Transcript Highlights:

• So, you're saying that the superintendent would have to negotiate between the... program or dilute their
• superintendent superintendent would<00:35:25.160> have<00:35:25.440> to<00:35:25.600><
• and/or the school to the superintendent and/or the school board<00:39:48.960> to<00:39:49.080
• Superintendents<00:43:50.520> used<00:43:50.720> to<00:43:50.800> very<00:43:51.040
• > do<00:43:51.400> do<00:43:51.840> do Superintendents used to very do do do Superintendents

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have really good participation from the superintendents, but I, for one, would really like to have
• We have really good participation from the superintendents, but I, for one, would really like to have
• I know that there have been sometimes where my principal or superintendent have come and said, 'Okay,
• Well, and I think it's even just, you know, talking with superintendents, sometimes it's bigger than
• Well, and I think it's even just, you know, talking with superintendents, sometimes it's bigger than

Summary: The committee first approved the March 9 and 10 minutes, then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship Program featuring three third-grade teachers from Poyen, Drew Central, and Cabot, along with Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long collaboration among 23 merit-pay recipients from across the state, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about teacher experience, how the fellowship information is shared locally, the role of merit pay, and how teachers are addressing third-grade reading and retention concerns under the ATLAS assessment system. The teachers emphasized early intervention, relationships with students, small-group instruction, progress monitoring, and communication with families; they also described community supports such as churches, food backpacks, and local donations. Several members raised broader questions about poverty, trauma, social services, DHS involvement, and whether similar professional learning should be expanded to more teachers. Secretary Oliva said the fellowship is a small subset of a larger merit-pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is working to improve literacy supports, clarity, and alignment across grades. He also said ATLAS results are now available to schools and families much faster than in the past, often within 24 to 72 hours, and that the state is using the data to identify at-risk students earlier and support intervention before retention decisions are made. The committee then moved to the adequacy/resource allocation presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research. Staff explained that the report is part of the statutory adequacy review and focuses on state funding sources beyond foundation aid, including categorical and supplemental funds. They noted that districts and charters spent more than $7 billion in the 2025 school year, with roughly 49% from foundation funding and 51% from other sources over the last three years. The presentation outlined the four categorical funds—Alternative Learning Environment, English Learners, Enhanced Student Achievement, and Professional Development—describing their restricted uses, student-based funding formulas, and the ability of districts to transfer some money among categoricals while keeping it within allowable purposes. Staff said categorical funds account for about 4% of total spending, or less than $300 million, and reviewed superintendent feedback on whether those funds met district needs, with responses varying by category and district.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 288, Chair, Ways and Means Committee, State Superintendent of Schools, prolonged state of
• <00:47:34.920> of Committee, State Superintendent of Committee, State Superintendent of Schools
• <00:47:52.480> of authorizes the State Superintendent of authorizes the State Superintendent
• <00:48:12.040> may under which the State Superintendent may under which the State Superintendent
• Superintendent of Schools. Superintendent of Schools.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 6, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, received an invocation from Pastor Shannon Watkins of Souls One Outreach Cathedral in Cumberland, and welcomed several guests and student pages. The chamber also announced the week’s schedule for the final days of session, including likely double sessions later in the week and a possible Saturday hold. Administrative items included the reading of House messages, a favorable executive nominations report that was special ordered for Tuesday, and the introduction of several House bills and Senate bills on the calendar. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 841, the Utility Relief Reducing Energy Load Information for Every Family Act. Senators discussed energy affordability, ratepayer relief, utility costs, data center growth, in-state generation, and the role of programs such as RGGI, EmPower, and the RPS. Supporters said the bill provides a comprehensive short- and long-term response, including consumer transparency and low-income relief, while critics argued it did not go far enough and should have included stronger relief or pauses on renewable energy mandates. After debate and several explanations of vote, the Senate passed SB 841 by a constitutional majority, 38-affirmative votes. Earlier in the session, Senate Bill 213 on state procurement transparency and procedures also passed with 40 affirmative votes. After SB 841 passed, the Senate took up House Bill 1532, a conforming companion to the utility relief measure. The committee offered an amendment to align HB 1532 with SB 841, the amendment was adopted without objection, and the bill then passed on third reading. Senators who explained their votes largely echoed the same themes from the SB 841 debate, with some emphasizing the need for more relief and others stressing the bill’s broader policy changes and regional energy-market constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this amendment will allow a superintendent to drive change in these organizations in a way that's
• <01:27:14.080> or providing any superintendent or providing any superintendent or administrator
• may remove a principal of superintendent may remove a principal of a<01:27:51.520> CSI<01:27:
• And what this would allow<01:28:14.080> the<01:28:14.200> superintendent allow the superintendent
• will allow a superintendent will allow a superintendent to<01:29:04.360> drive<01:29:04.760

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd now like to welcome Superintendent Evans. Welcome to the committee.
• right uh superintendent right uh superintendent Evans<01:33:41.080> um<01:33:41.440> it's
• you're approaching that superintendent you're approaching that superintendent Evans<01:36:10.520
• Thank you for that, Superintendent.
• Thank you for that, Superintendent.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We got our state superintendent and some of his team out there.
• The state superintendent shall still employ staff and provide guidance to our SAOs.
• > still The state superintendent shall still The state superintendent shall still employ<00:59
• education and superintendence education and superintendence association<01:02:38.640> to<
• I think with a number of superintendent.

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kimberly Rosenberger, on behalf of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, here in
• Christina Salazar with the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools.
• Eric Dunk, on behalf of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, in support.
• I think you see the range of folks from teachers to students to superintendents across the state who
• I said, with the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, so I would align my comments with ACSA as

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, the only input I could had a district superintendent in my office this past week, and he sent me
• And one of the superintendents told me, 'We're going to have students going into a classroom.
• I think four<00:24:46.880> superintendents<00:24:47.520> from<00:24:47.760> my<00
• :24:48.000> district four superintendents from my district four superintendents from my district
• , but mine listed as your superintendent, but mine listed as number<00:25:42.720> one.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• disasters um talked to a superintendent disasters um talked to a superintendent today<00:54:36.640
• Talked to Pille superintendent just this morning. The way up, today's his first day back.
• Talked to Pille superintendent just this morning. The way up, today's his first day back.
• County Superintendent this morning also. He's took away all of his spring break.
• That's not right. 7 Keith Keith a superintendent of clo 7 Keith Keith a superintendent of clo report

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:01:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12 Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28 Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17 House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18 Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57 Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics. Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports. Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me for this is the superintendent of the Becker School District, Jeremy Schmidt.
• With me for this is the superintendent of the Becker School District, Jeremy Schmidt.
• Jeremy Schmidt, and I'm the superintendent of Becker Public Schools.
• <00:19:28.280> of Schmidt and I'm the superintendent of Schmidt and I'm the superintendent
• Jeremy Schmidt, and I'm the superintendent of Becker Public Schools.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 765 is consolidating school administration units and making school superintendent jobs an elected
• units and making school superintendent units and making school superintendent jobs<00:25:56.760>
• We do know, though, when the school superintendent gets to see that data for his school district, he
• and we don't know who did superintendent and we don't know who did it<00:50:10.040> or<00:50:
• when the school super superintendent when the school super superintendent gets<00:50:14.599>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0. Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted. The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted. Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• recently when a group of superintendents recently when a group of superintendents got<00:20:28.559
• [snorts] This superintendent says chronic absenteeism is often not about attendance only.
• [snorts] This superintendent says chronic absenteeism is often not about attendance only.
• She and I were both contacted by a superintendent with major concerns about this area.
• 00:34:29.119> of superintendent and the department of superintendent and the department of children

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :37, Section B, it says the salary of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East Superintendent
• of Police Security shall not exceed the salary of the superintendent of the Louisiana State Police.
• when he got—when you have a chief of police and the statute says you can't make more than the superintendent
• when he got, when you have a chief of police and the statute says you can't make more than the superintendent
• I guess my question would be, it sounds like the chairman wants to create two positions, keep superintendent

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 6, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard several bills before moving into confirmation hearings. HB 205, by Rep. Bacala, would allow local governing authorities to supplement election commissioners’ pay by up to $100 per day; supporters from clerks of court and the Secretary of State’s office said the increase is needed to recruit and retain qualified commissioners amid longer days, training demands, and election security changes. The committee also reported HB 210, a cleanup bill clarifying retroactive application of a prior ethics law, and HB 228, which recreates the Department of State Civil Service and related entities through 2033. It likewise reported SR 86, which bars eyeglasses with audio/video recording capability in the Senate chamber without the Senate President’s permission, and HB 1177, which protects the identities of lottery hunt winners until after the drawing. HB 1045, limited to Pointe Coupee Parish, raises an audit threshold for certain water districts from $500,000 to $600,000 to reduce audit costs, and HB 813 would move Orleans Parish sheriff terms so the sheriff takes office in January instead of waiting until May; all were reported favorably. Senator Miller also announced that SB 491 would not be taken up that day. The committee then questioned nominees to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East. The first group, including Peter Vicari and Ronald Schumann, was asked extensively about recent personnel actions, an internal investigation, and the authority’s handling of a report that members said would likely be released after a board vote. Senators focused on the firing of the chief of police/operations personnel, allegations of payroll fraud, and whether the authority had improperly combined the chief of police role with compliance duties in a way that may conflict with statute and Civil Service guidance. Committee members also raised concerns about the chief’s contract, whether it had board approval, and whether the authority’s bylaws and salary practices complied with law. The nominees and counsel said some matters were still under review and that a separate compliance position was being considered. The committee later heard from additional nominees, including David Martin, Gregory Marsiglia, and Elton Jude Myers, who described backgrounds in engineering, law, procurement, and governmental contracts. Senators again pressed them on the need to separate compliance/auditing duties from the chief of police role, and the nominees generally agreed that those functions should be distinct and that the authority should have qualified auditing expertise. The meeting ended with no public comment and adjournment after the confirmation discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on my list is a remote testifier, Superintendent... from Owatonna. Are you with us? I sure am.
• Yes, my name is Jeff Elstad, and I am the very proud superintendent for the Owatonna Public Schools.
• I am the superintendent and have been serving as superintendent for Owatonna for 8 years.
• Thank you, Superintendent Elstad. Last on my list is Rich Neumeister.
• I've talked about this with board members and superintendents, who are appreciative of the work from

Transcript Highlights:

• Derek Lennox on behalf of the 58 County Superintendents of Schools, pleased to support.
• Qualified school district superintendent Roddy Bonchoi.
• Amanda Dickey, on behalf of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, in support.
• Amanda Dickey, on behalf of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, in support.
• Denine Gus, who is the Monterey County Superintendent of Schools.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Mary Cox, superintendent of Corbute Charter School, 24 California Charter School of the
• Jennifer Causa, superintendent of the JCS Family of Charter Schools in San Diego.
• Jennifer Koza, superintendent of the JCS Family of Charter Schools in San Diego and Riverside, serving
• Jeff Vocker, representing the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, like the previous speakers,
• As a teacher, principal, superintendent, and now CEO of an education foundation, I have experienced the

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum. Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum. Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonlin. So Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonlin. So give him a hand.
• The nominees superintendent of the year. The nominees superintendent of the year.
• And whereas as the superintendent of Jefferson County superintendent of Jefferson County superintendent
• and interim superintendent and interim superintendent and interim superintendent.
• He dove right in superintendent. He dove right in superintendent.

Bills: SB 1, HB 500, SB 1, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HB 500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• superintendent or the school board. superintendent or the school board.
• He is the superintendent of Model Lab.
• I was a superintendent at Fort Thomas Independent.
• the superintendent at Model Lab School. the superintendent at Model Lab School.
• I was a superintendent at Fort Thomas Independent.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:32:36.040> assistant<04:32:36.520> superintendents superintendent assistant superintendents
• superintendent assistant superintendents business<04:32:37.800> administrators<04:32:38.600><
• superintendent business part of the superintendent there's<04:42:05.958> ways<04:42:06.160>
• and we had just 51 assistant superintendents.
• <04:58:08.680> over<04:58:08.920> 170k superintendents over 170k superintendents over 170k

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the superintendent of Rockcastle County Schools. >> And I'm Barry Lee, superintendent for Casey County
• Um, as superintendents, I think it's important for us to start out by saying that we completely support
• It had 11 superintendents speak out against this amendment, and I think that was over the line.
• It had<00:25:37.039> 11<00:25:37.440> superintendent had 11 superintendent had 11 superintendent
• It was a little astounding, some of the behavior of a couple of superintendents.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:10 SB 11 Discussion 00:01:20 SB 11 Vote 00:05:00 SB 41 Discussion 00:5:43 SB 41 Vote 00:15:03 SB 59 Discussion 00:20:30 SB 59 Vote 00:28:15 SB 57 Discussion 00:29:40 SB 57 Vote 00:40:00 SB 125 Discussion 00:42:43 SB 125 Vote 00:50:53 SB 191 Discussion 00:53:19 SB 191 Vote 00:59:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 11, a proposal to create a matching-grant program for neighborhood storm shelters in rural Kentucky. Sponsor Steve Meredith and supporters from the Kentucky League of Cities and the City of Morgantown said the idea was to use FEMA-style funding to help residents who live far from community shelters, noting that in some rural counties it can take 30 to 45 minutes to reach a shelter during severe weather. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 11-0, with no nay votes. The committee then considered Senate Bill 41, which would require a ballot referendum whenever a taxing entity raises property taxes more than 4 percent, rather than relying on the current petition process. Sponsor Gary Boswell said the bill would give taxpayers more direct control and argued that local governments should simply avoid raising taxes above the threshold. Superintendents from Rockcastle and Casey counties opposed the bill, saying it would weaken local control, add election costs, delay budgets, and make it harder for school districts to keep up with inflation, insurance, transportation, and construction costs. After debate, the committee passed the bill 7-3 with favorable expression. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 59, which would add criminal penalties to KRS 65.013, the law barring public funds from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions. Sponsor Steve Rawlings said the measure was prompted by reports of school officials using public resources to oppose a 2024 ballot issue and argued the law needs real enforcement to protect taxpayers and election integrity. Members raised concerns about First Amendment issues and the bill’s gray areas, especially for public employees speaking on their own time; Rawlings said the substitute removed volunteer references, allowed balanced issue debates, and clarified that employees acting on their own time and resources would not be prohibited. The committee passed the bill 8-3 with favorable expression. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 57, as substituted, from Senator Danny Carroll. The bill would create a nuclear-ready site readiness pilot program under the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, with up to three projects receiving up to $25 million each to help cover early site permitting and related licensing costs. Carroll, along with witnesses from the UK Center for Applied Energy Research and the Public Service Commission, said the goal is to build a nuclear energy ecosystem in Kentucky, with safeguards including surety bonds, deadlines, and cost-recovery provisions. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.