Transcript Highlights:

• All of which came from the puppy mills that they were bred at.
• from a puppy mill and is the reason that they're having a lot of their issues.
• seen a puppy mill.
• So, what is the definition of a puppy mill?
• Is that a puppy mill?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we are severing the last tie that puppy mills have to the Commonwealth.
• Behind that phrase, puppy mills are practices that are as cruel as they are unacceptable.
• The life of many pet shop animals can be summarized by this: You go from puppy mill to broker, to pet
• Puppy mill, to broker, to pet shop, to family, to return, oftentimes with a non-disclosure agreement,
• Puppy mills and kitten mills are inhumane, period.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted a resolution congratulating Grant Marshall on earning Eagle Scout, and then passed two local/private bills to enactment: a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee and a measure waiving the Boston Police Department’s maximum age requirement for Luis Cabral. The chamber also received and journalized a communication from Senator Rush stating he would have voted yes on S. 3014 while away on Navy training. The Senate then took up several committee rule-suspension and extension orders. It approved extensions for the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on two late-filed matters until July 31, 2026, and approved two Health Care Financing extension orders, one extending 15 bills to March 31, 2026 and another extending six bills to May 1, 2026. Senators explained the delays as needed for hearings, stakeholder input, and mandated benefit reviews. The chamber also advanced local bills for Rutland recall elections, Boxford liquor licenses, Boston police age waivers, and Milton school construction timing, and adopted a resolution recognizing Endometriosis Awareness Month. A major portion of the session was devoted to H. 3014, the omnibus “Pets Act,” which combined provisions on animal welfare, pet shop sales, housing, insurance, and enforcement. Senators supporting the bill described it as banning the retail sale of dogs and cats from puppy mills, strengthening anti-cruelty enforcement, expanding access for animal control officers, limiting breed discrimination in housing and insurance, and protecting pet ownership in subsidized housing. Several amendments were debated: some were withdrawn or rejected, including proposals on renters’ insurance, nuisance barking, and property damage; others were adopted, including a compromise expanding protections for domestic animals, standards on animal welfare, and reporting/adoption requirements for research animals. The Ways and Means amendment was adopted as amended, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by roll call, with 38 members voting in the affirmative and none in the negative.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have helped source local lumber to local mills.
• I'm the active procurement manager for that mill.
• It's one of the two mills Rex Lumber Company owns and operates here in Florida.
• There are over 330 Florida employees alone between the two mills in Florida.
• In the last four years, multiple mills in Florida have been shut down.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which would define state park purposes around conservation-based recreation and public access, prohibit uses such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and hotels, require more public notice and advisory input on land management changes, and mandate reporting on park spending and maintenance backlogs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with conservation groups, youth advocates, and other members of the public backing stronger protections for state parks. The bill was reported favorably. Members then approved SB 200, directing DEP to develop a statewide waste reduction and recycling plan, and CS for SB 496, which clarifies that timeshare facilities are governed by Chapter 721 and only need annual board meetings. CS for CS for SB 1404, dealing with illegal gambling, was amended to add reporting requirements, tighten penalties, preempt local gambling legalization, and create a process for vetting certain machines and veteran-service-organization gaming questions; the bill drew significant concern from veterans groups and others over vague machine definitions and the need for clearer standards, but it was still reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 622 to allow pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities across horse-racing classes. The committee next approved CS for CS for SB 712 after adopting a strike-all and amendment that covered synthetic turf rules, change-order timelines, public works scoring, elevator and alarm contractor issues, mass timber code updates, pool and spa contractor scope changes, spaceport building-code exemptions, and solar/energy-storage inspection provisions. Support came from timber, construction, and industry groups, while pool contractors objected to parts of the scope changes. The committee also reported favorably CS for CS for SB 1742, a major condominium reform bill that pauses reserve funding after milestone inspections, expands financial flexibility, adds disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, and increases data collection and oversight; members from both parties praised the sponsor’s work on condo issues. Finally, the committee approved SB 1574 on renewable natural gas infrastructure and SB 1580 authorizing DEP coastal resiliency public-private partnerships. It also passed CS for SB 1760, which requires certain public officials and agency leaders to meet Florida residency or proximity requirements. The last bill, SB 820, would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office; while supporters said it would permanently support faith-based and community organizations and improve coordination, several senators raised concerns about church-state separation, the office’s ties to Hope Florida, and whether codifying it could make the program more political. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the lowest number of mills on state average in the last 50 years because we're no longer bonding
• We have the lowest number of mills on state average in the last 50 years because we're no longer bonding

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , >> Senator Mills, >> Senator Mills, >> Senator<00:03:12.959> Neil, >
• Senator Mills, hi. Senator Neil. Senator Nun, hi. Senator Rocky Adams, hi. Senator Rawlings, hi.
• >> Hi >> Hi >> Hi >> Senator<00:10:21.120> Mills.
• Senator Neil Senator >> Senator Mills. Senator Neil Senator Neimus. Neimus. Neimus.
• Senator Mills, Senator Neal, hi. Senator Neas, hi. Senator Nun, hi. Senator Rocky Adams, hi.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and approval of the prior journal. The chamber received House messages listing several House bills passed by the House and introduced new Senate measures, including SB 172 on utility fuel adjustment, SB 173 on Medicaid state plan oversight, and several resolutions. The Senate then took up SB 2, which would limit school administrator pay raises so they do not exceed the average percentage raise given to classroom teachers in the same district. Supporters said the bill promotes fairness, transparency, teacher retention, and classroom priorities; it passed 38-0. The Senate next considered SB 4 on school leadership. The bill creates a five-year principal leadership development pathway, including KDE-led training for new principals, a mentorship program, a gap year with continuing education options, expanded use of an existing Truist/Kentucky Chamber Foundation leadership program, and a final year of approved high-level leadership training providers. A committee substitute changed the Chamber reference to the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. Senators speaking in favor emphasized the need for intentional leadership development and noted the bill builds on existing successful training partnerships. One senator suggested clarifying the term "new principal" to "first-time principal" to avoid redundancy. The bill passed 38-0 as amended. The Senate also passed SB 71, as amended by committee substitute, which requires ongoing financial training for local school board members. The substitute clarified the training-hour language after consultation with the Kentucky School Boards Association. The sponsor said the measure supports board members with updated school finance knowledge so they can better serve with superintendents and ask informed questions. After passage, the chamber adopted a title amendment for SB 71. The Senate then recessed for committee meetings, received a committee report assigning bills and resolutions to standing committees or the floor, and heard several announcements and co-sponsorship requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Gene Mills from Louisiana Family Forum in opposition and not wishing to speak.
• Mills. Dr. Hall, I don't know who wants to go first. Certainly.
• Madam Chair, members, June Mills, President of Louisiana Family Forum, I'm here in support.
• Mills. The board is clear. Dr. Hall. Dr. Will Hall. Dr.
• Not wishing to speak by Jane Mills, Louisiana Family Forum, and Dr.

Bills: HB146, HB333, HB517, HB828, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB118, SB125, SB199, SB277, SB294, SB306

Keywords: sports wagering, gambling, elections, local control, revenue generation, inmates, housing, corrections, Department of Public Safety, local jurisdiction, criminal justice, juvenile justice, jury trial, felony offenses, crime of violence, sex offenses, correctional facilities, in-custody deaths, medical oversight, independent investigations

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred HB 517. It then took up several Senate bills focused largely on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, child protection, and criminal procedure. SB 118 by Sen. Boudreaux required substance use disorder screening for misdemeanor DUI offenders; supporters, including the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, said early screening could identify underlying addiction and reduce repeat offenses, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 125 increased wrongful conviction compensation from 10 to 15 years and raised the cap to $600,000; supporters emphasized the hardship faced by people who spent decades wrongfully imprisoned, and it was also reported favorably. SB 294 allowed gaming operators to reallocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite opposition from the Louisiana Family Forum. The committee also advanced several bills aimed at child sexual exploitation and worship protections. SB 87 clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity in trafficking laws so prosecutors could more easily charge adults who solicit or pay for sexual images of children online; prosecutors said the current language was too narrow, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 93 set minimum bond amounts for certain child sexual abuse material offenses, and an amendment by Chair Villio added broader bail restrictions and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm-related offenses; the amended bill was reported favorably. SB 98 expanded the definition of educator to include school resource officers and security guards for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it was reported favorably. SB 306 created the crime of obstructing freedom of worship; after an amendment reducing a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500, supporters argued it was needed to deter disruptions at churches, while the ACLU raised concerns about overbreadth and redundancy, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 277, allowing certain statewide officials with POST-qualified handguns to carry in the State Capitol, was also reported favorably. SB 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence and sex-offender registration for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity; supporters said it would reduce demand, and it was reported favorably as amended. Two House bills drew significant discussion but were not advanced. HB 333 would have required the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home parish or offense location; the author argued it would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, prosecutors, and DOC said the proposal was not practical given bed space, security, and facility-location constraints, and no motion was made, so it remained in committee. HB 828 would have created an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate inmate deaths and report to the legislative auditor; the author said it would improve transparency, but prosecutors and corrections officials warned it could interfere with criminal investigations and duplicate existing coroner and law-enforcement processes. The author asked for and received voluntary deferral. HB 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish election on sports wagering, also received opposition and no motion, so it stayed in committee. The meeting ended with adjournment after all listed measures were handled.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Gene Mills from Louisiana Family Forum in opposition and not wishing to speak.
• We have green cards in support not wishing to speak by Gene Mills, Louisiana Family Forum; Dr.
• Mills. Dr. Hall, I don't know who wants to go first. Certainly.
• Mills. The board is clear. Dr. Hall. Dr. Wilhelm. Dr.
• Not wishing to speak by Jane Mills, Louisiana Family Forum, and Dr.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card. The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• Co-chair Mills. Co-chair Mills here, Co-chair Mills here, Co-chair Mills here.
• First, I'd like to thank Senator Mills and Representative Whitten for your effort not only this interim
• <00:10:51.839> and like to thank uh thank Senator Mills and like to thank uh thank Senator
• Mills and Representative<00:10:52.640> Whitten<00:10:53.120> for<00:10:53.360> your
• Thank you, Chair Mills.

Keywords: Roll Call 00:00:08 Approval of minutes 00:00:08 Discussion of Final Report 00:00:58 Adjournment 00:23:57, 958, all

Summary: The Housing Task Force met to approve its September and October minutes and then consider its final report, which was described as an overview of the second year of the task force’s work and included 14 recommendations for future legislative action. Members thanked the co-chairs and staff for compiling the report and noted that it had been posted publicly. Several members emphasized that housing problems affect both urban and rural areas across Kentucky and that the report should help guide next steps in the General Assembly. Members offered a range of comments on the recommendations. One representative urged stronger language on the state’s role and cautioned against moratoriums on building-code reforms that could discourage sustainable practices or raise long-term utility costs, while also suggesting more down payment assistance. Others highlighted the need for local flexibility in housing policy, support for rehabilitation tax credits, and continued use or expansion of affordable housing credits and direct support for construction, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, and low-income housing tax credits. Another member suggested adding clearer “right to rebuild” language so homeowners could rebuild after a fire if the home meets current code. The co-chairs summarized the task force’s main takeaways as two broad issues: regulatory delays and the need for more financial incentives. Members also discussed zoning, permitting delays, and the importance of moving permits more quickly so development can proceed without unnecessary holdups. After a motion and second, the committee approved the report as amended by the added “right to rebuild” language, and agreed to submit it to LRC, the Senate President, and the Speaker for approval before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mills. Senator Webb. Senator West. Vice Chair Williams here. Chair Smith, I am present.
• Senator Mills is here. Chair Smith, I am present. I need a motion on our minutes. Somebody move.
• Senator Mills Senator Webb Senator West Senator Mills Senator Webb Senator West Senator<00:25:54.200>
• Senator Herron, Senator Maiden, Senator Mills, aye. Senator Webb, Senator West, aye.
• Senator Herron, Senator Maiden, Senator Mills, aye. Senator Webb, Senator West, aye.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:44 Introduction of Guests 01:21 HB 137 Discussion 02:11 HB 137 Roll Call Vote 25:35 HB 346 Discussion 26:15 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 27:24, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee met with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior minutes, and recognized visiting guests, including representatives from Nucor Steel and students from Eastern Kentucky University. The main business was House Bill 137, which would require air-pollution enforcement actions by the Energy and Environment Cabinet and Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District to rely on EPA-approved monitoring methods or scientifically defensible, quality-assured data. The sponsor and industry supporters argued the bill would ensure reliable evidence and protect manufacturers from enforcement based on questionable data. Opponents, including the Kentucky Resources Council, the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, and a former cabinet employee, argued the bill would conflict with the Clean Air Act’s allowance for “any credible evidence,” could exclude community air-monitoring data and citizen complaints, and might weaken enforcement by limiting the use of lower-cost sensors, photos, video, and other nontraditional evidence. Committee members questioned how credible evidence and the Daubert standard would apply, and supporters and opponents debated whether the bill would simply set evidentiary rules or improperly narrow enforcement authority. One member also raised concerns that the bill’s title and scope could be read as affecting the broader air program. House Bill 137 was ultimately approved favorably by roll call vote, with Senator Webb’s aye vote later clarified for the record. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a subcommittee. The bill was described as helping about 708 companies and carving out emergency generators used for safety purposes in distilleries, with support from the Kentucky Chamber. The subcommittee amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably by roll call vote. The meeting ended with an attempted adjournment and a brief record correction on the vote for House Bill 137.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are the general fund levies starting on page one, the community service fund levies starting on
• There are the general fund levies starting on page one, the community service fund levies starting on
• There are the general fund levies starting on page one, the community service fund levies starting on
• Called the technology levy or the capital projects levy, which is on line 29 of Ms.
• Did you say no levy authority? Yeah, or they can't pass their levies, you know?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mills here. Senator Webb. Senator West. Senator Wheeler.
• Senator Mills? Senator Webb? Senator West? Senator Wheeler? Senator Williams? Chair Smith?
• <00:04:56.240> Senator<00:04:56.880> web Maiden hi Senator Mills Senator web Maiden
• hi Senator Mills Senator web Senator<00:04:58.320> West<00:04:58.880> hi<00:04:59.680>
• <00:26:21.240> who's oh yeah and there's Senator Mills who's oh yeah and there's Senator Mills

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:45 SB 245 Discussion 02:20 SB 245 Roll Call Vote 04:12 SB 112 Discussion 05:25 SB 8 Discussion 25:20, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day. Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your mill. And y'all are the largest hardwood mill in Texas? That's correct.
• How many miles does your mill take wood from?
• And, you know, I know a lot of landowners that send hardwoods up to your timber mill.
• But to potentially lose the mill, I mean, we're talking about affecting private landowners that have,
• The water crisis also contributed to the closure of the state's only sugar mill, which had eliminated

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard House Bill 2109, which would remove certain long-proposed reservoir projects from the state water plan after 50 years without progress. Chairman Van Deaver and many landowners, local officials, timber interests, and conservation advocates testified in support, arguing that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has burdened Northeast Texas landowners for decades with the threat of eminent domain, depressed property values, and uncertainty over homes, farms, ranches, schools, churches, and cemeteries. Supporters also said the project would flood tens of thousands of acres, require extensive mitigation, harm timber and agriculture, and that Texas now has better alternatives such as conservation, reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination. Several members expressed sympathy for the affected families and questioned whether a project could remain in the plan indefinitely without progress. Opposition came from North Texas water interests, including the North Texas Commission, Tarrant Regional Water District, and the Texas Water Association, who argued that the bill would interfere with the state’s long-term water planning process and remove needed future supply options for a fast-growing region. They said Region C faces major projected shortages by 2070, that conservation and reuse have already delayed the need for new supplies, and that reservoirs remain one tool in the state’s water-planning toolbox. TWDB staff explained the existing inter-regional conflict process and noted that the substitute would affect several unique reservoir sites, not just Marvin Nichols. After testimony, Chairman Van Deaver closed by urging passage of the bill, but the committee withdrew the substitute and left HB 2109 pending. The committee then took up House Bill 5188, a brackish groundwater bill. The author said the bill would reduce permitting burdens for wells in designated brackish groundwater production zones, and the committee substitute added requirements on monitoring, groundwater-rights ownership, and allocation of pumpage limits while removing some exclusions and export-fee provisions. Texas Wildlife Association testified against the bill, warning that the exemptions could weaken groundwater conservation districts’ ability to protect freshwater resources and surface-owner rights. San Antonio Water System testified in favor, saying brackish groundwater is a key future supply and that the substitute would help speed development of desalination and brackish projects. The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts testified neutrally but raised concerns about reduced district oversight, especially around injection-well exclusions and the loss of export fees, and said discussions on the bill were ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to point out we have reached an agreement on the mill fee. And what's it?
• This is the mill tax item, right? I would jump to head on. I'm going to go to the rest of you.
• AB 2113 includes a phased-in increase to the mill assessment and several statutory requirements.
• I have no questions, but I do have a comment, and that's about the mill fee.
• In the mill assessment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to take a moment to acknowledge... ...privilege to give a shout-out to Rick Levy, who is
• Property Department Manager Pat Mills and staff. ...Purchasing and Supply Department Manager Amy Cadenhead

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mills. Senator Nemes. I. Senator Rawlings. I. Senator Richardson. I. Senator Tichenor.
• Senator Mills. Senator Nemes. I. Senator Rawlings. I. Senator Richardson. I. Senator Tichenor.
• Senator Mills. Senator Nemes. I'm sorry. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Mills. Mr. Chairman, can I explain my yes vote? Most certainly. Absolutely. Mr.
• Sonny Mills, who struggled with Alzheimer's for eight long years. Thank you. Senator Nemes. >> I.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 510, which passed with a favorable expression by unanimous roll call vote and then received consent without opposition. The bill’s specific subject was not discussed in the excerpt, but the chair congratulated the sponsor after the vote. House Bill 176, sponsored by Rep. Kim Moser with testimony from Corey Meadows of the Kentucky Medical Association, would create a framework for insurers to offer waiver programs that reduce prior authorization requirements for health care providers. The sponsor said the bill was intended to cut red tape and improve transparency, and noted that the language had been worked out with insurers. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill with favorable expression and then approved consent. House Bill 266, sponsored by Rep. Peyton Griffee with testimony from Dr. Kelly Ellis of Eastern Kentucky University, would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the credentials eligible for the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund. Supporters said these professions are critical to care across the lifespan and that their education and licensure requirements fit the fund’s purpose of retaining health professionals in Kentucky. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent, with Sen. Nemes briefly explaining his support based on workforce development experience. House Bill 393, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Raymer with testimony from McKenzie Wallace of the Alzheimer’s Association, made cleanup changes to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council, added a caregiver council slot, and required the council to develop and distribute an early detection and diagnosis toolkit for health care providers. The committee passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression and consent. Sen. Mills explained his yes vote in memory of his father, who had Alzheimer’s disease.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mills. Senator Neil. Senator Neas. Senator Nun. Senator Rocky Adams. Senator Rawlings.
• , >> Senator Mills, >> Senator Mills, >> Senator<00:03:03.040> Neil, >
• 05.840> an<00:07:06.080> act<00:07:06.319> relating Mills.
• Senate Bill 177, an act relating Mills.
• >> Senator<00:10:51.920> Mills.<00:10:52.560> Hi. >> Senator Mills. Hi.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 38 members present and approved the journal from February 9, 2026. Committee reports were received on several bills, including Agriculture reporting Senate Bills 45 and 155 favorably, Banking and Insurance reporting Senate Bills 118 and 153 with committee substitutes, Families and Children reporting Senate Bill 160, and Licensing and Occupations reporting Senate Bills 98 and 145. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 748 and requested concurrence. New measures were introduced, including bills on pharmacy technician supervision, a Kentucky Health Command, campaign finance, and speech-language pathologists, along with several resolutions honoring individuals and memorializing Steven D. Dittle. The chamber then considered Senate Bill 136, relating to unemployment insurance fraud. Supporters said the bill clarifies which agencies are involved in fraud cases and helps ensure recovered funds are returned to the unemployment trust fund. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 38-0. Senators also debated Senate Bill 183, concerning the regulation of proxy advisory services. Supporters argued it would increase transparency and require disclosure when proxy advice is influenced by non-financial considerations, while opponents said it would create bureaucracy, chill speech, and raise constitutional concerns. After debate, the bill passed 32-6. After floor action on those bills, Senate Bill 172 on utility fuel adjustment was taken from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, given first reading, and returned to committee. The remainder of the meeting featured extended remarks from a senator from Grayson focused on rural Kentucky, including ambulance access, healthcare delivery, economic decline, Medicaid costs, and the need for greater state investment in rural communities. No further votes were taken on those remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to point out we have reached an agreement on the mill fee, and what's that?
• This is the mill tax item, right, that I've jumped ahead on. I'm going to go over the rest.
• AB 2113 includes a phased increase to the mill assessment and several statutory requirements.
• I have no questions, but I do have a comment, and that's about the mill fee.
• I do have a comment, and that's about the mill fee.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plans for extreme heat mitigation and outdoor access, then took up SB 54 implementation, SB 707 textile producer responsibility, and recovery needs related to the Los Angeles fires at state parks. For the extreme heat chapter, agencies described funding for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, urban greening, urban forestry, fairground upgrades, and technical assistance for community-based climate programs. Witnesses emphasized that these are existing programs with strong demand, that technical assistance is important for reaching disadvantaged and tribal communities, and that the proposed funding would expand outreach and implementation capacity. Members asked for more detail on where funds have gone geographically, examples of successful projects, tree-planting totals, and how fairgrounds could better support fire staging and emergency preparedness. The LAO said the timing of the administration’s proposed funding generally made sense because the programs are already established, and no votes were taken. For outdoor access, State Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources described funding for new parks in underserved communities, deferred maintenance, state lands access, and several new or pending programs. State Parks said the park development program would fund roughly 48 projects and that deferred maintenance funding would address high-priority health, safety, and access needs. Fish and Wildlife said its lands program would improve visitor amenities and access on properties that often lack basic facilities. The Natural Resources Agency also outlined three newer outdoor-access proposals: expanding recreation in disadvantaged communities, enhancing natural resource values and trail access, and a nature/climate/education facilities grant program. The LAO distinguished between existing programs, which are ready to move forward, and the newer proposals, where the Legislature may want more input before funds are allocated. Members also raised concerns about park police vacancies, the need to track outcomes for accessibility investments, and whether Prop. 4 could help with wildfire-related recovery at state parks. CalRecycle then presented on SB 54, the plastics and packaging producer responsibility law, and members pressed hard on the delay in regulations. CalRecycle said it has held workshops, formed an advisory committee, selected the producer responsibility organization, and completed required baseline and covered-material reports, but needs more time to address complex comments and novel features such as source reduction and eco-modulated fees. Members expressed frustration that a statutory deadline was missed and asked for a concrete timeline; CalRecycle said it expects regulations in place by 2026, ahead of the PRO’s January 1, 2027 plan deadline. Finance said the Beverage Container Recycling Fund is currently healthy enough to support short-term loans for implementation. The committee also reviewed SB 707, the textile EPR law, which would create the nation’s first textile producer responsibility program; staff said the proposal would add positions and loan authority, and members noted the statutory deadlines for PRO approval, needs assessment, and later regulations. The hearing ended with discussion of the January Los Angeles fires’ damage to Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, where State Parks described extensive losses, emergency response work, and ongoing damage assessment. Members asked about FEMA eligibility, state funding sources, and community engagement in rebuilding, and the department said it is still assessing costs and will work with the public on reimagining the parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• vote yes on their operating levies.
• required for voter approved levies required for voter approved levies Minnesota<00:01:36.159>
• 0 of voter approved operating Levy 0 of voter approved operating Levy Authority<00:02:05.159>
• > the boards additional Levy Authority as the boards additional Levy Authority as the voters<00:03
• program by giving School boards Levy program by giving School boards Levy authority<00:31:17.720

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bondi focused on human trafficking, led the fight against opioid pill mills, protected consumers, and
• When Florida was deemed the pill mill capital of the world, and we had more pill mills than we had McDonald's
• The largest distributing pill mills were in Florida, the entire nation.
• She personally took that on, worked in a bipartisan way to shut down the pill mills in Florida.
• And we were glad to shed the title of the pill mill capital of the world.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Mills here. >> Senator Neal. >> Senator Thomas, here. >> Senator Wilson here. >> Senator
• >> Senator Givens, Senator Mills, Senator Neal, Senator Thomas, Senator Wilson, Senator Wise, Senator
• >> Senator Mills, >> Senator Mills, >> Senator<00:01:57.040> Neil, >>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Legislative Research Commission was called to order, a roll call established a quorum, and the commission approved a motion to adopt the June 18, 2025 minutes with specified exceptions, approve new business items A through K, and accept and refer communications items 1 through 52. The motion was seconded, a roll call vote was taken, and it passed unanimously among those present. During new business, a member provided a brief update on planning for the upcoming SLC conference in Lexington, noting that the schedule is still preliminary and that contracts are being signed. The member said the host committee is still raising funds, with about $2.25 million remaining to be raised by next summer, and thanked President Stivers and Speaker Osborne for their efforts. No questions were raised about the conference update, no additional new business or communications were offered, and the commission then moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned without objection after a second was noted on the motion to adjourn.