Transcript Highlights:

• board members are seated up in the balcony today, and their names are Jay White, Jeremy Jones, Kent Henderson
• board members are seated up in the balcony today, and their names are Jay White, Jeremy Jones, Kent Henderson
• :10:16.480> Jeremy<00:10:17.040> Jones,<00:10:17.920> Kent<00:10:18.320> Henderson
• , White, Jeremy Jones, Kent Henderson, White, Jeremy Jones, Kent Henderson, Vince<00:10:21.200>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a devotional message from Reverend Peter Pagi, who reflected on an ancient text about the Magi and emphasized themes of gentleness, invitation, trust, and a “laughing Christ” as a way to begin the new year and new biennium with openness rather than fear. After the devotional, the House suspended its rules to introduce 23 House bills by number only and referred them to committees, including Ways and Means, Judiciary, Transportation, General and Housing, Environment, Energy and Digital Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education, and Government Operations and Military Affairs. During announcements, a member introduced Meline Connory, a Brown University student and Vermont resident who had recently experienced a school shooting, noting her outreach to the Judiciary Committee and her testimony that day. The chamber also recognized representatives of the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds, described as a statewide coalition focused on protecting Vermont’s lakes, ponds, watersheds, and aquatic ecosystems. On the action calendar, the House considered and adopted Joint House Resolution 6, authorizing the Green Mountain Boy State Educational Program to use State House facilities on June 25, 2026. The session then moved toward adjournment until Friday, January 9, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Carol Henderson, here. John Hicks, here. Brian Hicks, here. Keith Jackson, here. Paty Jackson.
• Rollins, yes. >> Representative Lawrence, Pat Ael, yes. >> Rocky Atkins, Charles Buyers, yes. >> Carol Henderson
• >> Carol<00:08:17.680> Henderson, >> Carol Henderson, >> Carol Henderson, >

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Approval of Minutes 00:01:40 2026-2032 Statewide Capital Improvements Plan 00:02:15, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the prior meeting minutes. The board then reviewed the 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, including project recommendations across maintenance, renovation, IT, and new construction categories. Staff explained that 15 projects were selected in each category and described how the board’s tiebreaker process was used to finalize the recommendations. Members asked about the asset preservation pool, specifically whether institutions receive a blanket appropriation or must identify projects. Staff explained that the Council on Postsecondary Education serves as the gatekeeper after appropriation, reviewing institution-submitted uses to ensure they meet criteria for maintaining and improving existing facilities rather than new construction. Staff also outlined revisions to the draft plan, including updated summary data, revised wording for clarity, an updated maintenance pool policy recommendation based on Pew research, and a change to cross-reference major state-funded construction project status information rather than listing it directly. During discussion, one member praised the work on the plan and commented on the budget reserve trust fund, noting disagreement with Pew’s suggestion that the process should be in statute because Kentucky has long used the budget bill to govern deposits and uses. The board then moved to final action and unanimously adopted the draft 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, with authority for staff to make final technical and editorial revisions and insert the comprehensive project list before publication. The chair thanked members for their work, noting it was the final meeting of the year, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Henderson.
• Gentleman from<00:55:02.559> Henderson.
• House Bill 258 is a from Henderson.
• >> Gentleman from Henderson. >> Gentleman from Henderson.
• Gentle<00:58:00.160> from<00:58:00.319> Henderson. Gentle from Henderson.

Keywords: Convene 00:00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:55 Report of Committees 00:07:26 Orders of the Day/HB 419 00:09:02 HB 103 00:12:30 HB 276 00:37:54 HB 188 00:43:39 HB 189 00:47:11 HB 258 00:53:52 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:58:16 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:11:11 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 01:13:29 ConC/Rules Report 01:17:06 Adjournment 01:18:20, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and approved the journal from February 4, 2026. The clerk then reported a slate of bills on second reading, including measures on robotics, CPA recruitment, physical therapy, engineering scholarships, removal of unlawful occupants, rabies vaccinations, involuntary commitment, reading and language arts instruction, the education assessment and accountability system, grand jury service, cultured meat products, and the Controlled Substances Prescribing Council. Committee reports were received on several bills and resolutions, including bills on dissolution of marriage, licensed child care centers, video teleconference meetings, geoengineering, city franchises, trophy catfish, and House Joint Resolution 25 declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state. These favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The chamber then took up House Bill 419 on the Kentucky Fire Commission, adopted House Committee Substitute 1, and passed the bill 97-0. The sponsor said the substitute would expand the commission from 14 to 18 members, make four ex officio members voting members, allow excess funds to be used for firefighters’ cancer screenings, and cap administrative reimbursements at 5%. The House also considered House Bill 103 on water fluoridation programs, adopted House Committee Substitute 1, and passed the bill 67-29. Supporters described the measure as removing an unfunded state mandate and making fluoridation a local option, while opponents argued it could harm public health and increase Medicaid costs. Debate focused on whether fluoridation improves oral health, the logistics and costs for water systems, and whether local governments or state health officials should make the decision. After passage of HB 103, the House moved to adjourn without objection. The transcript then begins consideration of House Bill 276 on keeping chickens on residential property, but no action on that bill is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Henderson Hendrickson. Yes, Mr. Henderson Hendrickson.
• Henderson. Mr. Henderson: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• uh Coun Councilman Henderson? uh Coun Councilman Henderson?
• Henderson, are you here well. So m Mr. Henderson, are you here to<01:59:07.599> speak?
• Henderson, are you still online? Yes. Henderson, are you still online? Yes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud, from Preston to Hinckley, from Duluth to Henderson, from Rochester to both of the Twin Cities
• Hinckley<00:01:41.600> from<00:01:41.759> Duth<00:01:42.159> to<00:01:42.320> Henderson
• <00:01:43.040> from Hinckley from Duth to Henderson from Hinckley from Duth to Henderson from

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2254, which would create a $400 “baby bonus” child tax credit for families in the taxable year of a child’s birth. Representative Hansen presented the bill as a targeted investment in newborns and young families, citing research on the long-term benefits of income support in early childhood and estimating that about 25,000 children could benefit. She also emphasized the bill’s bipartisan support and thanked the many co-authors and testifiers, including a first-time witness. No substantive questions or debate followed the presentation. The chair noted there was no discussion, and Representative Hansen renewed her motion to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2025 tax bill. The committee agreed, and House File 2254 was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Gentleman from Henderson. >> Gentleman from Henderson.
• <01:16:12.080> Um, public educator in Henderson County.
• Um, public educator in Henderson County.
• c><01:16:27.920> dollars Kentucky Henderson taxpayer dollars Kentucky Henderson taxpayer dollars
• <01:53:39.920> 11 I think the gentleman from Henderson 11 I think the gentleman from Henderson

Keywords: This version of the House chambers was retrieved from back up and uploaded. The original live stream contained issues where audio and video got out of sync., 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received committee reports on several bills. Reported measures included House Bills 1 and 2 from Appropriations and Revenue, along with bills on animal control officers, emergency services revenue, postsecondary education, proactive postsecondary admission, vehicle lights, motor vehicle operation, motor vehicle dealers, and machine gun conversion devices. The chamber also took up Senate Bills 52 and 124 for concurrence, and House Bill 1 was moved from rules to the orders of the day for immediate action. The House then considered House Bill 568, which would regulate public adjusters by prohibiting new licenses, allowing renewals for current licensees, imposing conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, capping fees at 5%, and barring adjusters from negotiating claims. Supporters described it as a consumer-protection measure responding to complaints and investigations, especially after recent storm-related exploitation. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 95-1. The House next debated House Bill 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program and authorize the Secretary of State to administer the state’s participation without using state general funds. Supporters argued it would bring federal scholarship dollars into Kentucky for K-12 students, including public school students, and could generate significant private donations for scholarship-granting organizations. Opponents raised concerns about shifting resources away from public education, the speed of the process, and a proposed waiver of Eleventh Amendment immunity. A motion to table the bill failed by a wide margin, and members continued debating the bill and its implications for public schools and state sovereignty.

Transcript Highlights:

• To say that the Henderson school community that Tricia Lampron nurtured for many decades, many years,
• Henderson and stayed as the principal at the Henderson School.
• And once she was there, I transferred over and worked many years as a kindergarten teacher at the Henderson
• a home rule petition, docket 1091999, to ensure that Tricia Lampron, long-time principal of the Henderson
• She has done nothing but great things at the Henderson School.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of retirement classification and benefit bills affecting municipal and state employees. Much of the hearing focused on proposals to move various workers from Group 1 to Group 2 or Group 4, including municipal building officials (H. 2776), MassDOT highway workers (H. 2908/Sousa’s Law), DCF attorneys (H. 2771), probation officers, licensed electricians, drinking water operators (H. 3000/S. 1834), MWRA non-clerical workers (S. 1803), transitional parole officers (H. 2878), Plymouth BCI criminal investigator officers (H. 2975/S. 1863), Beverly fire alarm operators/public safety telecommunicators (S. 1876), Massport pipefitters and refrigeration technicians (H. 2788/S. 1829), and other public safety or hazardous-duty classifications. Witnesses generally argued that their work is physically dangerous, understaffed, or comparable to already higher-classified employees, and several said the changes would help recruitment and retention with little fiscal impact because the affected groups are small. The committee also heard testimony on H. 4508, a home rule petition to grant a disability pension to Boston principal Patricia Lampron. Supporters, including Representative Dan Hunt, Boston city councilors, and Lampron herself, described a severe 2021 assault at the Henderson Inclusion School that left her with lasting physical and psychological injuries and forced her into early retirement. They urged the committee to advance the bill quickly. One witness, Pamela McLaughlin, testified in opposition, arguing the bill would set the wrong precedent and describing alleged prior misconduct by Lampron, and asked that the bill be sent to study. Several witnesses and committee members asked brief questions, mainly about the scope of the bills, whether certain workers were already in higher groups, and the fiscal or precedent concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing. At the end, the chairs announced that testimony was complete, asked whether anyone else wished to speak, and then the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Caton, Chappell, Cupps, Ely, Fountain, Henderson: Present. Johnson, Jordan: Here. Mayhew: Yes.
• Caton, Cupps, Ely, Fountain, Henderson: Aye. Johnson, Jordan: Aye. Johnson? Jordan? Aye.
• Fountain Henderson. To inquire. Proceeding. Okay. I agree. We need to do something.
• Representative Fountain Henderson. To inquire. Proceed. Okay.
• Representative Fountain Henderson. To inquire. Proceed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Henderson? Here. Representative Schneider? Here. Thank you.
• Yes, Representative Henderson.
• Representative Henderson? Representative Schneider? Yes. Yes. Representative Henderson? Yes.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on Senate Bill 2224 and reviewed the latest Legislative Council draft, version 1006, which incorporated prior changes including the Christensen amendment, the executive session language, and a 30-day deadline for the Attorney General to issue an order. The Attorney General’s office then explained its proposed amendment, which would clarify that hearings could be held under existing administrative hearing procedures, apply the same process to all violations, and preserve the current appeal structure. The office also raised concerns about the bill’s requirement that hearings be video recorded and broadcast live, noting possible technology and budget limitations. Representative Koppelman responded that the purpose of the bill was to ensure a timely, transparent process and avoid long delays before a sanctioned party could get to court, arguing that the Legislative Council draft better addressed due process concerns. Representative Henderson agreed and said the draft version improved transparency and established a clearer timeline. During discussion, a cross-reference in the appeal section was identified as incorrect and was corrected to refer to Section 28-32-49 rather than Chapter 28-27, with clarification that the appeal path should remain tied to the Attorney General’s administrative determination. The committee then amended the motion to include the corrected cross-reference and approved the Legislative Council version 1006 as amended. The vote was unanimous, and the bill was prepared to be taken back to committee the next morning for further action. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Henderson, Anderson County.
• I'm talking about the entire production, and some the Carrizo-Wilcox and Henderson— they've actually
• Yeah, basically in Henderson County, they've asked for 33,000 acre-feet.
• In Henderson County, it's 15,840 acre-feet. I'm going to round that to 16.
• And in Henderson County, they've asked for Carrizo. There are seven available.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Henderson has its own utility. So it tells the local utilities how to do that.
• Henderson has its own utility. So it tells the local utilities how to do that.
• Henderson has its own utility. So it tells the local utilities how to do that.
• Henderson has its own utility. So it tells the local utilities how to do that.
• Henderson has um uh its own Electric.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:38 HB 576 discussion: 01:56 HB 576 voting: 06:54 HB 593 discussion: 08:25 HB 593 voting: 21:58, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 576, which would create the Kentucky Talent Recruitment Grant Program. Representative Robert Duvall said the bill is intended to address Kentucky’s workforce shortage by funding local recruitment efforts for out-of-state talent, with grants of up to $500,000 to cities, counties, and nonprofits, a required 20% local match, and performance-based payments. He said the program is modeled on existing efforts already operating in Kentucky and cited projected economic and tax benefits. The committee substitute removed an appropriation and emergency clause so funding would go through the regular budget process, and members approved the committee substitute, the bill, and a title amendment with favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 593, sponsored by Representative Josh Bray, which addresses data centers and utility costs. Bray said the bill is designed to protect ratepayers from subsidizing data center infrastructure and to ensure projects either bring their own generation, use power purchase agreements, or pay upfront for any needed transmission or generation upgrades. He explained that the committee substitute made mostly technical changes, including giving municipal utilities more time to set tariffs, clarifying terms, adding exemptions for certain TVA- and DOE-related projects, and preserving existing contracts and net metering arrangements. Members asked about local control, the $75,000 prepayment, and TVA authority; Bray said the prepayment covers utility due diligence and screens speculative projects, local requirements must be certified before incentives apply, and TVA is federally regulated. The bill received supportive comments from several members, who emphasized protecting utility bills and ratepayers, and it passed the committee with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• Henderson, Jr. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• resolution and, at the appropriate time, would move that the House adjourn today in honor of Bernie Henderson
• Henderson, Jr., and that when the House adjourns today, it do so in honor and memory of Bernard L.
• Henderson, Jr. All those in favor of the motion shall rise. The motion is agreed to.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of memorial and commending resolutions out of order and in block. Members offered tributes to Colonel James T. O’Kelly for his Marine Corps service and later public service; to Taran Mehta and DeWan Anthony Stiegel, Jr.; to Noreen Torin for her long career in Central Virginia journalism; to Bernard L. Henderson, Jr. for extensive public and civic service; and to Child’s Family Orchards for growing a record-setting peach. Several additional memorial and commending resolutions were adopted in block, including newly added resolutions for Stephanie Daniel Myers and Lynn Kathleen McKay, among others. The chamber then considered the conference report on House Bill 30, the biennial state budget. Speakers praised staff and conferees for their work and noted provisions such as pay raises for teachers and state employees, infrastructure funding, a higher standard deduction, and a utility-related rebate issue. Some members criticized the budget as a large spending increase and argued it did not provide enough tax relief, while others supported it and emphasized keeping commitments to data center tax policy and adding co-ops to rebate efforts. After debate, the House adopted the conference report by a vote of 71 yeas to 22 nays. At the close of business, the House was informed that the calendar was complete, reminded about a constituent relationship management software survey, and then recessed pursuant to House Resolution 2069.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ferguson, Jordan Addison, Michael Robinson from the Institute of Human Services, Angie Knight, Heather Henderson
• /c><00:04:40.560> Heather Services, Angie Knight, Heather Services, Angie Knight, Heather Henderson
• ,<00:04:42.320> Parents<00:04:42.720> and<00:04:42.880> Children Henderson, Parents
• and Children Henderson, Parents and Children Together,<00:04:43.759> Trisha<00:04:44.639>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welfare Trust, Caesars Entertainment, Cement Masons and Plasters Health and Welfare Trust, City of Henderson
• , City of North Las Vegas, Cement Masons and Plasters Health and Welfare Trust, City of Henderson, City
• Welfare Trust, Caesars Entertainment, Cement, Masons and Plasters, Health and Welfare Trust, City of Henderson
• , City of North Las Vegas. cement, masons, and plasters, health and welfare trust, city of Henderson,
• I’m here representing the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and over 2,000 members, the majority of whom

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Fountain Henderson, Cook, Durnell, Hardwick.
• Representative Fountain Henderson, proceed. To inquire. Proceed.
• Representatives Fountain Henderson, Cook, Durnell, Hardwick, Reed. Aye. Self. Aye. Vernetti. Weber.

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with a quorum and held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 21, which concerns the Show-Me America 250 initiative. Representative Rudy Veit presented the measure on behalf of the Senate sponsor and noted it was the same as the version previously heard by the committee. Members briefly discussed why the Senate version was back before them and were told the senator was working on the budget, so Representative Veit was carrying the bill. No witnesses testified in favor, opposition, or for informational purposes. After closing the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and considered a do-pass motion on the resolution. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 10 ayes and 0 noes. The committee reported Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 do pass and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fountain Henderson: I'm present. Crossley: Here. Fountain Henderson: I'm present. Arusa. Riggs.
• Fountain Henderson: Aye. Harusa. Jacobs. Jones. Jones. Martin. Riggs. Riggs. Rush. Titus.

Summary: The Economic Development Committee met in executive session with 13 members present, establishing a quorum. The main item was House Bill 1915. Representative Castile offered a House Committee Substitute, explaining that it reflected a session-long agreement among stakeholders, including resolution of concerns over payment timelines, affected properties, and issues between AGC and HBA. Representative Amato spoke in support, noting the hard work to bring stakeholders together and encouraging adoption. The committee adopted the House Committee Substitute by voice vote. It then moved the substituted version of House Bill 1915 out of committee with a due pass recommendation. The roll call vote was 17 ayes and 0 noes, and the bill passed unanimously. After the vote, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Henderson County River Authority was awarded $76,000 to construct a 3,000-foot concrete pad to
• > Authority Next, Henderson County River Authority Next, Henderson County River Authority was<
• The Henderson County Riverport Authority was awarded $76,000 to construct a 3,000-foot concrete
• Henderson is another capacity expansion where they're able to add a new material handler on a separate
• Henderson is another capacity expansion where they're able to add a new material handler on a separate

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Approval of Minutes 01:07 Airport Projects 12:17 Riverport Projects 38:27 Electric Vehicle Charging Program 54:10 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fountain Henderson: I'm present. Crossley: Here. Fountain Henderson: I'm present. Hruza. Riggs.
• Fountain Henderson: Aye. Hruza. Jacobs. Jones. Jones. Martin. Riggs. Rush. Titus: Aye. Rush. Titus.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Economic Development Committee met in executive session with a quorum present and took up House Bill 1915. Representative Casteel offered a House Committee Substitute, explaining that it reflected a session-long agreement among stakeholders and had resolved concerns between the AGC and HBA, with remaining issues to be handled later if needed. Representative Amato spoke in support, noting the work done to bring stakeholders together. The committee adopted the House Committee Substitute by voice vote. It then voted on the substitute for House Bill 1915 to do pass, with the roll call showing 17 ayes and 0 noes. The bill was reported do pass and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• one of those facilities and communities across the state, from Clinton County to Ohio County to Henderson
• County<00:05:11.720> to Clinton County to Ohio County to Clinton County to Ohio County to Henderson
• 12.400> County<00:05:12.800> and<00:05:13.039> Beyond<00:05:14.039> those Henderson
• County and Beyond those Henderson County and Beyond those facilities<00:05:14.680> not<00:05:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by guest Bob James of Barren County. The chair recognized visiting groups, including the Kentucky Leadership Program and the Kentucky Cattleman’s Leadership Program, before turning to the day’s only agenda item, Senate Bill 28. The committee adopted a committee substitute for SB 28 by motion and second, with no opposition recorded. The chair explained that the bill creates the framework and parameters for distributing $5 million in economic development funding included in the 2024 budget through the Department of Agriculture. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified in support of the bill and described it as enabling legislation to help Kentucky attract more end users, processors, and further-processing operations. He highlighted the importance of existing agricultural processing in the state, especially poultry, citing growth in agricultural cash receipts from $3.1 billion in 1996 to $8.3 billion more recently, with poultry rising from 5% to 25% of the total. He also pointed to major processing facilities, job creation, and the broader impact on farmers and corn markets, including examples from Hopkinsville and other regions.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Joe Henderson.
• Thank you, Director Henderson. Senator M, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Maybe the DNR could explain why this was the recommendation, uh, Director Henderson.
• Director Henderson: That's correct.
• the it is this s sir director Henderson the it is this s sir director Henderson and<01:06:50.559

Keywords: 1187, senate, all