Transcript Highlights:

• 09.399><c> whatc><00:27:09.600><c> typec><00:27:09.799><c> ofc><00:27:09.960><c> violationc><
• 57:51.039><c> Statewidec><00:57:51.559><c> backgroundc> types for dhs's Statewide background types
• providerc><00:57:56.680><c> typesc><00:57:56.960><c> thatc><00:57:57.079><c> wec> different uh
• :00:48.680><c> typesc><01:00:49.680><c> umc><01:00:50.000><c> withc><01:00:50.280><c> thec> regulated
• violationsc><01:04:46.279><c> andc><01:04:46.520><c> thesec><01:04:46.720><c> typesc><01:04:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:19:46.640><c> thosec><00:19:46.880><c> typec><00:19:47.120><c> ofc><00:19:47.679><c> um
• <00:40:01.200><c> onc><00:40:01.359><c> thec><00:40:01.599><c> typesc><00:40:01.839><c> ofc><
• ><c> fewc><00:42:28.000><c> differentc><00:42:28.240><c> types.
• c><00:47:10.960><c> betweenc> type of services varied between type of services varied between grantees
• ><c> andc><00:59:41.920><c> thatc><00:59:42.160><c> typec> Typically looking at 990s and that type

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typec><00:53:22.720><c> ofc><00:53:23.040><c> applicantsc><00:53:23.599><c> byc> believe
• 01.920><c> basedc><00:57:02.160><c> uponc><00:57:02.400><c> thec><00:57:02.640><c> typec> multiple
• > whatc><01:31:23.600><c> typec><01:31:23.920><c> ofc> So, with this program, what type of So,
• c> ofc><01:35:31.760><c> thosec><01:35:32.560><c> uhc><01:35:32.719><c> typesc><01:35:32.960>
• c> typesc><01:40:48.800><c> ofc><01:40:49.280><c> youc><01:40:49.360><c> knowc><01:40:49.520>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on March 4, 2026, and focused almost entirely on an update and oversight discussion of the Promise Act, including its grant and loan programs. The chair opened by explaining that the committee wanted to better understand how the 2023 law was implemented, how funds are still being deployed in greater Minnesota and the metro, and whether adjustments made in 2024 and 2025 were working as intended. The minutes from March 3 were approved at the start of the meeting. Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon of DEED outlined the program’s legislative history, funding structure, eligibility rules, and oversight process. He said the grant side has about $94 million available, with $16 million going to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and $86 million to the Neighborhood Development Center, plus administrative and technical assistance set-asides. He noted legislative changes over time, including shifting the revenue eligibility test to the prior year, adding a home-office deduction requirement for businesses using a home address, and maintaining a preference for applicants who had not received more than $10,000 in prior state assistance. McKinnon said about $22 million had been awarded to 35 businesses at the time of the update, and that the loan program has $30 million appropriated, with about $9.5 million lent so far. He also described the application, verification, audit, and payment process, emphasizing that partners handle intake and DEED conducts final review and random audits. Shahir Ahmmed of the Neighborhood Development Center described the round-one and round-two grant process in more detail. He said NDC spent about nine months building the application platform, launched round one in June 2024, received more than 3,000 applications, and later paused awards while DEED and legislators clarified the law. He reported that 651 applications were approved in the first round for just under $9 million, and that round two launched in September 2025 with a goal of distributing up to $50 million in remaining grant funds. Ahmmed also explained the step-by-step applicant process, including email confirmation, eligibility screening, document upload, identity verification through Plaid, and final DEED review. He said applicants commonly use funds for payroll, equipment or inventory, rent, and utilities. The chair indicated there would be further testimony from other program partners and then member questions, but no votes or formal actions were taken on the Promise Act itself during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typesc><00:20:39.679><c> ofc> those types of those types of uh<00:20:42.799><c> information<
• ><c> typec><00:21:04.960><c> ofc> type of a dash dashboard or some type of type of a dash dashboard
• And this shows<01:24:39.360><c> youc><01:24:39.600><c> whichc><01:24:40.000><c> typec><01:24:40.400
• ><c> ofc><01:24:40.719><c> damagec><01:24:41.199><c> takesc> shows you which type of damage takes
• c><01:42:18.239><c> producec><01:42:18.960><c> thosec><01:42:19.520><c> typesc> centrally and

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:

• :25:31.880><c> Harryc><00:25:32.159><c> Potterc><00:25:32.440><c> typec> own Lord of the Rings
• c> andc><00:25:34.039><c> Ic><00:25:34.200><c> typec> character and bring it to me and I type character
• ><c> personalc><01:26:39.280><c> hobbyc><01:26:39.639><c> typec><01:26:39.880><c> thingc><01:
• /c><01:38:20.040><c> thesec><01:38:20.360><c> typesc><01:38:20.560><c> ofc> to partake in this
• these types of to partake in this these types of classes<01:38:21.719><c> umc><01:38:22.119><c> what

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:58.800><c> umc><00:37:58.960><c> ofc><00:37:59.119><c> differentc><00:37:59.480><c> types
• c><00:37:59.800><c> andc> facilities um of different types and facilities um of different types and
• well for single<00:38:17.880><c> streamc><00:38:18.359><c> typesc><00:38:18.760><c> sortc><00:
• <00:44:31.280><c> ofc><00:44:31.839><c> ac><00:44:32.000><c> certainc><00:44:32.280><c> typec
• ><c> thec><00:44:54.200><c> wastec><00:44:54.520><c> typesc><00:44:54.839><c> andc><00:44:54.920

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 05:16.160><c> allc><00:05:16.320><c> thosec><00:05:16.560><c> typec><00:05:16.800><c> ofc><00
• 00:29:21.560><c> manyc><00:29:21.800><c> otherc><00:29:22.000><c> typesc> identity theft um and
• other<00:29:43.120><c> typesc><00:29:43.320><c> ofc><00:29:43.440><c> cases.
• c><00:29:44.360><c> Thisc><00:29:44.679><c> billc><00:29:44.880><c> wouldc> other types of cases
• ><c> otherc><00:30:02.320><c> typesc><00:30:02.560><c> ofc> disputes, and many, many other types

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns. Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance. Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.

Transcript Highlights:

• > umc><01:05:45.400><c> otherc><01:05:45.760><c> sitec><01:05:46.200><c> typesc><01:05:46.520
• types of things that<01:05:47.200><c> Ic><01:05:47.319><c> wasc><01:05:47.799><c> interestedc>
• :29:25.719><c> ifc><01:29:25.880><c> there'sc><01:29:26.080><c> anyc><01:29:26.400><c> typec>
• <01:29:26.600><c> ofc><01:29:27.560><c> umc><01:29:28.159><c> commonc> but if there's any type
• :52:43.360><c> thisc><01:52:43.520><c> typec><01:52:43.639><c> ofc><01:52:43.760><c> thingc><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• teachc><00:38:07.040><c> thec><00:38:07.599><c> typesc><00:38:07.920><c> ofc><00:38:08.079><
• c> mathc><00:38:08.560><c> programsc> in to teach the types of math programs in to teach the types
• c> Ic><01:23:50.000><c> wasc> some type of a pilot program and I was some type of a pilot program
• :20.319><c> orc><02:35:20.560><c> anyc><02:35:20.640><c> typec><02:35:20.800><c> ofc> with a
• c><02:41:34.160><c> thisc><02:41:34.319><c> typec><02:41:34.479><c> ofc> transparent um in releasing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :23.680><c> ofc><00:05:23.919><c> somec><00:05:24.160><c> type.
• c><00:05:24.560><c> So,c> a cable of some type. So, a cable of some type.
• c><00:13:33.440><c> Andc><00:13:33.680><c> whenc><00:13:33.839><c> theyc> in some type of landfill
• thatc><00:43:32.960><c> typec><00:43:33.200><c> ofc><00:43:33.520><c> firec> but we need that
• type of fire but we need that type of fire protection.<00:43:34.720><c> Itc><00:43:35.040><c> doesn't

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The meeting was a PFAS-focused hearing of the Capital Investment Committee, with members informally discussing the scale of PFAS cleanup costs, possible Minnesota-made removal technology, and even committee birthday treats before the testimony began. No formal votes or motions were taken in the portion provided. The chair also noted the committee was waiting on a computer/cable issue before starting the presentation. The main testimony came from Sandy Wyn, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, who described how PFAS contamination affected her Michigan community. She recounted that her private well tested at extremely high PFAS levels after a state visit, linked the contamination to Wolverine Worldwide’s historic dumping practices, and said the pollution spread through groundwater and municipal systems. She emphasized that PFAS are widespread in consumer products, firefighting foam, wastewater biosolids, and agriculture, and argued that the chemicals’ persistence makes them difficult to manage once released. Wyn said PFAS exposure is associated with health problems including cholesterol issues, liver and thyroid damage, kidney cancer, low birth weight, and reduced vaccine response in children. She told members she had her own blood tested, later developed thyroid cancer, and said a local child had very high PFAS levels and vaccine complications. Members asked for supporting studies, and she referenced the C8 study and other research. She urged stronger product restrictions, labeling, blood and water testing support, caution around biosolids, and continued efforts to reduce PFAS use, while acknowledging some limited uses may still be necessary in critical applications like military firefighting foam or medical devices.

Transcript Highlights:

• types of to address problems for three types of producers.<00:25:13.679><c> Thec><00:25:13.919><c>
• the type that they did not anticipate at the type of<00:51:06.640><c> thec><00:51:06.720><c> sale.
• don'tc><01:42:38.400><c> knowc> those types of calls and I I don't know those types of calls and
• c> type of program.
• c><02:28:17.920><c> wec> what were nuisance type failures that we what were nuisance type failures

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> statutesc> type of statutes type of statutes um<00:03:59.519><c> there'sc><00:03:59.920><c> nothing
• /c><01:25:03.440><c> farc><01:25:03.600><c> asc><01:25:03.760><c> thisc><01:25:04.080><c> type<
• c> typesc><01:25:08.639><c> ofc> hard on on those other types of hard on on those other types of
• <02:34:46.880><c> thisc><02:34:47.120><c> newc><02:34:47.280><c> typec><02:34:47.439><c> ofc>
• c><02:45:32.080><c> thisc><02:45:32.479><c> typec><02:45:32.640><c> ofc><02:45:32.800><c> ac>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :27:55.200><c> allc><00:27:55.320><c> spentc> type of work and so we've all spent type of work and
• uh all have these types<00:28:59.480><c> ofc> types of types of committees<00:29:02.559><c> save
• c><00:29:05.039><c> Ic><00:29:05.120><c> canc> typing there sorry about that I can typing there
• :09.000><c> thatc><00:29:09.200><c> typec> have committees that provide that type have committees
• ><c> howc><00:32:21.919><c> thec> type of matter similar to how the type of matter similar to how

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:13:40.720><c> bec><00:13:40.880><c> herec><00:13:41.040><c> withc><00:13:41.279><c> you<
• c><00:13:44.240><c> Uhc><00:13:44.560><c> ac><00:13:44.800><c> littlec><00:13:44.880><c> bit<
• c><00:14:03.920><c> Uhc><00:14:04.240><c> butc><00:14:04.480><c> wec><00:14:05.279><c> hadc
• ><c> anyc><00:57:34.960><c> typec><00:57:35.119><c> ofc> safety that protect uh any type of safety
• that protect uh any type of infrastructure<00:57:35.839><c> needsc><00:57:36.079><c> thatc><00:57

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:01:21.280><c> Uh,c><00:01:21.520><c> Senatorc><00:01:21.920><c> Gustosonc><00:01:22.479><c
• 01:24.960><c> inc><00:01:25.119><c> favorc><00:01:25.439><c> sayc><00:01:25.799><c> I.
• c><00:01:28.400><c> Thec><00:01:28.640><c> amendmentc><00:01:29.119><c> isc><00:01:29.360><c>
• c><00:01:33.119><c> Chairc><00:01:33.360><c> andc><00:01:33.600><c> membersc><00:01:33.840><c
• c><00:04:46.080><c> Ic><00:04:46.240><c> Ic><00:04:46.639><c> didc><00:04:46.800><c> lookc>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:07:43.160><c> ofc><00:07:43.280><c> projectc><00:07:43.880><c> andc> depending on the type
• c><00:13:54.160><c> Andc><00:13:54.520><c> andc><00:13:54.880><c> eachc> these types of issues
• forc><00:21:52.280><c> thesec><00:21:52.560><c> typec> reduction in the need for these type reduction
• ><c> words,c><00:21:54.840><c> whatc><00:21:55.040><c> whatc><00:21:55.200><c> typec> services
• ><c> significantc><00:59:17.720><c> typesc><00:59:17.960><c> ofc><00:59:18.320><c> leadership

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• see and start to understand and feel that<00:57:57.359><c> thatc><00:57:57.839><c> typec><00:57:58.079
• ><c> itc><00:58:02.400><c> hasc> that that type of um activity is it has that that type of um activity
• ,<01:08:27.040><c> orc><01:08:27.199><c> otherc><01:08:27.359><c> typec><01:08:27.520><c> ofc
• ><01:08:27.679><c> noticec><01:08:28.640><c> ofc> indication, or other type of notice of indication
• , or other type of notice of the<01:08:28.960><c> presc><01:08:29.359><c> forc><01:08:29.679><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several vehicle and traffic safety measures. HB 2347, which would require the director of transportation to adopt rules allowing mobile vehicle safety inspections, drew support from DOT and individual testifiers who said it would add convenience and efficiency for passenger vehicle owners. Committee members questioned how home or driveway inspections would handle safety standards such as headlight checks and whether added convenience would come with higher costs; DOT also said it would follow up on inspection fees and audit procedures. HB 182, which would exempt motorcycles and passenger cars from safety inspections, received opposition from DOT, the Hawaii Police Department, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, with Grassroot Institute in support. HB 2022, which would equalize county and state annual vehicle registration fees, was opposed by the Hawaii Transportation Association because it would raise costs that would likely be passed on to consumers. The committee also took testimony on HB 1708, which would make operating a vehicle under the influence at a high intoxication level a class C felony and add probation requirements. Prosecutors, police, DOT, and the Honolulu customer services department supported the bill, while the Public Defender’s Office opposed it, arguing that it would increase court workload, require more defense resources, and create collateral consequences, including possible immigration impacts. Several witnesses and members discussed a proposed HD1 that would change the bill to a graduated penalty structure, making a first offense a misdemeanor and a second offense a felony, while also addressing deferred pleas and DUI deferrals. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill’s intent but warned that Oahu lacks a reliable electronic or telephonic warrant system, which could lead to more refusals and additional court impacts. HB 2086, which would amend negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, received support from DOT, county prosecutors, police, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Honolulu’s prosecutor supported the bill but recommended against the attached HD1, saying the current drafting better preserves negligent injury as a lesser included offense and avoids blending it with a separate statutory scheme. HB 2154, which would create a framework for intelligent speed assist technology and require a report to the legislature, was supported by DOT, county police, Smart Start LLC, AAA Hawaii, and others, with the Alliance for Automobile Innovation offering comments and proposed amendments. A testifier described the bill as a way to prevent repeat speeding by limiting vehicles from accelerating beyond the speed limit. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• > umc><00:22:16.360><c> otherc><00:22:16.600><c> typesc><00:22:16.799><c> ofc> medications um
• other types of medications um other types of medications<00:22:17.400><c> thatc><00:22:17.520><c>
• <c> thesec><00:40:05.160><c> typesc><00:40:05.440><c> ofc> would improve access to these types
• :12.240><c> twoc><00:48:12.559><c> typesc><00:48:13.000><c> ofc><00:48:13.359><c> intermediaries
• c><00:48:14.240><c> orc> one of two types of intermediaries or one of two types of intermediaries

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> outc><00:01:19.600><c> ofc><00:01:19.759><c> orderc><00:01:20.200><c> justc><00:01:20.320
• tryingc><00:01:52.159><c> ac><00:01:52.360><c> differentc><00:01:52.920><c> typec> everything
• we're trying a different type everything we're trying a different type of<00:01:53.920><c> committee
• :03:26.560><c> uhc><00:03:26.720><c> whatc><00:03:26.879><c> typec><00:03:27.080><c> ofc><00:
• 03:27.319><c> testingc> it's basically uh what type of testing it's basically uh what type of testing

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee met to continue discussion of a committee substitute for a bill dealing with non-veterinary equine dental practice. The chair first addressed a procedural issue, saying any handouts distributed without the chair’s approval were improper and would not be part of the official record. The committee then reintroduced and approved the committee substitute by motion and second, before moving into member questions rather than hearing additional public testimony that morning. Senator Reed asked what testing would be required for state approval and about the bill’s timeline. The response said the bill would rely on an internationally recognized testing model, with education and continuing education requirements, and that the measure included an 18-month period to allow existing practitioners time to comply. Senator Deneen then raised concerns about the grandfather clause, the five-year lookback, and whether the bill could set a precedent that would further encroach on veterinary practice. In response, supporters said the bill was intended to create a structure for a practice that already exists, with training, insurance, a registry, and a grievance process to weed out bad actors while preserving access and affordability for horse owners, especially in rural areas where veterinarians may be scarce or unavailable. The discussion also included historical context, with members noting the issue had been considered during earlier veterinary modernization efforts and had been worked on through open work groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings, and multiple drafts. Supporters argued that without a regulated framework, some horse owners might not be able to afford veterinary care, which could leave horses untreated. No final vote on the bill itself was described in this portion of the meeting beyond approval of the committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• challenges,<00:01:26.960><c> differentc><00:01:27.280><c> typesc><00:01:27.520><c> ofc><00:01:
• 27.680><c> flooding,c> challenges, different types of flooding, challenges, different types of flooding
• , different<00:01:28.479><c> typesc><00:01:28.720><c> ofc><00:01:28.880><c> disaster.
• c><00:01:30.159><c> Uh,c><00:01:30.479><c> andc><00:01:31.520><c> wec> different types of disaster
• <00:05:14.880><c> typesc> what chairman said, different types what chairman said, different types flooding

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force opened its sixth meeting by approving the minutes and then taking up a presentation from University of Pikeville representatives and local leaders on an Eastern Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Speakers included Greg May, Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty, Lori Worth, and Laura Damron. They described repeated flooding and other disasters in eastern Kentucky, the lack of a single prepared relief location, and the need for a centralized, elevated site that could serve as a flood and broader natural-disaster hub. The presenters said the Bear Mountain property, about 530 acres and well above flood levels, could support a multi-use facility combining disaster response functions with university and community uses. Proposed features included a command and communications center, distribution space, emergency shelter, medical and clinic support, food service, restroom facilities, RV hookups, and an indoor track/distribution building. They emphasized that the project would help avoid disrupting existing venues such as the Pikeville Expo Center and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, while also supporting tourism and economic recovery. Committee members asked about community and emergency-management support, annual operating costs, and resilience standards such as tornado-related building codes. In response, the presenters said local stakeholders, including Appalachian Wireless, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, the city of Pikeville, and emergency management officials, had expressed support. They said the university planned to absorb some operating costs through multiple uses of the facility, community camps, and budgeted maintenance, and that construction documents were nearly complete with plans to begin building within months. After the presentation, the chair thanked the presenters and moved the committee into its recommendations discussion, noting the broader fiscal and humanitarian importance of disaster preparedness and resiliency and indicating that future legislation would likely follow from the task force’s work.