Transcript Highlights:

• c><02:10:23.599><c> refer</c><02:10:23.920><c> to</c><02:10:24.079><c> the</c><02:10:24.320><c> statute
• c><02:26:30.720><c> statute.
• ><c> looking</c><02:38:16.080><c> at</c><02:38:16.399><c> statute.
• what</c><02:38:27.359><c> the</c><02:38:27.600><c> statute</c><02:38:28.080><c> says.
• The<02:38:29.200><c> statute</c><02:38:29.680><c> says</c><02:38:30.080><c> this</c><02:38:30.399><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission meeting focused on reviewing and correcting draft minutes and then working through a draft report on the cost of special education. Members made mostly clerical corrections, including clarifying references to Spalding, fixing acronyms such as LETRS, and cleaning up membership titles and appointee roles to match SB 57. The minutes were approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair also noted the commission’s deadline to complete findings and recommendations by July 1 and said the final report must be delivered to legislative leaders, the governor, the state librarian, and others. The main substantive discussion centered on the report’s findings about special education funding. Members agreed the report should emphasize that the commission was created to study the cost of special education and reduce reliance on local property taxes. One draft section described FY24 special education funding as coming from three primary state and federal sources totaling about $152 million, or roughly 15% of annual costs, with the remaining 85% paid by local school districts through property tax revenue, estimated at about $825 million. Members discussed adding historical or longitudinal data to show trends over time, and some suggested attaching charts or tables showing funding over the last 20 to 30 years. A second major topic was demographic data. The draft noted that statewide K-12 enrollment has declined since 2003 while the number and share of students with IEPs has increased. Members questioned whether the data compared like with like, especially given the growth of Education Freedom Accounts and charter school enrollment, and whether the figures included or excluded those students. Several members asked for clearer sourcing from the Department of Education and suggested keeping a list of unresolved questions, including the impact of the shift from ADMA to ADMR and the effect of the EFA program. The discussion ended with agreement to continue refining the report and to gather additional attachments and clarifications before finalizing recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><02:02:45.840><c> abuse</c><02:02:46.159><c> of</c><02:02:46.320><c> neglect</c><02:02:46.719><c> to
• <02:02:54.880><c> the</c><02:02:55.119><c> same</c><02:02:55.199><c> as</c><02:02:55.360><c> I'm</c>
• </c><02:02:56.719><c> I</c><02:02:56.960><c> agree</c><02:02:57.199><c> and</c><02:02:57.440><c> I</c
• /c><02:07:50.800><c> ability</c><02:07:51.199><c> in</c><02:07:51.599><c> statute</c> No.
• So they have the ability in statute to<02:07:52.880><c> uh</c><02:07:53.040><c> have</c><02:07:53.280

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 03.040><c> uh</c><02:02:03.199><c> some</c><02:02:03.360><c> of</c><02:02:03.480><c> you</c><02:02:03.639
• health plans uh some of you may know us as<02:02:04.679><c> a</c><02:02:04.880><c> Managed</c><02:02
• :02:07.000><c> Department</c><02:02:07.280><c> of</c><02:02:07.360><c> Health</c><02:02:07.520><c> and
• ><c> Services</c><02:02:08.599><c> to</c><02:02:08.800><c> administer</c><02:02:09.320><c> State</c>
• </c><02:02:10.679><c> but</c><02:02:10.840><c> we</c><02:02:11.040><c> also</c><02:02:11.440><c> have

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Thank<02:02:59.440><c> you,</c><02:02:59.840><c> uh</c><02:03:00.000><c> Mr.
• and and what's listed in um the earn time<02:46:34.399><c> statute</c><02:46:34.800><c> in</c><02:46
• time statute in ways that are supposed time statute in ways that are supposed to<02:46:35.840><c> acrew
• /c><02:47:02.880><c> statute</c><02:47:03.439><c> as</c><02:47:03.680><c> I</c><02:47:03.920><c> understand
• </c><02:47:04.880><c> this</c> earned time statute as I understand this earned time statute as I understand

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.560><c> there's</c><00:02:24.800><c> a</c><00:02:25.200><c> we</c><00:02:25.360><c> have</c><00:02
• 00:02:27.280><c> lot</c><00:02:27.560><c> about</c><00:02:28.160><c> and</c><00:02:28.599><c> so</c>
• > Ru</c><00:02:37.160><c> making</c><00:02:38.160><c> with</c><00:02:38.480><c> the</c><00:02:38.959>
• c><04:02:08.720><c> do</c><04:02:08.920><c> is</c><04:02:09.159><c> they</c><04:02:09.600><c> lift</c
• </c><04:02:12.080><c> car</c><04:02:13.080><c> the</c><04:02:13.239><c> lid</c><04:02:13.600><c> of</

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held an orientation for new and returning members of the House committee on agencies and administration, with introductions from members and staff. Chair Carol Maguire outlined her expectations for hearings: keep questions focused on the bill, be respectful to witnesses, and use the committee’s orientation opportunities to learn about the jail staff, retirement system, and Office of Professional Licensure. Members also discussed related assignments on other bodies, including the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Employee Classification, and noted that some members already serve on those panels. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Building Code and the committee’s upcoming workload. Members explained how the state code is intended to provide a common baseline while allowing limited local options, and why municipalities must formally adopt and publish any local amendments. They reviewed several anticipated bills: a consolidation bill to gather building-code enforcement materials in one place, a bill to update the state energy code, a bill to restrict municipal adoption of building-code changes, and a bill to update the electrical code. Members also discussed how building codes apply to older homes and commercial buildings, and why code updates are important for safety and clarity. The chair said the committee had 36 bills currently scheduled, including many early bills that must move by March 6 because they will be heard by two committees. She said the committee would use subcommittees for harder bills, with three subcommittees this year: pensions, licensing, and likely state building code. She also outlined the hearing schedule, including lighter bills on February 12 and the expectation of executive sessions later in the month. No votes were taken during the orientation, but members were told that public hearings do not require a quorum and that hard copies of bills would be distributed by committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> statute</c><02:09:58.159><c> and</c><02:09:58.280><c> then</c> that is established in statute and
• Accord the statute thank you<02:10:54.920><c> have</c><02:10:55.360><c> another</c><02:10:55.679><c>
• what's<02:11:34.559><c> in</c><02:11:34.719><c> our</c><02:11:35.079><c> statutes</c><02:11:35.840><c
• statutes that they have to what's in our statutes that they have to abide by<02:11:41.679><c> okay</c
• ><c> um</c><02:37:45.920><c> but</c><02:37:46.080><c> per</c><02:37:46.319><c> statute</c><02:37:46.760

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken. Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales. Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• best interest<02:03:54.840><c> it</c><02:03:54.960><c> disregards</c><02:03:55.520><c> the</c><02:03
• 02:05:19.119><c> do</c><02:05:19.280><c> in</c><02:05:19.400><c> our</c><02:05:19.599><c> life</c><02
• <02:34:29.920><c> may</c><02:34:30.040><c> ask</c><02:34:30.160><c> you</c><02:34:30.240><c> to</c><02
• 02:45:37.960><c> I</c><02:45:38.240><c> hope</c><02:45:38.439><c> that</c><02:45:38.560><c> you</c><02
• :02:15.960><c> to</c><04:02:16.439><c> go</c><04:02:16.800><c> into</c><04:02:17.319><c> our</c><04:02

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so as<00:02:04.280><c> a</c><00:02:04.320><c> psychiatrist,</c><00:02:05.120><c> I</c><00:02:05.160
• Collaborative<00:02:26.160><c> care</c><00:02:26.600><c> is</c><00:02:26.840><c> a</c><00:02:26.920><
• primary care doctors<00:02:31.720><c> to</c><00:02:31.840><c> go</c><00:02:31.960><c> over</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:34.720><c> cases,</c><00:02:35.400><c> review</c><00:02:35.680><c> them,</c><00:02:35.960>
• </c><00:02:41.760><c> to</c><00:02:42.320><c> um</c><00:02:42.600><c> pay</c><00:02:42.920><c> and</c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health-related measures. House Bill 178, on the psychiatric collaborative care model, was presented by Rep. Kim Mosher and psychiatrist Arthur Oliva. They said the bill would let primary care providers address mental health needs more quickly with psychiatrist consultation, reduce long wait times, and save money. Members voiced support, and the bill passed 7-0 with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 387, presented by Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, would keep veterinarians excluded from KASPER reporting requirements and instead add two veterinarians to the Controlled Substance Council. Meade argued that veterinary prescribing is difficult to track by animal, that prior efforts created complications, and that rural Kentucky needs the flexibility. A senator asked about possible diversion of veterinary opioids to humans; Meade said there was no substantial evidence of widespread abuse. The bill passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 676, by Rep. Rebecca Raymer, was amended from creating a health data utility to directing LRC to study best practices for one during the interim, with a report due December 1, 2026. Members said the state needs a coordinated way to use health data. The amended bill passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 689, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors and Dr. Heidi Marley, would authorize a Medicaid state-directed payment program for qualifying hospital-affiliated physician and non-physician services, pending federal approval, with supporters saying it would improve access in underserved areas, support provider retention, and bring in about $29 million annually in federal funds without using state dollars. It also passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. Finally, House Joint Resolution 24, presented by Rep. Kim Fleming, would direct the administration to withdraw a previously required community engagement waiver request because it is no longer needed. The resolution passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. The chair noted the next meeting might be April 1, though no bills were currently scheduled, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:00:00.639><c> Um</c><02:00:00.880><c> and</c><02:00:01.040><c> it</c><02:00:01.199><c> has</c
• Um and it has been<02:00:01.440><c> helpful</c><02:00:01.679><c> to</c><02:00:01.840><c> also</c><02:
• </c><02:00:11.040><c> drafted,</c><02:00:12.080><c> this</c><02:00:12.639><c> uh</c><02:00:13.040><c>
• I'd<02:09:00.320><c> like</c><02:09:00.480><c> to</c><02:09:00.639><c> call</c><02:09:01.199><c> Mr.
• </c><02:19:19.760><c> I</c><02:19:19.920><c> I</c><02:19:20.160><c> am</c><02:19:20.319><c> an</c><02

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><02:02:02.920><c> exec</c><02:02:03.280><c> for</c><02:02:03.440><c> HB</c><02:02:04.320>
• me</c><02:02:41.960><c> another</c><02:02:42.239><c> bill</c><02:02:42.480><c> that</c><02:02:42.560>
• ><c> um</c><02:02:47.440><c> am</c><02:02:47.840><c> am</c><02:02:48.440><c> fine</c><02:02:48.719><c
• ><c> this</c><02:02:49.760><c> bill</c><02:02:50.239><c> and</c><02:02:50.639><c> uh</c><02:02:51.360
• having having<02:02:52.040><c> this</c><02:02:52.199><c> language</c><02:02:52.599><c> put</c><02:02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a work session on several environmental bills, beginning with HP 152, which would prohibit the sale and use of adhesive-based rodent traps. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to allow professional pest control use while restricting retail sales to the public. Testimony and member comments focused on animal welfare concerns, the relative humaneness and effectiveness of glue traps versus snap traps, consumer education, enforcement difficulties, and whether the bill should instead be limited to professionals. No vote was taken on HP 152 during the discussion. The committee then turned to HB 171, establishing a moratorium on new landfill permits. Representative Gruber distributed an amendment shortening the proposed moratorium from five years to three years as a compromise. Members supporting the moratorium said it would give the Department of Environmental Services time to update rules and reflect recent landfill-siting reforms, while opponents argued that three years was too long, could tie the hands of a future legislature, and might be difficult to pass in the Senate. Others noted the House, Senate, and governor had each discussed different lengths of moratorium, making the bill a likely bargaining position in later negotiations. Throughout the landfill discussion, members emphasized that the three-year version was intended as a middle ground between a one-year proposal associated with the governor and a six-year Senate bill. Several members said the moratorium reflected years of bipartisan work on solid waste and landfill policy and would help create time for new rules to take effect. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or other action on HB 171 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• to</c><00:02:48.400><c> testify</c><00:02:48.920><c> on</c><00:02:49.080><c> House</c><00:02:49.319>
• /c><02:00:11.599><c> to</c><02:00:11.800><c> take</c><02:00:12.000><c> good</c><02:00:12.159><c> care
• <02:00:15.440><c> newly</c><02:00:15.719><c> diagnosed</c><02:00:16.639><c> diabetes</c><02:00:17.639
• :18.000><c> can't</c><02:00:18.199><c> be</c><02:00:18.320><c> seen</c><02:00:18.719><c> by</c><02:00
• ><c> uh</c> 12:59<02:02:04.000><c> well</c><02:02:04.599><c> it's</c><02:02:05.440><c> before</c><02:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• But um that's<02:00:29.119><c> probably</c><02:00:29.280><c> a</c><02:00:29.520><c> statute</c><02:00
• we need that's probably a statute that we need to<02:00:30.400><c> take</c><02:00:30.480><c> a</c><02
• 33.119><c> the</c><02:00:33.360><c> statute.
• </c><02:00:34.080><c> Um</c> Do something about the statute.
• :11:55.599><c> statute</c><02:11:56.000><c> would</c><02:11:56.159><c> allow</c><02:11:56.400><c> the

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :26.920><c> Southeast</c><00:02:27.519><c> with</c><00:02:27.640><c> a</c><00:02:27.800><c> Harland</
• with a Harland Branch uh we<00:02:30.120><c> move</c><00:02:30.440><c> up</c><00:02:31.040><c> to</c
• ><00:02:31.360><c> the</c><00:02:31.720><c> hazard</c><00:02:32.599><c> branch</c><00:02:33.599><c> and
• to</c><00:02:34.440><c> the</c><00:02:34.720><c> Pikeville</c><00:02:35.480><c> branch</c><00:02:36.480
• c> that's</c><00:02:39.080><c> pretty</c><00:02:39.319><c> self-explanatory</c><00:02:40.200><c> but<

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Energy and Environment Cabinet 18:56 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Tourism and Energy committee received a presentation from Gordon Sloan, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, and Deputy Commissioner David Fields on the Division of Mine Safety. They outlined the division’s structure, saying it has four branch offices in Madisonville, Harlan, Hazard, and Pikeville, with 36 inspectors total, plus administrative staff and several headquarters specialists. They also explained that four additional inspectors are on sick leave or workers’ compensation and will not be backfilled, and confirmed that inspectors work from offices rather than from home. The presentation focused on mine safety duties and staffing needs. Sloan said underground licensed mines must receive six inspections annually, including mine safety analyses, an electrical inspection, roof inspections, and regular inspections of airways, returns, belts, and miner safety equipment. He also described the division’s mine rescue responsibilities, including providing rescue coverage where operators do not have their own teams, maintaining teams within an hour’s drive of mines, and supporting training and certification. The division also conducts 17 training courses and about 8,000 to 9,000 trainings per year. Members were given updated mine and employment figures. Sloan reported 126 licensed mines in 2024 across the branch areas, with 61 active all year and others idle or later abandoned. He said Kentucky had 4,683 miners in 2024, with average employment of 4,509, and noted that the state had gone 34 months without a mining fatality since March 2022. He also said the division provides rescue services for 16 underground rock quarries, three highway tunnels, and three underground military training sites. In response to questions, Sloan said the division does not plan to refill the four vacant inspector positions because staffing is adequate statewide, and he said he would provide additional historical mine data later. The committee took no formal action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I<01:02:03.920><c> will</c><01:02:04.079><c> confirm</c><01:02:04.400><c> and</c><01:02:04.640><
• 01:02:19.200><c> in</c><01:02:19.440><c> the</c><01:02:19.599><c> definition</c><01:02:19.920><c> of<
• ><c> can</c><01:02:24.640><c> get</c><01:02:24.799><c> back</c><01:02:24.880><c> to</c><01:02:24.960>
• deaths<01:02:30.640><c> included</c><01:02:31.040><c> in</c><01:02:31.200><c> in</c><01:02:31.440><c
• So follow<01:02:33.040><c> up</c><01:02:33.280><c> follow</c><01:02:33.960><c> but</c><01:02:35.119><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 254, which Senator David Roford described as a technical correction to controlled substance inventory law for pharmacies. He said the bill would remove outdated language requiring inventories to be done in an odd-numbered year, while keeping the existing requirement that pharmacies conduct a full controlled substance inventory every two years in line with federal law. Members asked several clarifying questions about whether the requirement is pharmacy-by-pharmacy, whether new pharmacies would be affected, and whether the change would alter scope or compliance; the sponsor and a representative of the New Hampshire Pharmacist Association said it would not, and that it mainly provides clarity for pharmacies and inspectors. The public hearing on SB 254 was then closed, and the committee also heard support from a representative of the pharmacist community, who said the association supports the bill. The committee then discussed a non-germane amendment to SB 254 dealing with FBI background checks for educational surrogate parents under the Department of Education. Representative Leyon explained that the amendment was requested by the Department of Education after the FBI rejected prior statutory language, and that the goal was to allow people serving as educational surrogate parents to complete FBI fingerprint-based background checks so they can perform their duties. Department of Education and Department of Safety staff testified that the amendment mirrors language that has worked in other education-related background check statutes, including provisions with specific disqualifying offenses tied to child safety, and that the FBI requires precise statutory language and direct transmission of records through the Department of Safety. Members questioned why the FBI’s approval was needed, whether individuals could simply provide their own records, and whether changing federal leadership could require future changes; witnesses said the state needs both state and national records, that records must come directly from the FBI through the Department of Safety, and that the language is intended to satisfy current federal requirements. During the discussion, some members expressed skepticism about the need for the amendment and about placing it on a bill about controlled substance inventories, but no vote was taken during the portion of the transcript provided. The committee also briefly discussed a separate bill on physician assistants/physician associates, with members noting that the proposed name change would not alter scope of practice and that some outside groups had raised concerns about transparency, but that discussion was interrupted and not concluded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• the um<02:02:07.199><c> uh</c><02:02:07.320><c> through</c><02:02:07.599><c> the</c><02:02:08.440><c
• 02:09.719><c> jobs</c><02:02:10.079><c> act</c><02:02:10.639><c> uh</c><02:02:10.800><c> we've</c><02
• :02:15.239><c> about</c><02:02:15.639><c> 50%</c><02:02:16.520><c> of</c><02:02:16.760><c> that</c><02
• ><c> just</c><02:02:20.199><c> haven't</c><02:02:20.760><c> received</c><02:02:20.960><c> it</c><02:02
• um</c><02:02:30.960><c> but</c><02:02:31.119><c> I</c><02:02:31.239><c> can</c><02:02:31.400><c> get

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• seeks to address gaps in our statutes that<02:16:16.560><c> have</c><02:16:16.800><c> been</c><02:16
• but there is no district financially, but there is no statute<02:17:39.519><c> in</c><02:17:39.679><
• c> New</c><02:17:39.840><c> Hampshire</c><02:17:40.240><c> permitting</c><02:17:40.719><c> that</c> statute
• Third,<02:17:43.760><c> HB1824</c> Third, HB1824 Third, HB1824 amends<02:17:46.160><c> statute</c><02
• amends statute to allow the school amends statute to allow the school district<02:17:48.479><c> to</

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All<00:02:12.400><c> vendors</c><00:02:12.800><c> are</c><00:02:12.959><c> registered</c><00:02:13.360
• ]<00:02:15.760><c> for</c><00:02:16.000><c> items</c><00:02:16.560><c> 118</c><00:02:17.280><c> on</c
• the<00:02:25.440><c> personal</c><00:02:25.680><c> services</c><00:02:26.160><c> contract</c><00:02:
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:48.239><c> have</c><00:02:48.319><c> a</c><00:02:48.480><c> motion</c><00:02:48.800>
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:51.760><c> have</c><00:02:51.840><c> a</c><00:02:52.080><c> second</c><00:02:52.400>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:15.960><c> And</c><00:02:16.200><c> we're</c><00:02:16.400><c> going</c><00:02:16.720><c> to<
• ><c> Uh</c><00:02:20.680><c> we</c><00:02:20.840><c> would</c><00:02:21.000><c> do</c><00:02:21.120><
• </c><00:02:23.920><c> bonus</c><00:02:24.520><c> if</c><00:02:24.680><c> we</c><00:02:24.800><c> can<
• <00:02:25.440><c> it,</c><00:02:25.720><c> but</c><00:02:26.160><c> uh</c><00:02:26.280><c> we'll</c>
• <00:02:26.480><c> see</c><00:02:26.680><c> how</c><00:02:26.840><c> we</c><00:02:27.000><c> do.

Bills: HB0098 , HB0075 , HB0041 , HB0101

Committee: House Revenue

Keywords: gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:04.719><c> before</c><00:02:04.960><c> it</c><00:02:05.079><c> interferes</c><00:02:05.600
• that</c><00:02:08.599><c> we</c><00:02:08.720><c> can</c><00:02:08.920><c> never</c><00:02:09.160><c>
• <00:02:10.160><c> in</c><00:02:10.360><c> this</c><00:02:10.560><c> work</c><00:02:11.360><c> that</c
• </c><00:02:15.440><c> Preamble</c><00:02:15.920><c> to</c><00:02:16.080><c> our</c><00:02:16.280><c>
• :18.560><c> it</c><00:02:18.720><c> states</c><00:02:19.239><c> we</c><00:02:19.519><c> the</c><00:02

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 SB 60: 00:00:53 Discussion in Opposition to SB 60: 00:04:41 SB 130: 00:25:36 SB 169: 00:25:44, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition. Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 09.920><c> record</c><00:02:10.920><c> and</c><00:02:11.039><c> then</c><00:02:11.239><c> I</c><00:02
• :11.959><c> you</c><00:02:12.120><c> in</c><00:02:12.360><c> and</c><00:02:12.480><c> then</c><00:02:
• sliding<00:02:25.120><c> hello</c><00:02:25.440><c> my</c><00:02:25.560><c> name</c><00:02:25.720><c
• ><c> name</c><00:02:38.319><c> is</c><00:02:38.440><c> Joe</c><00:02:38.640><c> Bilby</c><00:02:39.040
• </c><00:02:48.560><c> truth</c><00:02:49.319><c> I</c><00:02:49.480><c> do</c><00:02:50.080><c> all</

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.