Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So,<00:02:00.799><c> the</c><00:02:01.119><c> the</c><00:02:01.680><c> first</c><00:02:01.920><c
• </c><00:02:09.759><c> We've</c><00:02:10.080><c> been</c><00:02:10.239><c> working</c><00:02:10.399><
• </c><00:02:14.959><c> Um,</c><00:02:15.760><c> this</c><00:02:16.080><c> includes</c><00:02:16.480><c
• all three<00:02:26.480><c> of</c><00:02:26.640><c> you</c><00:02:26.800><c> will</c><00:02:27.120><c
• </c><00:02:37.760><c> This</c><00:02:38.000><c> one</c><00:02:38.720><c> is</c><00:02:38.959><c> a</c

Committee: Joint Select Natural Resource Funding Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:39.599><c> Um,</c><00:02:39.920><c> I</c><00:02:40.160><c> think</c><00:02:40.319><c> the<
• 02:41.200><c> to</c><00:02:41.360><c> the</c><00:02:41.519><c> board</c><00:02:41.680><c> is</c> thing
• .<00:02:44.160><c> I</c><00:02:44.400><c> have</c><00:02:44.480><c> a</c><00:02:44.640><c> lot</c><00
• ><00:02:47.840><c> bit</c><00:02:48.080><c> over</c><00:02:48.319><c> the</c><00:02:48.480><c> past</
• </c><00:02:49.519><c> So,</c><00:02:49.680><c> I</c><00:02:49.840><c> think</c><00:02:49.920><c> my</

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused. The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft. Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language. Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> issues</c><00:02:29.000><c> that</c><00:02:29.160><c> have</c><00:02:29.360><c> come</c><00:02:29.519
• turnout</c><00:02:38.440><c> and</c><00:02:38.680><c> voter</c><00:02:39.040><c> turnout</c><00:02:39.760
• ><c> came</c><00:02:43.519><c> to</c><00:02:43.720><c> light</c><00:02:44.000><c> during</c><00:02:44.280
• /c><00:02:52.720><c> at</c><00:02:52.920><c> this</c><00:02:53.080><c> point</c><00:02:53.319><c> I</
• I would be<00:02:53.720><c> happy</c><00:02:54.000><c> to</c><00:02:54.159><c> walk</c><00:02:54.400

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government considered several bills. House Bill 684, an elections “continuous improvement” measure, drew the most discussion. Rep. Jennifer Decker said it was based on issues identified during the 2024 election cycle and included changes to absentee voting for primary caregivers and other election administration updates. Senators focused on a committee substitute removing credit and debit cards as a second form of ID for provisional ballots; Decker said local election workers had reported people trying to use cards with no photo ID, and she did not want financial institutions determining voter eligibility. The bill also clarified that certain ballots could be issued by hand or by mail. It passed 9-1, with some members voting no or passing because they wanted more time to consider the ID change. House Bill 71, requested by the Kentucky Public Pension Authority, would reorganize KPPA by creating an Office of Financial Management and moving the CFO into an executive director-level role. Testimony said the change was structural only, with no impact on system funding and minimal short-term costs. It passed unanimously, 11-0. House Bill 290, by Rep. Nick Wilson, would allow county law libraries to use funds for online legal research resources, computers, and internet-related equipment. Supporters said libraries had money but were limited to buying books; the bill passed unanimously, with the chair noting it would let libraries use existing funds more effectively. House Bill 555, as amended by committee substitute, addressed audit and reporting requirements for small cities. Supporters from the Kentucky League of Cities and the Auditor’s Office said many small cities struggle to find certified CPAs, and the bill would raise the threshold for less frequent audits, expand the exemption threshold, allow the Auditor’s Office to contract to perform audits, and clarify that state-fund withholding for noncompliance would not apply to contractual or utility payments. It passed 10-1, and the title amendment was adopted. House Bill 160, with a committee substitute, would regulate manufactured housing and local zoning by establishing standards that supporters said were needed to prevent discrimination against modern manufactured homes. Several senators expressed concern about state interference in local zoning, while others supported the bill as a housing access measure; it passed 10-1. Finally, House Bill 455 would create a Unit of Election Investigations and Security in the Attorney General’s Office to handle election-crime allegation review, the voter fraud hotline, prosecutorial referrals, and legislative oversight. Supporters said it codified existing practices and would not require new funding, but opponents objected to placing the hotline in a partisan office. The bill passed 9-1 with one pass, and the committee adjourned after reporting favorable action on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:16.319><c> I</c><01:02:16.400><c> I</c><01:02:16.480><c> I</c><01:02:16.880><c> guess</c><
• 02:21.040><c> was</c><01:02:21.119><c> here,</c><01:02:21.839><c> if</c><01:02:22.079><c> you're</c>
• </c><01:02:23.040><c> you</c><01:02:23.200><c> know,</c><01:02:23.359><c> to</c><01:02:23.599><c> to<
• unfairly.<01:02:34.000><c> So,</c><01:02:34.240><c> no,</c><01:02:34.480><c> I</c><01:02:34.640><c>
• </c><01:02:36.160><c> the</c><01:02:36.240><c> top</c><01:02:36.319><c> of</c><01:02:36.400><c> my</c

Summary: The subcommittee met on HB 510 and HB 112, but the discussion focused almost entirely on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members in disciplinary proceedings at state institutions of higher education. The chair reviewed proposed amendments already approved or being considered, including revised definitions, confidentiality language for grievance information, removal of the adverse-inference language tied to self-incrimination, changes to cross-examination procedures, and narrowing an emergency exception by removing property damage and focusing on immediate threats to physical health or safety. The committee also discussed whether the hearing officer should have discretion to require a third party to conduct cross-examination, with the sponsor saying the word should remain “may” so the officer can respond to the circumstances of each case. Members opposed to the bill argued that existing campus procedures already provide adequate due process and that the proposal is unnecessary, potentially intimidating to complainants, and disruptive to university policies and collective bargaining agreements. They objected especially to language allowing the accused to be present during cross-examination of an accuser and to the use of the term “victim” before facts are established. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure basic fairness for accused students and faculty, that the language was revised to address concerns, and that the rights listed are appropriate because serious allegations can have lasting consequences even outside the criminal context. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/caucus over the bill language.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:06.640><c> even</c><01:02:06.800><c> if</c><01:02:06.920><c> we</c><01:02:07.000><c> have</c><01:02
• <01:02:07.720><c> rainy</c><01:02:07.960><c> day</c><01:02:08.200><c> fund</c><01:02:08.760><c> which
• </c><01:02:22.640><c> the</c><01:02:22.760><c> main</c><01:02:23.120><c> street</c><01:02:23.600><c>
• &gt;&gt; I'm<01:02:37.080><c> happy</c><01:02:37.400><c> to</c><01:02:37.760><c> and</c><01:02:37.960
• Two, I<01:02:46.120><c> think</c><01:02:46.400><c> when</c><01:02:46.520><c> you</c><01:02:46.640><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:07.280><c> So,</c><00:02:07.440><c> we</c><00:02:07.560><c> have</c><00:02:07.720><c> some
• </c><00:02:24.240><c> of</c><00:02:24.800><c> uh</c><00:02:24.959><c> House</c><00:02:25.160><c> Bill
• Um just<00:02:29.680><c> maybe</c><00:02:29.959><c> quick</c><00:02:30.200><c> to</c><00:02:30.320><c
• <00:02:32.560><c> fiscal</c><00:02:32.959><c> year</c><00:02:33.160><c> 2026</c><00:02:34.120><c> in<
• the outgoing<00:02:34.840><c> biennium,</c><00:02:36.160><c> uh</c><00:02:36.600><c> we're</c><00:02:

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, and court facility projects. AOC leaders said they do not anticipate problems balancing the outgoing biennium or fiscal year 2026, and explained that the budget changes were driven by the need to reduce costs while preserving required constitutional, court-rule, and statutory services. They also said the new filing fee increases authorized by HB 504 took effect that day and are expected to generate up to $5 million, while the reorganization is projected to save about $3 million in general fund dollars. The bulk of the presentation focused on a major reorganization of the Office of Statewide Programs, which includes specialty courts, family and juvenile services, and pretrial services. AOC said the plan eliminates 170 positions and creates 109 new ones, mainly by reducing middle-management layers, expanding regional service delivery, and cross-training staff. Officials said 110 employees had already been offered or accepted placements, 24 had chosen voluntary separation, and the final number of employees leaving remains fluid until the process concludes around August 1. They emphasized that specialty court programs were not eliminated, but state-funded treatment court contracts and behavioral health liaison positions were removed, with treatment costs shifted to Medicaid or participants where appropriate. Members asked about the process, staffing impacts, specialty court participation, juvenile services, and how AOC will monitor the changes. AOC said the reorganization was developed by leadership, HR, and legal staff under direction of the Chief Justice and approved by the Supreme Court, and that it is intended to improve efficiency and frontline support rather than reduce services. They said specialty court participant levels are being watched closely, that CDW services will continue to use outside providers for programming, and that the agency will keep judges and stakeholders informed as the new structure goes into effect. No votes were taken, and the committee did not approve minutes because a quorum was not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last month,<00:02:06.240><c> in</c><00:02:06.479><c> accordance</c><00:02:06.719><c> with</c><00:02:06.880
• KCNA's<00:02:14.640><c> responses</c><00:02:15.120><c> to</c><00:02:15.280><c> the</c><00:02:15.520><
• :02:01.920><c> know</c><01:02:02.000><c> the</c><01:02:02.240><c> building</c><01:02:02.720><c> does<
• Um and so I<01:02:11.839><c> understand</c><01:02:12.160><c> all</c><01:02:12.400><c> those</c><01:02
• I would say<01:02:13.359><c> that</c><01:02:13.599><c> we</c><01:02:13.760><c> have</c><01:02:13.920>

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :38.560><c> the</c><00:02:38.879><c> departments</c><00:02:39.440><c> required</c><00:02:39.920><c> to
• to identify that<00:02:41.680><c> particular</c><00:02:42.080><c> rule</c><00:02:43.120><c> any</c><
• and<00:02:49.200><c> and</c><00:02:49.599><c> but</c><00:02:49.920><c> we've</c><00:02:50.239><c> added
• </c><00:02:50.560><c> in</c><00:02:50.800><c> there</c><00:02:51.519><c> and</c><00:02:52.000><c> we<
• c> a</c><00:02:53.280><c> house</c><00:02:53.760><c> are</c><00:02:54.560><c> agreeable</c><00:02:55.200

Summary: The committee of conference met on HB 718, focusing on the Senate’s changes to the bill. Members discussed language requiring the Department of Education to report rules that exceed state or federal minimum requirements and, when fiscal impacts on local school districts are indeterminable, to identify the unfunded financial impact. The committee also reviewed added language related to the new Pasquani school district and its need to set a tax rate for the 2025-2026 school year. The chair explained a House amendment, 2725H, that would make two technical corrections: restoring the word “certified” in the provision directing the Department of Revenue Administration to expedite certified adjusted rate applications, and changing the bill’s effective date to “upon passage” so the new tax-rate provisions could take effect in time. A further clarification was proposed to specify July 1, 2025, in the tax-rate language. One member raised concern that the bill’s underlying special education fiscal effects were indeterminate and said they could not support it without a fiscal note, but the committee proceeded with the technical changes. A vote was taken among House conferees on the three changes, and the chair reported two yeses and one no, treating the result as effectively unanimous. The committee agreed to draft the report and indicated the bill would move forward, with the Pasquani school district language and the technical corrections included.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:05.240><c> Uh</c><00:02:05.320><c> I</c><00:02:05.400><c> am</c><00:02:05.600><c> the</c>
• And<00:02:43.840><c> the</c><00:02:43.920><c> ocean</c><00:02:44.960><c> is</c><00:02:45.160><c> a</c
• ><00:02:45.240><c> big</c><00:02:45.600><c> part</c><00:02:46.320><c> of</c><00:02:46.520><c> who</c>
• But<00:02:49.200><c> it's</c><00:02:49.360><c> also</c><00:02:49.760><c> powerful</c><00:02:50.360><c
• Every<00:02:52.240><c> second</c><00:02:52.680><c> matters,</c><00:02:53.520><c> and</c><00:02:53.640

Bills: SCR56 , SCR25 , SCR79 , SCR179 , SCR181 , SCR182 , SR54 , SR22 , SR81 , SR174 , SR176 , SR177

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:48.000><c> Any</c><00:02:48.519><c> opposed?
• </c><00:02:49.519><c> House</c><00:02:49.760><c> file</c><00:02:50.080><c> 2440</c><00:02:50.800><c>
• :02:52.480><c> front</c><00:02:52.560><c> of</c><00:02:52.720><c> us.
• </c><00:02:55.680><c> Thank</c><00:02:55.760><c> you</c><00:02:55.840><c> so</c><00:02:55.920><c> much
• </c><00:02:57.840><c> uh</c><00:02:58.000><c> what</c><00:02:58.160><c> we've</c><00:02:58.400><c> just

Bills: HF2440

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

Transcript Highlights:

• The pace is brisk, but we understand the work that we're doing for the people of Minnesota is really
• work that we're doing for the<00:11:25.520><c> people</c><00:11:25.800><c> of</c><00:11:25.880><c> Minnesota
• </c><00:11:26.280><c> is</c><00:11:26.400><c> really</c> the people of Minnesota is really the people
• of Minnesota is really important.<00:11:27.720><c> If</c><00:11:27.800><c> you</c><00:11:27.880><c>

Summary: Senators discussed and celebrated a rule change allowing infants and young children on the Senate floor, along with related accommodations for parents. Speakers described the change as historic and long overdue, saying it would make the institution more family-friendly and help elected officials balance parenting with legislative duties. Several senators recounted personal experiences with being removed from the floor, breastfeeding challenges caused by the old rules, and the importance of being able to keep working without forcing staff to serve as child care. The discussion emphasized that the change received broad bipartisan support, including from many younger parents, and that the final version also included an amendment allowing staff to bring children if needed. Senators said the rule applies specifically to the Senate floor, not other parts of the Capitol, and argued that staff should not be put in the position of caring for lawmakers’ children. They also noted that the rules are temporary and could be changed again, but expressed confidence the new policy would work and would not be rolled back. The conversation then shifted to the chamber’s schedule. Leaders said the Chavez bill was taken up and placed on general orders for debate the next day, alongside a Senator Port bill and two small bills being moved in both bodies. They said most of the week would be spent working in committees before the deadline, and that the Chavez name repeal could be sent to the governor’s desk well before the cutoff date.

Transcript Highlights:

• afternoon</c><00:02:04.640><c> Senators</c><00:02:05.079><c> I'm</c><00:02:05.200><c> Peter</c><00:02
• :06.119><c> the</c><00:02:06.240><c> dean</c><00:02:06.520><c> of</c><00:02:06.680><c> the</c><00:02:
• > Manoa</c><00:02:11.680><c> and</c><00:02:11.800><c> in</c><00:02:11.959><c> that</c><00:02:12.160><
• </c><00:02:43.480><c> actually</c><00:02:43.760><c> meeting</c><00:02:44.159><c> the</c><00:02:44.280
• <00:02:48.000><c> we</c><00:02:48.120><c> don't</c><00:02:48.480><c> want</c><00:02:48.720><c> to</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• :33.120><c> and</c><00:02:33.440><c> welcome</c><00:02:33.760><c> to</c><00:02:34.000><c> the</c><00:
• [applause] Welcome.<00:02:40.000><c> My</c><00:02:40.319><c> wife</c><00:02:40.560><c> is</c><00:02:41.040
• ><c> a</c><00:02:42.000><c> proud</c><00:02:42.560><c> owl</c><00:02:42.959><c> herself.
• I<00:02:43.760><c> won't</c><00:02:44.000><c> say</c><00:02:44.160><c> what</c><00:02:44.400><c> year
• </c><00:02:47.200><c> Welcome</c><00:02:47.519><c> to</c><00:02:47.760><c> the</c><00:02:47.920><c> Capitol

Bills: SB2097 , SB2317 , SB2319 , SB2177 , SB2190 , SB2424 , SB2524 , SB2627 , SB3084 , SB895 , SB896 , SB3102 , SB3157 , SB3215 , SB2050 , SB2090 , SB2211 , SB2572 , SB2096 , SB2025 , SB2127 , SB2046 , SB2262 , SB2354 , SB2387 , SB2487 , SB2955 , SB3234 , SB2851 , SB2573 , SB2391 , SB3282 , SB3055 , SB2189 , SB2194 , SB3152 , SB2635 , SB888 , SB2203 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR7 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SCR10 , SCR11 , SCR12 , SCR13 , SCR14 , SCR15 , SCR16 , SCR17 , SCR18 , SCR19 , SCR20 , SCR21 , SCR22 , SR3 , SR5 , SR6 , SR7 , SR8 , SR9 , SR10 , SR11 , SR12 , SR13 , SR14 , SR15 , SR16 , SR17 , SR18 , SR19 , SB2010 , SB3118 , SB3276

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><00:02:09.080><c> first</c><00:02:09.280><c> time</c><00:02:09.440><c> we're</c><00:02:09.599
• c> never</c><00:02:12.720><c> met</c><00:02:13.040><c> before</c><00:02:13.560><c> as</c><00:02:13.640
• 02:15.200><c> um</c><00:02:15.319><c> and</c><00:02:15.480><c> providing</c><00:02:16.440><c> one</c>
• </c><00:02:24.440><c> but</c><00:02:24.640><c> so</c><00:02:24.840><c> it</c><00:02:25.000><c> doesn't
• :58.080><c> culture</c><00:02:58.480><c> so</c><00:02:58.640><c> if</c><00:02:58.720><c> you</c><00:02

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi,<00:02:12.239><c> I'm</c><00:02:12.400><c> Amanda</c><00:02:12.879><c> Young</c><00:02:13.200><c>
• </c><00:02:21.920><c> I'm</c><00:02:22.239><c> John</c><00:02:22.560><c> Young</c><00:02:22.959><c> from
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:26.480><c> And</c><00:02:26.640><c> if</c><00:02:26.800><c> you</c><00:02:26.879
• ><c> want</c><00:02:27.040><c> to</c><00:02:27.120><c> go</c><00:02:27.200><c> ahead</c><00:02:27.360
• <00:02:58.480><c> part</c><00:02:58.640><c> of</c><00:02:58.800><c> the</c><00:02:58.959><c> state.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification. Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach. Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> we</c><00:02:03.360><c> will</c><00:02:03.880><c> do</c><00:02:04.880><c> and</c><00:02:05.159><c>
• ><c> under</c><00:02:08.239><c> 907</c> k144<00:02:12.440><c> and</c><00:02:12.680><c> 907</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:16.959><c> these</c><00:02:17.120><c> rigs</c><00:02:17.440><c> were</c><00:02:17.640><c>
• ><00:02:22.680><c> want</c><00:02:22.959><c> to</c><00:02:23.160><c> speak</c><00:02:23.440><c> on</c
• today<00:02:25.920><c> seeing</c><00:02:26.319><c> none</c><00:02:26.760><c> then</c><00:02:26.959><

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum, first taking up referred administrative regulations. One regulation was deferred, and two others were noted as deficient; with no one wishing to speak, the committee treated the regulations as reviewed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13 from Chairman Meredith, which would reduce the number of Medicaid managed care organizations from five to three. Meredith argued the bill would reduce administrative burden, improve oversight, help rural providers, and potentially lower costs for families and the Medicaid program. Senators Berg, Herron, and Douglas asked about data, patient impact, network adequacy, and prior authorization burdens; Meredith said the effect on patients would be indirect through better access and less administrative delay. The committee approved a committee substitute and passed SB 13 favorably on a 10-0 vote. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 26, presented by Senator Richardson and Kentucky Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ben Mudd. The resolution asks the Department of Medicaid Services to provide data and cost analysis on paying pharmacists fairly for clinical services already within their scope of practice under Medicaid and KCHIP. Supporters said pharmacists can improve access, especially in rural areas, by providing services such as medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and preventive care, and that the resolution is intended to gather information before any future bill. Senator Douglas questioned whether expanded pharmacy duties have actually improved access or outcomes and whether there is published data; Mudd said the Board of Pharmacy tracks use of protocols but that more data is needed. The committee approved the resolution by roll call, with all members voting aye. At the end of the meeting, Chairman Meredith announced that Senate Bill 27 would be heard for discussion only and not acted on that day so members could review it further. Senator Brandon Storm introduced SB 27, which would create a Kentucky Parkinson’s disease research registry, and noted that a Michael J. Fox Foundation representative could not attend because of a winter storm; her letter was included in the packet. Storm said the registry is intended to support research and policy by tracking Parkinson’s disease in Kentucky, citing national prevalence and cost figures. No vote was taken on SB 27 during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><00:02:28.280><c> in</c><00:02:28.360><c> the</c><00:02:28.440><c> crowd,</c><00:02:28.880><c> but</
• I know<00:02:29.240><c> Jessamine</c><00:02:29.840><c> is</c><00:02:30.000><c> here</c><00:02:30.240
• And uh Woodford<00:02:32.560><c> County</c><00:02:32.880><c> is</c><00:02:33.000><c> here,</c><00:02:
• And we've got<00:02:34.640><c> some</c><00:02:34.880><c> friends</c><00:02:35.200><c> from</c><00:02:

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• To<00:02:01.439><c> enjoy</c><00:02:01.840><c> breakfast,</c><00:02:02.560><c> all</c><00:02:02.799><
• <00:02:08.160><c> to</c><00:02:08.399><c> lose</c><00:02:09.280><c> a</c><00:02:09.520><c> leg.
• The<00:02:11.840><c> question</c><00:02:12.080><c> we're</c><00:02:12.480><c> asking</c><00:02:12.800
• this opening<00:02:13.760><c> session</c><00:02:14.080><c> is</c><00:02:14.400><c> whether</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:24.080><c> So</c><00:02:24.319><c> we</c><00:02:24.560><c> ask</c><00:02:24.720><c> the</c

Transcript Highlights:

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• 10</c><00:02:21.160><c> campuses</c><00:02:22.160><c> in</c><00:02:22.560><c> the</c><00:02:22.959><
• Um I also<00:02:30.319><c> help</c><00:02:30.560><c> the</c><00:02:30.879><c> campuses</c><00:02:31.440
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• </c><00:02:37.440><c> um</c><00:02:37.599><c> we</c><00:02:37.920><c> have</c><00:02:38.080><c> a</c>

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended. The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward. The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice<00:02:20.826><c> [clears throat]</c><00:02:21.000><c> Chair</c><00:02:21.360><c> Raymer.
• </c><00:02:43.760><c> all</c><00:02:43.960><c> that</c><00:02:44.120><c> was</c><00:02:44.280><c> going
• ,<00:02:45.480><c> we</c><00:02:45.760><c> had</c><00:02:46.200><c> a</c><00:02:46.320><c> House</c><
• :02:53.200><c> to</c><00:02:53.400><c> our</c><00:02:53.560><c> committee.
• No<00:02:56.280><c> fault</c><00:02:56.640><c> of</c><00:02:56.760><c> no</c><00:02:56.960><c> one's.

Committee: House State Government