Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for the opportunity. be here. Thanks for the opportunity.
• </c> of our notices of funding opportunity. of our notices of funding opportunity.
• We'll provide opportunity to testify.
• Thank you the opportunity to testify.
• I appreciate the opportunity Minnesota.

Bills: HF1925

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: nurse licensure, multistate license, healthcare, public safety, interstate compact, nursing regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee, thank you for the opportunity committee, thank you for the opportunity to<00:57:23.280
• </c> thank you for the opportunity to speak. thank you for the opportunity to speak.
• Thanks for the opportunity.
• Thanks for the opportunity. &gt;&gt; Thank you. Thanks for the opportunity.
• . opportunity. opportunity.

Keywords: 1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00 2. Approval of Minutes – 00:01:32 3. Getting to Know the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky – 00:02:26 4. Healthy Kids Clinic – 00:26:58 5. Pharmacy Payment Parity – 00:56:36 6. Ibogaine – 01:17:37 7. Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:53:05 8. Adjournment – 01:53:19, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized Eric Clark for his service, noting this may be his last meeting before he leaves state government. The main presentation was from Allison Adams, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who described the organization’s history, nonpartisan mission, and focus on health equity, prevention, and upstream policy solutions. She said Kentucky’s poor rankings in chronic disease, preventable hospitalizations, and life expectancy show the need to shift resources toward prevention and community-driven strategies rather than relying mainly on treatment after people become sick. Adams emphasized leading health indicators, arguing that lawmakers should track actionable measures such as quit attempts and smoke-free policies instead of only lagging indicators like disease rates and mortality. In response to questions, she said accountability should be shared across communities and systems, with possible incentives and disincentives tied to outcomes, and she supported creating a public data utility or dashboard, ideally with university partners, to help legislators and communities monitor progress. She also cited examples of accountable health community models and said Kentucky could adapt similar approaches. The committee then heard from Meade County Schools Superintendent Mark Martin and district health coordinator Karen Kotche about the Healthy Kids Clinic partnership with Cumberland Health. They described a seven-year effort that led to full implementation in the district, which now has a nurse in every school and a nurse practitioner, allowing services such as sports physicals and other clinic functions to be provided on campus. They said the program has been a strong investment for students and the community and began explaining how the district built the partnership after earlier efforts and delays, including the pandemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> opportunity for me to provide input. opportunity for me to provide input.
• </c><00:37:52.880><c> for</c> civics and provide opportunities for civics and provide opportunities for
• </c> excited to learn about an opportunity excited to learn about an opportunity that<00:41:41.520><c
• I saw it as an opportunity to failure.
• </c><00:57:10.160><c> for</c> um that there's opportunities for um that there's opportunities for funding

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> create jobs Futures and opportunities create jobs Futures and opportunities for<00:25:41.240><c>
• </c> throughout the state offer opportunities throughout the state offer opportunities for<00:45:29.599
• </c><01:19:08.000><c> or</c><01:19:08.280><c> great</c> great opportunity or great great opportunity
• so we still need to make opportunities so we still need to make opportunities<01:20:10.760><c> and</
• Thank you for this opportunity.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about House Bill 298, Mr. Chairman.
• </c> please take advantage of the opportunity please take advantage of the opportunity outlined<01:27
• I would not have had the opportunity to go to school, to go to college, with financial help.
• If I didn't have those opportunities, I wouldn't be here, or it would have taken me longer.
• So I didn't have that opportunity to go to a library. And here Mr. Truett talked about Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first considered two concurrent resolutions. SCR 76, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, would create a Kentucky School for the Deaf Governance Task Force to examine the school’s future governance and its relationship with the Kentucky Department of Education. Bledsoe described the school’s long history and said the task force would give the small deaf-school community more voice. The committee adopted the resolution unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then took up SCR 131, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, to continue the Efficient and Effective Districts Task Force from 2024. Wise said the prior task force met about 10 times and focused on student achievement and district policy, and the new version would continue that work as a legislature-only task force. The resolution passed unanimously with favorable expression. Members next considered HB 240 on primary school promotion. Rep. Truitt explained that the bill would require students who are not ready in kindergarten to repeat kindergarten, while a committee substitute softened the approach by allowing a school to hold a child back in kindergarten but requiring action in first grade. He said the bill aligns with existing reading-screening efforts and is intended to strengthen early literacy foundations. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression; Sen. Williams briefly explained his support as favoring performance-based advancement. The committee also approved HB 298, which would change the identification of schools for comprehensive support and improvement from every three years to annually, require KDE recommendations during management audits, add professional development in reading and math, and require effective instructional resources. The committee substitute also allowed districts with multiple CSI schools to contract for a turnaround vendor. The bill additionally carried employee-misconduct provisions from prior sessions, including disclosure requirements for applicants; the only change discussed was removing the word “investigation” from one disclosure section. HB 298 passed unanimously with favorable expression, and the committee also adopted a title amendment. Finally, the committee heard HB 424 on employment at public postsecondary institutions. Rep. Tipton said the bill would require performance and productivity reviews for faculty at least every four years, clarify appointment and removal authority for presidents at certain institutions, and expand “cause” for dismissal to include failure to meet performance and productivity requirements. Dr. Ray Horton, speaking for faculty groups, proposed a small substitute that would tie any performance measures to existing employment contracts to preserve academic integrity and avoid unintended changes to tenure processes. Members discussed how tenure works at Kentucky universities, and the committee was still in the middle of considering the proposed substitute when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last committee of the year—what an honor and great opportunity here to present Senate Bill 1383.
• It has some great opportunities. There's a version in the Senate.
• It has some great opportunity here for elementary education.
• Great opportunity to continue to promote one of the top industries in the state and give our...
• Great opportunity to continue to promote one of the top industries in the state, give opportunities to

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The committee met with six members present and heard Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, presented by Representative Diehl. The bill would allow schools, if they choose, to offer agriculture education in elementary classrooms beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. Diehl described the measure as a bipartisan effort in both chambers and said it would help promote agriculture and give students a better understanding of one of the state’s major industries. No one testified in opposition or for informational purposes, and there were no substantive questions beyond confirming that the bill only addressed the agriculture education program. The committee then moved into executive session and voted on a do pass motion for the bill. After brief supportive comments from members, the roll call resulted in six ayes and zero noes, with one member passing, and the motion carried. The committee then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The opportunity to maintain residency status within the state ensures that they benefit from in-state
• I didn't get an opportunity to debate last year, so I will use this chance to do it.
• I didn't get an opportunity to debate last year, so I will use this at the chance to do it.
• And I think that Florida has an incredible opportunity with this institute... ...to.
• So I think it's a great opportunity for the state, and I'd appreciate your support.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one appointment. SB 720, by Senator Osgood, would allow formerly incarcerated Florida residents to retain their residency status for tuition purposes so they can qualify for in-state rates after release. Senator Osgood and supporter Eddie Fordham testified that the bill addresses documentation barriers faced by long-term incarcerated people and supports reentry and rehabilitation; several organizations waved in support. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 372, by Senator Trumbull, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis. The Florida Sheriffs Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. SB 176, by Senator Berman, would require public postsecondary institutions to provide clearer, publicly available procedures for reporting threats to physical safety and identifying responsible contacts and protective steps. Support came from several education and faculty groups, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous roll call. Members then recommended confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the State University System Board of Governors. Finally, SB 816, by Senator Bradley, would establish the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance diabetes research, education, prevention, and outreach. Senators emphasized the institute’s potential to improve outcomes and attract grant funding, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to give Republicans the opportunity to side with the vast majority of Minnesotans who want to
• And I think that if we get that opportunity, we will get the votes we need to pass the bill.
• But I'm not sure we'll get that opportunity.
• </c><00:03:43.599><c> That'll</c><00:03:43.920><c> be</c> we'll get that opportunity.
• That'll be we'll get that opportunity.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House DFL leader Stevenson said the tied House will require cooperation, noting the caucus has tried to model bipartisan work through co-chairs and that he has a good working relationship with Speaker Damuth. He highlighted the three new DFL special-election winners—Xp Lee, Shelley Buck, and Meg Luger-Nikolai—as bringing health, tribal leadership, nonprofit, labor, and education experience to the chamber. On policy, Stevenson said DFLers want to push back against certain federal immigration enforcement tactics, including masked officers and warrantless entries, and tied the issue to the murder of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. He also said the caucus will pursue gun restrictions such as bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, binary triggers, and ghost guns, while acknowledging that Republican leadership would need to allow a floor vote for any bill to advance. He added that DFLers are open to and will lead on fraud prevention, especially in programs serving vulnerable Minnesotans, and said those who steal public funds should face prison. Looking ahead to the second year of the biennium, Stevenson said he hopes for a large bonding bill focused on statewide infrastructure needs, but warned he will not support using bonding as leverage for unrelated policy concessions. He also said affordability will be a major focus, especially food, energy, housing, and health care costs, and argued Minnesota should try to counter rising premiums and hold insurers and pharmaceutical companies accountable.

Transcript Highlights:

• They revealed the bill in committee in a way that the committee members had no opportunity to amend the
• </c><00:15:11.680><c> to</c><00:15:12.000><c> amend</c> committee having an opportunity to amend committee
• having an opportunity to amend the<00:15:12.560><c> bill</c><00:15:13.440><c> and</c><00:15:13.760><
• to amend the bill or to even opportunity to amend the bill or to even give<00:15:57.279><c> it</c><00
• Speaker. input zero opportunity to register their input zero opportunity to register their approval<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity to testify. My name is Rachel Gwaltney.
• So we thank you for this opportunity to testify.
• So we thank you for this opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Diana Williams.
• I welcome the opportunity to collaborate and I'm available for any questions.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a very prestigious opportunity.
• We just believe that everybody has an opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity.
• Thanks to all of you for the opportunity to speak tonight.
• This bill will deny students meaningful opportunities to think.

Bills: SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> students that are getting opportunities students that are getting opportunities for<00:21:09.480
• </c><00:33:37.360><c> is</c> have those type of opportunities is have those type of opportunities is
• </c><00:37:13.800><c> for</c> depth, more more opportunity for depth, more more opportunity for students
• It has opportunities for you students.
• . opportunities. opportunities.

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to share this information.
• Thank you for the opportunity, members of the committee.
• Thank you for this opportunity to speak today.
• Good afternoon, and thanks for the opportunity.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify today.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I will tell you this: I think it's imperative that we give every child an equal opportunity.
• The specific categorical programs include the adult education program, Extended Opportunity Programs
• We view these proposals as essential for expanding career and workforce opportunities for our working
• So in theory, if you were doing that, that would also provide you with additional revenue opportunity
• I think it's a great opportunity.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think most teachers would appreciate the opportunity to have the tax credit.
• Senate Bill 1407 is an opportunity to serve those who have served our country.
• So this is a real opportunity for startups to get into the game here in California.
• So this is a real opportunity for startups to get into the game here in California.
• And I think this is a good opportunity to say, yes, the intent is there.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. Thank you so much.
• And I think it's an incredibly fitting opportunity to do just that. Why this idea?
• So the reality of the cost here is actually an opportunity to be pretty nominal.
• And they've had the opportunity to go to Mount Vernon.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At our customer's bills and identify every opportunity for savings.
• I have had the opportunity to discuss this bill with many of you.
• They provide choice and a competitive opportunity for parents.
• Gave me an opportunity to break through the molds of our community.
• This is an opportunity for California to be exactly who we say we are.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:51.519><c> to</c> you said that you had an opportunity to you said that you had an opportunity
• You will have an opportunity for rebuttal.
• </c><00:08:16.120><c> for</c> you will have an opportunity for you will have an opportunity for rebuttal
• opportunity opportunity to<00:08:30.280><c> speak</c><00:08:30.599><c> for</c><00:08:31.000><c> 10</
• </c> motions I did not have the opportunity motions I did not have the opportunity that<00:15:21.079>

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. Thank you.
• Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. Thank you.
• Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. Thank you.
• Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. Thank you.
• Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee heard five bills on January 24, 2025. SB 1 would phase out disposable air filters and require reusable air filters by 2030; testimony was limited, with one supporter urging clearer definitions of fiberglass and paper and several opponents listed, and the committee later deferred the bill indefinitely for lack of support testimony. SB 13 would create an aquaculture investment tax credit beginning in 2026; state agencies and several industry groups supported it, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about loose definitions, internal inconsistencies, and blanks that made the bill hard to estimate or vet. The committee passed SB 13 with amendments and technical changes, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2015 as stated on the record. SB 177 would shift aquatic livestock import and movement permitting to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, require a risk-based assessment and biocontainment standards, and seek a $1 million appropriation for research and staffing. The Department of Agriculture said the bill would help expand aquaculture while managing risks to native species; aquaculture and farm groups supported it, while Animal Rights Hawaii was listed in opposition. The committee passed SB 177 with amendments, blanking the appropriation for committee report consideration, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 184 would raise the beverage container deposit and refund from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters said the higher deposit could improve recycling and environmental outcomes, while opponents, including the Tax Foundation, cited fraud concerns, the program’s existing fund balance, and practical challenges in redemption; the Department of Human Services also noted potential impacts on blind vendors. The committee took the bill up but deferred decision-making until Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:01 p.m. in Room 224. The committee also heard SB 250, which would increase the income tax credit for interisland transportation costs for agricultural products. Agricultural and industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to offset rising shipping costs and preserve access to markets, while the Tax Foundation preferred direct appropriations over tax credits and objected to missing bill details. The committee passed SB 250 with amendments from the Department of Agriculture and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. Separately, a joint hearing on SB 240, the Right to Farm bill, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Agriculture supported further study and raised concerns about the bill’s fragmented approach, while farm, cattle, and other industry witnesses split between support for protecting customary Native Hawaiian subsistence farming and opposition to excluding CAFOs and certain business structures. No vote was taken on SB 240 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:44.480><c> to</c> madam chair giving me the opportunity to madam chair giving me the opportunity
• very much the opportunity today to pro very much the opportunity today to pro to<00:54:03.200><c> present
• </c><00:58:22.559><c> and</c> madam chair for this opportunity and madam chair for this opportunity and
• Um thank you um opportunity to testify.
• Thank you again for the opportunity to share our comments today.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all