Transcript Highlights:

• aware of the increased demand for these services since the pandemic, and Norton is now taking this feedback
• <01:03:03.840><c> now</c><01:03:04.120><c> taking</c><01:03:04.640><c> this</c><01:03:04.960><c> feedback
• </c> and Norton is now taking this feedback and Norton is now taking this feedback and<01:03:05.800><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and excused absent members. The chamber received second readings of several bills and resolutions, including measures on ad valorem taxes, planning and zoning, tax-dollar restrictions, provisional medical licensing, Medicaid oversight, environmental regulations, municipal financial reporting, nuclear workforce development, and county law libraries. Committee reports advanced bills on economic development, education, judiciary, and veterans/public protection, and the body also received a list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics such as rural revitalization, athletics, SNAP eligibility, diaper tax exemption, domestic violence, middle school math, pedestrian bridges, constitutional amendments, education, and several honorary resolutions. The Senate then took up House Bill 314, which would reorganize the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (Kentucky Wired) by moving it under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, restructuring its board, and adding members representing cities and counties. Supporters said the bill was an administrative change, not a funding measure, intended to focus the network on students, teachers, and public users while awaiting an audit. Critics argued the project has been a costly taxpayer burden and called for stronger oversight. The bill passed final passage 32-6. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 157, which aligns Kentucky law with federal mortgage rules so that certain rate buy-down payments do not count against borrower fee caps, with supporters saying it would help housing affordability and reduce costs for borrowers. Senate Bill 214 also passed unanimously; it allows the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to accept non-federal funding for grants without routing those funds through the Department of Finance. The Senate later adopted several resolutions, including Senate Resolution 61 recognizing Links Incorporated Day, Senate Resolution 114 commemorating the 80th Southern Legislative Conference, and Senate Resolution 118 honoring Joseph H. Mattingly Jr. Additional remarks highlighted a Black History Celebration event and a lengthy floor speech criticizing the Kentucky Hospital Association’s reserves and urging investigation, followed by consideration of Senate Resolution 55 on Profound Autism Day in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• we have no idea if they're effective or not or if they're working unless we have some kind of a feedback
• have some<00:37:38.800><c> kind</c><00:37:38.960><c> of</c><00:37:39.040><c> a</c><00:37:39.440><c> feedback
• </c><00:37:40.320><c> And</c><00:37:40.480><c> so</c><00:37:40.800><c> I</c> some kind of a feedback
• And so I some kind of a feedback loop.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a critical time-sensitive action to slow feedback loops and buy our species the time we desperately
• time-sensitive<01:05:26.240><c> action</c><01:05:26.559><c> to</c><01:05:26.799><c> slow</c><01:05:27.119><c> feedback
• </c> time-sensitive action to slow feedback time-sensitive action to slow feedback loops<01:05:28.079

Bills: HB2198, HB2021, HB1881, HB1964, HB1990, HB2151, HB2599, HB2414

Keywords: gambling, prediction markets, Hawaii gambling laws, financial contracts, ethical concerns, electric bicycles, micro-mobility devices, safety regulations, traffic laws, insurance exemption, high-speed electric devices, land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, building code, permitting process, training, state council

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you received some feedback from other teachers about this? Well, we're just not sure.
• Have you received um some feedback<00:46:59.760><c> from</c><00:47:00.160><c> other</c><00:47:00.480>
• </c> feedback from other teachers about this? feedback from other teachers about this?

Bills: SB3179, SB2872, SB2391, SB3282, SB2836, SB2181

Keywords: educational workers, harassment, workplace safety, temporary restraining orders, investigation procedures, retired education employees, teacher shortage, rehired retirants, entry level salary, collective bargaining agreements, pension benefits, education, teacher salaries, automatic increments, collective bargaining, teacher retention, workforce development, Pell grant program, short-term education, eligibility

Summary: The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1. The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair recommends EOA will be the lead on gathering feedback and further information from non- and for-profit
• recommends EOA will be the lead on Chair recommends EOA will be the lead on gathering<01:15:36.800><c> feedback
• </c><01:15:37.840><c> and</c><01:15:38.159><c> further</c> gathering feedback and further gathering feedback

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did not get any feedback, so I'm going to assume that you all think we're brilliant, and that this
• We did not get any feedback<00:36:44.120><c> so</c><00:36:44.320><c> I'm</c><00:36:44.440><c> going</
• 44.640><c> to</c><00:36:44.720><c> assume</c><00:36:45.080><c> that</c><00:36:45.200><c> you</c> feedback
• so I'm going to assume that you feedback so I'm going to assume that you all<00:36:45.440><c> think<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met and first heard a presentation from Johnny Cole III, president and CEO of the African American Forum in Lexington. Cole described the organization’s 30-plus year history, its signature events and programs, and its mission to promote African American arts, culture, education, and community development. He said the group has reached more than 60,000 people through events and more than 90,000 students through its arts partnership work, and estimated its programs have generated about $4.5 million in local economic impact. He also outlined a proposed legacy project in Lexington’s First Council District that would include a facility, culinary kitchen, food court, mobile truck, and expanded communications and internship opportunities, and said the organization was seeking a $3 million state request to help purchase a building and expand its mission. The committee then discussed a juvenile justice funding proposal presented by Senator Catoria Herring. Herring said the bill would create a juvenile justice fund for prevention, early intervention, alternatives to detention, re-entry, and wraparound services, with money coming from state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds. She said the proposal was based on her experience in juvenile justice and on concerns that the state has invested heavily in detention facilities but not enough in upstream services. She cited recent facility spending and said the bill would seek $9 million. Members asked how the fund would work, who could apply, and how it would be overseen; Herring said she envisioned a grant program open to local governments, law enforcement, nonprofits, and school districts, with reporting requirements and oversight through the juvenile justice system. No vote was taken, and the discussion ended with general support and a suggestion to adjust the request amount to a round $9 million figure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and I really appreciate the feedback. I think I'll maybe take a look into law and see what.
• this is just so different and this is what we're seeing the trend in, and so I will take all the feedback
• this is just so different and this is what we're seeing the trend in, and so I will take all the feedback
• this is just so different and this is what we're seeing the trend in, and so I will take all the feedback

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , I would ask it would be helpful if we could talk about it ahead of time or if I could get more feedback
• ><00:52:40.240><c> could</c><00:52:40.480><c> get</c><00:52:40.800><c> more</c><00:52:41.119><c> feedback
• </c> of time or if I could get more feedback of time or if I could get more feedback from<00:52:41.599

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said clarification is always good and noted that he gets a lot of feedback on different programs.
• He said clarification is always good and that he gets a lot of feedback on different programs.
• get</c><00:18:55.720><c> a</c><00:18:55.760><c> lot</c><00:18:56.000><c> of</c><00:18:56.120><c> feedback
• </c><00:18:56.840><c> on</c><00:18:57.000><c> our</c> Um I I do get a lot of feedback on our Um I I do
• get a lot of feedback on our different<00:18:57.480><c> programs,</c> different programs, different

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're very willing to work with the courts and have reached out to get their feedback on this section
• We're very willing to work with the courts and have reached out to get their feedback on this section
• /c><00:08:59.839><c> their</c> have reached out um to get their have reached out um to get their feedback
• 00.800><c> section,</c><00:09:01.200><c> but</c><00:09:01.519><c> feel</c><00:09:01.760><c> like</c> feedback
• on this section, but feel like feedback on this section, but feel like it's<00:09:02.160><c> important

Bills: HF3676, HF2959, HF3233

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know we're withdrawing the amendments, but I would like to hear feedback from OHE as we go through
• presenting your amendment, you have the opportunity to ask those at the testifier table further feedback
• to ask those at the testifier table to ask those at the testifier table further<01:20:02.159><c> feedback
• </c><01:20:03.280><c> So,</c><01:20:03.440><c> we'll</c><01:20:03.679><c> do</c> further feedback and
• So, we'll do further feedback and input.

Bills: HF4362, HF4252, HF4440

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that some of the feedback that we've heard is that other opinions on how to approach this have
• I think that some of the feedback that we've heard is that other opinions on how to approach this have
• I think that some of the feedback that we've heard is that other opinions on how to approach this have
• I think that some of the feedback that we've heard is that other opinions on how to approach this have
• that we've heard is that uh the feedback that we've heard is that uh other<00:37:02.720><c> opinions

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We welcome your feedback. But I'll leave you with this.
• We welcome your feedback. But I'll leave you with this.
• We welcome your feedback. But I'll leave you with this.
• We welcome your feedback. But I'll leave you with this.
• We welcome your feedback. But I'll leave you with this.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary met on November 6, 2025, approved the minutes, and welcomed guests including Kentucky Specialty Courts manager Elizabeth Nichols and Boyle/Mercer Family Court Judge Bruce Petri. The committee then heard the Chief Justice of Kentucky, Deborah Lambert, deliver her state of the judiciary address, focused largely on judicial branch funding, facilities, technology, and specialty court programs. Chief Justice Lambert said the branch is facing a projected $14.3 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 and asked lawmakers for supplemental support, access to reserve funds, and higher base appropriations to cover inflation and nondiscretionary costs. She also requested a 15% across-the-board pay increase for judicial branch employees, citing salary gaps with other state workers and declining judicial compensation relative to national averages. She emphasized that the branch has received a clean FY 2025 audit and said the requests were intended to sustain current operations rather than expand them. A major portion of her remarks covered court technology and facilities. She described the move to Chamberlain during Capitol renovations, the purchase of that building as a cost-saving measure, and the need to fund courtroom audio/video systems and a new statewide case management system. She also discussed courthouse maintenance, flood damage, mold issues, security system upgrades, and the $47 million asset preservation fund created last session, while asking for additional local facilities funding and one-time disaster-related support. Lambert highlighted specialty court and statewide program results, including foster care review boards, family recovery courts, court designated worker programs, drug and mental health courts, and the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. She thanked legislators for prior bills and support, including House Bill 1, Senate Bill 26, and the CES law, and said 2026 recommendations will focus on civil commitment reforms under KRS 202C. During questions, Senator Wheeler asked whether some courthouses are being overbuilt; Lambert said most facilities are inadequate, though some may be larger than needed, and that future needs and population changes must be considered. She also noted that virtual hearings and technology have improved efficiency. No votes or formal committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:25.440><c> about</c><00:10:25.600><c> that</c> if you have feedback about that if you have
• feedback about that appreciate<00:10:26.720><c> um</c><00:10:26.959><c> hearing</c><00:10:27.279><c>
• learning is helping us focus our improvements to these systems on what's most responsive to that feedback
• responsive these systems on what's most responsive to<00:19:09.840><c> that</c><00:19:10.000><c> feedback
• from customers so we to that feedback from customers so we have<00:19:12.480><c> a</c><00:19:12.559>

Bills: HF10

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We identified that the definition within our website didn't receive any feedback from Children's Museums
• from Children's receive any feedback from Children's Museums<01:18:50.840><c> when</c><01:18:51.040>
• So, Senator, you were talking earlier about sort of feedback once you've received a grant from us. know
• I think the feedback that I have been given since it's almost going on six years in June now is that
• I think the feedback that I have been given since it's almost going on six years in June now is that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• anecdotal information and meet bi-weekly with Tutor.com to review usage, subject areas, and student feedback
• to show the efficacy of the product, but they do have anecdotal information and support-services feedback
• with Tutor.com to review usage and subject areas students are using it in, and to get comments and feedback
• She said they do have anecdotal information and support-services feedback, and that they meet bi-weekly
• She said they do have anecdotal information and support-services feedback, and that they meet bi-weekly

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We’ve already put out a draft to some stakeholders to get some initial feedback, but we just have a lot
• to some stakeholders to get some draft to some stakeholders to get some initial<00:31:09.679><c> feedback
• , but we just have a lot initial feedback, but we just have a lot of<00:31:11.520><c> rules</c><00:31
• much looking through the information we have about prior authorization, but going and soliciting feedback
• Um, the medical society feedback.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah, I don't think we have a problem including that in the parent agreement or another mechanism,
• 23:12.239><c> I</c><01:23:12.400><c> think</c><01:23:12.480><c> it</c><01:23:12.639><c> also</c> mechanism
• here, but I think it also mechanism here, but I think it also speaks<01:23:13.120><c> to</c><01:23:13.280
• Um, Madam Chair, very briefly, the state board already has a mechanism in place for appeal of decisions
• So, without some kind of a protection mechanism in law, it would really be discretionary up to the schools

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think there's many mechanics that work without that cell phone, but in the classroom there's
• about diesel mechanics um today I<04:25:07.600><c> don't</c><04:25:07.760><c> think</c><04:25:07.880
• ><c> there's</c><04:25:08.119><c> many</c><04:25:08.319><c> mechanics</c> I don't think there's many
• mechanics I don't think there's many mechanics that<04:25:08.960><c> work</c><04:25:09.239><c> without
• </c><04:49:05.520><c> inside</c> magnet um there's a mechanism inside magnet um there's a mechanism inside

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an issue here, but there are mechanisms in place, as a matter of fact.
• There are mechanisms where these folks, where that money can be recouped.
• </c><05:23:13.760><c> where</c><05:23:14.760><c> these</c> paid there are mechanisms where these paid
• He said there is no mechanism in the bill to say to the state that you could very well afford to pay.
• He said there is no mechanism in the bill to say to the state that you could very well afford to pay.

Keywords: 1189, house, all