Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:39:54.800><c> typec><00:39:54.960><c> ofc><00:39:55.359><c> Industryc><00:39:56.359><c> um
• a Nuance type<00:40:05.760><c> ofc><00:40:05.920><c> developmentc><00:40:06.480><c> comparedc><
• 00:40:06.839><c> toc><00:40:07.040><c> thec> type of development compared to the type of development
• development<00:44:30.960><c> typesc><00:44:31.440><c> soc><00:44:31.640><c> it'sc><00:44:31.920
• ><c> 100,000c><00:44:32.520><c> squarec> development types so it's 100,000 square development types

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:22:50.919><c> typec> pressing task now is to create the type pressing task now is to create the
• type of<00:22:51.240><c> infrastructurec><00:22:51.840><c> thatc><00:22:52.000><c> keepsc><00:22
• c> generatec><00:45:51.680><c> thec><00:45:51.839><c> typesc><00:45:52.119><c> ofc><00:45:52.640
• ><c> economicc> able to generate the types of economic able to generate the types of economic and<00
• ><c> typec><00:45:55.800><c> ofc><00:45:55.920><c> vibrancyc><00:45:56.559><c> thatc><00:45:56.760

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• have by fiscal year, uh,<00:06:42.240><c> theirc><00:06:42.479><c> districtc><00:06:42.800><c> type
• ,c> uh, their district type, uh, their district type, uh,<00:06:45.120><c> sealerc><00:06:45.520>
• <c> districtc><00:06:45.759><c> type,c><00:06:47.199><c> andc><00:06:47.520><c> that'sc> uh,
• differentc><00:32:57.840><c> typesc><00:32:58.080><c> ofc> I guess expansion of different types
• for different<00:35:05.200><c> typesc><00:35:05.440><c> ofc><00:35:05.920><c> umc><00:35:06.079

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:13 Roll Call 00:00:24 Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:02:10 Presentation of Special Purpose Governmental Entities Report 00:03:19 Presentation of Kentucky League of Cities Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session of the General Assembly 00:15:37 Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 00:37:05 Adjournment 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee received reports on special purpose governmental entities from the Department for Local Government and the Fire Commission. DLG staff described SPGEs as limited-jurisdiction political subdivisions and reviewed the department’s registry, reporting portal, compliance monitoring, and planned system upgrades such as a two-way message center, automated noncompliance notices, and tracking for new entities and board expirations. They reported that, as of October 10, 2025, 69% of SPGEs were active and discussed compliance data by cycle, fiscal year, and district type. The Fire Commission reported that fire department mergers have reduced the number of departments by 16 since last year, largely because of volunteer staffing shortages, while financial disclosure compliance had risen to 94%. The commission also noted 509 compliance reviews, 19 in-house inquiries, seven referrals to outside agencies, and one recent federal prison sentence in a theft case. Members asked whether DLG advises SPGEs on tax rates; staff said it only performs calculations and the entities set their own rates. Questions to the Fire Commission focused on whether department reductions meant station closures; officials explained that most changes were mergers that keep physical buildings in place while combining personnel and finances to meet minimum staffing requirements. They said the trend is spread across the state but is especially pronounced in rural areas. The Kentucky League of Cities then presented its 2026 legislative agenda. Its priorities included modernizing city revenue options, increasing equity in road funding, fixing tax increment financing issues, addressing transient room tax collection from web-based platforms, strengthening emergency response coordination, clarifying massage parlor regulation preemption, correcting unintended consequences of House Bill 606, improving newspaper publication rules, and modernizing procurement statutes. KLC also said it supports allowing all cities to collect restaurant tax revenue, wants cities to receive a larger share of road funds and EV-related revenues, and seeks state collection and remittance of any future local sales tax to comply with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. Members asked about best-value bidding, road-fund equity, Airbnb tax litigation, EV prevalence, and disaster funding applications; KLC said cities currently must accept the lowest bid, the road split should better reflect city street costs, the Airbnb tax case remains pending, EV data by locality has not been studied, and allowing cities to apply directly for disaster funds would reduce reliance on county officials. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the September meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• with sure we're matching their concerns with the<00:03:01.960><c> rightc><00:03:02.280><c> typec
• c><00:03:03.480><c> It'sc> the right type of accountability.
• :09.200><c> atc><00:03:09.280><c> thec> So, if they're going to do another type of audit function
• toc><00:04:47.120><c> doc><00:04:47.560><c> anotherc><00:04:47.920><c> typec> So, if they're
• going to do another type So, if they're going to do another type of<00:04:48.320><c> auditc><00:04:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: State Auditor Julie Blaha discussed fraud in Minnesota, emphasizing that recent attention on fraud during COVID-19 should be separated from broader, ongoing fraud risks. She explained that the Office of the State Auditor oversees about $60 billion in local government activity, including school districts, cities, townships, counties, special districts, and port authorities, and works both to prevent fraud through audits and to investigate cases when they arise. Blaha said the biggest current challenge is workforce shortages in accounting and accountability fields, which makes it harder to provide oversight even as public demand for accountability increases. She urged legislators to involve her office early when drafting bills so the right oversight tool can be matched to the risk, rather than simply adding an audit requirement by default. She also said a proposed Office of the Inspector General would be a useful accountability discussion, but stressed that internal audit structures are often more effective than relying only on external audits. Blaha said the public plays a major role in detecting fraud because tips are the most common way fraud, waste, and abuse are uncovered. She encouraged public employees and local officials to report concerns, especially around unusual spending or misuse of purchasing cards, and noted that reporting can be confidential and is often required for certain public employees. In her closing remarks, she warned that COVID-era fraud often involved private-sector actors and said outsourcing government work requires careful risk analysis and added oversight. The segment ended with a reminder that allegations of state government fraud can be submitted to the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor online, by phone, or by mail.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:44.760><c> andc><00:03:44.920><c> notc><00:03:45.080><c> muchc><00:03:45.239><c> toc
• ><c> thatc><00:03:56.879><c> onec><00:03:57.040><c> toc><00:03:57.200><c> ac><00:03:57.319><c
• c><00:04:23.800><c> forc><00:04:24.000><c> anyc><00:04:24.199><c> otherc><00:04:24.560><c> type
• c><00:04:24.800><c> ofc> this anywhere else for any other type of this anywhere else for any other
• type of expenditure<00:04:26.040><c> orc><00:04:26.320><c> policyc><00:04:26.840><c> spacec><00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> justc><00:04:39.160><c> onec><00:04:39.560><c> typec><00:04:39.880><c> ofc><00:04:40.039>
• <c> restorativec><00:04:40.680><c> practicec> is just one type of restorative practice is just one
• /c><00:04:53.680><c> typesc><00:04:53.919><c> ofc><00:04:54.039><c> restorativec> actions other
• types of restorative actions other types of restorative practices<00:04:55.000><c> arec><00:04:55.160
• ><c> typesc><00:04:58.000><c> inc><00:04:58.120><c> ac> state in a variety of case types in a state

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :10:05.360><c> inc><00:10:05.680><c> school,c> this type of opportunity in school, this type of opportunity
• c><00:10:33.920><c> thec> type of learning to go throughout the type of learning to go throughout
• ><c> typesc><00:15:15.920><c> ofc> talked about different types of talked about different types of
• <c> thec><00:15:49.120><c> typec><00:15:49.360><c> ofc> want our students to have the type of want
• ><c> sawc><00:54:03.200><c> inc> that type of learning that you saw in that type of learning that

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:33 Kentucky’s New Assessment and Accountability Model Update: 00:03:50 Federal Education Policy and Its Impact on States: 01:00:55 Educational Leadership Training Opportunities in Kentucky: 01:26:44 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 02:10:38 Adjournment: 02:13:57, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Education met for its first interim meeting and established a quorum before taking up its first topic, Kentucky’s new assessment and accountability model. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, joined by KDE staff and superintendents, described a multi-year effort involving the Kentucky “Now We Learn” Council, more than 50 educators and stakeholders, at least 18 pilot districts, surveys, focus groups, town halls, and four prototype frameworks. He emphasized three priorities for the new model: vibrant learning experiences, innovation in assessment, and collaboration with communities. Fletcher said the state accountability portion would continue to meet federal requirements and identify CSI/TSI/ATSI schools, while shifting toward more emphasis on individual student growth, grade-level equivalency in reading and math, career and technical education, graduation rate, and English language proficiency. He also said science would remain a required assessment but be reported separately rather than counted in the CSI/TSI calculation. He stressed that the model should focus on growth, local flexibility, and meaningful measures that reflect community expectations, while still preserving a statewide framework. The committee also heard from Bullitt County superintendent Jesse Bacon, who described his district’s local accountability work. He said Bullitt County formed a community coalition with broad representation from across the district, business leaders, and community members, met six times during the school year, and worked toward a public-facing dashboard that would show community expectations, evidence of accountability, and areas for improvement. Bacon said the district identified six community-defined pillars, beginning with student learning and foundational academic knowledge, as part of a system intended to communicate strengths and improvement areas to the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• type of situations or Dynamics so these type of situations or Dynamics so I<00:24:15.919><c> Ic><00
• 46.200><c> allc><00:36:46.359><c> ofc><00:36:46.640><c> thosec><00:36:46.960><c> typesc> do surveillance
• ><c> typec><01:29:17.719><c> ofc><01:29:18.000><c> shopc><01:29:19.000><c> umc><01:29:19.679>
• <c> soc><01:29:19.920><c> ifc><01:29:20.040><c> youc> but verify type of shop um so if you but
• <01:52:34.400><c> typec><01:52:34.560><c> ofc><01:52:34.760><c> situationc> best practices in this

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw um an increase in use<00:04:22.040><c> inc><00:04:22.160><c> allc><00:04:22.280><c> types<
• /c><00:04:22.560><c> ofc><00:04:22.680><c> outdoorc><00:04:22.920><c> recreationc> use in all types
• of outdoor recreation use in all types of outdoor recreation uh<00:04:23.800><c> duec><00:04:24.000
• the difference in wounding rates between the two<00:28:47.080><c> weaponc><00:28:47.400><c> types<
• c> two weapon types and found that there two weapon types and found that there was<00:28:49.600><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• onc><00:00:50.719><c> uhc><00:00:51.039><c> subsc><00:00:51.760><c> toc><00:00:52.239><c> any
• c><00:00:56.559><c> andc><00:00:57.120><c> alsoc><00:00:57.760><c> likec><00:00:57.920><c> to
• thisc><00:16:50.560><c> typec><00:16:50.720><c> ofc><00:16:50.880><c> issue.
• c><00:29:40.559><c> thosec><00:29:40.880><c> typec> sandwich.
• And so so it's just those type of<00:29:41.360><c> restrictionsc><00:29:41.919><c> thatc><00:29:42.320

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01 Legislator Comments 00:42 HB 56 Discussion 02:27 HB 56 Roll Call Vote 12:52 HB 258 Discussion 14:03 HB 258 Roll Call Vote 26:15 HB 281 Discussion 27:41 HB 281 Roll Call Vote 30:14, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled opening business, including attendance, guest introductions, and a reminder about the 24-hour rule for bill substitutes. Guests were introduced by members, including an intern from California, a county judge-executive, and the committee’s session intern. The committee then took up House Bill 56, presented by Rep. Dan Fister and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which would update and clarify several agriculture-related regulatory provisions. HB 56 would require annual inspections and annual inspection tags for amusement rides, exempt certain private-property amusement ride itineraries from the 14-day advance notice requirement, clarify grain program dispute procedures, adjust egg license renewal dates and assessment-fee rules for small producers, and repeal obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board statutes. Members asked about the definition of amusement rides, whether inflatables are covered, and how licensing and inspection work for commercial operators versus private owners. The bill sponsor and agency representative explained that businesses must still register and obtain licenses and permits, while the bill mainly clarifies annual inspection requirements and reduces unnecessary notice burdens. The committee approved HB 56 with favorable expression. The committee next heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Rep. J.T. Payne, which would raise the weight limit for milk transportation on state highways to 90,000 pounds. Supporters, including a dairy farmer and Kentucky Department of Agriculture counsel, said the change would let haulers carry fuller loads, reduce trips, improve efficiency, and help a shrinking dairy industry. Members discussed the current 80,000-pound limit, the 10% variance, possible effects on other industries, and whether the bill sets a precedent; the sponsor said other carveouts already exist in statute. Several members spoke in support, citing the importance of dairy farming and transportation efficiency. HB 258 also received favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. Robert Duvall, to streamline food service rules for churches and nonprofits that provide meals to homeless shelters and disaster-displaced people. The sponsor said current rules can require industrial-grade kitchens and restaurant-level plumbing for simple food service, and the bill would exempt churches and nonprofits from those requirements while keeping food safety standards in place. The bill had support from groups serving shelters and disaster relief. HB 281 passed with favorable expression as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• :16:33.920><c> andc><00:16:34.319><c> justc><00:16:34.440><c> toc><00:16:34.600><c> kindc><00
• ><c> onec><00:16:36.199><c> ofc><00:16:36.319><c> thec><00:16:36.560><c> greatc> underscore that
• c><00:16:39.399><c> programsc><00:16:39.800><c> toc><00:16:39.959><c> helpc><00:16:40.199><c>
• ><c> ifc><00:17:16.079><c> notc><00:17:16.679><c> movingc><00:17:17.039><c> onc><00:17:17.280
• <c> movec><00:17:31.400><c> onc><00:17:31.559><c> toc><00:17:31.760><c> ourc><00:17:31.919><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So which will<00:08:14.960><c> bec><00:08:15.160><c> ifc><00:08:15.440><c> ifc><00:08:15.560><c
• > wec><00:08:15.640><c> can'tc><00:08:15.840><c> findc><00:08:16.080><c> federalc> will be if
• 08:16.840><c> reallyc><00:08:17.080><c> goingc><00:08:17.240><c> toc><00:08:17.280><c> bec><00
• <00:08:18.520><c> optionc><00:08:18.919><c> forc><00:08:19.080><c> somec><00:08:19.240><c> of
• ><c> goc><00:08:25.919><c> onc><00:08:26.040><c> justc><00:08:26.240><c> ac><00:08:26.400><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing reconvened with testimony from several agencies on their capital budget requests. The Department of Environmental Services requested a little over $38 million, with major emphasis on dam repairs and design work for aging state-owned dams, including a $5.25 million match for possible FEMA BRIC funding at Pawtuckaway/Tuckaway and other projects such as Milton Three Ponds, Murphy Dam, and Lakeport Gates. DES also requested funding for state revolving loan fund matches, a Superfund match for the Savage Well site, IT and air-monitoring upgrades, and a new $750,000 cybersecurity request for water and wastewater systems. Committee members asked about FEMA eligibility, the distinction between design and construction money, and the timing and risk of banking funds if federal grants do not materialize. The University System of New Hampshire requested $20 million in state support, primarily $15 million for a major Diamond Library renovation at UNH to create a student support hub and reduce/repurpose collection space, plus $2.5 million each for deferred maintenance at Plymouth State and Keene State. The Community College System requested about $16.6 million across seven projects, led by critical maintenance, campus safety/security upgrades, IT infrastructure, parking and site improvements, HVAC replacement at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, a building management/energy system, and modernization of NHTI’s dental clinic and radiology spaces. The Department of Education requested $29.5 million, including a $4.9 million internal management platform to replace paper-based and siloed systems, plus career and technical education capital projects; Milford’s CTE project was described as being revised after repeated failed bond votes, while ConVal said its revised project would focus on modernizing existing CTE space and adding a security vestibule. Fish and Game requested $1.075 million for three facilities: Sewall Falls in Concord, the Lancaster Armory, and the Bunker Lane Barn in Durham, focusing on structural repairs, security, reconfiguration, and in one case replacement of a failing barn with a new 40-by-60 building. The department also said hatchery work is ongoing but that it is taking a cautious approach because of the planned New Hampton Hatchery and future capital needs. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources requested $9.26 million for eight projects, including campground electrical upgrades at Ellacoya and Lake Francis, White Lake water system replacement, Mount Washington fuel tank and safety work, Odiorne Point visitor center work funded through parks revenue, roofing and parking lot repairs, Fox Forest office safety upgrades, and historic site repairs at White Island and Fort Constitution. Members asked about revenue-based capital, the stability of the parks fund, and flexibility in choosing projects as bids come in. The Department of Transportation began its presentation at the end of the transcript, but its detailed requests were not yet discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> thesec><00:47:52.240><c> typesc><00:47:52.480><c> ofc><00:47:52.640><c> casesc> of the growth
• :48:33.440><c> wouldc><00:48:33.599><c> usec><00:48:33.839><c> toc><00:48:34.000><c> putc> type
• c><00:48:35.920><c> lookingc> these types of cases together. looking these types of cases together
• c><00:50:27.839><c> typec><00:50:28.160><c> crimesc> theft or mclassification type crimes theft or
• <c> typesc><00:51:36.559><c> ofc> below them.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee took testimony on Senate File 3051, which would allow law enforcement to release unredacted collision crash investigation video and related data to certain requesters, rather than requiring redaction first. Joel Carlson, speaking for the Minnesota Association for Justice, said the bill is intended to save local governments time and money because redacted video is often later released unredacted through court motions anyway. He emphasized that the proposal is limited to people already entitled to crash reports, requires a written request and accident report, does not create an affirmative duty to release data, and preserves law enforcement’s ability to withhold data for active investigations or other protected information. He also cited the Burks decision as support for the view that a subject of data is entitled to the full data even if it includes other subjects. Colonel Christina Bogavich of the Minnesota State Patrol raised concerns that the bill would still require staff to review videos for exceptions, including private data involving bystanders, juveniles, undercover officers, CAD information, and other protected material, so it would not create the claimed time savings. She also said the bill expands the number of potential requesters and lacks a liability provision if released data is improperly disseminated. Committee members and staff discussed the current Data Practices Act, including that private data can still be discoverable in litigation through a court balancing test and that protective orders may apply. A preliminary fiscal note estimated a Department of Public Safety cost of $4,026,334 annually, and members requested copies of the note. Members questioned whether the bill would actually reduce work or simply shift when the work occurs, and whether a litigation-specific exception to redaction should be added. Carlson said he was open to changes, including making release permissive rather than mandatory and strengthening the use restrictions, while members noted the proposal had not yet been heard in the House and would need more vetting. No vote or final action was taken on the provision during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> typec><01:02:11.119><c> ofc><01:02:11.280><c> thingsc> because of the of the TKO type of things
• typec><02:39:43.280><c> ofc><02:39:43.439><c> thing.
• <02:40:19.040><c> youc><02:40:19.200><c> knowc> type of thing that requires um you know type of thing
• wec><02:40:46.319><c> willc> type of thing.
• ><c> Ic><02:42:30.319><c> thinkc> that type of thing which is I think that type of thing which is

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 22 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission, which requested level funding. PJ Lindsay reported the agency granted 29 new auctioneer applications and 9 new firm applications, received 3 complaints, resolved 1, signed 1 consent order, and issued 1 suspension. Members questioned the commission about its cash balance, reserve levels, and a large variance between prior spending and the FY26 request; staff explained the difference was tied to technology and contractual costs, including planned computer system updates and out-of-state conference travel for board members. The commission also noted that auctioneering oversight is important because an estimated $4.5 billion will flow through Mississippi escrow accounts in 2025. The Board of Optometry then presented its budget and organizational changes. Board leaders said the board had transitioned away from a state employee model to a management company arrangement with JBAR/Cornerstone, which they said saved about $43,000 and improved service and efficiency. They described the creation of a licensing database and a new back-end system, and said the board was generally seeking level funding with a small increase for computer equipment tied to the new system. Committee members asked about the impact on PERS contributions, the former employee’s retirement, the board’s cash balance, lease arrangements, and whether licensees had complained; the board said the change required legislative approval, the former employee retired, the cash balance was about $399,900, and service complaints had decreased. The Mississippi Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors reported a busy FY2025, including moving most licensure applications online, accepting supporting documents by email, expanding K-12 and college outreach, hosting student interns, visiting ABET-accredited schools, decoupling the surveyor exam registration process, and awarding about $400,000 in grants to engineering programs. The board said it licenses about 15,000 engineers and surveyors plus 8,500 interns, with most registrants from out of state, and that its fees are among the lowest nationally. For the budget, the board requested level funding overall but also sought a new investigator position, 5% salary progressions, increased travel funding for national meetings and STEM outreach, more contractual money for internships and IT modifications, additional supplies, and restoration of a $600,000 grant program that is funded every other year to support university and community college engineering and surveying programs. The board said its operations are supported by fees and that its cash balance is about $1.6 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:34:23.560><c> somec><01:34:23.840><c> typec><01:34:24.280><c> ofc><01:34:24.840><c> umc><
• ><c> typec><01:56:03.960><c> ofc> provide some type of provide some type of uh<01:56:05.920><c> diversion
• :33.560><c> thesec><02:37:33.840><c> typesc><02:37:34.160><c> ofc> with regard to these types of
• c> types of things. types of things.
• c><02:58:30.960><c> agreements,c> entering into these types of agreements, entering into these types

Keywords: MS House Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a guest vocalist, and the Pledge of Allegiance before moving into routine business. Members first recognized several special guests and school groups, including championship teams from Simpson County Academy, New Albany High School, Tougaloo College, Madison-Richland Academy, East Rankin Academy, Morton High School, and others, along with honorees such as Dr. Katrina Cox, Pamela Moody, Joe Helen Joey Walker, and Jimmy Carr. The chamber also noted a prior resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Victor Dixon and the Copiah County Ministerial Alliance, and Dr. Dixon led the opening prayer. On the calendar, the House adopted a conference report on House Bill 1752 dealing with judicial salaries. The report set new salary amounts for state court judges effective January 1, 2027, froze district attorney salary increases until January 1, 2028, and then tied DAs to 95% of circuit and chancery judges’ pay. It also removed mandatory raise language for judges and county court judges, and members briefly discussed the broader issue of legislative compensation. The report passed 115-2. The House then adopted a conference report on House Bill 377, the missing persons bill, which clarified definitions, added forensic genetic genealogy testing provisions, and set timelines for law enforcement to enter credible missing-person reports into NamUs and NCIC. That report passed 120-0. The chamber also adopted a conference report on House Bill 525, changing the penalty for sexual battery in a position of trust or authority from a 0-to-30-year range to a 5-to-30-year range; it passed 112-0. Later, the House adopted a conference report on House Bill 925 after removing veto-message language, and adopted another conference report on House Bill 939 combining a low-sat repealer change and a fire truck acquisition program that creates a Fire Equipment Fund supported by recurring black tag revenue. The House also approved unanimous-consent amendments to Senate Bill 3105 and recommitted Senate Bill 2747 for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typec><00:19:22.160><c> ofc> can you can you not give us any type of can you can you not give
• ><00:21:15.760><c> goc> those type things.
• ><c> decisionc><00:44:53.040><c> typec><00:44:53.280><c> ofc><00:44:53.440><c> audit.
• andc><00:44:56.800><c> boltsc><00:44:57.119><c> typesc><00:44:57.359><c> ofc> are more u nuts
• > thec><01:04:33.119><c> topc><01:04:33.359><c> 20c> types.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Department for Public Health Budget Request 00:01:46 Department for Community Based Services Budget Request 00:31:58 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) 00:57:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes, then heard a lengthy presentation from the Department for Public Health on Kentucky’s rural health transformation plan and related budget questions. Commissioner John Langfeld said the state received a $212.9 million federal award, one of the larger awards nationally, and outlined five focus areas: maternal and infant health, integrated EMS/trauma response, behavioral health and substance use disorder, oral health, and chronic disease prevention with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes. He stressed that the effort is intended to be integrated, data-driven, and sustainable, and that the federal funds cannot be used for new construction, clinician salaries, research and development, EHR replacement, or to pay for currently billable services. He also said the program carries accountability requirements and that funds can be clawed back if milestones are not met. Members pressed for clarification on duplication with other budget requests, sustainability after the five-year funding period, and how success would be measured. Langfeld said he was not aware of any duplicate funding with the department’s additional budget requests and said the rural health funds were separate from those requests. He also said the program will be tracked through specific metrics and timelines, using both execution measures and outcome measures such as readmissions, with more rapid-cycle feedback to allow course correction. Representative Fleming raised concerns about possible overlap with navigator funding and asked for more detail on the budget breakdown; Langfeld said a detailed line-item budget had been prepared but was still awaiting final CMS approval before release, and that he would explore sharing more information once restrictions were lifted. The committee then heard from the Kentucky State Public Health Laboratory about a request for a new central lab expansion. The presenter described the current 35-year-old facility as outdated and constrained by aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, deferred maintenance, and inadequate space, and said the lab performs critical work with no in-state alternative for many services, including newborn screening, select-agent and biosafety level 3 testing, animal necropsy for rabies, genetic sequencing, environmental and food safety testing, and response to emerging infectious diseases. The project is already in design phase C, expected to finish in mid-April, with construction funding sought at roughly $276 million on top of about $35 million already approved for design. Members asked about long-term operating costs, backup arrangements, and whether the current facility would remain in use; the presenter said the current lab would continue to be used by the department while other divisions move into vacated space, and that the lab has mutual-aid agreements with the Southeast Consortium and universities for contingency support. Finally, the Department for Community Based Services began its budget presentation on SNAP and relative caregiver issues. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and budget director Misty Sammons identified the governor’s recommended budget items tied to new federal requirements under HR1, including changes affecting payment error rates. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: Investments in Information Technology Improvement & Modernization Projects Oversight Board will met upon adjournment of both chambers. The time set is noon on YouTube, But the official time will likely vary based on chamber proceedings. Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:00 Tools for Managing Remote Work Kentucky Personnel Cabinet 00:00:30 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 00:20:20 Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:33:10 Housing, Buildings and Construction 00:47:40 Commonwealth Office of Technology 00:56:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee received testimony from Personnel Cabinet Secretary Mary Elizabeth Bailey and Deputy Secretary Robert Long on the state’s telecommuting policy. Bailey explained that telecommuting in the executive branch is governed by a statewide policy requiring eligible employees to work in the office three days a week and telecommute up to two days a week. Eligibility depends first on the position, not the person: public-facing jobs, roles requiring special equipment or insecure document handling, and other duties that cannot be performed remotely are not eligible. Employees and managers must complete training, sign agreements, comply with safety and IT requirements, and telecommuting privileges can be revoked for poor performance or discipline. She said the cabinet audits compliance and that telecommuting has helped maintain services during inclement weather, disasters, and building renovations. Bailey also said about 33% of the workforce is hybrid, 11% telecommutes full-time, and 56% does not telecommute. Members asked about cost savings, eligibility, discipline, and technology requirements. Bailey said she did not have statewide cost-savings figures and referred that question to the Finance and Administration Cabinet. She said employees must have reliable connectivity and appropriate equipment, but there is no fixed broadband speed requirement; if an employee cannot connect, they must come into the office. She also said telecommuting postings indicate whether a position is eligible, and that performance issues are handled through progressive discipline rather than being ignored. Transportation Cabinet officials then described how their agency manages remote work. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock, along with IT and human resources leaders, said the cabinet follows the executive branch policy and actively manages telecommuting employees through Microsoft Teams, VPN access, daily standups, project tracking, and manager oversight. They said more than 2,600 of the cabinet’s 4,000 employees cannot telecommute because their jobs are public-facing or field-based, while about 35% are eligible to telecommute up to two days per week. The cabinet also has 13 state employees and 94 contract employees working full-time remotely in IT. Officials said telecommuting has improved recruitment and retention, supported emergency response and weather operations, and allowed the cabinet to continue working during storms and other disruptions. Members asked about phone equipment, monitoring, and “mouse jiggler” devices; officials said phones are often forwarded to personal or state devices, Teams shows real-time availability, and managers rely on daily accountability and project management tools to monitor work.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:04 Roll Call 00:00:23 HB 246 Discussion 00:02:47 HB 246 Vote 00:15:15 HB 613 Discussion 00:17:04 HB 613 Vote 00:29:09 Adjournment 00:30:37, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum present and briefly introduced a guest before taking up two bills. House Bill 246, as amended by House Committee Substitute 1, would require animal control officers to complete training on recognizing child abuse and neglect. The sponsor and a young advocate testified that animal control officers often encounter warning signs in homes, cited data linking animal abuse and child abuse, and said the training would be free, brief, and housed by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. The committee substitute was explained as addressing local government liability concerns by allowing counties to opt out, tying the bill to existing reporting statutes, and clarifying that the training creates no investigative duty. Members asked about whether the training was one-time, how opt-outs would be tracked, and whether the information would be public; the sponsor and witness said participation would be tracked and the training/evaluation would be available through the organization. The committee approved HB 246 with favorable expression to pass on the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 613, which would give Chapter 75 fire districts a process to seek a tax increase above the current 10-cent cap through public hearings and voter recall, while preserving local control. The sponsor and fire service representatives said the bill responds to modern fire district costs, including higher equipment prices, staffing shortages, declining volunteer numbers, and the shift to all-hazards service. They emphasized that any increase would be subject to notice, public comment, and a voter recall mechanism, and said the cap would remain in place unless the district used the new process. Members questioned the fiscal impact language, the meaning of the cap, and whether the bill effectively removed the cap; the sponsor clarified that the cap stays but districts could go up to two cents above it through the process, with voters able to recall the increase. One member passed on the vote due to concern about the indeterminable fiscal impact, but the committee still reported HB 613 favorably to the House floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate AEN committee heard and considered four gubernatorial nominations. GM 511 was for Harry Purdy III to the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board; testimony in support came from DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Moloka‘i community members, and Purdy described his long background in Moloka‘i homestead farming and the challenges facing new farmers. GM 676 was for Denise Kuano to the same board; the committee noted support from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and it was reported that Kuano could not testify because of a family emergency. GM 771 was for James Gomes to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council strongly supported him, citing his long agricultural experience, advocacy, and prior board service, and Gomes emphasized ag crime enforcement, land access, water, and support for farmers and ranchers. GM 772 was for Michelle Lefebvre to the Environmental Advisory Council; the Environmental Advisory Council and OPSD supported her, and Lefebvre discussed her work on the council’s exemptions committee and the need for better public understanding of the environmental review process. Members asked nominees questions about barriers for young homesteaders, ag crime enforcement, prior board service, environmental stewardship, and public engagement in environmental review. Gomes said the biggest challenges include lack of experience for new homesteaders, weak enforcement against ag crimes and drug activity on ranches, and the need for more land and resources for agriculture. Lefebvre said the environmental review process often falls short in public understanding and that comments are not a vote but part of an analytical process. After testimony, the committee reported support counts for each nomination and then voted to recommend advise and consent on all four measures. GM 511, GM 676, GM 771, and GM 772 were each adopted unanimously by the members present, with some members excused. The chair then announced the committee would move on to the next agenda item.