Transcript Highlights:

• war on terror veterans.
• consent of the American people to change the condition of our nation from one of peace to one of war
• on the threat.
• Since 2001, approximately 45% of the deployed troops on the global war on terror were indeed guardsmen
• Hold on.

Bills: SB1047, SB1365, SB1474, SB1618, SB1620

Keywords: National Guard, active duty, combat, Arizona, declaration of war, state law, military service, property tax, exemptions, veterans, disabilities, widows and widowers, Arizona Revised Statutes, immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, federal cooperation, law enforcement training, public safety, military affairs, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on its way to the general register. on its way to the general register.
• :10:13.440><c> and</c><00:10:13.600><c> a</c> the steep ditch on this one and a the steep ditch on this
• There will be one ground above or one story above ground, one below, but once you enter the front doors
• There will be one ground above or one story above ground, one below, but once you enter the front doors
• There will be one ground above or one story above ground, one below, but once you enter the front doors

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• The secretary offers up a committee substitute on HB1026.
• This is one of those infrastructure concerns for my community.
• Yeah, that's what is currently there on the FM side and then also on the website, so we're not...
• On for or against Senate Concurrent Resolution 37?
• I ask for your favorable consideration on SCR37. I close. Thank you.

Bills: HB 1026, SCR37

Keywords: transportation, Farm-to-Market Road, highway designation, Texas Transportation Commission, state highway system, SCR 37, Senate Concurrent Resolution, Panama Canal, Texas ports, port infrastructure, maritime trade, shipping lanes, supply chain resilience, global commerce, exports, LNG, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, refined petroleum, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair McDonald, Representative Cha, you may recall that I did meet with you on one occasion.
• I had a one-on-one meeting.
• On Asian Pacific Minnesotans.
• and one by science and labor.
• We are on break on Friday and through Monday, and then we come back on Tuesday.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• one occasion, you and I had a two oa on one occasion, you and I had a one-on-one<00:32:00.399><c> meeting
• Um, I informed you one-on-one meeting.
• the risers and on other woodwork on railings and on seating.
• That's always kind of fun. of us been on there on tours and you're of us been on there on tours and you're
• Now we're on break on Friday through Monday, and then we come back on Tuesday.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• bad one.
• on maybe just you a little bit on on maybe just understanding<00:42:02.800><c> some</c><00:42:02.960
• </c><00:42:52.960><c> you</c> everyone on this on this committee you everyone on this on this committee
• this one is on House Concurrent Resolution 20.
• </c><00:50:18.040><c> concurrent</c> and this one is on house concurrent and this one is on house concurrent

Keywords: Discussion on SB 132 - 00:06 Vote on SB 132 - 04:41 Discussion on HB 219 - 43:49 Vote on HB 219 – 49:00 Discussion on HCR 20 – 50:08 Vote on HCR 20 – 51:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, which would create conscience protections for health care professionals who object to participating in certain procedures or services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. Senator Donald Douglas and several supporters argued the bill is a recruitment and retention tool for Kentucky’s health care workforce, emphasizing provider shortages, maldistribution, and the need to protect individual conscience rights. Supporters said the bill would not apply to emergency care, would not permit denial of care based on a patient’s identity, and would mainly protect professionals from being forced to perform procedures they believe are unethical. They also cited similar laws in six other states and said the bill would have a cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Supportive testimony came from an emergency physician, a registered nurse, and others who described personal experiences or examples involving objections to abortion-related care, opioid prescribing, and pressure to participate in procedures that conflicted with conscience. They said conscience protections would help attract providers, preserve ethical integrity, and allow clinicians to make professional judgments without corporate or institutional coercion. In questioning, senators asked about practical examples, the scope of the bill, whether it would cover hypothetical cases involving patients of particular religions or identities, and which states have similar laws. The sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the bill is about procedures, not patients, and that it should not be read to allow discrimination against individuals. Opponents, including pediatricians and a registered nurse/minister, warned that the bill is overly broad and could allow refusals of care by not only physicians but also pharmacists, clerks, and ambulance drivers. They argued it could delay treatment, increase discrimination, and worsen access problems in rural areas, especially for contraception, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other services. Critics said existing professional ethics already require patient care and that the bill could undermine evidence-based medicine and worsen Kentucky’s provider shortage. The committee took testimony and questions; no final vote or disposition was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, we will move forward to item number one on the agenda.
• Item number one on the agenda is Senate Bill 181.
• </c><00:07:44.280><c> her</c> memo application on her memo application on her iPhone<00:07:47.199><c>
• </c> learned at the false report of abuse on learned at the false report of abuse on March<00:10:40.160
• Chair: On a vote of 9-0, the bill passes with favorable expression that it should pass on the Senate

Keywords: Roll Call – 00:11 Discussion on SB 181 – 01:05 Vote on SB 181 – 24:16 Discussion on HB 242 – 31:00 Vote on HB 242 – 32:14 Discussion on HB 164 – 33:26 Vote on HB 164 – 39:55, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children heard Senate Bill 181, which would require school districts to use only traceable forms of communication for staff, coaches, and volunteers when contacting students, require reporting of known private direct communication, notify parents, protect minors’ anonymity in EPSB investigations, and extend the investigation period for sexual misconduct cases to 120 days. Senator Lindsay Tichenor said the bill is meant to restore safeguards for children and families and address inappropriate private communications between school personnel and students. The committee also heard testimony from Stacy and Brad Brisco, who described allegations that an Anderson County guidance counselor had communicated privately with their daughter, encouraged her to pursue emancipation and CPS involvement, and used school channels to facilitate contact; they said the resulting abuse report was unsubstantiated and that the school system and EPSB had not acted promptly. Ashley Nation also testified in support as a survivor of educator sexual abuse, arguing that traceable communication policies are needed to prevent grooming and misconduct and that the bill does not stop communication, only makes it transparent and accountable. Members asked questions about what counts as traceable communication and whether schools already have policies. Tichenor said traceable communication could include paper notes, email, and apps such as ClassDojo or Google Classroom, and said the bill requires a trail parents can access. She also said some districts have ethical standards but they are not consistently followed, and that state-level action is needed. Senator Denine suggested the bill should allow districts more flexibility to choose among trackable platforms, noting that some systems already use tools like Dojo and Remind; Tichenor said a floor amendment would address that concern. Senators Williams, Meredith, Mills, Wise, and others voiced support, emphasizing child safety and the need for timely EPSB action. The committee then voted 9-0 to pass SB 181 with a favorable recommendation to the Senate floor. Afterward, the committee took up House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin, which would increase transparency in the child welfare system by making Kentucky child welfare data available to researchers while preserving privacy protections. With no questions, the committee approved HB 242 as well, also by a favorable vote, and members briefly noted support for the bill and the need for better data to inform child welfare policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> closed on that. closed on that.
• This will be on April 23rd this year. And we have some comments on that. Mr. Engstrom, please.
• at one time.
• to see all those heroes standing in one place, and we do we still have a World War veteran amongst us
• the</c> further questions on Veterans Day on the further questions on Veterans Day on the Hill.<00:36

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the de was on there. 3513 as amended. the de was on there. 3513 as amended.
• And both I serve on that. Representative Anderson serves on it.
• And both I serve on that. Representative Anderson serves on it.
• And both I serve on that. Representative Anderson serves on it.
• </c> move it on to Ways and Means. move it on to Ways and Means.

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're on max on this roll with it.
• >> The motion on this one is to make sure I get to the right one.
• >> The motion on this one is to make sure I get to the right one.
• >> Uh, the motion on this one is just make sure I get to the right one.
• And the second one, A2, has not been put on the bill.

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:50.200><c> on</c> uh, Commissioner Schnell Shell on on uh, Commissioner Schnell Shell on on
• </c> started him on. started him on.
• This is one of have a few cruel ones.
• </c> they're told one thing and it drags on they're told one thing and it drags on and<00:58:55.480><
• We also need them to be able to have the one-on-one supports.

Keywords: Roll Call - 00:10 Discussion on SCR 61 – 01:46 Vote on SCR 61 – 11:33 Discussion on SR 18 – 12:30 Vote on SR 18 - 30:01 Discussion on Ky Residential Autism Services – 32:34 Questions & Comments – 56:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lockett. The resolution, as amended by committee substitute, would create a legislative task force tied to the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) framework to study Kentucky health policy, including Medicaid drug approvals, preventive and alternative therapies, holistic health education, oversight and transparency in health care, and research into integrative approaches. Supporters said the goal was to address chronic disease and reduce over-medication, while emphasizing the effort was not intended as an attack on agriculture or the pharmaceutical industry. The resolution received favorable expression and passed the committee 9-0. The committee then heard Senate Resolution 18 from Senator Neal, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. Testimony from Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Secretary Eric Friedlander explained that SNAP E&T provides job training, education, and support services for SNAP participants, and that the program is federally matched and does not require additional General Assembly funding in the normal course. Members discussed how the program works, whether it could create new state costs, and how it fits with efforts to connect food assistance, workforce development, and local agriculture. Questions also focused on whether SNAP spending can be steered toward healthier foods and farmers markets, including Kentucky’s Double Dollars program, which was described as helping participants buy produce, meat, and dairy at participating markets and some retailers. Several members expressed support for the workforce goals but asked for more information on fiscal impacts and purchasing data. Secretary Friedlander said the SNAP E&T funds are separate from nutrition benefits, and that the state match generally comes from employer, university, or workforce partner contributions rather than new state appropriations. Senator Herron explained her vote in favor by saying the program could help people gain education and employment and reduce reliance on SNAP over time. Senate Resolution 18 was then adopted by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our fifth meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Health Services.
• </c><00:03:24.680><c> an</c> person have will be based on an person have will be based on an individual
• That's one thing we want to do there.
• There is a time restriction on that of six months.
• March 12th but I want to put you on March 12th but I want to put you on notice<00:09:41.720><c> that<

Keywords: Roll Call 00:20 Discussion on HB 303 00:45 Vote on HB 303 04:41 Discussion on HB 305 05:32 Vote on HB 305 08:34, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We start on time, we finish on time.
• One second.
• one of the one just said I think I think one of the one of<00:42:25.000><c> the</c><00:42:25.200><c>
• It's one I think we really could use a lot more time on.
• It's one I think we really could use a lot more time on.

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The culminating event of the American Civil War, and what the First Minnesota did on the second day of
• War.
• War.
• </c> Civil War. Civil War.
• </c><01:01:28.120><c> page</c><01:01:28.440><c> one</c> uh is on page one uh is on page one after<01:

Bills: HF1458, HF2063, HF2164, HF1377, HF927, HF1059, HF1910, HF2232

Keywords: CPA, certified public accountant, public accounting, accountancy, licensure, license mobility, substantial equivalency, interstate practice, out-of-state accountant, NASBA, Uniform CPA Examination, board of accountancy, attest services, audit, tax preparation, financial advisory, consulting, accounting education, master's degree, bachelor's degree

Transcript Highlights:

• to take on more right now.
• And one of the reasons I'm asking is one of the last SIC appointments we did.
• Come on up.
• And then on deck: John Boyd, Eleanor Bravo, and Bruce. Is it on? Okay. Thank you.
• I've not seen one example.

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• to take on more right now.
• And one of the reasons I'm asking is one of the last SIC appointments we did.
• Denali Wilson, come on up.
• on a park on a Friday night.
• And then on deck: John Boyd, Eleanor Bravo, and Bruce. Is it on? Okay. Thank you.

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Mary Patricia Roman to the State Investment Council. Senator Campos presented her as highly qualified, citing more than 34 years in global investing, leadership at J.P. Morgan, and prior service on the SIC investment committee. Roman described her experience with asset allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the SIC’s vetting process. Senators asked about the council’s role in pension investments, staffing levels, and whether personal values could influence decisions. Roman said the SIC process is robust, heavily staff-driven, and insulated from individual value judgments. The committee reported broad support and voted 8-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate. The committee then heard the reappointment of John F. Bingaman to the SIC. Senator Worth praised his leadership as SIC chair and his background in private equity, public service, and economics. Bingaman emphasized the growth of New Mexico’s sovereign wealth funds to more than $70 billion, the importance of staffing and asset allocation, and the SIC’s role as a fiduciary for New Mexicans. Senators asked about protecting the funds in a weaker market and about the Blackstone/PNM matter; Bingaman declined to comment on the memorial because he had not read it. The committee voted 9-0 to send his reappointment to the full Senate. The committee next took up Senate Memorial 20, calling for a statewide youth violence summit. Senator Lopez and an expert from the Council of State Governments said New Mexico lacks a cohesive statewide infrastructure for youth violence prevention and intervention, limited data collection, and enough evidence-based services. Supporters from the ACLU, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and youth advocates backed the memorial as a way to center lived experience, community engagement, and research-based solutions. Some members raised concerns that victims’ families were not explicitly included in the planning group, but the memorial passed on a 6-3 vote. Finally, the committee debated Senate Memorial 9, which asked the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether New Mexico should invest in equity stakes in PNM and New Mexico Gas Company and requested that the PRC pause consideration of the private-equity acquisitions while the study was completed. Supporters argued the state should examine whether utility ownership value could remain in New Mexico, protect ratepayers, and diversify revenue, while opponents from PNM, Blackstone’s representatives, chambers of commerce, and utility advocates said the proposal would duplicate the PRC’s review, create uncertainty, and risk higher rates and delayed investment. The committee adopted an amendment removing references to the PRC, but the memorial then failed on a 4-4 tie after a motion for due pass as amended.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmKzk0ZAl7U, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:31 Call to Order/Roll Call 02:46 Discussion on 24RS HB 52 03:49 Roll Call Vote on 24RS HB 52 05:42 Discussion on 24RS HB 10 20:44 Roll Call Vote on 24RS HB 10 22:45 Discussion on 24RS HB 194 28:05 Roll Call Vote on 24RS HB 194, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> cabinet is back on track so the on cabinet is back on track so the on budsman<00:09:57.880><c> is
• and uh getting updates on what's basis and uh getting updates on what's going<00:31:05.480><c> on</c
• </c> just really focus on on these kids and just really focus on on these kids and the<00:36:07.160><
• on a on a that happens that happens on a on a fairly<00:40:11.839><c> regular</c><00:40:12.440><c> basis
• </c><01:20:28.480><c> on</c> it is going to have to be detailed on on it is going to have to be detailed

Keywords: 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:22 Roll Call 00:01:56 Discussion on SB 85 00:14:03 Vote on SB 85 00:16:15 Explanation of Agency Amendment 00:19:04 Voice Vote on Amendment 00:19:33 Discussion on Kentucky Foster Children Housing, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Meredith, which would move the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the State Auditor’s office and make related cleanup changes. Meredith said the bill grew out of a prior task force and a two-year transition from Senate Bill 48, and he argued the move would create independence, improve access to the ITWIST database, ensure complaints are not lost in the handoff, and add confidentiality protections for whistleblowers. Auditor Allison Ball and her staff said the bill would codify access and procedures after earlier disputes and a court-mediated settlement, and they described the measure as necessary to make the new structure work effectively. Members asked how the Ombudsman would handle complaints and verify services in cases involving waiver recipients and other cabinet services. Ball and her staff said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints, make inquiries, and provide accountability outside the cabinet structure, with timelines and procedures similar to the Auditor’s office. The committee also discussed staffing and whether the office would need more personnel; Ball said the office already had about 100 people but could use more. The bill passed 10-0 with favorable expression. The committee then approved an agency amendment to administrative regulation 922 KAR 1:001490 concerning foster parent background checks. Cabinet staff explained the amendment corrected a drafting error by removing references to civil determinations in a second section of the regulation because the system cannot search those determinations, while still allowing the required checks under state and federal law. Senator Herron asked what a civil determination meant, and staff said it could involve a court finding in a custody or abuse case, though such findings are now typically handled through the child abuse and neglect registry. The amendment was adopted. Afterward, the committee began a discussion on Kentucky foster children housing and related issues. Ball and Ombudsman staff presented a preliminary assessment of children placed in office buildings, saying the review covered 49 children placed over a four-month period and showed a different picture than the public narrative of only older, high-acuity youth. They reported that some children had no documented behavioral or disability issues, many came directly from home, the average age was 13, the average stay was four nights, and placements were spread across several regions rather than centered only in Louisville. Members raised concerns about the lack of formal policies and procedures, staff safety, and how to ensure children are treated appropriately, and Ball said the Ombudsman was continuing a deeper review. No final action was taken on that discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• One passes away, and so it wasn't just one child, and it had nothing to do with any insurance, is what
• One passes away, and so it wasn't just one child, and it had nothing to do with any insurance, is what
• One passes away, and so it wasn't just one child, and it had nothing to do with any insurance, is what
• Vice Chair Wilson, yes. would be welcome to work with you on a would be welcome to work with you on a
• There is an agency amendment, so generally we do not vote on regulations, but we will need to vote on

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:32 Discussion on 25RS HB 164 10:07 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 164 11:30 Discussion on 25RS HB 242 13:09 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 242 15:08 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 17:37 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children held its first meeting of 2025, with the chair welcoming new members and Vice Chair Wilson. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 164, sponsored by Representative Wesley, which concerns an honorary adoption situation. The committee adopted a House committee substitute clarifying that any survivor benefits or inheritance would not go to honorary adoptive parents, and heard emotional testimony from Caitlyn Rollins about fostering and adopting a child who later died before a scheduled adoption date. Members discussed the bill’s purpose as providing closure and ensuring legal parentage is recognized in life and death, while also noting a possible drafting issue about whether all listed conditions must be met. The committee agreed to address that concern through a possible House floor amendment, and HB 164 passed favorably 16-0. The committee then heard House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Sam, and testimony from child welfare researcher Matthew Walden. The bill is intended to increase transparency in Kentucky’s child welfare system by making program data available to researchers while protecting privacy. With no questions from members, the bill passed the committee favorably by a 16-0 vote. Finally, the committee reviewed referred administrative regulations and considered agency amendment 490 related to adoption assistance and Title IV-E adoption assistance. CHFS representatives explained that the amendment removes a civil determination requirement from certain sections because the cabinet cannot make such determinations and already relies on substantiations and other safety checks. The committee approved the agency amendment by voice vote, then concluded its review of the remaining regulations without further action. The next meeting was announced for February 20, 2025, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Global War on Terrorism began on 9/11 and it continues across the world today.
• So the Global War on Terrorism began on 9/11 and it continues across the world today.
• The Global War on Terror spans more than two decades.
• The global war on terror spans more than two decades.
• War on Terror.

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a work group to plan a Global War on Terror Memorial on the Capitol campus. The prime sponsor and supporters, including veterans, Gold Star family members, and military advocates, said the memorial would honor Washingtonians who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and those who later died by suicide, while helping secure private fundraising and a concrete plan for the project. No opposition was recorded during the hearing, and the bill was later closed without a vote in the transcript excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 2661, which would create a temporary task force to study public records request abuse, including frivolous, retaliatory, or harassing requests, and consider possible reforms. Supporters from cities and school-related organizations said some agencies face heavy costs, legal review burdens, and repeated or overly broad requests, especially in schools. Opponents from open-government and media groups argued the bill misdiagnoses the problem, could restrict access, and should instead focus on better staffing, training, technology, and compliance. The hearing ended without a vote in the excerpt. In executive session, the committee voted to advance several bills. It reported out proposed substitute House Bill 2637, which expands Public Records Act exemptions for certain personal information, on a 4-3 vote; House Bill 2632, which updates terminology for noncitizens, on a 4-3 vote; proposed substitute House Bill 2499, on conservation district governance and disclosure rules, on a 4-3 vote after rejecting two amendments; House Bill 2198, concerning the statewide credential catalog and online repository, on a 6-1 vote; and House Bill 2520, allowing emergency meetings outside a county seat and clarifying Open Public Meetings Act procedures, on a 7-0 vote.