Transcript Highlights:

• Policy and Scheduling reports that the Senate bill removing the term 'hearing impaired' from the general
• Second reading of the bill: An act removing the term 'hearing impaired' from the general laws, Senate
• legislation relative to making certain appropriations for fiscal year 2027 before final action on the general
• of the bill: An act making certain appropriations for fiscal year 2027 before final action on the general
• of the bill: An act making certain appropriations for fiscal year 2027 before final action on the general

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• positions for fiscal year 2026, and transferring monies from the Public School Income Fund to the General
• for fiscal year 2026; transferring monies from the Opportunity Scholarship Program Account to the General
• Fund for fiscal year 2026; transferring monies from the Permanent Building Fund to the General Fund
• for fiscal year 2026; transferring monies from the Water Pollution Control Fund to the General Fund for
• fiscal year 2006; and transferring monies from the In-Demand Career Fund to the General Fund.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 187 is a general bill in the state, but within this bill, it breaks down the expenditures
• In general, this applies statewide, correct? Applies statewide, correct?
• In general, who keeps track of how these funds are spent?
• To answer the question, I think this is a general application.
• They can actually pass that on to the next generation. We have a motion and second.

Bills: SB208, SB216, HB187

Keywords: Montgomery, retirement system, employees, constitutional amendment, city council, retired law enforcement, retirement benefits, employment, firemedics, salary cap, HB187, court fees, docket fee, sheriff's fund, sheriff's office, jail operations, law enforcement, county sheriff, court filing fees, Alabama Code 12-19-312

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> general fund dollars, correct? general fund dollars, correct?
• So, but it's general fund. &gt;&gt; Okay. So, but it's general fund.
• It's general fund. &gt;&gt; Yes, that's correct. It's general fund.
• </c> then there was also a bit of a general then there was also a bit of a general increase<01:13:49.560
• </c><01:17:23.640><c> fund</c> just have a little pot of general fund just have a little pot of general

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to move it to the general register. Thank you.
• —House File 4062 be re-referred to the general register.
• </c> amended, be rereferred to the General amended, be rereferred to the General Register.<00:35:50.480
• Generally, good partnerships and effective partnerships followed.
• partnerships</c><01:04:29.840><c> and</c> Um and generally good partnerships and Um and generally good

Bills: HF4062, HF4063, HF4065, HF3926, HF4216, HF3176, HF3728, HF3988, HF3865

Keywords: vehicle registration, title transfer, rental vehicles, state regulations, motor vehicle laws, school buses, USDOT number, first aid kits, transportation safety, vehicle regulations, transit safety, assault penalties, public transportation, criminal justice, transit workers, transportation, railroad, safety, economic development, public roads

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about the general ledger.
• Okay, that's the general interest.
• </c> based on that last piece, the general based on that last piece, the general ledger<00:57:36.880>
• </c> But um it seems to me that if general But um it seems to me that if general ledger<00:57:52.319>
• </c> generally, how do grants work? generally, how do grants work?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• General Tom Seltzer is probably the best partner that we've had.
• I think we can generate a map and share it with you.
• Is that what I understand, generally speaking? Brian?
• Yes, I became general manager in '22.
• When you're not generating electricity, no, right?

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that what I understand, generally speaking, Brian?
• This project, as noted before, does not generate revenue.
• Those are hydroelectric generating facilities.
• We do manage some hydroelectric generating facilities.
• They were created to generate hydropower.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in uh general fund growth &gt;&gt; sales<00:42:00.800><c> tax.
• Chairman, there's about 12 to 13 minutes left in the general fund.
• </c><02:24:36.000><c> I</c> talking about for the general fund.
• I talking about for the general fund.
• Uh you know we we we general fund.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• General Paxton has commented on this issue.
• I think there's a little bit of a generational shift.
• Generally... So again, it depends on the exact fact pattern.
• It's usually a place where property value is generally low, the people in the surrounding area are generally
• And then the Attorney General has to approve that contract.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:16.880><c> criminal</c> immunity for general criminal immunity for general criminal provisions
• Um, those are my general comments.
• So those are just my general comments. Thanks.
• So those are just my general comments. Thanks.
• </c><02:13:43.199><c> of</c> one family but for generations of one family but for generations of families

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m Major General Shawn Mankey, the adjutant general and commissioner of the Department of Military Affairs
• Chair and General. We &gt;&gt; Thank you, Mr. Chair and General.
• &gt;&gt; General, &gt;&gt; General, &gt;&gt; General, &gt;&gt; uh<00:45:26.400><c> Mr.
• </c><00:46:21.839><c> is</c> and my charter as the agent general is and my charter as the agent general
• We appreciate the generations.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, generally information around that?"
• Um member um generally when Mr. chair.
• In general, the grant programs.
• are generally numbers are generally<00:48:40.800><c> ineffective</c><00:48:41.520><c> at</c><00:48:41.839
• ><c> measuring</c> generally ineffective at measuring generally ineffective at measuring program<00:48

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 2131 is referred to the General Register.
• This idea was generated by students and was a first-of-its-kind partnership between higher education
• So it varies slightly, but generally speaking that’s how the process tends to play out.”
• The student initiative was generally well received.
• The student initiative was generally well received.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Deputy Attorney General Randi for the Department of the Attorney General.
• Attorney General we've Department of the Attorney General we've submitted<00:09:33.440><c> our</c><00
• </c><00:13:06.639><c> not</c> utilities fossil fuel generators not utilities fossil fuel generators not
• </c><00:13:13.560><c> can</c> year a new renewable generation can year a new renewable generation can
• </c> do um traditional fossil fuel generators do um traditional fossil fuel generators play<00:31:24.639

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:34:26.920><c> Elis</c> committee Deputy attorney general Elis committee Deputy attorney general
• </c> the testimony of the Attorney General the testimony of the Attorney General the<01:35:18.000><c>
• </c> any new money that can help um generate any new money that can help um generate some<02:14:59.400
• </c> as a starting point I think generally as a starting point I think generally when<02:31:09.200><c
• </c> a ultimately a revenue generator a ultimately a revenue generator um<02:40:39.880><c> but</c><02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:13.079><c> each</c> leech a is going to be generated each leech a is going to be generated
• </c><01:11:12.400><c> of</c> effectively minimize the generation of effectively minimize the generation
• </c> um but in terms of the general um but in terms of the general operations<01:39:06.119><c> what's
• </c><03:44:30.600><c> our</c> contribute their portion generally our contribute their portion generally
• They generally pay.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on HB 566, which would require permit applications for new landfills to include a detailed leachate management plan. Representative German introduced the bill and explained that it was prompted by recent reporting on leachate management problems at New Hampshire landfills, including alleged violations and deficiency letters from DES. He said the bill was intended to address public health concerns, PFAS contamination, and increased leachate volumes tied to more severe rainstorms, while still allowing innovation in treatment and transportation methods. He also described a set of proposed amendments developed after discussions with DES and a landfill operator, including changing “permit for construction” to “operating approval,” applying the bill to landfill expansions, moving contract-related language into the planning section, and removing a proposed new subparagraph. Committee members asked whether the bill would limit operator flexibility or duplicate existing DES rules. Representative German said the bill would not dictate specific treatment methods or lock operators into long-term contracts, but would require a plan showing how leachate will be managed, transported, and disposed of, with later contract changes reported to DES. Several members and the BIA representative questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing Env 806 rules and DES enforcement authority. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill as introduced, arguing that DES already has rules and technical expertise, that the issue is better handled through rulemaking, and that moving requirements into statute could freeze the framework and make future adjustments harder. Supporters countered that a statute would provide a stronger, more durable policy commitment in response to ongoing problems. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration and with the sponsor indicating that a revised amendment would likely be brought forward for later work session or executive session review.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:06.840><c> fund</c> On line 328, you'll see the general fund On line 328, you'll see the general
• </c><00:05:26.040><c> fund</c> that has an other than general fund that has an other than general fund
• </c> fraud, provides the Attorney General fraud, provides the Attorney General with<00:20:33.840><c>
• I just think again, we should think about generations to come.
• </c><01:40:20.760><c> And</c> think about generations to come. And think about generations to come.

Bills: HF4207, HF4338

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you say $10 million state general fund?
• So that's $10 million above... ...in state general fund.
• Their generic use is between 80 and 90 percent.
• Right now, Arizona’s generic use rate is 89.42 percent.”
• And I agree in general with this thing.

Bills: SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821

Keywords: assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in a different way than the general in a different way than the general assembly<00:09:27.279><c
• </c> um these mountain tops generally um these mountain tops generally speaking<00:58:54.079><c> don't
• We don't think that it would be right and/or fair to generate revenue back into our program and not generate
• </c> it possible that we could generate it possible that we could generate ongoing<01:26:01.920><c> revenue
• </c><01:43:47.440><c> assembly,</c> need to address in the general assembly, need to address in the general

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Summary of Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:01:00 Staff Update on Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel 00:16:00 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel Representatives Available for Questions-00:39:34 Kentucky State Police & Finance Cabinet Status Update on Kentucky Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System-00:52:35 Adjournment-01:46:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from December 19 and June 12, then received a staff report on the Kentucky Fire Commission’s minimum training standards and administrative spending. Staff explained that the commission’s current minimum training hours are 115 for volunteer firefighters and 300 for paid firefighters, down from 150 and 400 before January 1, 2023, after the commission removed elective classes not directly tied to NFPA standards. The report found the commission’s certification testing aligns fully with NFPA standards, but recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours. On finances, staff said the commission complied with the first statutory cap on administrative reimbursements to KCTCS, but could not verify compliance with a second, more specific cap because the finance system does not break out program-level costs and the statute is vague. Staff recommended the commission work with KCTCS to fix that issue and suggested the General Assembly may wish to clarify the statute. After questions about reimbursement levels and investment income, the committee voted to accept the report. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel. Staff reported that the panel has implemented two of three prior recommendations: it revised its agency notification letter to clearly state the 90-day response deadline and added response prompts and checkboxes to improve completeness. The third recommendation, to adopt formal written procedures, remains in progress; staff said the panel plans to develop those procedures alongside its new case management system. The panel is meeting its statutory membership and meeting requirements, but agency responses to its recommendations have been inconsistent: 48% were timely and appropriate in 2022, 36% in 2023, and 82% in 2024, though only three of nine timely 2024 responses were fully complete. Staff also described the new case management system project, funded with $200,000 in one-time money, and recommended the panel consult budget staff about use of those funds beyond fiscal year 2025. They reissued the recommendation that the panel develop written procedures for case review, findings, recommendations, and annual reports. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of penalties for noncompliance, the volume and length of panel meetings, and technology barriers to reviewing cases, and one member said the panel’s findings should inform future legislation.