Video & Transcript Research : 'state senators'
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AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Both of these bills passed on the House floor yesterday, so this is the companion Senate version.
Keywords:
AIDT, Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute, Department of Commerce, procurement, competitive bidding, contract review, legislative oversight, economic development, workforce development, Strategic Workforce Plan, state purchasing, state contracts, public procurement, exemption, higher education, universities, community colleges, public hospitals, health care procurement, transportation procurement
LA
Keywords:
HB 290, Act 426, sunset law, Department of the Treasury, Louisiana Treasury, re-creation, reauthorization, statutory entities, termination date, sunset review, Title 49, fiscal administration, state finance, agency continuation, legislative authority, insurance premiums, Municipal Fire and Police, dedicated fund, assessments, Louisiana legislation
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Alston? Present. Here. Senator Wheat? Here. Senator Sears? Senator Schoke? Here.
- Senator Alston? No, again. Senator Gabaldón? No. Senator Leach? Aye. Senator Sears? Aye.
- Senator Alston? No. Senator Gabaldón? No. Senator Leach? Aye. Senator Leach? Aye. Senator Sears?
- Chair and members, Senate Bill 1035 appropriates an unspecified amount from the State General Fund in
- Chairman, Senator Alston, historically, the state has been very, again, very strategic about treating
Keywords:
Charlie Kirk, Loop 202, Arizona highways, transportation, renaming, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, appropriation, state budget
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee met to introduce staff and pages, then heard several bills. SB 1010 would designate Loop 202 as the Charlie Kirk Highway and require signage; an amendment to rename it the Freedom of Speech Highway failed, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote after testimony both supporting the honor and objecting that it could affect existing freeway names, including the Ed Pastor Freeway. SB 1077 would impose felony penalties for using an interactive computer service to facilitate prostitution, pandering, or child sex trafficking, and to require age verification for harmful sexual material; it passed 5-2 after a brief clarification about the law-enforcement defense. SB 1093 would expand the definition of riot to include acts or threats causing property damage and add riot to racketeering and conspiracy provisions; one public commenter opposed it as overbroad and anti-protest, but the bill still passed 4-3.
The committee also heard SB 1058, the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, which would bar government firearm registries and restrict merchant category codes tied to firearm purchases. A firearms industry representative said the bill protects financial privacy, and it passed 4-3. SB 1035 would appropriate funds for a 5% salary increase for correctional officers and department civilians; the sponsor and correctional employee representatives said raises are needed for retention, while others argued the increase should also cover private prison employees to preserve parity. The committee adopted a Payne amendment extending the raise to private prison workers under contract with the department, and the amended bill passed 4-3. The committee then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/20/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, Senator Fernandez, that is my understanding of how it's tended to operate in the state of California
- Chairman, Senate Bill 1032 appropriates $1.5 million from the State General Fund in FY 27 to the corrections
- Chairman, Member, Senate Bill 1032 appropriates $1.5 million from the State General Fund, FY 27. to the
- Chairman, Senate Bill 1059 appropriates $9.2 million from the state general fund in FY 27 to the Arizona
- Chairman, members, Senate Bill 1062 appropriates $1 million in the state general fund in FY 27 to ADOT
Keywords:
roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, transportation funding, authorization, road improvements, intersection safety, transportation
Summary:
The committee began with a JLBC presentation comparing the baseline budget to the governor’s proposal. JLBC said the baseline shows a positive cash balance in each year, with about $577–$578 million available above statutory formulas, but that major items such as tax conformity, state employee health subsidies, school repairs, SNAP administrative changes, and possible SNAP error-rate costs are not fully funded. JLBC also reviewed executive revenue and spending proposals, including border-security funding, sports betting tax changes, data-center tax changes, short-term rental and water surcharges, and several one-time items that JLBC said appear to be ongoing in practice. Members questioned SNAP error rates, Medicaid/Access enrollment and costs, possible fraud involving Access-to-Marketplace shifting, prison receivership risk, and the need for more oversight of waste and fraud.
The committee then heard and passed SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office created last year. The sponsor and several advocates said the office is needed to provide independent oversight, improve transparency, help whistleblowers, and reduce the risk of federal receivership over the prison system. Testimony from advocacy groups and former incarcerated individuals strongly supported the bill, and the committee approved it 10-0.
Next, the committee considered several transportation appropriations. SB 1064 would provide $3 million to Flagstaff for improvements along U.S. Route 66; the mayor and local planning officials described safety problems, congestion, and housing growth along the corridor, while some members objected to using general fund dollars for roads instead of HURF and to bypassing the normal transportation board process. The bill passed 7-3. SB 1059 would appropriate $9.2 million for a right-turn lane at SR 87 and SR 260 in Payson, and SB 1062 would appropriate $1 million for a left-turn lane at US 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Gold Canyon; both were supported by local witnesses citing congestion and safety concerns and both received do-pass recommendations, 7-3 and 6-4 respectively. The committee also began hearing SCR 1004, a voter-referral measure to prohibit photo enforcement systems, with the sponsor and public commenters arguing that photo radar is unconstitutional, abusive, and tied to ticket revenue, but the transcript cuts off before any committee action on that measure.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It caps the state grant to match tuition increases at Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota
- the $239 million deficit in the state the $239 million deficit in the state grant<00:04:14.400><
- <00:08:51.040>
So, into the state grant program. So, into the state grant program. - family physicians um across the state. family physicians um across the state.
- , Senate State and Local Government Policy and Finance Committee name, and then lines 1.16 through the
Keywords:
higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Ten years ago, I was staffing this committee for Senator Colcos before moving to Senator Bettencourt’
- Uh, 10 years ago I was staffing this committee for Senator Colcos before moving to Senator Betancourt's
- Thank you, Senator Schwertner. Senator Bettencourt, thank you, Madam Chair.
- I want to echo what Senator Nichols just said and looking at your performance and what Senator Schwertner
- Yu stated.
Bills:
SB1
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met to review Article 8, regulatory agencies, and began Article 9, general provisions, before recessing for floor action. The committee first heard budget presentations from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). The PUC budget recommendation was about $5.07 billion in all funds, including an additional $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, plus funding for staffing and technology needs tied to contested cases, infrastructure resiliency, and outage mapping. PUC witnesses emphasized the agency’s growing workload, the need for more staff and modern systems, and oversight of the Texas Energy Fund. OPUC’s recommendation was about $6.9 million, with a reduction in authorized FTEs to better match actual staffing; the agency requested additional funding for salaries, expert witnesses, and budget flexibility, and members highlighted OPUC’s role representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility proceedings.
The committee then heard from the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), whose recommendation was just over $11.2 million. BHEC’s main requests included funding to fill vacant positions, money for continuous National Practitioner Data Bank queries, and a proposed Texas-owned psychology licensing exam in response to concerns about changes to the national exam. Agency leaders also discussed a rider request that would shift responsibility for certain judgments or settlements to the comptroller. Members asked about prior complaint backlogs, and BHEC said those backlogs had been cleared. The Board of Chiropractic Examiners followed, with a recommendation of just under $2.4 million; the board sought support for staffing, training, broadband, and salary retention, and described its work regulating chiropractors and workers’ compensation-related doctors.
The Board of Dental Examiners was the last agency heard before the committee recessed. Its recommendation was just under $10 million, and it requested a 10% salary increase for eligible staff, three additional licensing staff, one staff member to handle required background checks, an additional attorney, and an executive director salary adjustment. Dental board witnesses said licensure growth, increased complaints, and low salaries were straining licensing and enforcement operations, even though the agency reported strong performance and high case completion rates. The chair ended the hearing early because the Senate had to return to the floor, and the committee remained in recess.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, will come to order. Senator Birdwell, you're recognized to offer the prayer.
- We ask your hand of protection across our state for wisdom and discernment for our members of the Senate
- and the legislature, our state leaders, that maybe we may be... ...and the legislature, our state leaders
- Thank you, Senator Birdwell.
- The chair announces the signing of the following in the presence of the Senate: Senate Concurrent Resolution
Summary:
The Senate convened briefly with an opening prayer by Senator Birdwell, who asked for protection and wisdom for Texans affected by severe weather, as well as for state and national leaders. The chair noted hazardous travel conditions from the winter storm and advised that attendance was not essential for affected members and staff; the journal was to reflect the weather event.
The chair announced the signing of Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 in the presence of the Senate. On first reading and referral, the secretary read Senate Joint Resolution 36 by Hall, proposing a constitutional amendment related to appropriations for preserving certain items of historical moment, and Senate Bill 1 by Huffman, the General Appropriations Act.
A motion in writing was then offered by Senator Zaffirini to recess the Senate until 10 a.m. Friday, January 24. With no objection, the motion carried and the Senate recessed until that time.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, the state government and the federal government are still working on that project.
- Right now, the state of Arizona and the state of Sonora are investing and upgrading the port in Guaymas
- We know that the state government from Sonora wants to invest there to do it better.
- We know that the state government from Sonora wants to invest there to do it better.
- Canada is opening up a consulate office in the state of Arizona.
Keywords:
trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona competes fund, economic development, fund repeal, state finances, state appropriations, Arizona Commerce Authority, job creation, business incentives, commerce authority, public-private partnership, business regulation, Arizona governance, 1182, all
Summary:
The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Alan Renteria of the Puerto Peñasco Chamber of Commerce, who promoted Rocky Point as a major tourism and investment destination for Arizonans. He highlighted tourism growth, cross-border ties, safety coordination, the importance of fishing and shrimp to the local economy, and potential commercial opportunities such as improved border infrastructure and a possible cargo or cruise port. Members responded with personal comments about travel, geology, medical volunteer work, and the city’s appeal, and Renteria said he wanted to serve as a liaison to improve communication between Arizona offices and Puerto Peñasco.
The committee then considered three bills related to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). HB 2751 would continue the Arizona Competes fund indefinitely and subject use of the fund to legislative appropriations; HB 2752 would shift oversight of trade offices from the ACA board to legislative appropriation and require annual reporting to JLBC; and HB 2753 would add legislative ex-officio members to the ACA board, including committee chairs and, under an amendment, minority party ranking members. Supporters argued the bills would give the legislature more oversight and a seat at the table, while Greg Blackie of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club opposed HB 2751, calling for repeal or stronger guardrails and citing past audit concerns.
All three bills advanced on due pass recommendations. HB 2751 passed 7-1 with one member present and one absent; HB 2752 passed 9-0 with one absent; and HB 2753 passed 9-0 after the Austin amendment was adopted, adding minority party representation. The committee also removed HB 2746 from the agenda before taking up the ACA measures.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on state affairs come to order. Kirk call the roll.
- State your name, please. Uh, Claire Warren.
- And the same holds true for the state.
- And if so, why is this any business of the state of Texas?
- So I, I travel around all over the state.
Bills:
HB 45, HB 755, HB 1232, HB 1555, HB 2460, HB 2702, HB 2973, HB 3120, HB 3225, HB 3314, HB 3356, HB 3371, HB 3634, HB 3638, HB 4247, HB 4283, HB 4290, HB 4302, HB 4503, HB 4511, HB 4565, HB 4581, HB 4627, HB 4632, HB 4660, HB 4668, HB 4960, HB 5042
Keywords:
housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair lays out Senate Bill 365 by Senator Eckhardt, and Senator, you're recognized to explain the measure
- Senator Hinojosa, if you could assist in laying out Senate Bill 895 for Senator Hughes, the chair lays
- out Senate Bill 895 by Senator Hughes, and Senator Hinojosa will explain the measure.
- Thank you, Senator Hinojosa, for assisting Senator Hughes on that effort.
- OK, we're going to ask Senator Hinojosa to assist Senator Colhorse with the layout of Senate Bill 1400
Bills:
SB 49
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 heard several higher education bills and took public testimony on each. Senate Bill 60 would let public junior college libraries donate outdated, duplicative, or valueless materials instead of treating them as surplus property; no public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 49 would expand performance-tier funding incentives so community colleges are also rewarded for student transfers to private four-year universities; it also received no public testimony and was left pending.
Senate Bill 365 would allow higher education institutions to choose a transcript lookback period between 5 and 10 years for adult undergraduates seeking to waive older transcripts. Senator Eckhardt and witness Daniel Arrevalo described how old academic records can block adults from returning to college; the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Bill 895 would expand the FAST dual-credit program beyond public school students to include eligible private school and homeschool students, with support from the Texas Private Schools Association, the Texas Homeschool Coalition, and a coordinating board witness explaining the funding structure; it too was left pending.
Senate Bill 1400 would clarify what counts as a transfer for performance-tier funding by allowing students with 30 or fewer prior university credit hours to still be counted as transfer students when moving from a public junior college to a general academic institution. Former Representative Leighton Schubert testified that the change would address funding losses and better reflect modern student pathways; after testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 242 by Senator Bell. I don't think he's here.
- Senate<00:01:05.280>
Bill <00:01:05.600>242 <00:01:06.560>by <00:01:07.520>Senator - <00:01:08.479>
I <00:01:08.640>don't Senate Bill 242 by Senator Bell. - I don't Senate Bill 242 by Senator Bell.
- a favorable report for this. provides for state best empoundment of provides for state best empoundment
Keywords:
appropriation, education funding, priority schools, Alabama education, State Department of Education, codification, state law, legal revisions, Alabama code, legislative updates, underground damage prevention, notification system, construction safety, infrastructure, commercial driver license, English proficiency, work authorization, impoundment, false documentation, 1136
WY
Keywords:
wildfire, fire management, funding, forestry, state investment, task force, capital construction, state funding, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, conservation, employment, inmate crew program, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, budget, education
WY
Keywords:
wildfire, fire management, funding, forestry, state investment, task force, capital construction, state funding, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, conservation, employment, inmate crew program, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, budget, education
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 19, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Keywords:
mineral royalties, federal lands, Wyoming, revenue, education funding, transportation funding, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, eminent domain, water projects, legislative approval, state funding, land acquisition, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management, 916
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 19, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So, the only bill on our docket this morning is Senate File 16, subleasing of state lands exemptions.
- Staca Barry, Office of State Lands and Investments.
- addresses subleasasing issues on state addresses subleasasing issues on state lands.<00:04:02.080
- Any questions for the office of state Any questions for the office of state lands?
- Senate file 16, please. Senate file 16, please.
Keywords:
mineral royalties, federal lands, Wyoming, revenue, education funding, transportation funding, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, eminent domain, water projects, legislative approval, state funding, land acquisition, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management, 916
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 17, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:15:17.480>
you but it's going to cost the state, you but it's going to cost the state - I drive across the state right?
- <00:24:46.600>
EV while ensuring that out-of-state EV while ensuring that out-of-state EV - . states. states.
- I'm sorry, Senate file. I'm sorry. It is Senate File 11. I had 146 still set up on my computer.
Keywords:
driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 17, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Keywords:
driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:00 am
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hogan [member_11206]: Here. Senator Klein [member_10462]: Here.
- Senator Paulson [member_12825]: Here. Senator Rummel [member_13273]: Here. Thank you.
- Senator Klein [member_10462]: Mr.
- Senator Cory [member_12805]: Mr. Chairman, no, Senator Cory.
- Senator Klein. Mr. Chairman, and the litmus test has been handled on the Senate side.
Bills:
HB1053
Keywords:
North Dakota highway system, state roads, road mileage cap, transportation code, Department of Transportation, DOT, highway mileage limit, road classification, county roads, township roads, state highway network, Century Code section 24-01-01.2, infrastructure, public roads, transportation policy, 908, all
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 1298 and first discussed an amendment from Senator Paulson that would add variable electronic speed limit signs to the bill while leaving the 80-mile-an-hour provision unchanged. Members said the signs would be used on interstates I-29 and I-94 in selected problem areas, based on weather or accident conditions, and that the proposal would not require a fiscal note.
The discussion then broadened to Senator Rummel’s concerns about related bills, especially 2243, 1250, and 1229. He argued that the House changes were removing municipal authority to double fines, lowering or eliminating points for serious traffic violations, and undoing prior Senate positions. Several members said they were willing to use HB 1298 as the vehicle to restore the earlier fine and point provisions, including the 29 violations previously assigned three points, and to avoid concurring with the House versions.
Members did not take final action on the amendments or the bill. Instead, they agreed more work was needed and asked Legislative Council to prepare a combined amendment and options for the next meeting. The committee recessed and scheduled further discussion for the next morning.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hall moves." Here. Senator Gutierrez. Senator Hagenbue. Senator Hall. Here.
- Senator Gutierrez, Senator Hagenbuch, Senator Hall: Aye. Senator Menendez: Aye.
- Senator Eckhardt: Yes. Senator Gutierrez. Senator Hagenbuch. Senator Hall: Aye. Senator Gutierrez.
- Senator Eckhardt: Yes. Senator Gutierrez. Senator Hagenbuch. Senator Hall: Aye.
- Senator Eckhardt: No. Senator Gutierrez. Senator Hagenbuch. Senator Hall. Senator Gutierrez.
Keywords:
veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185
Summary:
The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared.
The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable.
During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on General Government (2-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- a model throughout the rest of the state a model throughout the rest of the state the<00:04:27.919
- Other states.
- <00:14:12.959>
will Senate will Senate will concur<00:14:14.639>thanks <00:14:14.920>- thank you all right and I see our state thank you all right and I see our state treasurer<00:17:
- Commonwealth as chair of the state Commonwealth as chair of the state Investments<00:21:02.159><
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19
Auditor of Public Accounts 00:01:07
Office of Secretary of State 00:10:22
Kentucky State Treasury 00:17:51
Office of Attorney General 00:28:50, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its first meeting and heard budget-related presentations from the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Secretary of State, with the Treasurer beginning a presentation at the end of the transcript. Auditor Allison Ball reviewed her office’s 2024 and early 2025 work, including hundreds of county and state audits, several special examinations, and ongoing reviews such as the kinship care funding issue, the Kentucky Department of Education audit, and the Jefferson County Public Schools audit. She said her office is focused on waste, fraud, abuse, and legal compliance, and asked the committee to consider future budget changes, including aligning her appropriation with restricted funding and restoring a stronger performance-audit function. She also highlighted audits that exposed serious problems, including the Department of Juvenile Justice review, and said those reports are intended to serve as models for other entities to avoid similar failures.
Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office is self-sustaining through fees and does not need tax dollars, but asked for greater access to its own revenues and more flexibility in using them. He highlighted the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, saying recent changes expanded protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and that the program has grown rapidly while remaining funded by offender fines. Adams also urged lawmakers to again adjust county election funding for inflation, noting the current per-voter and per-precinct amounts were set decades ago. In questioning, Representative Hart asked whether the Safe at Home program was self-funding; Adams replied that it covers only about 10% of its operating cost and said the best solution would be to let the office use more of the revenue it already collects rather than rely on tax dollars.
Treasurer Martin Medcafe, introduced with staff member Russell Weber, praised the General Assembly’s fiscal discipline and described the Treasury’s work in managing state funds. He reported strong results from the Unclaimed Property Fund, saying the office returned $35.5 million to Kentuckians in its first year and $3.8 million in the first month of the current year, and said the State Investments Commission generated $682 million in returns last year. He also highlighted financial literacy efforts through the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission and said the Treasury is helping manage opioid settlement funds, which are now earning up to $200,000 per month through investment. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.