Transcript Highlights:

• So, for example, Student Clearinghouse: the legislature asked us to go out and purchase a license for
• 03.120> and the legislature asked us to go out and the legislature asked us to go out and purchase
• license<00:20:04.000> for<00:20:04.159> student<00:20:04.440> Clearing purchase
• a license for student Clearing purchase a license for student Clearing House<00:20:04.880> to
• And then number one from the new ranking pool on April 1st this year will become the next one on the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II committee heard a Department of Education budget presentation from Commissioner Frank Edelblut and CFO Tammy Valen-cour. The department outlined its organizational structure and emphasized that it functions largely as a flow-through agency for school funding. The commissioner reviewed general fund and Education Trust Fund items, including state aid, dropout prevention, special education, building aid, lease aid, charter schools, Education Freedom Accounts, and the district adequacy calculation. He also highlighted the public school infrastructure fund, saying the state has invested well over $50 million in school safety since 2018 for measures such as access controls, locks, and window film, and argued that safety spending should be ongoing rather than reactive. Members asked about the variability in the school infrastructure line, special education aid, and the Discovery Education learning platform. Edelblut explained that some safety funding had come from one-time surplus appropriations rather than the agency line, and said special education aid was underappropriated because districts submitted more invoices than expected; he said the governor added $16 million to address the shortfall. He also described CTE renovation funding, noting four projects were initially proposed but only Jaffrey and Milford were still moving forward, with local votes required and the state covering 75% of costs. He said Milford’s project was omitted from the governor’s budget by oversight. The department also reviewed enrollment trends, noting public school enrollment has fallen from about 230,000 students in 2002 to about 185,000 today. Edelblut clarified that charter students are not eligible for Education Freedom Accounts, while EFA students attending non-public schools are counted as EFA students. He described several one-time surplus-funded initiatives, including Student Clearinghouse, MTSSB work, civics curriculum development, computer science education, and adult education. He also discussed a $4 million CTE tuition and transportation grant, saying it was kept as a competitive grant rather than a formula grant to avoid creating an ongoing maintenance-of-effort commitment that could jeopardize federal Perkins funding. In the final portion, Edelblut identified prioritized needs in the department’s budget, especially funding for a state administrator for assessment to support the legislatively required civics assessment, and additional support for the Discovery Education platform. He said every school in the state is using the platform and cited more than 1.5 million educator engagements, while a member raised concerns about mixed reviews and uneven district awareness of the program. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and question period.

Transcript Highlights:

• of surety bonds are the purchase of surety bonds are required<01:19:43.680> for<01:19:44.080>
• involves a county-based purchasing. involves a county-based purchasing.
• He added that in order to do CARMA, you have to be part of county-based purchasing, so it made sense
• He said that in order to do CARMA, you have to be part of county-based purchasing, so it made sense to
• County-based purchasing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Through dedication and proven expertise, Alicia Cannon was elevated to deputy purchasing agent and rose
• to serve as purchasing director for the Administrative Office of the Courts and ultimately advanced
• guide court financial and purchasing guide court financial and purchasing practices<01:29:30.400
• So the bill would exempt contracts for the purchase of playground equipment from the public works law
• <02:51:29.840> of<02:51:30.000> playground<02:51:30.560> equipment the purchase

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber also recognized guests, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and employees of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. A senator then delivered a Black History Month-style presentation highlighting James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, Jan E. Matzeliger, and Percy Lavon Julian for their contributions to civil rights, labor, industry, and science. The Senate received House messages referring two Archives and History board appointments to the Committee on Confirmations, then took up numerous committee reports. Several bills from Finance and Taxation, Judiciary, Education Policy, Agriculture, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Healthcare, Tourism, Veterans and Military Affairs, State Government Affairs, and Local Legislation received favorable reports, some with amendments or substitutes, and were advanced to second reading and placement on the next legislative day’s calendar. The chamber also recommitted Senate Bill 266 to the Tourism Committee. The Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Llaya McNair to the Alabama Trust Fund Board, several members to the Credit Union Administration Board, and Elizabeth Smithart, Leslie Sanders, and Wayne Sers to the Alabama State Board of Human Resources. It then adopted several resolutions, including commendations and memorials, such as resolutions honoring Mary Francis Holland, the Stanhope Elmore boys bowling team, and Alicia Cannon for more than 50 years of service to the Alabama judicial system. The Senate also adopted a resolution creating the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children’s Internet Safety, after discussion about its purpose, membership, and duties; an amendment to the commission resolution was adopted before the resolution itself was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they take guns from family members usually, sometimes friends, sometimes through purchases, but most
• are not legally able to purchase are not legally able to purchase firearms<00:18:40.480> due<
• , but most likely they're purchases, but most likely they're taking<00:18:51.760> unsecured<00
• The student support personnel aid was created for that prevention, but over time its purchasing power
• The student support personnel aid was created for that prevention, but over time its purchasing power

Bills: HF3653, HF2717, HF3451, HF3857

Keywords: education finance, safe schools revenue, school safety, charter schools, funding, safe schools, school security, school levy, pupil units, safe schools aid, cooperative units, intermediate school district, school resource officer, peace officer liaison, sheriff liaison, drug abuse prevention, gang resistance education, violence prevention, suicide prevention, mental health services

Summary: The committee first adopted the March 3rd minutes by voice vote after Representative Lee moved them and there was no discussion. Members then reviewed hearing rules on decorum, safety, and participation before taking testimony from Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. The presenters summarized research on mass shootings and K-12 school shootings, drawing on a database of homicides in school settings from 2000 to 2025 and a smaller set of 15 K-12 mass shooting cases. They said school shooters are usually insiders, most often current or former students, and typically young males. They described common patterns including a noticeable crisis before attacks, perpetrators viewing the shooting as a final act, studying prior shooters online, and “leakage” in which most tell someone in advance. They also emphasized that many perpetrators use unsecured firearms from family members and argued that prevention should combine reporting systems, behavioral threat assessment, counseling, mentoring, secure storage, and other layered interventions rather than rely on a single solution. The presenters also discussed broader violence trends in the Twin Cities, saying much school violence is spillover from community violence and that pandemic-era disruptions and weakened trust in institutions contributed to serious violence. They cited a national survey finding that exposure to gun violence is associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces, especially among young people. During member questions, Representative Wam asked for clarification on the data set and the rural/small-town share of the survey sample.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> They also have to purchase a business license to operate in here. I understand.
• They also have to purchase a >> power.
• They also have to purchase a business<01:14:40.320> license<01:14:40.800> to<01:14:40.920
• Through dedication and proven expertise, Alicia Cannon was elevated to deputy purchasing agent, then
• <03:13:22.480> practices<03:13:23.320> with financial and purchasing practices with

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports throughout the day. The chamber first took up House amendments to Senate Bill 19 on insurance, including a changed start date and a bill name honoring David McHanie and Roy Johnson. On a long roll, the Senate concurred 22-0 with one abstention. Senator Singleton then used personal privilege to present a Black History observance highlighting Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., and Mahalia Jackson. Committee reports followed, with the Senate confirming Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission and Lynn Brewer to the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors. Senator Singleton spoke at length in support of the trades-related confirmation, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor, contractor oversight, and workforce training, while also discussing the need to support such professions and the role of boards in protecting consumers. The Senate also received favorable reports from Judiciary, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Tourism, and Local Legislation on a range of bills, many with amendments or substitutes, and placed them on the next day’s calendar. In motions and resolutions, Senator Elliott recommitted Senate Bill 310 to local legislation and introduced Senate Joint Resolution 50 honoring Coach Tim Carter, which was sent to rules. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 51 mourning Junior Harold Sorrells and several House resolutions from the Rules Committee, including recognitions for the Alabama State Games, Mack McCutcheon’s retirement, the Black pioneers of Macon County, Alicia Cannon, Joseph William Jones Jr., and Louis Vuitton the Pitbull Day. The chamber also recognized several school leaders in the gallery and then moved into local bills, beginning with Senate Bill 266, a proposed constitutional amendment regarding Covington County, for which a bill reading was requested using the previous roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, you've seen it make the headlines and things like that where people make a bunch of purchase
• But the general practice of making a bunch of last-minute equipment purchases, that is not something
• because we want to make sure purchase because we want to make sure there's<00:21:50.159> not<
• , bunch of lastminute equipment purchases, bunch of lastminute equipment purchases, that<00:22:01.280
• <00:25:46.880> so money uh for lastm minute purchases so money uh for lastm minute purchases

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with DHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White to receive an update on the department’s budget lapse and vacancy rates. White explained the difference between the “back-of-the-budget” reduction and lapse assumptions, saying DHS is facing a current biennium reduction of about $23 million and estimating roughly a $60 million general fund lapse in state fiscal year 2025, compared with about $13.5 million the prior year. He said DHS’s lapse is driven largely by program utilization, labor market conditions, contract spending, and statutory carry-forwards in areas such as Medicaid and developmental disabilities, which tend to produce a smaller lapse in the first year of the biennium and a larger one in the second year. He also noted that the House and Senate budgets differ on some operating items, including Medicaid rates, with the Senate having struck a House proposal to reduce rates by 3%. Members questioned White about whether DHS ever spends down lapse money on last-minute purchases. He said the department does not engage in that practice, though it does retain some flexibility in its facilities budget for emergencies. He also described the process for transferring funds within and between class lines, including the need for fiscal committee approval above statutory thresholds, and gave examples such as moving funds to cover overtime in the SYSC budget and to ensure Medicaid payments for nursing facilities. White said such transfers are public and transparent and are reviewed by the governor and Executive Council. The committee then discussed DHS staffing. White said the department has a little over 3,200 authorized positions, with a vacancy rate around 14.5%, and that a hiring freeze had been imposed a few months earlier while exempting direct care positions. He said DHS is planning for about a $30 million general fund reduction to personnel, equivalent to just under 400 positions, and is managing postings centrally to stay within budget by July 1. In response to questions about the loss of about $80 million in federal funds, White and Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly said DHS avoided layoffs by shifting staff into vacant positions, but that the cuts affected community contracts, public health workers, laboratory work, and some IT/data projects. Tilly said roughly 20 positions were affected, most were reassigned, a few staff left voluntarily, and the department has less flexibility going forward if more federal funding ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:59.680> a opportunities to rent or purchase a opportunities to rent or purchase a quality
• But in recent years, we've really seen the cost of purchasing these communities go up exponentially,
• <02:23:09.439> Would<02:23:10.000> you<02:23:10.160> believe purchase homes.
• Would you believe purchase homes.
• So on the first of the month, that person will be purchasing or paying the rent for that month coming

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• homes<00:17:41.280> for<00:17:41.440> the<00:17:41.679> first families purchase
• homes for the first families purchase homes for the first time.<00:17:43.280> I<00:17:43.600>
• It includes what type of home is being purchased with this program, and then it just asks for the mean
• It includes what type of home is being<01:08:26.319> purchased<01:08:26.719> with<01:08
• :27.040> this being purchased with this being purchased with this program<01:08:28.799> and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, all of these purchases I was looking to make were under $4,000, which is currently the minimum
• I was looking to all of these purchases I was looking to make<00:26:21.320> were<00:26:21.520
• We are confident that verifying this increased purchase of commodities and ingredients shows our true
• they've purchased has been purchased.
• that what they've said they've purchased has been purchased.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and contracts that exceed $1 million; all college and university purchases and contracts that exceed
• and contracts that exceed $1 million; all college and university purchases and contracts that exceed
• and contracts that exceed $1 million; all college and university purchases and contracts that exceed
• and contracts that exceed $1 million; all college and university purchases and contracts that exceed
• and contracts that exceed $1 million; all college and university purchases and contracts that exceed

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• say, very common-sense approaches to being able to... ...common-sense approaches to being able to purchase
• After using 24% THC purchased at this store in Pueblo West, Colorado, he didn't get better.
• That is in the rule today that are in effect now: they must be 21 years or older to purchase.
• While this may not seem like a lot, I have sheriffs that struggle to purchase patrol cars.
• These locally purchased beds are a lifeline for folks that are not involved in the justice system but

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to state that one in five purchasers today in Arizona are ranchers and farmers.
• And when you purchase from the illicit market, you're purchasing from a market that doesn't card minors
• Homes in Greater Phoenix are approaching half a million dollars to purchase a home.
• The ability to accumulate that wealth, grow your family, and purchase a new home is now off the table
• Later in life, as a Phoenix public servant, I purchased my first home in that same neighborhood, just

Bills: SB1041, SB1088, SB1118, SB1128, SB1168, SB1176, SB1189, SB1207, SB1250, SB1272, SB1274, SB1286, SB1428, SB1457, SB1461, SB1503, SB1519, SB1537, SB1582, SB1618, SB1654, SB1713, SB1827, SCR1012, SCR1020

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes

Summary: The committee began with Senate Bill 1272, which would provide $5 million for the City of Douglas as a state match for the Douglas Port of Entry project. The chair adopted a Livingston amendment changing the funding source from the General Fund to the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund. Senator Gowen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff testified that the project could unlock $678 million in federal funding, create jobs, improve trade and national security, and generate future tax revenue. The bill passed 15-0 with three present and one not voting. Senate Bill 1503 was then amended with a strike-everything to expand the state death benefit for first responders to include pilots employed by law enforcement agencies, retroactive to January 1, 2026, and subject to voter approval. Senator Gowen and DPS Director Colonel Jeffrey Glover said the change would ensure the family of a DPS aviation supervisor killed in a helicopter crash would qualify for the benefit. The committee approved the bill 18-0 with one not voting. Senate Bill 1274 was converted by strike-everything amendment into a timeshare salesperson licensing measure, creating a separate license and training path focused on timeshare sales. Supporters said the change would better prepare salespeople and streamline licensing, while the sponsor said it would make government more efficient. The bill passed 17-1 with one not voting. Senate Bill 1286, dealing with veterinary telemedicine, was also approved after negotiated changes extended most telemedicine prescription periods to 30 days, kept antimicrobials at 14 days with no renewal, and allowed longer flea-and-tick prescriptions; supporters said it would help rural and disabled pet owners. It passed 18-0 with one not voting. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1519 on off-highway vehicles. A hostile strike-everything amendment proposing paid family and medical leave failed 7-11 with one not voting. The committee then adopted a Lopez amendment and advanced the underlying bill, which raises the OHV weight threshold from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds and adjusts registration and funding provisions. Supporters said it reflects newer enclosed and electric vehicles and helps trail funding, while opponents warned of trail damage and said the issue should wait for the study committee. The bill passed 10-7 with one present and one not voting. Senate Bill 1618, which updates the Military Affairs Commission, expands its membership and duties, and creates a military affairs fund, drew mixed testimony about whether it would strengthen Arizona’s ability to attract and retain military missions or shift the commission away from its traditional support role; it passed 10-6 with two present and one not voting. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1020, which would send to voters a CPI-based annual adjustment to legislative salaries, passed 9-8 with one present and one not voting after members debated legislative compensation, citizen-legislator concerns, and whether the change would broaden access to public service.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12.29 updates that structural literacy practices that are minimally aligned or not aligned can't be purchased
• So, it is Structural literacy practices that are minimally aligned or not aligned can't be purchased
• language around school safety drills, consolidating procurement statutes, and addressing gaps for purchases
• and addressing procurement statutes, and addressing gaps<00:54:05.200> for<00:54:05.320> purchases
• gaps for purchases under $200,000. gaps for purchases under $200,000.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:08:42.080> a absurd to require that I purchase a absurd to require that I purchase a service
• If someone were to use that business as an application for a credit card or to purchase cell phones or
• We remember one situation of a company who found out that they had purchased a pickup truck because when
• card or to purchase cell phones or<01:52:03.040> any<01:52:03.119> other<01:52:03.280>
• <01:52:50.560> a found out that they had uh purchased a found out that they had uh purchased

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Although the land was purchased and cleared by the developer, the rapid rise in interest rates and the
• Although the land was purchased and cleared by the developer, the rapid rise in interest rates and the
• Although the land was purchased and cleared by the developer, the rapid rise in interest rates and the
• The exemption would make it more affordable for farmers to purchase storage for grain.
• storage for grain this is purchase storage for grain this is exceptionally<01:18:46.040> important

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When we met with panel staff, they expressed concern that the funds allocated for the purchase of the
• Do you know if it's a system being developed internally or is this a system that's being purchased from
• purchased from offtheshelf? purchased from offtheshelf?
• >> Uh, we had discussions about purchasing one and we couldn't.
• >> Uh we had discussions about purchasing >> Uh we had discussions about purchasing

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Approve Minutes from June 11, 2026- 00:00:40 Staff Report on 2026 Child Fatality Panel Update- 00:01:17 Panel Staff Response to Report-00:21:12 University of Kentucky Name, Image, and Likeness-00:44:34 Kentucky State Police Update on SERVS-01:17:55 Adjornment-01:33:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Members then received a staff report on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including an annual LOIC evaluation of the panel’s operations, statutory compliance, case management system development, member experience, and written procedures. The report noted recent House Bill 778 expanded the panel’s access to records and to TWIST/I-TWIST, and recommended that staff request access and training promptly to avoid implementation problems. Analysts reported the panel has met statutory membership and meeting requirements, and that agency responses to the panel’s 2025 recommendations improved, with all responses meeting statutory content requirements though some were late. They also said the panel still lacks formal written procedures, so a prior recommendation was reissued. The report discussed the panel’s new case management system, now in testing with the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and a survey of panel members showing generally positive views of meetings and case discussions but recurring concerns about SharePoint access, time demands, virtual meetings, and the panel’s lack of enforcement authority. The report included a matter for legislative consideration suggesting the General Assembly may wish to seek additional testimony from agencies when responses are unclear or more information is needed. Panel staff responded that the work is difficult but important, said they are optimistic about gaining TWIST access, and acknowledged that written procedures have not yet been completed because they wanted to align them with the new system. They said both the system and procedures are hoped to be finished by the end of the year, with the new case management system expected to be implemented by September 1 after further testing and migration. Members also discussed trends in child fatality and near-fatality cases, including increases in reported cases since 2013, substance abuse, safe storage of firearms, and concerns about THC/CBD gummies reaching children. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• sub C, a point of redemption or PRO can refuse to redeem containers that were known to have been purchased
• <00:58:25.360> out<00:58:25.520> of were known to have been purchased out of were known
• to have been purchased out of state,<00:58:26.360> have<00:58:26.520> already<00:58:26.800
• That's what allows for the transfer of money so some of these machines can be purchased to speed up some
• or and fit up, the money will purchased or and fit up, the money will be<01:19:10.040> made<01

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I was able to walk away from the purchase of the dog couch.
• Uh Roku, I purchase of the dog couch.
• When I choose to purchase something from any organization, I'm entering into a private contract, and
• I did purchase my first Mazda from Morrie's, and they did not condition the sale on the signing of an
• <01:50:01.960> Mazda<01:50:02.360> from I did purchase my first Mazda from I did purchase

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It had proceeded with purchasing chargers for eight of its NEVI sites and finalizing design for seven
• It had proceeded with purchasing<00:45:26.400> chargers<00:45:26.800> for<00:45:27.119>
• eight<00:45:27.760> of<00:45:27.920> its purchasing chargers for eight of its purchasing
• Um, I believe that a lot of those funds actually had been encumbered with respect to purchasing equipment
• to purchasing equipment that would<01:48:01.440> upgrade<01:48:02.080> all<01:48:02.320

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.

Transcript Highlights:

• help at least keep you informed as an owner of property that you have property moving or you're purchasing
• Um, the same is to be said for Penny and the Purchase area with Fort Campbell.
• Um, the same is to be said for Penny and the Purchase area with Fort Campbell.
• is to be said for Penny and the purchase is to be said for Penny and the purchase area<00:26:33.600
• So it it policyholder uh the purchaser.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42 Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09 Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33 Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.