Video & Transcript Research : 'shelf programs'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Dec 8th, 2025 at 09:32 am
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Everything's either frozen or It's got a long shelf life.
- So what do you It's got a long shelf life.
- Restoring Our Communities is a program that's directed at infill, and so that program purchases homes
- programs because we can issue mortgage revenue bonds.
- We also provide and the Linkages Program, which is a state-funded voucher program for people with serious
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, what I'm so proud about this program is that this is a proven program.
- program has meant to his district. program has meant to his district.
- through this program. through this program.
- leadership program. leadership program.
- that a separate program altogether? that a separate program altogether?
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Julie Rocky Adams, which would prohibit school administrators from receiving a percentage pay increase greater than the average percentage increase given to classroom teachers in the same district. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep teacher pay from falling behind, promote fairness and transparency, and preserve local control through existing waiver options. Senators Thomas, Higdon, Givens, Neal, Williams, and others generally supported the bill, while Senator Meredith raised concerns about unintended consequences for rural districts and the ability to retain principals and other talent quickly enough through the waiver process. The sponsor and others responded that the waiver process is standardized and expedited, and that normal raises would not be affected. SB 2 was adopted unanimously with favorable expression.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 4 on school leadership, with a committee substitute changing a reference from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. Senator West explained that the bill is designed to create a coordinated five-year principal leadership pipeline, based on research suggesting that school leadership is a major factor in teacher retention and school success. The first two years would be KDE-run foundational training and mentorship, followed by a gap year, then a public-private partnership year with the Chamber/Truist program, and finally a fifth year of advanced training through approved providers such as Western Kentucky University or KASA. West said the goal is to extend principals’ tenure and improve leadership quality statewide.
Ashley Watts of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce testified that the Chamber Foundation has run the Leadership Institute for School Principals since 2011, sending 641 principals from 112 counties through the program at a business-funded cost of more than $4.4 million. She said the program has reached about 3 million students and produces measurable school improvement. Henderson County Superintendent Bob Lawson said the program has been valuable in his district and emphasized the heavy workload and leadership demands placed on principals. The discussion continued with testimony about the importance of principal leadership and the need to invest in it, but no final vote on SB 4 was reached in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Building 16 is a domiciliary program Building 16 is a domiciliary program resident<00:05:06.039>
- <00:11:05.760>
so port development assistance program so port development assistance program - The program, which is a resiliency program, had a notice of funding opportunity posted on the U.S.
- Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure Program, which is a statewide program.
- program.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Economic Development, Pub. Protection, Tourism, and Energy (2-17-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- how things are going, what the programs how things are going, what the programs are,<00:04:29.759
- Our traditional program is the KBI.
- Our traditional program is the KBI. Our traditional program is the KBI.
- Our traditional program is the KBI. Our traditional program is the KBI.
- There's another program licensing.
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Energy and Environment, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and approved the February 10 minutes. The committee then heard a presentation from the Cabinet for Economic Development, led by Secretary Jeff Noel, with staff from the cabinet and Kentucky Innovation. The presentation focused on the cabinet’s strategy, including workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, and placemaking, and emphasized a goal of supporting higher-wage jobs while tailoring programs to urban, non-urban, and rural “heritage communities.”
The cabinet reviewed several funding tools and programs, including economic development bond funds, EDF funds, KBI, the Kentucky Innovation Pool, KSTC-related startup and commercialization programs, veteran workforce programs, and Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training funds. Officials said many projects take years to close and that funds are often committed before they are actually disbursed because reimbursements occur after project completion. They also said Kentucky is less competitive than before because of changes in tax policy and that EDF funds are increasingly important to remain competitive with other states.
Members asked about whether previously allocated money remained available, whether some funds could be clawed back, and the status of the Blue Oval project. The cabinet said it is oversubscribed, with some committed dollars likely to go unused and be reoffered to other projects. On Blue Oval, officials said progress had been made and described negotiations tied to repayment and job creation requirements. They also discussed the Ford/SK loan structure, saying the companies may assume the full $250 million obligation and that repayments would be required if job targets are not met. The presentation closed with discussion of workforce coordination and the need to connect economic development projects with training and support systems, including possible ripple effects for rural suppliers and related businesses.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee (6-11-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- projects over there and um that program projects over there and um that program over<00:02:16.879
- and I know you all are of this program and I know you all are of this program too.<00:06:25.440>
- other compliance that does the programs other compliance that does the programs and<00:09:37.040
- <00:31:48.080>
for thought why that that this program for thought why that that this program - Um I will say programs that we fund.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:18
KOAP Report 00:58
Approval of Minutes 53:58, 958, all
Summary:
The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met on June 11 but did not have a quorum, so it could not approve the prior minutes. The committee then received a compliance and program update from Brandon Reed and Bill McClowski of the agricultural development board, who said the office is fully staffed, has digitized most records, and has added a Facebook page to share board actions, projects, and compliance work. They also reported that the board and finance corporation continue to operate with strong county-council participation and that the office had completed numerous site visits, program reviews, and project closeouts over the reporting period.
The presenters reviewed monthly funding actions from December through May, including board approvals ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, with a December finance meeting delayed by a snowstorm. They highlighted that the Kentucky Agriculture Finance Corporation now has 57 loans generating more than $2 million per month in payments, and that the revolving loan program has grown to support more than $24 million annually in repayments available for relending. They also noted that 75% of the portfolio is in beginning farmer loans and that the office had recently surpassed 1,000 active loans.
Several projects were discussed in detail. These included a grain facility in Callaway County supporting organic corn production for expanding egg-layer operations, a Union County cattle business expansion, a West Liberty Veterinary Clinic project to build a working cattle facility, a Grayson County farmers market project, a Casey County veterinary services project, and a packing warehouse for the Kanye family to support specialty crops. The presenters emphasized that county and state tobacco settlement funds are often combined, sometimes with participation loans, to leverage local investment. They also stressed the importance of supporting greenhouses, farmers markets, specialty crops, and large-animal veterinary services as key agricultural priorities. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the lack of quorum and the informational presentations.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-CPN, CPN, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd just like to convey that the 340B program is a good program, but even good programs can be abused
- > be program, but even good programs can be program, but even good programs can be abused.<00:21:
- program.
- For any entity to qualify for this national program, federal program, the 340B program, you have to serve
- For any entity to qualify for this national program, federal program, the 340B program, you have to serve
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony.
The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program.
HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed.
Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- comply with the provisions in the tariff disclosure bill and try to put that dollar amount on the shelf
- comply with the provisions in the tariff disclosure bill and try to put those dollar amounts on the shelf
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on two bills: House Bill 5138, concerning consumer protections for cash transactions amid penny scarcity, and House Bill 5036, concerning consumer information related to tariffs. Chairs Tackey Chan and Senator Payano opened the hearing, noted the committee’s one-year anniversary, reviewed procedures, and explained that the Senate and House were both in session, with Senator Payano prepared to take over if needed. The committee heard from several industry and legislative witnesses, and the hearing was eventually closed by motion and voice vote.
Supporters of H. 5138, including Senator Paul Feeney, the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, said the bill would create a clear statewide rounding standard for cash transactions if pennies become scarce. They argued it would improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion, provide legal clarity, and protect businesses and consumers by requiring notice and limiting the rule to cash payments. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts also supported the concept but suggested amendments, including changing mandatory rounding language to allow flexibility and clarifying that taxes and fees would not be affected.
Witnesses were largely opposed to H. 5036. The Retailers Association, the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association said tariff-related shelf or price disclosures would be difficult or impossible to implement because tariff costs change frequently and are hard to trace through complex supply chains. Auto dealers emphasized the challenge of calculating tariff impacts across thousands of vehicle parts and models, while retailers said the proposal would add burdens and could increase costs. No votes on the bills were taken during the hearing; the only formal action was adjournment of the hearing after testimony concluded.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- It has contributed to the groundbreaking Regents Promise program. plus program, which is funded entirely
- Some doctoral programs in engineering, cybersecurity, programs, things that we think really contribute
- We have to be able to grow our programs and expand our programs.
- We'll be bringing forward 10 bachelor's programs, nine master's programs, and four PhD programs. numerous
- Funding these programs ensures program growth and sustainability and allows us to continue addressing
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Since the program was established, Since the program was established in 1970 with bipartisan congressional
- So the program rules were changed, which devastated... ...the entire program system, right?
- So money didn't necessarily decrease, but the program rules changed, which then by principle... ...program
- wrong as it relates to the program.
- The same is true for immunization programs.
Summary:
The subcommittee held an oversight hearing on federal actions affecting California’s public health and family planning systems, focusing first on the freeze to Title X family planning funds and then on broader CDC/public health grant terminations. Chair and members described the cuts as abrupt, harmful, and likely to create major gaps in disease surveillance, vaccination, contraception, STI testing, and other preventive services, while also criticizing the federal administration’s explanation that the actions were tied to DEI or civil-rights compliance. The chair thanked Attorney General Bonta for legal action and said the hearing was intended to document the real-world impacts and inform state budget responses.
Witnesses from Essential Access Health, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, a Central Coast clinic, and other providers said California’s Title X network serves more than half a million low-income patients annually and relies on the funds for staffing, outreach, training, mobile and school-based clinics, and confidential care. They warned that the freeze has already forced reserve spending, delayed services, and could lead to layoffs, reduced hours, longer waits, and fewer appointments, especially for sexual and reproductive health care. Public comment included support for a proposed state backfill of Title X losses, with advocates emphasizing impacts on low-income, LGBTQ+, and communities of color.
On the public health side, CDPH, county health officials, and local health officers testified that the CDC’s rescission of $11.4 billion in grants would affect California by an estimated $840 million and threaten lab capacity, immunization programs, health disparities work, and data systems such as CalConnect and vaccine registries. Sacramento County and others described how the grants supported outbreak response, sequencing, community vaccination clinics, and equity-focused partnerships, and said terminations had already led to canceled appointments, stopped contracts, and layoffs. Several speakers urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state “future of public health” funding and to backfill federal losses, while public commenters from HIV, immunization, labor, and county organizations echoed concerns about workforce losses and worsening health outcomes.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/13/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- Are we now that place off the shelf.
- not possible for to get it off the shelf not possible for to get it off the shelf at<00:40:21.680
- other uh programs throughout the state. other uh programs throughout the state.
- <02:37:57.840>
That this this program is important. That this this program is important. - new program that could be substantial. new program that could be substantial.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/05/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:06:18.360>
uh success and expansion of the program uh success and expansion of the program - current level of funding the program current level of funding the program itself<00:06:26.240>
- The program started in 2011.
- Representative asks whether the program is on track to serve at least 200 people through the program,
- Great program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- incentive to keep someone in the program incentive to keep someone in the program learning<00:25
- 34:12.480>
he <00:34:12.720>is running this program and he is running this program and - public programs into independence. public programs into independence.
- whole range of incentives and programs whole range of incentives and programs has<00:52:39.920><
- programs that are far less effective. programs that are far less effective.
Keywords:
child welfare, fiscal analysis, third-party consultant, program evaluation, Minnesota, HF776, Minnesota Family Assets for Independence Initiative, family assets for independence, FAI, asset-building, matched savings, financial literacy, family savings, economic mobility, children youth and families, general fund appropriation, family support, low-income families, financial stability, budget bill
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (03/31/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- gummy type product it was on the shelf gummy type product it was on the shelf readily<04:22:08.280
- And there was similar candy on the shelf below.
- And there was similar candy on the shelf below.
- It's either locked up or it's behind the shelf.
- PhD program. PhD program. >> Thank<04:52:23.600>
you. >> Thank you.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We will ask for programs to be turned on and a cost share, in this case 100%.
- But 522 of them have bought into this program.
- We run the leanest emergency management program in the entire U.S.
- People weren't familiar with the program. They didn't know what it meant.
- So. program. And we are providing training on that. We have developed courses.
Summary:
The Economic Development Budget Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster costs, recovery operations, sheltering, and major capital projects. He reviewed the 2024 hurricane season impacts from Debby, Helene, and Milton, explaining how FEMA public assistance and state reimbursement work, how cost shares can shift from 75/25 to 90/10 after a federal threshold is reached, and how Florida uses prior storm data and inflation to estimate recovery costs. He also described the state’s faster reimbursement timelines, crediting legislative investments in technology and digital field documentation, and said the division is working to reduce disaster closeout timelines from decades to about seven years.
Members asked about debris removal, FEMA de-obligations, local preparedness, and whether regional shelters or co-located emergency operations centers could be used more efficiently. Guthrie said debris assistance is complicated and should generally remain tied to local contracts and planning, though the state will help fiscally constrained communities when needed. He explained de-obligations as FEMA clawing back previously approved funds after later review, and said Florida’s FROC program is helping local governments reduce those risks through standardized documentation, procurement review, and training. He also urged more mandatory emergency-management training for local and state officials and cautioned against weakening the FEMA 50% rule for rebuilding damaged structures.
Guthrie provided updates on the new central Florida warehouse in Auburndale and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. He said the warehouse will improve logistics, include cold and ultra-cold storage, and be run by a private vendor with virtual inventory tracking, while the new EOC is designed for Category 5 conditions and expanded partner capacity. He acknowledged budget pressures that reduced the size of the EOC project and said an additional IT request was needed because those costs were not originally included. The meeting ended with praise for FDEM’s work and no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Jeommeg started his grappler program.
- The majority, like over 90% of people that join the program end up leaving the program because hemp is
- , the medical marijuana program.
- It is not an accessible program.
- They changed their laws to become. program.
Keywords:
Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/19/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- of our connections with local employers. program this is a program that provides program this is a program
- time investment in testing the program and delivering on the program for two years.
- time investment in testing the program and delivering on the program for two years.
- time investment in testing the program and delivering on the program for two years.
- and then found their Inc uh food shelf and then found their Employment<00:44:07.520>
Program <
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Social Services Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So this bill is intended to design, with a detailed clinical structure, the program with published peer
- So this bill is intended to design with a detailed clinical structure, the program with published peer
- And the program is going to be sunset in three years unless it's continuous or it shows real success
- So if somebody just happens to have a small shelf that sells hemp products, are they going to be able
- Witness program, where we're... ...surveillance footage, or the division has a program called our Cooperating
Keywords:
hemp, marijuana, THC regulations, cannabis products, adult-use industry, public health, youth protection, child support, reunification, Department of Services for Children, family court, liability
Summary:
The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite.
The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products.
The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Supervised agricultural experience is a component that is not new to our program.
- That are happening in our agriculture programs today.
- I went up to the single shelf. There was a beer on that single shelf.
- also the medical cannabis program multiple times during my process.
- program ever.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders.
The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- question is this book I'm concerned about is impacting you mentioned that it wouldn't impact I'd be AP programs
- I being a be programs. Book restrictions on explicit content in schools.
- problem with that is that it gives those private and charter schools a better opportunity to have programs
- It's the job of school librarians to know what's on the shelf. >> To guide students.
- Education did video retraining for the media specialist and then suddenly those books came off the shelf
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Individuals called takers swipe a shelf of gift cards, manipulate the cards to obtain the redemption
- work individuals called takers<00:08:32.519>
swipe <00:08:32.880>a <00:08:32.959>shelf - of<00:08:33.399>
the <00:08:33.560>gift <00:08:33.800>cards takers swipe a shelf - of the gift cards takers swipe a shelf of the gift cards manipulate<00:08:35.360>
the <00:08:35.519
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:24
SB 7: 00:00:51
SB 130: 00:06:00
SB 244: 00:11:17
SB 236: 00:13:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, would create a Right of Publicity Act to prohibit unauthorized commercial use of a person’s unclothed likeness, including for living and deceased individuals, while carving out exemptions for artistic and news-related uses. Bledsoe said the bill is intended to address privacy, dignity, and AI-generated image misuse, and noted she may offer a floor amendment to address concerns from broadband and internet providers. Sen. Thomas supported the bill but questioned the 10-year duration, and Bledsoe said that timeframe was somewhat arbitrary. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 7 with favorable expression to the floor.
Senate Bill 130, presented by Sen. Maiden, addressed gift card scams and theft of redemption information. A committee substitute was adopted, and Maiden described the bill as a response to organized retail crime, citing major gift card scams in Louisville and Lexington and explaining how tampered cards are returned to shelves and later drained after purchase. He said the substitute would create clear criminal penalties, make gift card tampering a felony, and add gift card fraud to the credit card fraud statute. Members shared personal experiences with compromised gift cards, and the committee approved SB 130 8-0 with favorable expression.
Senate Bill 244, a reorganization cleanup bill presented by Sen. Howell and Attorney General’s office counsel Will Schroer, would complete name and structural changes following the transfer of Administrative Hearings and Child Support from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Attorney General’s office and align the bill with prior data privacy legislation. The committee voted 9-0 to send SB 244 to the floor with favorable expression. Senate Bill 236, sponsored by Sen. Smith, drew extended discussion about a veteran’s case involving an old misdemeanor/DUI matter and a later warrant or failure-to-appear issue. The witness described being arrested years later despite having rebuilt her life, and senators debated whether the bill’s proposed time limit could create loopholes or affect court procedures; members emphasized that the underlying charge would remain and that the bill was aimed at unserved failure-to-appear warrants. The committee ultimately voted to advance SB 236 with favorable expression, with several members explaining their support while noting concerns about possible future language changes.