they cited a recent recidivism rate of 30.8 percent, down about 1 percentage point, while noting they would provide additional trend and savings data later. The department also clarified that adult education and GED programming are separate from KCI and are handled by a different education division. For the Little Sandy expansion, officials said the project remains on schedule for completion on June 25, 2025, with inmate transfers expected to begin at about 50 per week and roughly 200 additional staff eventually needed; they said hiring is being phased in as inmate population increases. The committee asked for the total construction cost of the expansion, which the witnesses said they did not have at the meeting and would report back. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for February 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.839> participation<00:12:04.680> date<00:12:05.080> in<00:12:05.240>
• <00:12:11.720> a<00:12:11.800> member<00:12:12.120> who<00:12:12.240> is<
• is a parent<00:12:13.440> to<00:12:13.560> apply<00:12:13.920> for<00:12:14.200
• <00:12:37.520> Yes,<00:12:37.800> may<00:12:37.960> I<00:12:38.000> ask
• 00:12:43.760> guess<00:12:44.120> what<00:12:44.280> I'm<00:12:44.360> going<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 98 members present, declared a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received Senate concurrence requests on Senate Bills 263, 281, and 324. The chamber then moved through second readings and committee reports on a range of measures, including education, agriculture, banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing, and task force resolutions. Among the reported bills were measures on KEES scholarships for non-certified schools, a residential safe room rebate program, dual credit scholarships, impeding a first responder, motor vehicles, tallow-based cosmetic products, animal health emergencies, mortgage loan income limits, deferred deposit fees, child protection, Attorney General operations, corrections operations, school leadership, school transportation, advanced mathematics coursework, and task forces on charitable gaming and early childhood education governance. The House passed House Bill 642, a Teachers' Retirement System housekeeping bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said the bill updates survivor benefit documentation, raises the daily earnings limit for retired members returning to work from $170 to $200, removes an unused early-return provision, reinstates a pension waiver program, clarifies benefit tier calculations using an earlier participation date in another state system, and allows a parent member to manage payments for a disabled child without a court order. Members asked about substitute teaching limits, retirement penalties, budget impact, and a removed provision involving index funds; the sponsor said he would follow up on the day limits and stated he did not believe the bill would add to unfunded liability. The bill passed 96-0. The House also passed House Bill 780 on recording commissioner’s deeds, after adopting a floor amendment that removed fines and penalties. The bill allows a city to petition circuit court if a deed is not recorded within 30 business days, and the court may compel filing and award costs and attorney’s fees. Members discussed whether the bill effectively created a lawsuit-based enforcement mechanism rather than a fine, and supporters said it would help local governments identify responsible property owners and address code enforcement and public safety issues. The bill passed 96-0. House Bill 541, concerning peace officers, also passed after a committee substitute; the sponsor said it cleans up Kentucky Law Enforcement Council procedures, strengthens certification standards, clarifies revocation language, and reflects input from law enforcement groups. It passed 95-0. House Bill 195, the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, passed after a committee substitute and floor amendment. The substitute added Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension alongside UK Cooperative Extension, and the floor amendment changed the pilot’s implementation date to January 1, 2027 and adjusted the program’s term timing. Supporters said the bill would expand urban agriculture education, connect youth to food systems and career pathways, and help students in urban counties learn practical agricultural skills; it passed 97-0. The House then took up House Bill 794 on financial exploitation, which expands protections to all adults age 65 and older, adds felony penalties for knowingly, wantonly, or recklessly exploiting those adults, allows the attorney general to seek extradition from another state, and requires investment advisers to complete three hours of continuing education on financial exploitation. Members cited real-world scam experiences and urged stronger penalties, but the bill passed 96-0.

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Keywords: 1189, house, all

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Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• And<00:12:12.440> we<00:12:13.000> just<00:12:13.280> 2<00:12:13.360> days
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• <00:12:19.600> their<00:12:19.720> money<00:12:19.920> back,<00:12:20.280>

Bills: HB1511, HB1535, HB1642, HB1753, HB1810, HB2282, HB2614

Keywords: consumer protection, unsolicited mail, unsolicited email, junk mail, spam email, deceptive marketing, misleading solicitation, high-pressure sales, vehicle warranty, auto warranty, service contract, home warranty, license renewal, registration renewal, government impersonation, affiliation disclosure, direct mail, email marketing, consumer fraud, refund

Summary: The committee heard several consumer-protection and insurance measures. HB 1511 HD2 would prohibit unsolicited mail or email using high-pressure tactics or falsely implying affiliation with another entity; it drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection, the DCCA Insurance Division, and the Service Contract Industry Council, with some written support and at least one opposition. HB 1535 HD2, concerning automated external defibrillators and a tax-related provision for devices installed in certain public accommodations, received comments from DOTAX and the Tax Foundation, with additional support from the Department of Health and other groups. HB 1642 HD1 would ban ownership or operation of digital financial asset transaction kiosks that accept U.S. currency; it was strongly supported by OCP, the Attorney General, and AARP, while kiosk operators and industry representatives opposed the ban and urged a regulatory approach instead, including licensing, transaction limits, refunds, and other safeguards. Members questioned whether federal action could preempt the bill and whether a licensure regime could be funded through a surcharge, but no action was taken during the discussion. The committee also took up HB 1753 on social media account deletion and permanent erasure of personal information, with OCP standing on its initial comments and TechNet and Will Caron in support. HB 1810 HD2 would impose prompt payment and financial reporting requirements on professional solicitors selling donated tangible property on behalf of charities; Goodwill Hawaii testified in strong support, emphasizing donor trust and transparency, and several nonprofit and business groups submitted supportive testimony. HB 2282 HD1, which would require explanations for premium increases and clarify insurance licensing and cancellation/non-renewal procedures, was supported by the Insurance Division and OCP; a vice chair asked for complaint data related to condo associations, and a member noted that the same agencies had previously opposed similar Senate bills. Finally, HB 2614 HD1 would require cosmetics merchants to accept returns of new or unopened goods within specified time frames and improve signage requirements; OCP said the bill addressed longstanding complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and no-return policies, citing over 180 complaints and survey results showing most complainants did not understand the policy and felt misled.