Transcript Highlights:

• All of us<00:32:07.519><c> here</c><00:32:08.080><c> are</c><00:32:08.880><c> in</c><00:32:09.120><c>
• </c><00:32:11.440><c> our</c><00:32:11.679><c> citizens</c><00:32:12.880><c> um,</c><00:32:13.039><c>
• there</c><00:32:23.360><c> really</c><00:32:23.679><c> gives</c><00:32:24.000><c> us</c><00:32:24.159
• </c><00:32:26.000><c> passing</c><00:32:26.399><c> the</c><00:32:26.640><c> bill</c><00:32:26.960><c>
• </c><00:32:32.159><c> Um,</c><00:32:32.880><c> and</c><00:32:33.519><c> we</c><00:32:33.919><c> don't

Bills: HB0130 , HB0147

Committee: Senate Revenue

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, property tax, homeowner exemption, Wyoming, voter initiative, tax legislation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:18.799><c> me</c><00:32:18.960><c> to</c><00:32:19.159><c> talk</c><00:32:19.639><c> about</c><00
• 00:32:22.679><c> in</c><00:32:23.320><c> English</c><00:32:24.320><c> uh</c><00:32:24.799><c> I</c><00
• ><00:32:36.360><c> be</c><00:32:36.519><c> some</c><00:32:37.279><c> I</c><00:32:37.360><c> can't</c>
• <00:32:38.200><c> have</c><00:32:38.320><c> to</c><00:32:38.440><c> see</c><00:32:38.799><c> I</c><00
• :32:40.799><c> I'm</c><00:32:40.960><c> going</c><00:32:41.120><c> to</c><00:32:41.279><c> be</c><00:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee. The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes. Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:32:00.640><c> the</c><00:32:01.279><c> a</c><00:32:01.519><c> series</c><00:32:01.840><c> of</c>
• for</c><00:32:05.919><c> for</c><00:32:06.159><c> this</c><00:32:06.559><c> for</c><00:32:06.799><c>
• </c><00:32:14.720><c> Like</c><00:32:14.880><c> the</c><00:32:15.360><c> 163</c><00:32:16.559><c> is<
• </c><00:32:17.840><c> racial</c><00:32:18.159><c> equity</c><00:32:18.640><c> to</c><00:32:19.679><c>
• Um<00:32:35.120><c> number</c><00:32:35.360><c> nine</c><00:32:36.240><c> is</c><00:32:37.440><c> a</

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt; so<00:32:08.799><c> again</c><00:32:09.039><c> on</c><00:32:09.200><c> that</c><00:32:09.440><c>
• 32:11.760><c> you</c><00:32:11.840><c> know,</c><00:32:12.000><c> this</c><00:32:12.240><c> we've</c>
• c><00:32:16.240><c> 15</c><00:32:16.640><c> million</c><00:32:16.960><c> was</c><00:32:17.120><c> the
• <00:32:20.399><c> to</c><00:32:20.559><c> be</c><00:32:20.640><c> able</c><00:32:20.720><c> to</c><00
• So,<00:32:32.159><c> that</c><00:32:32.320><c> that</c><00:32:32.720><c> program</c><00:32:33.039><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:03.200><c> UPS</c><00:32:03.560><c> to</c><00:32:03.640><c> make</c><00:32:03.760><c> sure</c><00
• <c> the</c><00:32:04.760><c> long</c><00:32:05.000><c> haul</c><00:32:05.240><c> and</c><00:32:05.320
• <00:32:12.400><c> putting</c><00:32:12.600><c> on</c><00:32:12.680><c> the</c><00:32:12.720><c> cargo
• Um<00:32:15.520><c> Louisville</c><00:32:16.160><c> uh</c><00:32:16.240><c> airport,</c><00:32:16.840
• <00:32:35.960><c> to</c><00:32:36.040><c> the</c><00:32:36.080><c> next</c><00:32:36.280><c> slide.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force was called to order with a quorum present, and Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation gave the first presentation. He outlined the state’s airport system, noting 58 public-use airports, the department’s small staff, and its funding structure through a jet fuel tax that generates about $23 million annually, leaving roughly $15 million for airport investment after required deductions. Carter highlighted recent projects at airports including Bardstown, Madisonville, Central Kentucky Regional, Paducah, Sparta, Danville, and Henderson, and said the department has also expanded data collection on airport activity, hangars, schools, and training programs. He emphasized that the department recently completed the first statewide economic impact study of general aviation airports and is developing a five-year airport needs plan. Carter said several things are working well, including stronger communication with airports, the public, the legislature, and especially the FAA’s Memphis district office, which now involves the state more in project selection. He said the department is reasonably staffed overall, but identified workforce development and advanced air mobility as major gaps. In response to questions from Senator Nunn and Representative York, he said he did not have specific workforce shortage numbers on hand, but cited Boeing reports showing large national and global shortages of pilots and mechanics, and explained that instructor shortages and low wages limit training capacity. He also said air traffic control is an FAA function, though EKU has shown interest in developing a training program. Carter identified several needs for improvement: more workforce investment, more aviation education in high schools, more scholarships for pilot and mechanic training, more attention to advanced air mobility, and more frequent, institutionalized data collection. He also pointed to major pending capital needs at airports such as Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Harlan, Leitchfield-Grayson County, and Whitesburg-Letcher County, all of which would require FAA and state support. He urged airports to do a better job marketing their economic value and said the state should continue updating aviation studies so lawmakers have current information for policy decisions. The task force then heard from Lexington Blue Grass Airport Director Eric Frankl, who welcomed the new CVG director and thanked the legislature for creating the task force and supporting aviation infrastructure. Frankl said Blue Grass Airport has rebounded from the pandemic and now exceeds pre-pandemic passenger levels, while serving a mix of private aviation, pilot training, corporate aviation, and commercial airline activity. He described ongoing terminal-area planning, parking technology upgrades, and a major parking lot expansion expected to finish by early spring 2026, and said the airport is planning for future technologies such as vertiports and electric aerial vehicles. Frankl estimated that a broader terminal modernization program will cost roughly $500 million to $700 million over the next 5 to 10 years and said the airport needs continued state support to close funding gaps and remain competitive with other states investing in aviation.

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:02.000><c> the</c><00:32:02.240><c> communities</c><00:32:02.720><c> and</c><00:32:03.039><c> the<
• c> in</c><00:32:04.399><c> terms</c><00:32:04.559><c> of</c><00:32:04.880><c> how</c><00:32:05.120><c
• </c><00:32:10.640><c> I'm</c><00:32:10.880><c> glad</c><00:32:11.039><c> to</c><00:32:11.120><c> hear
• then you<00:32:23.840><c> also</c><00:32:24.080><c> talk</c><00:32:24.240><c> about</c><00:32:24.399
• So,<00:32:28.640><c> I</c><00:32:28.799><c> think</c><00:32:28.880><c> there</c><00:32:29.120><c> is<

Bills: HF1141

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing, finance, affordable housing, infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, supportive housing, homeless prevention, elderly assistance, community development, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard<00:32:13.840><c> from</c><00:32:14.000><c> the</c><00:32:14.159><c> American</c><00:32:14.799
• c> director</c><00:32:32.799><c> of</c><00:32:32.960><c> the</c><00:32:33.200><c> HIV</c><00:32:33.840
• , who wanted<00:32:46.320><c> to</c><00:32:46.480><c> propose</c><00:32:47.120><c> a</c><00:32:47.279
• We heard<00:32:52.000><c> from</c><00:32:52.080><c> the</c><00:32:52.240><c> Vermont</c><00:32:52.640
• Medical Society and<00:32:54.240><c> um</c><00:32:54.399><c> I</c><00:32:54.640><c> think</c><00:32:

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :06.480><c> which</c><00:32:06.640><c> is</c><00:32:06.720><c> where</c><00:32:06.880><c> it</c><00:32
• ,</c><00:32:08.240><c> and</c><00:32:08.480><c> changes</c><00:32:08.880><c> the</c><00:32:09.440><c>
• changes<00:32:11.440><c> the</c><00:32:11.919><c> uh</c><00:32:12.480><c> um</c><00:32:12.720><c> the
• Yeah,<00:32:46.320><c> I</c><00:32:46.480><c> just</c><00:32:46.640><c> I'd</c><00:32:46.960><c> like
• </c><00:32:54.720><c> And</c><00:32:55.120><c> uh</c><00:32:55.279><c> I'd</c><00:32:55.600><c> also<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with introductions and a description of the day’s process: a full committee work session on four bills, with no public testimony, followed by caucus and then executive action. The first bill discussed was HB 113, concerning OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor. Representative Nab presented an amendment that would require a public hearing and Department of Transportation approval, modeled on procedures used in Coös and Grafton counties. Members discussed whether Windsor had already held a local vote or hearing, whether minutes from a town meeting existed, and whether the amendment truly preserved local control. A Windsor resident testified informally that the town had not taken a final vote and that the matter had been left to the state. Committee members also raised concerns about noise, dust, public safety, and the fact that the road in question would connect OHRVs on a state road rather than a trail system. The chair closed the work session on HB 113 and said the committee would return after caucus to vote on the bill and amendment. The committee then took up HB 595FN, relative to coastal resilience zones. Representative Nat said the bill addressed flooding concerns in both coastal and inland New Hampshire, but that the sponsor viewed it as too complex and had recommended breaking the issue into separate parts in future legislation. On that basis, Nat said it was appropriate to ITL the bill, and noted that the sponsor supported that course. No further discussion followed, and the work session was closed. Next was HB 629FN, funding the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams. Representative Darby explained that the original bill had proposed both a waterfront frontage tax and a $5 charge tied to boat registration, but that the amendment would replace the bill by removing the frontage tax, moving the $5 dam-maintenance fee to the boat decal section of statute, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2027. Darby said the larger fee had raised concerns about impacts on current-use property and enforcement, while the revised $5 fee would raise roughly $500,000 to $600,000 annually. Representative Dunn thanked Darby and said the Marine Trades Association supported the revised approach. A question was raised about whether the original prime sponsors supported the amendment; the chair said they were on board, and Darby added that the proposal reflected recommendations from a prior study committee. The committee then closed HB 629FN and opened SB 27FN, relative to dwellings over water. On SB 27FN, Representative Derby said he opposed the bill because it would take away public access rights and amounted to a one-off legislative solution for a private concern. Representative Donnelly asked how many similar structures might be affected and whether the Department of Environmental Services knew of other cases; DES responded that there was one other related case under settlement compliance and no other active cases with the same issue. In follow-up discussion, DES clarified that the proposal was not a shoreland 50-foot setback issue, but rather involved structures extending over public water. The discussion remained focused on the scope of the bill and its potential precedent-setting effect, with no vote taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:32:03.159><c> they</c><00:32:03.320><c> have</c><00:32:03.440><c> to</c><00:32:03.600><c> repay<
• that and<00:32:05.039><c> I</c><00:32:05.159><c> think</c><00:32:06.000><c> many</c><00:32:06.320><c
• > times</c><00:32:06.639><c> if</c><00:32:06.799><c> not</c><00:32:07.039><c> most</c><00:32:07.799><
• > that</c><00:32:11.080><c> person</c><00:32:11.279><c> to</c><00:32:11.440><c> pay</c><00:32:11.639>
• :12.480><c> back</c><00:32:13.480><c> so</c><00:32:13.679><c> some</c><00:32:13.919><c> key</c><00:32

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development received a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials on the final SEEK estimate for fiscal year 2025. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Matt Ross, and Chay Ritter explained that SEEK is developed through a consensus process with the Office of the State Budget Director using multiple models and district-level inputs, and that the estimate is a projection made well before actual data are available. They emphasized that the discussion was separate from the pending education-funding lawsuit and described SEEK as one part of a much larger K-12 budget picture. The presenters said the current SEEK estimate shows a statutory shortfall of about $14.7 million, or roughly 0.53% of the appropriation, with additional optional items that could bring the total to about $40.5 million if funds are available. They noted that prior years have sometimes produced excess funds, which are redirected according to budget language rather than automatically flowing back through SEEK. They also reviewed the main drivers of the estimate, including property assessments, average daily attendance, free lunch counts, exceptional child counts, home hospital, and limited English proficiency, and said property assessments have been especially volatile while exceptional child counts and ELL populations are difficult to predict. Members asked about why the estimate missed on some categories, especially special education and ELL, and whether district-level changes were being monitored closely enough. The presenters said KDE does monitor special education counts and will review larger districts and districts with unusual growth, and they acknowledged that exceptional child growth has been hard to forecast. Representative Bojanowski asked about the Cloverport virtual school, and staff said its growth was much larger than projected and accounted for a significant portion of the shortfall. Members also discussed the impact of property value growth, population shifts, illness, and legislative changes on SEEK projections. No vote or formal action was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.360><c> this</c><00:32:01.600><c> right</c><00:32:01.919><c> ethanol</c><00:32:02.320><
• was seen as<00:32:02.760><c> like</c><00:32:03.000><c> oh</c><00:32:03.279><c> this</c><00:32:03.399
• ><c> is</c><00:32:03.480><c> going</c><00:32:03.600><c> to</c><00:32:03.840><c> save</c><00:32:04.840
• ><c> at</c><00:32:10.919><c> the</c><00:32:11.080><c> time</c><00:32:11.360><c> had</c><00:32:11.480>
• a mandate 10%<00:32:13.760><c> and</c><00:32:13.960><c> all</c><00:32:14.080><c> of</c><00:32:14.200>

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 103, relating to electric vehicle batteries, and then moved to Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuel. On SB 103, the Department of Health and the State Energy Office supported the measure, and Redwood Materials said it supported the bill’s intent but requested an amendment to add a battery recycler to the commission. Other testimony on SB 103 included support from several individuals and organizations, with one opponent noted. A committee member also raised a possible deadline change requested by the Alliance of Automobile Innovation for future work on the measure. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 995, which would create tax incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and related renewable fuel production. Supporters included the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pono Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Tax Foundation, PAR Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel, and others. Supporters said the bill would help build a local SAF industry, encourage camelina and other feedstocks, and advance decarbonization goals. Several supporters also said they had proposed amendments or technical comments and stood on their written testimony. Opposition testimony argued the bill could allow toxic waste feedstocks, such as construction and demolition waste, into fuel production, and questioned whether the incentives would truly benefit Hawaii farmers or consumers. One opponent said the bill’s benefits could flow to the producer and to imported feedstocks rather than to local agriculture, and another questioned the scale of local land and water available for camelina production. Committee members pressed witnesses on acreage, water use, expected yields, the role of PAR Hawaii’s refinery investment, and whether the state would be subsidizing a business decision that might not produce significant local fuel. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• cleaner water<00:32:05.519><c> program</c><00:32:05.840><c> funds</c><00:32:06.240><c> did</c><00:32
• /c><00:32:08.640><c> a</c><00:32:08.880><c> spend</c><00:32:09.440><c> deadline</c><00:32:10.159><c>
• ><00:32:15.360><c> uh</c><00:32:15.519><c> to</c><00:32:15.760><c> make</c><00:32:15.919><c> sure</c>
• <00:32:22.000><c> from</c><00:32:22.320><c> Kentucky</c><00:32:22.640><c> to</c><00:32:22.880><c> the
• </c><00:32:24.320><c> Um,</c><00:32:25.600><c> I</c><00:32:25.840><c> hope</c><00:32:25.919><c> that<

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:49 Approval of Minutes 01:05 Information Items 02:39 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 23:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 26:30 OFM Rpt – KY Infrastructure Authority 36:07 OFM Rpt – Econ Dev Cabinet 43:40 Office of Financial Mgmt 50:18 Remaining 2025 Mtg Dates 50:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the June meeting minutes and receipt of several correspondence and information reports. Those reports covered quarterly capital project status updates from state agencies and postsecondary institutions, lease modifications, asset preservation projects, school district debt issuances, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority budget history materials. Members also raised questions about a long-open stream mitigation account and were told the funds are fee-in-lieu stream mitigation monies administered through Fish and Wildlife, with staff promising to follow up on the specific project. The committee then reviewed and approved several capital project actions. These included a new Camp Oralis dining hall project for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, explained as a reauthorization because the funding split changed to 64% federal and 36% agency funds; an appropriation increase for the Shelbyville armory addition due to higher construction costs and security requirements; and emergency repair projects for Fort Boonesboro flood remediation and the Kentucky State Police Supply Branch fire damage. Members also approved a tenant improvement fund request for parking garage safety improvements at the Mayo Underwood Building. The Office of Financial Management presented three Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items and one Cleaner Water Program reallocation. The loans included a Shepherdsville sewer/drainage project and two Auburn water and lead service line projects; the grant reallocation involved unused Cleaner Water Program funds, with staff emphasizing that all ARPA-funded cleaner water dollars must be spent by December 31, 2026 or returned. After discussion, the committee approved the package. The committee also approved six Economic Development Fund grants, and the Cabinet for Economic Development began presenting the first six KPDI projects, though the transcript cuts off before those project details were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.320><c> ready</c><00:32:00.600><c> to</c><00:32:01.600><c> take</c><00:32:01.840><c> on</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:07.200><c> So,</c><00:32:07.360><c> from</c><00:32:07.600><c> a</c><00:32:07.919><c> non</
• c><00:32:09.760><c> Office</c><00:32:09.919><c> of</c><00:32:10.159><c> a</c><00:32:10.320><c> Policy
• So, uh,<00:32:14.640><c> Commissioner</c><00:32:15.120><c> Shell,</c><00:32:15.840><c> um,</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:21.039><c> I</c><00:32:21.279><c> know</c><00:32:21.360><c> you</c><00:32:21.600><c> all</

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed. The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade. Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> name</c><00:32:05.480><c> is</c><00:32:05.639><c> John</c><00:32:05.880><c> Kelly</c><00:32:06.120
• ><c> uh</c><00:32:10.720><c> 7</c><00:32:11.080><c> file</c><00:32:11.360><c> 1705</c><00:32:12.120><
• that the<00:32:23.440><c> state</c><00:32:23.720><c> is</c><00:32:23.880><c> indeed</c><00:32:24.559>
• </c><00:32:29.639><c> eligible</c><00:32:30.000><c> for</c><00:32:30.320><c> burial</c><00:32:31.320>
• ><c> will</c><00:32:31.799><c> allow</c><00:32:32.080><c> us</c><00:32:32.200><c> to</c><00:32:32.320

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:01.040><c> I</c><00:32:01.240><c> I</c><00:32:01.320><c> don't</c><00:32:01.600><c> know.
• ><c> not</c><00:32:05.880><c> sure</c><00:32:06.040><c> if</c><00:32:06.160><c> that</c><00:32:06.360
• <00:32:09.400><c> we</c><00:32:09.679><c> we</c><00:32:09.880><c> are</c><00:32:10.000><c> going</c><
• 00:32:10.120><c> to</c><00:32:10.200><c> talk</c><00:32:10.440><c> a</c><00:32:10.480><c> little</c>
• Um,<00:32:16.600><c> I</c><00:32:16.679><c> thought</c><00:32:16.920><c> I</c><00:32:16.960><c> would

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee heard from Superintendent Megan Degenfelder on several interim topics centered on student-centered learning. She highlighted work-based learning and dual/concurrent enrollment, saying the state is updating accountability measures and should examine whether these programs are helping students progress, avoid duplicative costs, and reduce the need for remedial college coursework. She also discussed broader life-skills education, including financial literacy and soft skills, and said districts vary widely in what they offer. On gifted and talented programs, she noted that districts are statutorily required to provide them but the state does not have a clear picture of how consistently they are implemented, and she suggested the committee may want to study that area further. Members asked follow-up questions about whether dual enrollment should be evaluated only by time-to-degree, and Degenfelder said the analysis should also consider additional credentials and remedial coursework. Senator Schuler and others raised the idea of making financial literacy or other life-skills content more common, though Degenfelder said she did not favor a statewide mandate and instead preferred incentives and district-level implementation. The committee also discussed artificial intelligence in schools as an information-sharing topic, with Degenfelder saying the department is beginning a landscape analysis with districts and teachers. She then reviewed NAEP results, noting Wyoming performs strongly in fourth grade but drops sharply by eighth grade, and said the state wants to understand where students are falling off. Members also raised concerns about international comparisons and the need to improve literacy and math outcomes. The committee then moved to member-submitted topics. Representative Strock proposed reviewing the governance structure of state education, arguing that the current split among the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and other boards creates inefficiency and confusion, especially for licensure and programs like CTE. Senator Scott noted that turnover in the superintendent’s office could be a practical issue in any restructuring, and Strock responded that administrative staff could handle day-to-day operations. Representative Williams then introduced a discussion of common core standards and literacy, arguing that standards may be too broad and not specific enough, especially in early grades, and that Wyoming should emphasize phonics, basic reading, math, and civics more directly. Representative Guggenmos agreed that narrowing early-grade focus to math and literacy could improve outcomes. Finally, Representative Williams raised virtual education, saying it is growing quickly and the committee should study funding, accountability, and student support more closely; the chair opened that topic for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:26.559><c> of</c><00:32:26.720><c> the</c><00:32:26.880><c> resolution</c><00:32:27.279><c> that</
• and reaffirm<00:32:30.399><c> the</c><00:32:30.559><c> Aloha</c><00:32:31.039><c> Plus</c><00:32:31.279
• , resilience,<00:32:37.519><c> and</c><00:32:37.760><c> global</c><00:32:38.080><c> stewardship.
• UN<00:32:41.919><c> local</c><00:32:42.240><c> 2030</c><00:32:42.720><c> hub</c><00:32:43.120><c> with
• </c><00:32:59.279><c> I</c><00:32:59.440><c> mentioned,</c><00:32:59.679><c> I</c><00:32:59.840><c> am

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a series of Senate resolutions focused largely on climate, sustainability, public health, and energy policy. Measures discussed included integrating Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge into climate policy (STR 93), creating a temporary working group to investigate the dangers of POS (STR 103), studying the feasibility of a green bonds program (STR 110), declaring a public health emergency related to climate change (STR 111), affirming the importance of marine ecosystems to decarbonization goals (STR 115), encouraging adoption of recommendations from the UN global plastics treaty and Rapanui summit declaration (STR 132), convening a geothermal energy working group (STR 136), affirming support for the Aloha Plus Challenge (STR 183), and encouraging insurers to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce costs for residents (STR 198). Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive on most measures, with support coming from agencies such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii State Energy Office, DLNR, PUC, Board of Water Supply, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Green Growth, and numerous advocacy groups and individuals. STR 111 drew both support and opposition, with supporters arguing climate change is a public health emergency and opponents disputing the underlying science and urgency. STR 136 also drew mixed testimony, including support from state agencies and one opposition submission from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Several witnesses emphasized indigenous knowledge, climate justice, public health impacts, and the need for coordinated state action. Supporters of STR 93 said Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge has sustained communities for generations and should be woven into Hawaii’s future climate decision-making. Supporters of STR 111 described climate change as a threat multiplier affecting heat illness, mental health, displacement, wildfire impacts, and food insecurity, while opponents argued the resolution overstated the issue. Testimony on STR 183 highlighted the Aloha Plus Challenge as a statewide sustainability framework with regional influence across the Pacific, including Guam, and stressed its role in tracking progress toward 2030 goals. On STR 198, supporters argued that polluters should help pay for climate-related costs borne by residents and insurers. After testimony concluded, the committee moved into decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass STR 93, SD1 unamended by roll call vote, with the chair, vice chair, Rep. Kahaloa, and Rep. Kush voting aye and Rep. Quinnland excused. The transcript then begins the committee’s action on STR 103, SD1, with the chair again recommending passage as is, but the remainder of the vote is cut off in the provided record.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:08.840><c> email,</c><00:32:09.440><c> another</c><00:32:09.840><c> email,</c><00:32:10.480><c
• </c><00:32:15.680><c> are</c><00:32:15.760><c> we</c><00:32:15.920><c> going</c><00:32:16.080><c> to<
• </c><00:32:17.040><c> I</c><00:32:17.320><c> I</c><00:32:17.560><c> I</c><00:32:18.280><c> haven't</c
• So,<00:32:27.680><c> um</c><00:32:27.920><c> I</c><00:32:28.000><c> need</c><00:32:28.240><c> to</c><
• 00:32:28.360><c> talk</c><00:32:28.680><c> to</c><00:32:28.800><c> our</c><00:32:29.040><c> IT</c><00

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:55 Bridge Improvement Program 18:56 County Priority Projects Program 38:10 Transportation Alternative Program 51:47 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for the first interim meeting of the 2025 Budget Review Committee on Transportation and heard from Bobby Jo Lewis, commissioner of Rural and Municipal Aid at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. She reviewed the new County City Bridge Improvement Program, created in the 2024 regular session, reporting that phases one and two are complete, 45 bridges have been funded so far, and about $18.45 million has been authorized. She said roughly $6.549 million remains for phase three in the current fiscal year, with about $26.445 million in bridge applications still pending. For fiscal year 2026, the program will again have $25 million and will use four application phases. She also described a training resource, Local Bridges 101, and said a new executive advisor, Greg Meredith, has been brought in to help with the bridge program. Members asked how rollover applications would be handled, whether they would be re-evaluated with new applications, how the program would account for bridge longevity and load posting, and how isolated communities would be prioritized. Lewis said applicants not funded in FY25 would be contacted and could choose to roll their applications into FY26, and all applications would be evaluated together at the end of each phase. She said preservation projects are assessed for how much they extend a bridge’s life, and isolated community access bridges or closed bridges with no detour access receive priority. She also said the department aims for equitable distribution across regions and plans to produce a map showing where funds have been awarded. Lewis then turned to the County Priority Projects Program and the Local Assistance Road Program established in House Bill 546 and related resolutions. She said the application cycle opened June 1 and closes October 1, with 106 memoranda of agreement being prepared for awards in House Joint Resolution 46. She described updated application and reporting forms, a scoring matrix, and a County City Pavement Evaluation Manual used to rate projects based on preservation of assets, average daily traffic, recent improvements, safety, cost, and district priority. She said projects must be rehabilitation projects designed to restore the original condition of the road, cannot exceed $500,000, and must use local match percentages tied to the economic development grant program formula. She also reported on funding status for prior road projects, including completed, partially completed, pending, and underrun amounts that may be reauthorized. Committee members asked about photo documentation, online access to project materials, how to measure whether projects truly restore roads to original condition, and what happens when project costs exceed estimates. Lewis said the department is still working on how best to store and share the large volume of photos, and that projects are certified through district offices and local sign-off after completion. She said overages are the responsibility of the applicant because the state does not have additional money beyond the awarded amount. No formal votes were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many<00:32:20.799><c> classes</c><00:32:21.519><c> the</c><00:32:21.760><c> same</c><00:32:21.919><c>
• </c><00:32:25.679><c> We</c><00:32:25.919><c> also</c><00:32:26.320><c> do</c><00:32:26.880><c> an</c
• </c><00:32:30.640><c> hours</c><00:32:31.519><c> which</c><00:32:31.679><c> is</c><00:32:31.840><c> a
• little bit<00:32:32.399><c> different</c><00:32:32.640><c> than</c><00:32:32.960><c> other</c><00:32
• It is<00:32:40.480><c> it</c><00:32:40.720><c> is</c><00:32:40.960><c> after</c><00:32:41.840><c> our

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• at Resorts<00:32:05.120><c> but</c><00:32:05.679><c> um</c><00:32:05.880><c> but</c><00:32:06.000><c
• <00:32:15.519><c> um</c><00:32:15.760><c> soccer</c><00:32:16.159><c> teams</c><00:32:16.519><c> that
• c> in</c><00:32:17.279><c> August</c><00:32:17.720><c> you</c><00:32:17.840><c> know</c><00:32:17.960
• :32:46.840><c> at</c><00:32:47.080><c> in</c><00:32:47.200><c> terms</c><00:32:47.440><c> of</c><00:32
• 32:07.960><c> at</c><01:32:08.119><c> a</c><01:32:08.199><c> lot</c><01:32:08.320><c> of</c><01:32:08.440

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and<00:32:05.039><c> I</c><00:32:05.200><c> think</c><00:32:05.360><c> that's</c><00:32:05.600><c>
• 00:32:13.440><c> the</c><00:32:13.600><c> direct</c><00:32:13.919><c> admissions</c><00:32:14.320><c>
• :32:22.720><c> and</c><00:32:22.960><c> students</c><00:32:23.200><c> that</c><00:32:24.159><c> um</c
• > is</c><00:32:25.039><c> a</c><00:32:25.200><c> real</c><00:32:25.360><c> option</c><00:32:25.679><c
• :32:35.360><c> them</c><00:32:35.440><c> and</c><00:32:35.679><c> their</c><00:32:35.919><c> families

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:02.720><c> I</c><00:32:02.880><c> I</c><00:32:03.200><c> want</c><00:32:03.279><c> to</c><
• 00:32:04.000><c> um</c><00:32:04.960><c> share</c><00:32:05.200><c> a</c><00:32:05.360><c> brief</c>
• </c><00:32:06.080><c> So,</c><00:32:06.320><c> I</c><00:32:06.480><c> did</c><00:32:06.559><c> a</c><
• and it was<00:32:10.320><c> about</c><00:32:10.559><c> school</c><00:32:10.799><c> safety,</c><00:32
• :32:19.279><c> uh</c><00:32:19.440><c> we</c><00:32:19.760><c> would</c><00:32:20.000><c> go</c><00:32

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all