Video & Transcript : 'ethical research' :
Page 229 of 500
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 2, February 10, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Select Committee on California's Wine Industry Mar 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- When it comes to research dollars for viticulture and enology research to address these problems, there's
- business side of the research.
- it as researchers.
- I'll use our teaching and research wineries as an example.
- It's data-driven and research-based.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/20/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Was this a recommendation to remove the education or research programs from WIFA?
- I found 15 projects that had either an education or research component of that 211.
- them happened to have an education or research component to them.
- If we're looking for water on the ground projects, these research, this research can investment if we're
- looking for water on the ground projects these research this research can help us find those projects
Committee:
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Keywords:
water conservation, grants, infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainability, grant fund, Arizona water law, A.R.S. 49-1332, water efficiency, water reuse, education programs, public outreach, rainwater harvesting, gray water, graywater, drought-resistant landscaping, xeriscaping, turf removal, groundwater recharge, aquifer health
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:22:06.159><c> that</c> ranges from Green steel research that ranges from Green steel research
- Central research and Outreach Center in Central research and Outreach Center in Morris<01:25:12.840><
- </c> including preparing them for research including preparing them for research and<01:26:52.239><c>
- </c><01:32:01.600><c> Community</c> undergraduate research Community undergraduate research Community
- research enterprise.
Committee:
Senate Higher Education
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm just curious because there's been some research done.
- So if they've reviewed research that was— In Schedule I.
- So if they've reviewed research that was, you know, done in a medical way, a lot of times the research
- You know, Texas has put in a $50 million research grant into funding ibogaine research, and that was
- I think there has been a lot of research in ibogaine.
Summary:
The Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from February 17 and February 23. It then introduced RS 33-496, a proposal from Rep. Steve Tanner prompted by the death of a 12-day-old infant in Nampa. Tanner said the measure is intended to protect newborns and infants up to age one when mandatory reporters identify high-risk parental histories, requiring the Department of Health and Welfare to verify reports within 12 hours and prioritize the case; he said the fiscal impact should be negligible.
The committee heard House Bill 497 from Rep. Marco Erickson, the annual controlled substances scheduling bill, but voted to hold it in committee. Erickson said the bill updates Idaho’s drug schedules and reflects state-specific decisions rather than automatic federal conformity. During discussion, Rep. Beiswenger questioned the inclusion of ibogaine in Schedule I, citing research and possible medical benefits for PTSD and depression; Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses representative Oren Duffin said ibogaine was scheduled in 1972, the board does not revisit substances retroactively, and any change would need to come from the legislature.
The committee then considered RS 33-450, the replacement bill for HB 497, and voted to introduce it and send it to the second reading calendar with a due pass recommendation. Beiswenger reiterated concerns about ibogaine, while other members said they would support future legislation if research warranted changes. The meeting ended with adjournment and a reminder about vendors and a prison industries gift display in the rotunda.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 9th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, yeah, on the research part, the concern is that if you have de-identified information for researchers
- projects, independent of an IRB's review of that research project.
- There is not a carve-out for research without patient consent.
- Why would this legislation prevent you from doing your research?
- This bill, as is, would actually close those documents off from that research.
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Lauren Chua continued: "...of the hands-on world-class research.
- this interrupts our research work.
- I'm a graduate worker for 40-plus hours a week in a research lab.
- I'm a graduate worker for 40-plus hours a week in a research lab.
- She researches lung cancer in a lab at MIT.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing with about 43 witnesses and a 1:00 p.m. hard stop, and the chair repeatedly asked speakers to keep testimony to three minutes. Much of the hearing focused on S. 747/H. 1336, which would extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Supporters included legislators, union leaders, graduate workers from MIT, Harvard, BU, WPI, UMass Lowell, and others, and legal advocates. They argued graduate workers perform full-time teaching and research work, pay taxes, and should not be excluded from basic safety-net benefits; several witnesses described personal hardships involving childbirth, serious illness, mental health crises, funding cuts, or fear of losing income. Testifiers also said the change would be revenue-neutral or revenue-generating and would not create major administrative burdens for universities, which already provide similar benefits to other employees.
The committee also heard testimony on insurance-related bills. Christopher Stock of the Massachusetts Insurance Federation supported H. 1113 on public adjusters and H. 1345/S. 753 on flood-zone notifications for homebuyers, but opposed H. 4112, which would add a $2 surcharge on home insurance policies to fund fire cistern programs. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council strongly supported H. 1345, saying flood disclosure is needed because Massachusetts lacks statewide flood-notification requirements and flooding risks are increasing. Karen Alvarado supported H. 4352 on travel insurance, and John Fielding supported H. 1186 on pet insurance; both said the bills would create uniform regulatory frameworks and consumer protections. Rep. LeBoeuf testified for H. 4061 on workers’ compensation premium fraud, describing the bill as a transparency measure to combat fraud in construction by creating a public certificate-of-insurance database and QR-code verification system. Joe Bright of the carpenters’ union also supported H. 4061, citing fraud, misclassification, and the harm to injured workers.
The hearing also included testimony on H. 4112, a bill to create a statewide fire suppression water resource fund and cistern program. Rep. Hogan and a Stowe fire chief described drought, brush fires, and the need for dedicated cisterns in communities without municipal water systems, saying the tanks provide reliable water for firefighting and are relatively low-tech once installed. Committee members asked questions about tank capacity, siting, maintenance, and funding. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 7th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'll talk a little about research.
- Bagley how we are conducting this research.
- Bagley, how are we conducting this research?
- So that research is relatively new, but we are building a facility right now to host that type of research
- Williams Hall annex is where the research buildings are underway.
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met to approve the October 3, 2024 interim minutes and then took up two resolutions. HCR 205, by Representative Kerner, urged USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Supporters said shrimpers are facing very low prices, full cold storage, and an urgent need for federal purchases to stabilize the market and help local processors and fishermen. Commissioner Mike Strain explained that USDA commodity purchases can support schools, nursing homes, and food banks, and members discussed the need for cold storage, marketing, and better promotion of local seafood. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. The committee also considered HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill language that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs; members said the provision had raised concerns about field trials, scent hounds, and hunting practices, and the resolution was also reported favorably without objection.
The committee then received a presentation from Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture leadership, led by interim president and chancellor Orlando McMeans and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, teaching, and extension work, including medicinal cannabis research, beef cattle and smart ranching, viticulture, aquaculture, precision agriculture, food and nutrition, and support for small farmers and K-12 dual enrollment. They highlighted scholarship and enrollment programs, including USDA-supported 1890 scholars and JAG Stars, as well as partnerships with LSU and USDA. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed 1,300-bed disaster shelter/mega shelter at the experiment station.
Members asked questions about meat-cutting and processing training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s use when not needed for disasters. Southern officials said the new processing facility is intended to support training and workforce development, and that the shelter could also be used for events such as weddings, graduations, and agricultural activities. The committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of the Ag Center. Representative Broussard then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the new House research analyst for agriculture.
- </c><00:10:49.360><c> education</c> growth through research education growth through research education
- </c><00:20:22.720><c> Outreach</c> out at West Central research Outreach out at West Central research
- Charla is the director of the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center.
- </c> energy that's going to fuel our research energy that's going to fuel our research for<00:30:31.679
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And that is Senate Bill 116, Diabetes Research. Senate Bill 116, Diabetes Research.
- diabetes research center at the University of Florida.
- I think it is really central to making sure we're getting the research done.
- were just talking about with research on diabetes, research on oncology, and FIU is really taking a huge
- And as far as future goals, UCF aspires to be a top 25 public research university.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And also, go ahead and limit research and development credits.
- But today the research and development world is quite different.
- But when the research and development tax credit, has been such an economic powerhouse.
- But today the research and development world is quite different.
- This bill does not in any way repeal the research and development credit, though.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then honored astronaut Captain Victor J. Glover Jr. for his achievements as a Navy officer, NASA astronaut, and California native. Senators Weber Pearson and Rubio highlighted his historic space missions and his role as an inspiration for students, especially in STEM, before the chamber took a photo with Glover and his family.
The body then took up SCR 183 on Juneteenth. Senator Weber Pearson presented the resolution as a commemoration of emancipation and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Senators Padilla, Smallwood-Cuevas, Valladares, and Becker spoke in support from the perspectives of the Latino, LGBTQ, Women’s, Hispanic, and Jewish caucuses, emphasizing historical memory, faith, and the need to continue fighting discrimination. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0.
The Senate next considered budget trailer bills SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. SB 110 made technical budget amendments and passed 29-10. SB 122 expanded sales tax to electronically delivered prewritten software, extended and limited business tax credits, adjusted LLC minimum taxes, and included other revenue changes; supporters said it helped balance the budget and protect services, while opponents argued it would raise costs for businesses, hospitals, and families. It passed 27-9. SB 125 created a federally compliant managed care organization tax to support Medi-Cal and avoid deeper cuts; supporters said it was necessary after federal changes eliminated the prior tax, while opponents warned premiums could rise. It also passed 27-9.
The chamber also adopted SR 114 designating June 15-21, 2026 as AVID Week, and SJR 14 urging a Congressional Gold Medal for World War II Army and Navy nurses, both by unanimous roll call. SCR 187 recognizing Father’s Day in California also passed unanimously. The Senate then approved a large consent calendar and closed with remarks about Juneteenth and the next session scheduled for June 22, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/17/25 - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- It's for cannabis research.
- It's going to happen in the cutting edge of academic research.
- It's going to happen in the cutting edge of academic research.
- It's going to happen in the cutting edge of academic research.
- It's going to happen in the cutting edge of academic research.
Summary:
The meeting focused on a House counteroffer to a higher education budget and policy agreement, with Ken Savory walking members through spreadsheet changes and Mr. Hopkins reviewing policy items. On the budget side, the House adjusted several appropriations and savings targets, including state grants, child care grants, student teacher and shortage area grants, student parent support, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury research grants, dual training grants for legal cannabis employers, and University of Minnesota cannabis research. The House also noted no change to Minnesota State, alignment with the Senate on the summer academic enrichment program, and that remaining state grant parameters would continue to be negotiated.
On policy, the House said some items were agreed to and grayed out, including campus sexual misconduct policy and treatment of appropriations. The House kept its original position on the NN Mayo Clinic Partnership and did not include K-12 direct admissions or the College Financing Literacy Act. It also proposed adjusting OHEI appropriations for competitively and legislatively named grant programs so administrative cost reserves would conform to 10% and 5% parameters when current law is below those levels.
The committee then heard testimony in support of continuing the spinal cord injury/traumatic brain injury grant program at its current level. Joey Carlson described his spinal cord injury, his career path, and how the program helped advance research and industry connections, while Matthew Broadick argued the program has produced clinical trials, FDA approval-related progress, jobs, and strong return on investment. He also said the program belongs at the Office of Higher Education rather than the Department of Health because its mission better fits research and innovation. Members asked about the program’s long-term home, and the witnesses defended OHE’s role. No votes were taken; the chair thanked the House for the offer, said it would be reviewed, and recessed the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have agricultural extension research stations, and our faculty research projects take place in many
- This unpredictability is disrupting current research and threatens the research ecosystem that has made
- This unpredictability is disrupting current research and threatens the research ecosystem that has made
- Just a quick question also on research cuts.
- , and to learn from postdoc researchers, from research on the campus, is critical.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid.
On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary.
The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed.
The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- and their School Information Research Services as an example of the research on student use of mobile
- and their school information research services as an example of the research school administrators and
- their school information research services as an example of the research on student use of mobile devices
- Information Research Services.
- The chair said the research had been conducted by a prominent research organization, though he could
Bills:
SB6278
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We use them for security, scientific research and analysis.
- Two is just the scale of our research.
- Strategic investments in the research enterprise will allow further research and solve more of the day-to-day
- We need additional funds to target proven researchers, facing Floridians.
- Strategic investments in the research enterprise will allow further research and solve more of the day-to-day
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat.
The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students.
In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Education Committee and Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But the research that has been done by Mr.
- But the research that has been done by Mr.
- And then, two, the fact that nobody's researching this—is that telling us that the research community
- We confine our research more to policy research and are less inclined to do that sort of research that
- Just on the point of research, while it's been noted that the research in this area is so thin to show
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-12 (3:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the research, to me, is just critical.
- When we look at research, and I couldn't agree more, research is the key.
- When we look at research, and I couldn't agree more, research is the key.
- So we need to do the research. That is key. And that will come.
- If you remember, we started the Research Innovation Fund.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and several introductions recognizing visitors and groups in the gallery, including Moffitt Cancer Center for “Moffitt Day,” students from Lakeland Christian School, representatives from the space industry for Space Day, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members, licensed investigators, and local delegations from Groveland, Polk County, Auburndale, and the College of the Florida Keys. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar with Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities.
Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure aimed at earlier diagnosis and expanded services. The bill would expand autism screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services to age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish a microcredential for teachers, health workers, and daycare workers serving children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, and Wright spoke in support while raising concerns about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for technology and research, and the importance of early intervention and adult services. Harrell closed by saying the bill was only “step one,” addressed provider and funding questions, and emphasized research and statewide coordination.
The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 by a vote of 38-0 and then adopted a motion to waive the rules and immediately certify the bill to the House. Senators also co-introduced Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the following Wednesday.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 816 on diabetes research by Senator Bradley. Senator, you're recognized. Okay.
- Senate Bill 816 on diabetes research by Senator Bradley. Senator, you're recognized. Thank you.
- But diabetes research is so important, and to have this institute... ...resist that.
- Well, this is the UF Diabetes Research Center. And is there any wonder why it's here, really?
- And there is really exciting research being done in diabetes now on managing the disease, both type 1
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Keywords:
campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one confirmation. Senate Bill 720, relating to resident status for tuition purposes for previously incarcerated Floridians, was presented by Senator Osgood and supported by testimony from Eddie Fordham, who described his own reentry and college experience and the difficulty of proving residency after long incarceration. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, emphasizing rehabilitation and access to education. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 372, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis, with support noted from the Florida Sheriffs Association. Senate Bill 176, dealing with campus emergency management, conduct, and workplace violence policies, was also reported favorably after discussion focused on clearer reporting protocols, protective measures, and timely updates for students, faculty, and staff; several groups waved in support.
Members also voted to recommend confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of the State University System. Finally, Senate Bill 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes, received supportive testimony from medical and university representatives and favorable comments from senators, including remarks about research, federal funding, and improved outcomes. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint House Higher Education Finance and Policy and Senate Higher Education Committee 3/18/25
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> we</c><00:08:30.800><c> invest</c> research-based marketing and we invest research-based marketing
- Our annual of research on their own.
- </c><00:08:49.920><c> regional</c> research includes statewide and regional research includes statewide
- </c> Each year as part of our research Each year as part of our research program,<00:12:58.160><c> the
- </c> a variety of research and studies. a variety of research and studies.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% Tourism Meeting and Convention Marketing Fund. Officials said Kentucky tourism is a $14.3 billion industry that welcomed more than 80 million travelers last year, supports nearly 97,000 jobs, and uses the fund solely for tourism marketing and promotion, not capital projects. They noted the fund received additional appropriations in the enacted budget and also supports several designated tourism-related initiatives.
Commissioner Mike Manet described how the fund is used for paid media, public relations, international marketing, cultural heritage promotion, website content, regional matching grants, research, trade shows, and travel expenses. He said the department spent $10.8 million on paid media in 23 markets in 2024, focused on seven tourism pillars, and used research and advertising ROI studies to guide spending. He reported 180 PR placements, 3.2 billion earned impressions, 3% growth in international visitation, and 12% growth in international spending to $257 million. He also highlighted the African-American Heritage Trail and said the regional matching funds program distributed $2 million to 87 local tourism commissions.
Members asked about the rise of AI in search results, how domestic and international visitor data are collected, how ad agencies are selected, and how regional matching funds are allocated. The commissioner said the department uses GPS-based and federal data, including National Travel and Tourism Office figures, and that ad agencies are chosen through an RFP process. Representative McDaniel raised concerns about bourbon tourism and Canadian visitation; the commissioner said Canadian travel is down significantly, bourbon-related visitation has softened, and the department is shifting more spending toward in-state and closer drive markets while emphasizing bourbon’s heritage story. Representative Fugate asked about eastern Kentucky tourism and ATV trails, and the commissioner said those trails are included in advertising, social media, and earned media efforts. No votes or formal actions were taken.