Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> inc><00:43:50.960><c> thec><00:43:51.119><c> valleyc><00:43:51.359><c> typec><00:43:51.599
• 59.200><c> thatc><00:43:59.359><c> typec><00:43:59.520><c> ofc><00:43:59.680><c> dealc><00:43
• 00:44:20.160><c> umc><00:44:20.480><c> somec><00:44:20.720><c> typec><00:44:20.800><c> ofc> hear
• c><01:17:38.640><c> typec><01:17:38.800><c> ofc><01:17:39.000><c> subsidy.
• c><01:17:40.000><c> Um,c> have through this type of subsidy.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :40:49.560><c> typec><00:40:49.720><c> ofc><00:40:49.920><c> feec><00:40:50.560><c> thatc><00
• :51.599><c> toc><00:40:51.920><c> thesec><00:40:52.200><c> licensec><00:40:52.720><c> typesc>
• <01:05:05.160><c> forc><01:05:05.720><c> allc><01:05:06.400><c> typesc><01:05:06.680><c> ofc>
• 38.960><c> licensec><01:29:39.360><c> typec><01:29:39.639><c> asc><01:29:39.760><c> farc><01:
• 29:39.960><c> asc><01:29:40.520><c> thec> the license type as far as the the license type as far

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:50.400><c> Resolvedc><00:01:50.680><c> byc><00:01:50.760><c> thec><00:01:50.880><c>
• ><c> orc><00:01:54.920><c> Saturday,c><00:01:55.240><c> Mayc><00:01:55.400><c> 23rd,c><00:01:
• ><c> typesc><00:20:49.680><c> ofc> This change clarifies the types of This change clarifies the types
• :13.200><c> onc><00:21:13.360><c> thec><00:21:13.480><c> typesc><00:21:13.880><c> ofc><00:21:
• 14.000><c> housingc> the report back on the types of housing the report back on the types of housing

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence, then reported favorable on House Bill 954, relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the town of Stowe, and referred it to Ways and Means. Members then adopted JRS 54, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment so the two houses would reconvene no later than Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Several announcements followed, including a Memorial Day remembrance, which was journalized, an art project in the card room, and a recognition of Harwood Union High School athletes and one individual champion. The House also heard a farewell and birthday acknowledgment for a departing member from Bennington. The calendar was then announced, with House Bill 932, Senate Bill 325, and Senate Bill 323 slated for consideration. The House suspended rules to take up House Bill 932 immediately and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The bill concerns regulation of forestry under Act 250, and the Stowe member explained the amendment was a narrow technical revision developed with the Land Use Review Board and the Agency of Natural Resources. The House then suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 325, heard a 6-0 committee of conference report on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction, and adopted the report after brief questioning about noise limits. The House also suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith. Senate Bill 323 was postponed to the afternoon session, and the House recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> yoursc><00:01:51.439><c> forc><00:01:51.680><c> Housec><00:01:51.920><c> Billc><00:01:52.200
• goingc><00:02:08.679><c> toc><00:02:08.800><c> helpc><00:02:08.959><c> mec><00:02:09.200><c>
• ofc><00:09:29.040><c> thisc><00:09:29.160><c> typec><00:09:29.519><c> ofc><00:09:29.720><c> product
• c><00:09:30.000><c> it'sc><00:09:30.200><c> outc> of of of this type of product it's out of of
• of this type of product it's out in<00:09:30.880><c> thec><00:09:31.079><c> openc><00:09:31.680><

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 Introduction of Guests 00:54 HB 640 Discussion 01:15 HB 640 Roll Call Vote 05:16 HB 641 Discussion 06:11 HB 641 Roll Call Vote 11:49 HB 790 Discussion 12:47 HB 790 Roll Call Vote 14:23 Chair Comments regarding SB 89 16:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bills 640, 641, and 790. HB 640 would authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to adopt regulations to control invasive non-native plant species, with testimony focusing on the threat posed by species such as callery pear/Bradford pear to native plants, forest health, and the economy. Members asked whether the bill itself would ban Bradford pears; the sponsor clarified that it would not directly ban them, but would give the cabinet regulatory authority. The bill received a favorable expression by roll call. HB 641 addressed coal combustion byproducts, explaining that the bill would help preserve landfill space by allowing these materials to be reused as special waste in places such as abandoned strip mines or underground mines, and would clarify that reclaimed land could qualify for agricultural use such as pasture, hay, or crop production. Members raised concerns about groundwater and runoff; the sponsor and another member argued that placing the material under cover would reduce exposure compared with open piles currently sitting at power plants. After discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression, with a few members passing on the vote. HB 790, as amended by committee substitute, was described as substantially narrowed from its original form. The substitute removed setback requirements and instead required construction certificate holders for solar merchant electric generating facilities to report federal and state incentives used for siting, construction, and operation, with the cabinet compiling and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly. The committee approved the substitute and the bill passed with favorable expression. At the end of the meeting, members were also reminded of a later TVA energy update meeting and the chair noted ongoing work on Senate Bill 89, with possible future action and a special meeting if revised language is ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• 13:40.160><c> thec><00:13:40.320><c> dayc> type as well as narrowing it to the day type as well as
• :26:30.799><c> sanctionc><00:26:31.240><c> forc><00:26:31.760><c> thatc><00:26:32.039><c> type<
• /c><00:26:32.200><c> ofc> no typical sanction for that type of no typical sanction for that type of
• ><c> bec> type of thing could be type of thing could be developed<00:26:54.000><c> forc><00:26:54.159
• c><00:48:52.960><c> thec><00:48:53.119><c> legislationc><00:48:53.760><c> thec> referral type

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :33.360><c> typesc><00:11:33.760><c> ofc><00:11:34.000><c> homec><00:11:34.320><c> carec> four
• :20.079><c> typesc><00:15:21.120><c> thatc><00:15:21.920><c> umc><00:15:22.160><c> arec> um certain
• type<00:20:34.320><c> andc><00:20:34.559><c> thec><00:20:34.799><c> servicesc><00:20:35.679><c
• > umc><00:20:35.840><c> withinc><00:20:36.159><c> anc> type and the services um within an type
• It will also depend<00:42:31.520><c> onc><00:42:31.839><c> whatc><00:42:32.079><c> typec><00:42

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee to study long-term managed care met to approve the prior meeting minutes, with a clarification that “OB3” referred to the “one big beautiful bill.” The minutes were then approved. Chair Jim Kofalt outlined the day’s agenda, which included testimony from the Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, the New Hampshire Association of Counties, and later DHHS. He also noted that future meetings were expected soon and that the meetings were being livestreamed on YouTube. Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, represented by Kellyanne Totten and Amy Moore, urged inclusive planning and a cautious, phased approach if managed care is considered. They emphasized that home care providers are not uniform, with different licensing and service models, and said any pilot should include varied provider types, rural and southern regions, and agencies of different sizes. They warned that workforce shortages, inflation, and a possible 9% CMS cut to Medicare home health payments could force agencies to reduce service areas or service types. They also said the 2023 Medicaid CFI rate increase has begun to lose its effect. In response to questions, they said the rural health transformation fund may help with planning and telehealth but likely cannot be used directly for rates or recruitment/retention. They also described the New England Home Care Nurse Residency Program, a Department of Labor grant, as a way to bring new registered nurses into home care with added training and school partnerships. The New Hampshire Association of Counties, through county nursing home administrators Craig Labore and David Ross, revisited the earlier Step Two managed care discussions from 2016-2018. They said prior consultants found the long-term services and supports system was underfunded and needed investment to stabilize providers and expand community-based care. They argued the same concerns remain today and said a managed model would jeopardize the Medicaid quality incentive payment program and, for county nursing homes, the proportionate share payment program. Their testimony was generally opposed to moving forward with managed long-term services and supports without significant additional funding and safeguards.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:39:28.000><c> thisc><00:39:28.160><c> typec> developers to try to develop this type developers
• to try to develop this type of<00:39:28.480><c> housingc><00:39:28.800><c> whichc><00:39:28.920>
• ><c> thatc><00:55:37.680><c> typec><00:55:37.839><c> ofc><00:55:38.000><c> languagec><00:55:38.599
• ><c> DNRc><01:11:05.280><c> typec><01:11:05.600><c> purposesc> reforestation and um DNR type purposes
• 29.639><c> thec><01:23:29.760><c> samec><01:23:30.000><c> typec><01:23:30.199><c> ofc><01:23:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 13, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of housing, land, and resource bills. Early bills included HB 743 on fiscal sustainability, HB 1318 on affordable housing, and HB 1409 on the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board. Testimony on the housing measures was largely supportive from agencies and advocacy groups such as the Office of Planning, Hawaii Housing Future, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and the County of Kauai, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) raised concerns on HB 1318 about public trust duties for ceded lands. On HB 1409, members questioned whether the bill needed updating in light of a separate bill changing the board structure, and witnesses said the measure did not change funding but only the board’s mission and scope. The committee also heard HB 1410, which would create a supportive housing special fund. Supporters, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawaii Appleseed, argued that predictable dedicated funding is needed for supportive housing, social services, and long-term homelessness solutions. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed tax earmarks in general, saying they subvert the constitutional budgeting process. Members asked how the fund would be administered and who could access it; witnesses said HHFDC and the counties would coordinate the process, but DLNR noted the bill did not provide additional administrative capacity and suggested language to address that. Later bills included HB 528 on residential leaseholds, HB 1359 on flood mitigation, HB 1087 on historic preservation reviews, HB 868 on disabilities, and HB 1323 on transfer of non-agricultural park lands. HB 528 drew limited testimony, with a Catholic Charities/Hawaii Public Housing Authority representative offering a general example of leasehold development but saying the bill’s exemptions had not been discussed in detail. HB 1359 prompted discussion of homeowner and county responsibilities for drainage and flood damage, with DLNR saying private owners are responsible for drainage on private property and counties for county roads. HB 1087 was supported by DHHL, which said historic preservation reviews currently take about 165 days and the bill could improve timeliness, while Hawaii Historic Hawaii Foundation opposed it. HB 868 drew support from the Disability Rights Center and DCAB, with testimony focusing on beach access and the need for clearer legal authority. On HB 1323, DLNR opposed the bill, saying it did not reflect Act 90 and that some agricultural parcels should remain under DLNR for conservation, watershed, recreation, or fire protection reasons; DOA, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the measure, arguing that productive agricultural lands should be transferred to agriculture to protect local food production and family ranches.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:10:43.360><c> typec><00:10:43.600><c> 1c> while not strictly tied to type 1 while
• /c><00:12:13.360><c> typec><00:12:13.680><c> twoc><00:12:14.560><c> umc> passed, it would cover
• the type 1 most, which are typically the type 1 diabetic<00:12:24.320><c> thatc><00:12:24.639><c>
• one<00:21:07.760><c> favoritec><00:21:08.159><c> typec><00:21:08.320><c> ofc><00:21:08.559><c>
• protestc><00:21:09.520><c> specialc> one favorite type of protest special one favorite type of protest

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> onc><01:58:17.520><c> socialc> So simply typing something on social So simply typing something
• ><c> certainc><02:16:50.800><c> typesc><02:16:51.040><c> ofc> address the uh certain types of address
• <04:43:35.200><c> suddenlyc><04:43:35.600><c> toc> type of employer decide suddenly to type of employer
• 55.120><c> typesc><05:09:55.360><c> ofc><05:09:55.440><c> relationships.
• ><c> toc><05:31:34.240><c> thec><05:31:34.558><c> typesc> today already have access to the types

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh, exposed to careers in manufacturing and<00:18:44.080><c> otherc><00:18:44.320><c> typec><00:
• c> and other type things.
• And so now we anticipate doing the<00:20:40.640><c> samec><00:20:40.799><c> typec><00:20:41.039><
• <c> thatc><00:21:34.400><c> typec><00:21:34.559><c> ofc><00:21:34.720><c> information.
• c><00:21:35.520><c> Ic> would have that type of information.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• typec><00:29:24.240><c> ofc><00:29:24.880><c> servicesc><00:29:25.440><c> Relc><00:29:25.840
• ><c> relatedc><00:29:26.200><c> toc><00:29:26.679><c> thec> dcbs type of services Rel related to
• ><c> typedc> they're all handr not handwritten typed they're all handr not handwritten typed but<00
• is not inconsistent in<00:58:56.480><c> thatc><00:58:56.720><c> typec><00:58:56.880><c> ofc><00
• :58.440><c> isc><00:58:58.640><c> thatc> in that type of a case is that is that in that type of a

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479 00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479 00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574 00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475 00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291 01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291 01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• typesc><00:13:48.519><c> ofc> or may choose to use different types of or may choose to use different
• 39.240><c> inc><00:42:39.400><c> thec> against any type of volatility in the against any type of
• ><c> thesec><01:00:56.160><c> typesc><01:00:56.359><c> ofc> just working on the these types of
• ><c> thisc><01:36:41.840><c> typec><01:36:42.000><c> ofc> to kind of facilitate this type of to
• :55:56.560><c> typesc><01:55:56.760><c> ofc> that same right to other types of that same right to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> havec><00:03:54.120><c> ac><00:03:54.200><c> lotc><00:03:54.319><c> ofc><00:03:54.439><c
• ><c> forc><00:04:01.519><c> individualsc><00:04:02.040><c> toc><00:04:02.159><c> getc><00:04:
• ><c> uhc><00:04:03.280><c> friendsc><00:04:03.599><c> ofc><00:04:03.799><c> Agriculturec><00:
• ><c> umc><00:04:15.760><c> comingc><00:04:15.920><c> upc><00:04:16.040><c> inc><00:04:16.160>
• c><00:10:02.920><c> youc><00:10:03.000><c> allc><00:10:03.160><c> wantc><00:10:03.320><c> toc

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from its previous meeting. It then considered several transportation-related bills, beginning with House Bill 157 on special license plates. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would create a commercial Friends of Agriculture plate to support agriculture-related programs, with proceeds going to the same fund used by the existing farm tag. Members also discussed the committee substitute’s fee exemptions for military-related plates, and the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. The committee next took up House Bill 682 on utility relocation. Testimony from Charter Communications explained that the bill would update outdated law so cable and broadband providers are treated like public utilities for reimbursement when forced to relocate facilities for highway projects, while preserving the Transportation Cabinet’s discretion over reimbursements. Members asked about the current reimbursement process and fiscal impact; witnesses said the bill does not change cabinet discretion and therefore has no fiscal note. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 443, which would shift the east end signage of the H. Rogers Parkway farther east to US 23 in Prestonsburg to reflect the already four-laned section and support future federal funding efforts, also received favorable expression. House Bill 444, a commercial driver’s licensing measure brought by the Transportation Cabinet and amended by committee substitute, would align Kentucky reporting requirements with federal law and allow drivers age 18 and older to qualify for a hazardous materials endorsement, with limits excluding school buses and interstate transport. Members discussed the safety rationale and the need for drivers in agriculture and propane delivery; the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 493 on towing and storage of motor vehicles. Representative Pollock and a Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance witness described it as a cleanup bill aimed at transparency and enforcement against predatory towing and inflated charges, and members noted constituent concerns about towing practices. The bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute attached. The committee also reviewed Administrative Regulation 600 KAR 1:041, which updates disadvantaged business enterprise certification rules to conform to federal nomenclature and related federal changes; the regulation was reviewed without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh type<00:08:40.800><c> ofc><00:08:41.039><c> projectc><00:08:41.360><c> thatc><00:08:41.599>
• <c> mightc><00:08:41.839><c> bec><00:08:42.000><c> proposedc> type of project that might be proposed
• c><00:11:54.720><c> ofc> other investors, those types of other investors, those types of criteria
• ><c> thatc><00:37:33.040><c> typec><00:37:33.200><c> ofc><00:37:33.359><c> structure.
• ><c> getc><00:45:10.640><c> thisc><00:45:10.880><c> typec><00:45:11.119><c> ofc> the executive

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 03:09 SB 57 Discussion 04:03 SB 57 Roll Call Vote 38:37 SB 172 Discussion 41:27 SB 172 Roll Call Vote 50:23, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a prayer, the pledge, recognition of an Energy and Environment Cabinet leadership academy group, a roll call establishing quorum, and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. The main item was Senator Danny Carroll’s presentation of legislation to create a nuclear-ready site readiness pilot program in Kentucky. He said the bill is intended to help build a nuclear ecosystem in the Commonwealth by supporting early site permits, construction permits, or combined licenses, with the state contributing up to $25 million per project and a total of $75 million for up to three projects. He emphasized safeguards such as refundable funding if conditions are not met, legislative rather than authority-only selection of projects, and oversight by the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (NIDTA). He also described related provisions on cost recovery through the Public Service Commission, tax incentive eligibility for nuclear ecosystem projects, training and consultant support for the authority, and eligibility for fusion projects. Carroll and Rodney Andrews said the proposal is meant to attract utilities, developers, and large industrial users such as data centers, and to spread projects geographically, with particular attention to Eastern Kentucky and other rural areas. They said selection criteria would include site suitability, prior site use, regional economic need and impact, geographic diversity, additional investment, federal funding status, and whether a community has applied to be designated nuclear-ready. They stressed that communities would not be forced to host reactors and could choose which parts of the nuclear ecosystem to participate in. Carroll also said the bill could help Kentucky compete with states like Texas and Tennessee, and Andrews said industry contacts viewed the proposal as a signal that Kentucky is open to investment. Members generally expressed support for the bill and its goals, while asking about taxpayer exposure, site size, permitting, grid needs, national security, and reactor technology. Carroll said the state’s direct commitment would be capped at $75 million, with any additional cost recovery depending on PSC approval and project specifics. He said small modular reactor sites would be much smaller than traditional plants, and described a model in which a utility partners with a developer and a data center, with power contracts helping offset costs over decades. On security and technology, Carroll and Andrews said newer reactors would still be subject to the same standards as larger units, and Andrews explained that next-generation designs may use different fuels and materials such as TRISO and high-assay low-enriched uranium. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair noted time limits and that additional members still had questions, including one witness expected to speak against the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• benefits are a fixed amount based on energy<00:06:32.680><c> typec><00:06:33.400><c> andc><00:06
• 34.600><c> onc><00:07:34.720><c> thec><00:07:34.800><c> fuelc><00:07:35.040><c> type.
• <c> typec><00:25:23.320><c> ofc> was trying to tell us what type of was trying to tell us what type
• to restrict<00:25:36.520><c> thec><00:25:36.640><c> typec><00:25:37.040><c> ofc><00:25:37.280>
• <c> resourcesc><00:25:37.880><c> thatc> restrict the type of resources that restrict the type of

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:26 Approval of Minutes 00:02:27 LIHEAP Presentation and Public Hearing 00:02:42 Conservation Opportunities in Kentucky 00:29:52, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide. Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify. After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.319><c> platec><00:17:24.640><c> typesc> we'll just add additional plate types we'll just add
• /c><00:17:41.520><c> typesc><00:17:42.000><c> ofc> entities to implement these types of entities
• c><00:18:16.640><c> away,c> types and taking one plate type away, types and taking one plate type
• c><02:37:17.040><c> typesc><02:37:17.200><c> ofc> funding of the these types of funding of the
• ><c> thisc><03:20:59.600><c> typec><03:20:59.840><c> ofc> correct vessel to handle this type of

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:00:59.760><c> Uhc><00:01:00.079><c> thankc><00:01:00.160><c> you,c><00:01:00.399><c> Mr
• ><c> youc><00:04:46.479><c> andc><00:04:46.639><c> I,c><00:04:46.800><c> toc><00:04:46.960><c
• I would say<00:05:10.320><c> thec><00:05:10.560><c> samec><00:05:10.720><c> typesc><00:05:11.039
• ><c> ofc><00:05:11.199><c> questionsc><00:05:11.600><c> couldc> say the same types of questions
• could say the same types of questions could exist<00:05:12.160><c> atc><00:05:12.400><c> thec><00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 1239, authored by Representative Wam and presented by Legislative Auditor Judy Randall, would align reporting requirements for suspected theft, embezzlement, unlawful use of public funds, and similar misconduct by public employees and officers with existing language used for reporting to the state auditor. Randall said the bill is intended as a cleanup measure to clarify that such matters should be reported promptly to law enforcement and to the legislative auditor, and to remove language that she said had sometimes been used to delay reporting. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s reference to “law enforcement,” saying the term is broad and could create confusion about where reports should go. They questioned whether reports should go to local police, the BCA, or another entity, and suggested that the current process may already work adequately. Randall responded that she was open to further discussion and said delays in reporting to law enforcement have been problematic. The author emphasized that the bill mirrors existing state auditor language and said any changes should remain consistent across both auditors’ reporting statutes. The chair said the committee should resolve the language and definitions before the bill moves further and preferred to address it in the policy omnibus bill. By agreement, House File 1239 was laid over for possible inclusion rather than advanced out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• also important to consider every<00:20:41.440><c> individualc><00:20:42.000><c> typec><00:20:42.320
• ><c> ofc><00:20:42.480><c> climatec><00:20:42.960><c> changec> every individual type of climate
• change every individual type of climate change impact.<00:20:43.520><c> I'c><00:20:43.679><c> I've
• ><c> thosec> capacity to do future modeling for those capacity to do future modeling for those types
• /c><00:23:10.720><c> arec><00:23:10.880><c> not,c><00:23:11.440><c> youc> types of rain events

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard SB 657 SD1 HD1, which would appropriate funds for SOEST at UH Manoa to establish and operate a Center for Climate Resilient Development. Testimony was strongly in support from UH researchers, DLNR, and several other organizations. Supporters said the center’s modeling and data are already used by state and county agencies for sea level rise, shoreline setback, flood, and infrastructure planning, and that local funding is increasingly important because federal climate research funding is uncertain. Members discussed how the work might be framed to avoid federal political pushback, and witnesses said the research can be described in terms of infrastructure protection, public safety, and cost savings. They also confirmed the funding would primarily support salaries for climate modelers and would help backfill federal cuts. The committee recommended and adopted passage of the bill unamended. Members also discussed the practical value of the center’s work, including Kauai’s sea level rise constraint district, future rainfall and flooding modeling, and the need for more granular data than current FEMA maps provide. Additional support was noted from the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, the Ulu Pono Initiative, Surfrider Foundation, Hawaii Region Climate Protectors, Hawaii Coalition Earth, and the Climate Change and Health Working Group. The committee then voted to pass SB 657 SD1 HD1 as recommended. The committee later took up SB 1252 SD2, a bill requiring the Board of Regents to establish a specialized training program for health care providers on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and appropriating funds. The chair explained that the HD1 version incorporated suggestions from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, added a preamble recognizing existing programs and the need for coordination, and left a blank appropriation and FTE count in the bill while including the amounts in the committee report. With no discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 1252 SD2 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• 04.799><c> guysc><00:20:04.960><c> didn'tc><00:20:05.360><c> breakc> type of lunch so you guys
• different<00:50:19.119><c> typesc><00:50:19.319><c> ofc><00:50:19.520><c> programmingc><00:50:
• :07:36.880><c> typec><01:07:37.039><c> ofc><01:07:37.200><c> monitoringc><01:07:37.720><c> process
• when you<01:28:21.600><c> implementc><01:28:22.040><c> thesec><01:28:22.239><c> typesc><01:28:
• it's it's not for that<01:45:32.199><c> typec><01:45:32.400><c> ofc><01:45:32.679><c> projectc

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of Wellness and Nutrition presented an overview of the school meal and child nutrition programs it administers, including the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program. Staff explained which programs are federally funded through USDA, which have state matching funds, and how reimbursement rates are set for different programs and fiscal years. They also walked the committee through a packet showing reimbursement tables, state and federal funding totals, and eligibility data. Members focused much of their questioning on how state and federal reimbursements work for lunch and breakfast, why lunch is shown as a state match while breakfast has meal-based breakdowns, and how the department allocates funds in the budget. The department explained that lunch uses a set state match tied to federal requirements, while breakfast reimbursement is based on meals served. They also reviewed FY 22-24 funding trends, noting higher federal spending during COVID-era waivers and lower amounts as those waivers ended. A committee member asked for the data in Excel and the department agreed to provide it. The discussion also covered summer meal programs and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-run benefit program that provides funds to families; the two programs coordinate through data sharing but are not the same. Members also discussed CEP, with staff explaining that New Hampshire currently has three schools participating, that the qualifying threshold was reduced from 40% to 25% identified students, and that districts must cover the non-federal share with non-federal funds. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:19:44.600><c> otherc><00:19:44.840><c> types,c><00:19:45.360><c> butc> Um and uh some other
• other types, but Um and uh some other other types, but there's<00:19:45.880><c> ac><00:19:45.960><
• Buyers<00:20:09.960><c> likec><00:20:10.200><c> thosec><00:20:10.600><c> typesc><00:20:10.840><
• c> ofc><00:20:10.920><c> projectsc> Buyers like those types of projects Buyers like those types of
• ><c> know,c><00:43:55.480><c> sequestrationc><00:43:56.280><c> typec><00:43:56.520><c> ofc> into

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with introductions, approval of the March 6 minutes as amended to add an attendee list, and a brief overview of the day’s agenda. The committee heard two presentations from carbon project developers, with the first from Dylan Jenkins of Finite Carbon. He described Finite Carbon’s work in improved forest management projects, its role in developing carbon methodologies and protocols, and its experience with projects in New England, Appalachia, Alaska, and Canada. He also outlined the difference between compliance and voluntary carbon markets, the role of registries and intermediaries, and the types of buyers in the market, including large corporate buyers and long-term off-take partners. A major focus of the presentation was how forest carbon projects are structured and how credits are monetized. Jenkins distinguished between removals and reductions, explaining that removals come from new forest growth while reductions are tied more closely to baseline assumptions and standing stock. He said improved forest management projects can generate both types of credits, and that removals generally command higher prices because they are easier for buyers to understand and verify. He also emphasized that carbon project commercialization can occur before, during, or after credit issuance, and that landowners may be paid through a variety of structures, including leases, advance fees, per-unit payments, or off-take agreements. Jenkins then addressed the committee’s tax-related questions, saying House Bill 123 appeared intended to treat carbon credit sales similarly to timber sales for local tax purposes. He argued that carbon credits are a forest product and that taxing them can be reasonable in principle, but he stressed that lawmakers should distinguish between commoditization and commercialization when deciding what event to tax. He noted that credits may be created but never sold, and that in some programs landowners retain timber and carbon rights while in others the developer has deeper control over those rights. In response to questions, he said the industry uses protocols, verification, and third-party oversight to address baseline and quality concerns, but acknowledged that baseline setting remains a major point of debate in the market.