Transcript Highlights:

• them as they continue<00:02:01.600><c> to</c><00:02:01.840><c> lead</c><00:02:02.000><c> our</c><00:02
• <c> one</c><00:02:10.879><c> who</c><00:02:11.120><c> gave</c><00:02:11.360><c> us</c><00:02:11.599><
• Father<00:02:15.440><c> God,</c><00:02:15.920><c> thank</c><00:02:16.080><c> you</c><00:02:16.239><c>
• Thank<00:02:17.760><c> you</c><00:02:17.920><c> for</c><00:02:18.160><c> giving</c><00:02:18.400><c>
• 02:25.920><c> to</c><00:02:26.160><c> give</c><00:02:26.319><c> us</c><00:02:26.480><c> this</c><00:02

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bit</c><00:02:46.880><c> on</c><00:02:46.960><c> the</c><00:02:47.080><c> agenda</c><00:02:47.440><c>
• I<00:02:49.160><c> am</c><00:02:49.320><c> going</c><00:02:49.560><c> to</c><00:02:49.680><c> try</c>
• <00:02:50.040><c> and</c><00:02:50.240><c> keep</c><00:02:50.600><c> a</c><00:02:50.920><c> tight</c>
• clock on<00:02:51.800><c> this</c><00:02:52.640><c> so</c><00:02:52.800><c> we</c><00:02:52.920><c>
• can</c><00:02:53.680><c> move</c><00:02:53.960><c> forward</c><00:02:54.600><c> and</c><00:02:55.280>

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:54 Roll Call 00:01:17 SB 192 Discussion 00:03:31 SB 192 Vote 00:05:41 SB 312 Discussion 00:07:17 SB 312 Vote 00:09:56 SB 27 Discussion 00:11:27 SB 27 Vote 00:15:51 SB 149 Discussion 00:16:55 SB 149 Vote 00:19:35 SB 133 Discussion 00:21:17 SB 133 Vote 00:23:41 SJR 62 Discussion 00:25:04 SJR 62 Vote 00:27:28 SJR 75 Discussion 00:28:31 SJR 75 Vote 00:31:56 Adjournment 00:34:30, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:04.240><c> And</c><01:02:04.440><c> also,</c><01:02:04.960><c> in</c><01:02:05.080><c> the
• </c><01:02:08.000><c> We've</c><01:02:08.200><c> heard</c><01:02:08.400><c> about</c><01:02:08.720><c
• /c><01:02:09.680><c> the</c><01:02:09.760><c> state</c><01:02:10.360><c> as</c><01:02:10.560><c> well
• What<01:02:23.320><c> we</c><01:02:23.440><c> didn't</c><01:02:23.880><c> fix</c><01:02:24.240><c> in
• <01:02:53.400><c> So,</c><01:02:53.680><c> I</c><01:02:53.840><c> I</c><01:02:54.200><c> I</c><01:02:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:35.279><c> noting</c><01:02:35.680><c> the</c><01:02:35.880><c> absence</c><01:02:36.319><c> of</
• :00:28.599><c> you</c><02:00:28.800><c> so</c><02:00:29.280><c> much</c><02:00:30.280><c> next</c><02
• ><02:01:23.440><c> I</c><02:01:23.560><c> I</c><02:01:23.679><c> know</c><02:01:23.840><c> he</c><02:
• 02:01:49.000><c> is</c><02:01:49.760><c> so</c><02:01:50.000><c> we</c><02:01:50.239><c> just</c><02:
• 02:35:16.680><c> we</c><02:35:16.800><c> want</c><02:35:16.920><c> to</c><02:35:17.120><c> make</c><02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> 3,</c><00:02:04.280><c> and</c><00:02:04.479><c> to</c><00:02:04.600><c> vote</c><00:02:05.280><
• &gt;&gt; The<00:02:07.360><c> question</c><00:02:07.800><c> is,</c><00:02:08.080><c> shall</c><00:02:
• Are<00:02:16.000><c> you</c><00:02:16.120><c> ready</c><00:02:16.320><c> for</c><00:02:16.440><c> the
• Uh<00:02:21.240><c> in</c><00:02:21.440><c> 2021,</c><00:02:22.840><c> uh</c><00:02:23.040><c> the</c
• > US</c><00:02:27.600><c> Federal</c><00:02:27.959><c> Court</c><00:02:28.240><c> of</c><00:02:28.360

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > we</c><00:02:37.680><c> might</c><00:02:38.040><c> break</c><00:02:38.319><c> for</c><00:02:38.599>
• any</c><00:02:48.040><c> questions</c><00:02:48.400><c> at</c><00:02:48.560><c> all</c><00:02:48.760>
• </c><01:02:04.680><c> uh</c><01:02:04.799><c> Craig</c><01:02:05.039><c> Wright</c><01:02:05.319><c>
• 02:31:42.279><c> a</c><02:31:42.560><c> a</c><02:31:42.680><c> bit</c><02:31:42.800><c> of</c><02:31:
• 02:38:27.600><c> I</c><02:38:27.640><c> mean</c><02:38:27.840><c> as</c><02:38:27.960><c> I</c><02:38

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This<02:00:04.560><c> floor</c><02:00:04.960><c> amendment</c><02:00:06.000><c> uh</c><02:00:06.159><
• There is no provision<02:12:13.520><c> in</c><02:12:14.000><c> current</c><02:12:14.440><c> statute</
• c><02:12:15.440><c> or</c><02:12:16.000><c> what</c><02:12:16.239><c> is</c> provision in current statute
• or what is provision in current statute or what is proposed<02:12:17.119><c> for</c><02:12:17.760><c
• 02:28:28.640><c> in</c><02:28:28.800><c> the</c><02:28:28.960><c> state</c><02:28:29.120><c> of</c><02

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:19:59.200><c> we</c><02:19:59.359><c> have</c><02:19:59.520><c> to</c><02:19:59.600><c> work</c><02
• </c><02:29:39.439><c> I</c><02:29:39.760><c> am</c><02:29:39.920><c> a</c><02:29:40.399><c> a</c><02:
• 02:33:41.280><c> and</c><02:33:41.840><c> uh</c><02:33:42.000><c> if</c><02:33:42.160><c> you</c><02:
• ; So, we personally, yes, because the state<02:58:36.960><c> statute</c><02:58:37.359><c> is</c><02:58
• </c><02:58:38.160><c> A</c> state statute is different, right? A state statute is different, right?

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :51.920><c> head</c><00:02:52.360><c> there</c><00:02:53.120><c> and</c><00:02:53.720><c> um</c><00:02
• 02:56.280><c> that</c><00:02:56.480><c> at</c><00:02:56.680><c> the</c><00:02:56.879><c> direction</c
• the<00:02:57.680><c> chairman</c><00:02:58.120><c> of</c><00:02:58.280><c> the</c><00:02:58.400><c>
• or um<01:02:22.119><c> car</c><01:02:22.720><c> Registries</c><01:02:23.760><c> um</c><01:02:24.760><
• <02:21:12.920><c> a</c><02:21:13.120><c> copy</c><02:21:13.399><c> of</c><02:21:13.520><c> a</c><02:21

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<05:02:09.920><c> that</c><05:02:10.400><c> would</c><05:02:11.040><c> totally</c><05:02:11.920><c
• 02:26.958><c> in</c><05:02:27.280><c> that</c><05:02:28.000><c> um</c><05:02:28.240><c> that</c> and
• ><c> what</c><05:02:32.000><c> is</c><05:02:32.160><c> in</c><05:02:32.320><c> a</c><05:02:32.480><c>
• And<05:02:41.360><c> um</c><05:02:42.560><c> in</c><05:02:42.878><c> cases</c><05:02:43.360><c> where
• </c><05:02:53.280><c> they</c><05:02:53.600><c> may</c><05:02:53.840><c> be</c><05:02:54.080><c> in</

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:06.560><c> So</c><00:02:06.880><c> we</c><00:02:07.200><c> understand</c><00:02:08.000><c>
• </c><00:02:09.599><c> Again,</c><00:02:10.399><c> we're</c><00:02:10.720><c> going</c><00:02:10.800><
• </c><00:02:11.840><c> You</c><00:02:12.000><c> guys</c><00:02:12.239><c> got</c><00:02:12.480><c> th<
• </c><00:02:18.800><c> Um</c><00:02:19.200><c> and</c><00:02:19.440><c> so</c><00:02:19.599><c> here's
• </c> by statute. by statute.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:07 Chair Comments 00:00:36 Approval of Minutes 00:04:01 Volunteers of America 00:04:21 Soil and Water Conservation/Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:14:52 Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy/Justice & Public Safety Cabinet 00:21:05 Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:26:01 Early Childhood Advisory Council 00:45:18, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations. Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources. The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:15.440><c> Uh,</c><00:02:16.080><c> next</c><00:02:16.400><c> is</c><00:02:16.640><c> the<
• </c><00:02:22.160><c> The</c><00:02:22.319><c> first</c><00:02:22.560><c> item</c><00:02:23.120><c> is
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:43.599><c> have</c><00:02:43.680><c> a</c><00:02:43.920><c> motion</c><00:02:44.160>
• ><c> in</c><00:02:54.160><c> in</c><00:02:54.400><c> favor</c><00:02:54.800><c> vote</c><00:02:55.040
• All<00:02:55.440><c> those</c><00:02:55.599><c> opposed</c><00:02:55.920><c> say</c><00:02:56.160><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:05.520><c> that</c><01:02:05.760><c> flight</c><01:02:06.079><c> risk</c><01:02:06.799><c>
• So,<01:02:08.319><c> so</c><01:02:08.559><c> would</c><01:02:08.720><c> it</c><01:02:08.880><c> be</c
• ><01:02:08.960><c> a</c><01:02:09.119><c> fair</c><01:02:09.359><c> statement</c><01:02:09.680><c> to
• &gt;&gt; I<01:02:17.680><c> I</c><01:02:17.920><c> mean</c><01:02:18.000><c> it</c><01:02:18.160><c>
• limits</c><01:02:20.720><c> uh</c><01:02:20.799><c> what</c><01:02:21.040><c> the</c><01:02:21.359><

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore,<01:02:33.920><c> it</c><01:02:34.079><c> is</c><01:02:34.400><c> unlikely</c><01:02:35.599
• <01:02:43.040><c> and</c><01:02:43.359><c> instead</c><01:02:43.760><c> is</c><01:02:44.079><c> someone
• makes<01:02:44.960><c> his</c><01:02:45.200><c> or</c><01:02:45.440><c> her</c><01:02:46.160><c> money
• </c><01:02:49.760><c> And</c><01:02:50.000><c> we</c><01:02:50.240><c> are</c><01:02:50.400><c> much<
• And um<02:00:03.040><c> okay,</c><02:00:03.440><c> with</c><02:00:03.599><c> that</c><02:00:03.840><c

Bills: HB0117 , HB0126

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: informed consent, abortion, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, fetal heartbeat, termination of pregnancy, medical emergency, Wyoming legislation, rights of minors, healthcare regulations, parental consent, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :28.480><c> for</c><00:02:28.560><c> the</c><00:02:28.720><c> sake</c><00:02:28.879><c> of</c><00:02:
• c><00:02:33.760><c> out</c><00:02:33.920><c> and</c><00:02:34.080><c> vote</c><00:02:34.239><c> a</c>
• times<00:02:34.720><c> during</c><00:02:34.959><c> the</c><00:02:35.120><c> course</c><00:02:35.280><
• ><00:02:38.560><c> is</c><00:02:38.800><c> and</c><00:02:38.959><c> our</c><00:02:39.120><c> only</c>
• c> of</c><00:02:39.599><c> business</c><00:02:39.760><c> is</c><00:02:39.920><c> a</c><00:02:40.080><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:48.640><c> or</c><01:02:49.280><c> you</c><01:02:49.440><c> know</c><01:02:49.599><c> whatever
• ><c> have</c><01:02:52.160><c> a</c><01:02:53.280><c> component</c><01:02:53.839><c> of</c><01:02:54.079
• c><01:02:56.720><c> that</c><01:02:56.960><c> is</c><01:02:57.280><c> court</c><01:02:57.680><c> fines
• 04:02:02.000><c> is</c><04:02:02.479><c> uh</c><04:02:02.640><c> constructed</c><04:02:03.040><c> in<
• That<04:02:07.199><c> one's</c><04:02:07.600><c> out</c><04:02:08.239><c> outside</c><04:02:08.800><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review inactive and dedicated accounts, note prior legislation that had passed, and begin its annual review of agency funds. Members discussed several inactive funds, including some HHS-related accounts, a law enforcement memorial fund, and possible cleanup of accounting references where funds had been reorganized or merged. Staff noted that some newer funds may simply not have started receiving revenue yet, and the committee agreed to follow up on specific accounts later rather than address everything immediately. The committee then heard from Fish and Game on its dedicated funds. Topics included the statewide public boat access account, which is used for boat ramp and access-site maintenance and is supported by boat registration fees and federal funds; the ORV education, training, and enforcement account, which has declined over time and may need attention because revenue depends heavily on weather and snowmobile use; and the search and rescue account, which is funded by Hike Safe cards, a $1 fee from boat and OHRV registrations, and court-ordered fees. Fish and Game also explained that the conservation license plate fund had been merged into the non-game species management account, which is supported by donations, federal funds, and a statutory general fund transfer, and that pheasants are treated as game species under a separate program. The committee spent considerable time on the lifetime license account, an off-book Treasury-held account that collects lifetime license sales and returns funds to Fish and Game based on annual sales plus 9% of the fund balance. Members questioned why the account’s presentation did not clearly show the transfer as a revenue reduction and suggested the reporting format needed cleanup so the flow of money would be easier to understand. Fish and Game said the account is operating properly and that the transfer to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund exceeded $400,000 in the most recent year. The committee also reviewed the publications and fundraising revolving fund, which keeps a $100,000 balance for inventory purchases and transfers excess year-end funds to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund; members again raised concerns that the reporting format did not clearly show the transfer, and staff said they could add a note or other clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• But<00:02:02.240><c> yet</c><00:02:02.719><c> I'm</c><00:02:02.960><c> back</c><00:02:03.200><c> here
• /c><00:02:15.920><c> he</c><00:02:16.160><c> has</c><00:02:16.400><c> not</c> provided<00:02:20.879><
• We<00:02:47.200><c> have</c><00:02:47.360><c> also</c><00:02:47.680><c> discussed</c><00:02:48.239><c
• <00:02:51.360><c> another</c><00:02:51.680><c> subpoena</c><00:02:52.239><c> or</c><00:02:52.480><c>
• :02:57.760><c> if</c><01:02:58.079><c> he</c><01:02:58.400><c> feels</c><01:02:58.720><c> as</c><01:02

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission heard argument on a renewed motion to compel discovery and related sanctions in an ethics case. Enforcement counsel said the respondent had provided incomplete and inconsistent discovery responses, including no authenticated medical records, and asked the commission to compel full interrogatory answers, bar the respondent from relying on unsupported medical claims at hearing, allow subpoenas for medical records and an LRC report, and continue the December 2 hearing. Respondent’s counsel replied that the defense had complied with discovery, that medical records were being withheld for reasons previously discussed, and that no outstanding discovery remained. The next matter was enforcement counsel’s motion in limine, which sought to exclude a wide range of evidence as irrelevant to the three ethics charges already found to have probable cause. Counsel argued the hearing should focus only on whether the respondent intimidated Fox’s, offered a favor in exchange for a donation, and engaged in inappropriate conduct while intoxicated in his office, and not on complainants’ motives, media coverage, bullying, religious discrimination claims, LRC policies, or other legislators’ conduct. He also argued that any claim of mental or physical condition should be excluded absent supporting medical proof. Respondent’s counsel opposed the motion, saying the excluded topics went to witness credibility, bias, motive, and context, and that LRC materials and testimony from additional witnesses were important to the defense. Commission members questioned both sides about the breadth of the motion in limine and whether any topics could be agreed to as irrelevant. Counsel for the respondent maintained that some challenged topics, including Lexington media coverage and broader legislative practices, were relevant to credibility and context. Enforcement counsel responded that even if such conduct were common, it would not excuse a violation of the ethics code. No final ruling or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> I'm</c><00:02:29.560><c> looking</c><00:02:29.920><c> to</c><00:02:30.080><c> you</c><00:02:30.280
• </c><00:02:33.800><c> County</c><00:02:34.080><c> High</c><00:02:34.239><c> School</c><00:02:34.879><
• what the<00:02:42.720><c> future</c><00:02:43.080><c> Also</c><00:02:43.480><c> may</c><00:02:43.720
• <00:02:47.840><c> state</c><00:02:48.080><c> we</c><00:02:48.200><c> think</c><00:02:48.360><c> of</c
• <00:02:52.080><c> and</c><00:02:52.319><c> College</c><00:02:52.760><c> athletics</c><00:02:53.560><c

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:24 SB 3 Discussion 01:06 SB 3 Vote 04:51 SB 15 Discussion 07:14 SB 15 Vote 14:42 SB 103 Discussion 15:39 SB 103 Vote 33:53 SB 201 Discussion 35:44 SB 201 Vote 39:47, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 3, relating to student athletes and NIL. Senator Max Wise said the bill would modernize Kentucky’s NIL framework so universities remain competitive and student-athletes can benefit, noting the state’s earlier NIL law and the need to act before a pending national settlement. Several members supported the bill but expressed concern that NIL has changed college athletics and could eventually affect high school sports. The committee reported Senate Bill 3 favorably. The committee then took up Senate Bill 15, relating to minimum wage exceptions for minor league baseball players. Senator Amanda Bledsoe and MLB representative Josh Allen explained that the bill would align Kentucky law with the players’ collective bargaining agreement, treating the players as salaried rather than hourly workers and addressing overtime issues. Members discussed the minimum weekly salaries at Single-A and Triple-A, along with housing, meals, and health benefits under the agreement. The committee adopted a committee substitute, passed a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 15 favorably. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 103, which concerns the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities. Senator Danny Carroll and provider advocates said the bill would add regulatory oversight, require reporting to the legislature and governor, and give preference to in-state services when available, while preserving access to out-of-state services when needed. Testimony focused on Kentucky’s low employment ranking for people with disabilities, unused federal funds, provider funding concerns, and an OVR order of selection that would limit services to the most severe cases. The committee adopted a committee substitute and reported Senate Bill 103 favorably after supportive comments from members about the program’s impact on employment and quality of life.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do<00:02:00.000><c> follow</c><00:02:00.320><c> our</c><00:02:00.640><c> statutes</c><00:02:01.040
• ><c> in</c><00:02:01.280><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:01.680><c> as</c> do follow our statutes in Kentucky
• as do follow our statutes in Kentucky as well.<00:02:02.880><c> Every</c><00:02:03.200><c> single</c>
• 00:02:37.440><c> person</c><00:02:37.680><c> will</c><00:02:37.920><c> look</c><00:02:38.080><c> at</
• at our medical<00:02:38.959><c> records,</c><00:02:39.519><c> see</c><00:02:39.760><c> how</c><00:02

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation. The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes. Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> students</c><05:02:05.240><c> in</c><05:02:05.440><c> some</c><05:02:05.760><c> cases</c><05:02:
• </c><06:02:08.080><c> now</c><06:02:08.280><c> have</c><06:02:08.400><c> to</c><06:02:08.520><c> go</
• </c><06:02:12.520><c> to</c><06:02:12.638><c> this</c><06:02:12.798><c> bill</c><06:02:13.478><c> we<
• can say<06:02:13.920><c> all</c><06:02:14.040><c> day</c><06:02:14.200><c> long</c><06:02:14.638><c>
• that</c><06:02:15.320><c> there</c><06:02:15.638><c> is</c><06:02:15.760><c> an</c><06:02:15.958><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.