Video & Transcript : 'treatment program' :
Page 377 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the law has to account for escalating consequences for those who simply the treatment is not working
- congregate places like child care facilities, both family home settings as well as center-based programs
- Individuals who are found to be safe for community placement have gone through extensive treatment in
Summary:
The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard several bills dealing with firearms, hit-and-run penalties, domestic violence, and sexually violent predator placement. AB 256 by Assemblymember DeMaio would add a one-year enhancement for certain firearm felonies involving controlled substances and require toxicology testing; supporters said it would provide transparency about the causes of gun violence, while opponents argued it duplicated existing law, was overbroad, and raised privacy concerns. AB 1281, also by DeMaio, would increase penalties for hit-and-run cases involving death or serious injury; supporters framed it as a response to a fatal case in the author’s district, while opponents said current law already provides strong penalties and the bill would remove judicial flexibility. Both bills drew no formal support beyond the author and were opposed by public defenders, civil liberties groups, and other advocates.
AB 292 by Assemblymember Patterson, as amended, would increase punishment for repeat felony domestic violence offenders, including higher prison terms and a longer mandatory jail minimum for probationers with prior domestic violence convictions. The author and a survivor witness argued that early release can endanger victims and children, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association and California District Attorneys Association supported the measure. Opponents, including public defenders and advocacy groups, said existing law already escalates penalties, warned the bill could sweep too broadly or reduce flexibility, and urged more prevention-oriented responses. After discussion, the committee approved AB 292 as amended and sent it to Appropriations.
AB 767 by Assemblymember Alanis would clarify that private and home-based schools, as well as daycare facilities, are covered by existing restrictions on conditional release placements for sexually violent predators. Supporters said the bill would better protect children and resolve inconsistent court interpretations, while opponents argued it could effectively bar placement in large parts of the state and undermine rehabilitation and due process. The committee passed AB 767 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent item AB 277. AB 1092, a vote-only reconsideration item from the prior year, was brought up without the author present and was defeated. Final reported outcomes were: AB 256 failed, AB 277 passed, AB 292 passed, AB 767 passed, AB 1281 failed, and AB 1092 failed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a substantial barrier to treatment or cure of over 75 different blood cancers and disorders for
- Despite the essential role that donations play in medical treatment, only 3% of the US population Hopefully
- That dedication remains and the court appreciates the legislature's continued funding for these programs
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- But, you know, I love that dog program.
- And so I love that dog program. And Ms. Ratcliffe, I apologize.
- reentry programs, which is six statewide.
- reentry programs.
- And that is any eligible members of the state... ...program.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine items, including governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved the appointments of Heather Lynn Gonzalez and Allison Salton-Sall to the Court Reporters Board, and then moved on to appointments required to appear from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both proposed associate directors in CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions, testified about their backgrounds and emphasized staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and the California model. Senators focused heavily on the rollout of the California model, the August 2024 use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and prison visitation. Both nominees said the department had improved communication and training, had disciplined or removed staff in response to misconduct, and was working to strengthen PREA reporting, investigations, and family visiting consistency. Public testimony was strongly supportive, and the committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor.
The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson framed his work around rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and addressed concerns raised in late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and whistleblower issues. He said he could not discuss pending litigation in detail, but described his leadership as focused on accountability, professional standards, and improving relationships with staff and community partners. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, risk assessment, contraband interdiction, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act response; Johnson said adult parole uses risk-based supervision and GPS for registered sex offenders, operations is working with correctional safety and law enforcement on contraband and drone interdiction, and CDCR continues to expand reporting channels and training. The committee also discussed the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs, with Johnson saying most people return to the community and that CDCR must prepare them for successful reintegration.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to be looking at a number of items: loan repayment programs, housing support, potentially some
- They don't deserve special treatment. But giving them special treatment is all we're talking about.
- another health care provider, being responsible for the ultimate overall care of a patient, including treatment
- For the ultimate overall care of a patient, including treatment options available to the patient.
Committee:
Senate House Judiciary
Keywords:
SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 99, a proposed reform of the Medical Malpractice Act. Representative Chandler said the bill is intended to address physician shortages, rising malpractice premiums, and litigation pressures by changing punitive damages rules, including a higher standard of proof, a requirement that punitive damages not be pleaded in the initial complaint, and limits tied to the type of provider. Supporters, including physicians, business leaders, and some patients, said the bill would help retain doctors, improve access to care, and create more predictable liability exposure. Several supporters also said current malpractice conditions are driving doctors out of the state and harming rural access to services.
Opponents argued the bill would reduce patient recovery, create unequal treatment based on insurance status through the bill-versus-paid provision, and raise constitutional concerns involving equal protection, collateral source rules, and separation of powers. They also criticized the bill for not addressing other drivers of malpractice, such as hospital practices, prior authorization, staffing, and background checks for out-of-state doctors. Some witnesses urged amendments to protect the Patient Compensation Fund, ensure future medical expenses are covered, require minimum surcharge settings, and improve oversight of providers entering the state.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about whether the bill would actually lower premiums, whether it would improve access to care, and how it would affect hospitals, independent providers, and the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was based on negotiations and comparisons with other states, and that it should help premiums over time. Members raised concerns about the fund’s solvency, the role of hospitals in the fund, and whether some provisions would survive legal challenge. No final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated amendments would be discussed later and the committee would continue the hearing the next day.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - House Ways & Means
House Ways & Means Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- It's just saying that we're going to apply the same tax treatment in this circumstance if it's the lease
- of textbooks, so that we're going to get that same tax treatment.
- something that's actually quite simple it's just saying that that we're gonna apply the same tax treatment
- Essentially, the tax treatment has always been that these textbooks are exempt from TPT sales tax, and
- the idea is that if you're buying a digital copy of the textbook, then we should give that same treatment
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee heard several tax-related bills. House Bill 2261, sponsored by Representative Griffin, would rename and clarify the agricultural real property classification statute and codify the income-based valuation approach for agricultural lands, especially permanent crops such as orchards and vineyards. Griffin and farm/ranch supporters said the bill simply reflects recent court rulings and would avoid further litigation costs, while county assessors and the Arizona Association of Counties opposed it, urging the committee to wait for the pending Arizona Supreme Court case. After discussion about the tax court and appellate rulings, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return HB 2261 with a do pass recommendation.
House Bill 2173, sponsored by Representative Livingston, would allow tax officers to accept and send certain notices electronically unless certified mail is required. County assessors supported the measure as a modernization that would reduce delays, postage, and paper use, and there was discussion about how to handle outdated email addresses. The committee voted 7-0 with one absent to return HB 2173 with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2120 would add the Social Security Administration to the definition of competent medical authority for property tax disability determinations; it was described as reducing the need for duplicate documentation. The committee approved HB 2120 on a 6-1 vote with one present and one absent.
House Bill 2786 would extend a tax deduction for bookstore textbook rentals to include textbooks required by state universities or community colleges, including digital rentals as clarified in testimony from the University of Arizona. Members said it would provide relief to students, and the committee returned the bill with a do pass recommendation on an 8-0 vote with one absent. House Bill 2792, a cleanup bill related to the 100% property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities, was supported by assessors as necessary to resolve conflicting language and implement the exemption correctly. The committee voted 8-0 with one absent to return HB 2792 with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- program fee.
- program fee.
- </c><01:36:50.480><c> And</c> program, program certification fee.
- And program, program certification fee.
- And so, um, this is a scholarship program, program, program, um,<04:48:10.360><c> that,</c> And if everybody
Summary:
The committee reviewed a handout comparing House Bill 2 to current retirement law and walked through the bill section by section with staff from the retirement system. The discussion focused on vesting, earnable compensation, average final compensation, compensation-over-base limits, special duty pay, normal retirement age, re-retirement, and maximum benefit rules for Group 2/Tier B members. Staff explained that some provisions would restore pre-2011 rules, including counting certain end-of-career payments such as unused sick and vacation time in earnable compensation and reducing the AFC averaging period from five years back to three. They also described how the bill would eliminate the current cap on compensation over base, which mainly affects overtime, and noted that the actuarial cost of the AFC-related changes is interrelated rather than easily broken out by feature.
A separate discussion covered the special duty pay limitation, which currently applies to Tier A and would be removed under the governor’s bill for both Tier A and Tier B members after their vested buy date. Staff said the actuary estimated that removing the special duty limitation would increase costs by about $13.9 million. Members also asked about the practical difference between overtime and special duty, with staff explaining that special duty generally involves work for a private third party, often police detail work, while overtime depends more on staffing and scheduling. The committee also reviewed the normal retirement age changes for Tier B and the possibility that some members would need to work longer to reach the new vested buy date.
Members raised concerns about an ambiguity in the bill that could allow already-retired Tier B members to return to work, then re-retire and claim the higher benefits, or allow vested deferred members to stop working and wait for the new vested buy date. Staff said the governor’s office did not intend to allow that result and requested clarifying language, noting that the bill as drafted does not expressly prohibit it. The committee also discussed part-time and seasonal work after retirement, with staff explaining that such work generally does not restore membership unless the person takes a full-time position requiring enrollment. Finally, the committee reviewed the maximum benefit provisions and noted that HB 2 in the current year does not change the maximum benefit date or include the 1.5% annual escalator that had been part of the 2023 proposal, making the current bill more costly than the earlier version.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- > that</c><00:52:51.839><c> Congress</c> These are all programs that Congress These are all programs
- :14:22.558><c> was</c> Lakes mass marking program was Lakes mass marking program was administratively
- Importantly, by over the program.
- </c> marking program and for the purposes. marking program and for the purposes.
- Cutting emergency the program.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The TRGR program is a wonderful program.
- I am in strong favor of HB 82, the Trigger Program.
- We are strongly supporting the Trigger Program, as it presents an immediate, The program, as it presents
- We have 19 areas that have a tax abatement program available.
- We have grant programs for Main Street storefront rehabs.
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 82, which would extend the Technology Readiness Gross Receipts Tax Credit for 10 years and increase the annual cap from $1 million per lab to $5 million over time. The sponsor and witnesses from Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories said the program helps New Mexico businesses commercialize deep-tech innovations and is unique in the country. Multiple business and economic development representatives testified in support, describing successful projects and job creation. Committee members asked about specific companies, wages, and the program’s impact, but several members raised concerns about the bill’s fiscal effect and the lack of room in the tax package. The committee adopted a substitute that delayed the credit increase by one year, but then voted to table HB 82 by about 5-3.
The committee then heard House Bill 142, which would increase the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit and expand eligibility to underserved urban areas. Supporters, including Think New Mexico and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, said the credit has not been updated in years and could help recruit more health professionals, especially EMTs. Members questioned whether urban areas should be included, how “underserved” is defined, the size of the current expenditure, and whether the credit actually changes provider behavior. Some members expressed concern that the bill could dilute support for rural areas, while others noted that most New Mexico counties are designated shortage areas. The sponsor moved to table HB 142, and the committee agreed.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 58, as amended, which extends the period for metropolitan redevelopment area property tax abatements from seven years to up to 14 years. The sponsor and MRA representatives said the longer period would help projects in blighted areas become financially feasible, especially for housing and redevelopment projects in Albuquerque and other cities. Support came from housing developers, Realtors, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups. Committee members asked about how MRAs are designated, how the abatements work, and why the bill also changed a separate 10-year reference; concerns were raised about the lack of statewide reporting on MRAs. The committee ultimately voted do pass on SB 58 as amended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- childcare program or a public pre-K program, their world really opens up.
- Rappaport, I am not familiar with high school charter programs. programs.
- So with our program.
- I am familiar with with the adult charter program that y'all run, and it's a great program.
- the scholarship program.
Bills:
HB367 , HB497 , HB549 , HB983 , HB 1188 , HB 1290 , HB1368 , HB2243 , HB2310 , HB2849 , HB3099 , HB3546 , HB3629 , HB3627
Committee:
House Public Education
Keywords:
education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I love that dog program. And Ms. Ratcliffe, I apologize.
- reentry programs, which is six statewide.
- They'll—community reentry programs and female community reentry programs.
- Last questions that are more about programs or in it.
- and other programs that you contract out are successful?
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first established quorum and took up several routine items, including two governor’s appointments to the Court Reporters Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Heather Lynn Gonzalez’s appointment was approved 3-1, Allison Salton-Sall’s appointment was approved 4-0, and the other routine items were approved 4-0.
The committee then heard testimony on two Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both associate directors in the Division of Adult Institutions. Senators focused heavily on the California model, staff safety, prison violence, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and visitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model is meant to balance rehabilitation with safety, that CDCR has improved communication and training, and that incidents such as the pepper-spray event at Central California Women’s Facility led to discipline, investigations, retraining, and policy review. They also described PREA reporting systems, anti-retaliation protections, statewide visiting meetings, and efforts to make visiting more family-centered and consistent. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, citing their work on rehabilitation, reentry, and sexual abuse response.
The committee unanimously voted 4-0 to send both Ratliff and Tuggle to the Senate floor for confirmation. It then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, public safety, contraband, prison rape prevention, workplace culture, whistleblower retaliation, and repeated allegations in late-filed opposition letters. Johnson said parole risk is assessed through established scoring and supervision levels, that sex offenders are subject to GPS monitoring and treatment, and that operations use investigations, training, and collaboration with law enforcement to address contraband and misconduct. He emphasized rehabilitation, culture change, accountability, and his commitment to staff and public safety, while acknowledging criticism and the difficulty of leading a large institution. No vote on Johnson was taken in the portion provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I love that dog program. And Ms. Ratcliffe, I apologize.
- reentry programs, which is six statewide.
- reentry programs.
- Last questions that are more about programs or in it.
- programs that you contract out are successful?
Committee:
Senate Rules
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- So we provide export accelerator training and cohort-based programs.
- If you're familiar with that, it's the largest no-cost technical assistance program that the SBA and
- If you're familiar with that, it's the largest no-cost technical assistance program that the SBA and
- All of our programs are free. We work with our underserved communities.
- I am a program manager for a unit that issues water quality permits.
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and how the agreement affects California’s economy, jobs, supply chains, and competitiveness. Opening remarks emphasized California’s heavy trade dependence on Mexico and Canada, the importance of stable trade rules, and concerns that tariffs or uncertainty could harm workers, small businesses, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and border communities. Members said the hearing would help inform a future legislative report or resolution on California’s priorities for the agreement’s review.
Academic and policy witnesses argued that the USMCA is central to North American economic integration and California’s role in it. Testimony from UC San Diego and CETYS University described California and Mexico as co-producers rather than simple trading partners, highlighting sectors such as medical devices, aerospace, semiconductors, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Witnesses also warned that the upcoming review could involve not just trade but security and immigration issues, and they urged a stronger, longer-term agreement with more certainty, better border efficiency, and new tools such as specialized technician visas, binational certification standards, innovation zones, and a technology fund.
Go-Biz and chamber representatives said USMCA provides predictability, market access, and support for small and medium-sized businesses, while also creating compliance burdens through rules of origin, labor standards, and customs procedures. They pointed to California’s trade missions, export support programs, and state-level cooperation with Mexico and Canada as ways to help firms participate in regional supply chains. Mexican government and business representatives said the agreement is largely functioning well, that Mexico’s public consultation process received nearly 800 submissions and about 2,000 chapter-specific comments, and that many stakeholders favor maintaining or extending USMCA. No formal votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and asked witnesses for follow-up information to inform its report and future recommendations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- training program.
- > loan</c> program this program provides loan program this program provides loan repayment<00:47:15.720
- </c> for this program um this is a program for this program um this is a program that<01:01:49.160><c
- </c> grant program um this another program grant program um this another program we've<01:09:56.920><
- This program is available for students who are attending a comprehensive transition program, a CTP program
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 014 Jan 28th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- substance use challenges, providing crisis intervention, detox and withdrawal management, outpatient treatment
- intervention, detox and withdrawal management,<00:24:36.320><c> outpatient</c><00:24:36.880><c> treatment
- ,</c><00:24:37.360><c> mobile</c> management, outpatient treatment, mobile management, outpatient treatment
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, and suspended Senate Rule 1B to allow Senator Sullivan’s granddaughter, daughter, and wife to lead the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Senate then approved the January 26, 2026 journal as corrected and received routine administrative notices, including that several bills and resolutions were correctly engrossed or revised.
Members made a series of announcements and personal privilege remarks recognizing guests and upcoming events. The chamber welcomed representatives from Summit Stone Health Partners, who were praised for their behavioral health and crisis services in Northern Colorado, including crisis intervention, detox, outpatient treatment, mobile crisis response, and peer support. Senators also highlighted an upcoming higher education reception, a Forest Health Council breakfast, a State Affairs Committee hearing on Senate Bill 4, and a Colorado Airport Operators Association reception.
Additional announcements noted that the Joint Budget Committee would meet on supplemental budget requests from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and that the Joint Health and Human Services Committee would hold its SMART Act hearing after adjournment. Senator Bridges promoted the Great Colorado Payback and National Unclaimed Property Day. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. later that day.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Constitution forbids any retroactive treatment of statutes.
Bills:
SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- So there was a four-year build-out time frame for this program, which we will hold them to.
- of a menu of options that we will let you look at and design a program for the extra money.
- There could be others that are direct federal programs.
- water treatment plant.
- , or we ended programs, or whatever we did, because they were covered otherwise.
Committee:
All ALC-PEER
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Governmental Organization Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- You can't do that with just transit and active transportation programs.
- AB 1754 requires succinct tracking and reporting on bond-funded programs after the programs are completed
- AB 1754 requires succinct tracking and reporting on bond-funded programs after the programs are completed
- Reporting on whether bond-funded programs achieve their intended goals.
- of the 1930s. ...the Mexican repatriation program of the 1930s.
Committee:
Senate Governmental Organization
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We want the program to go forward.
- </c><01:20:51.159><c> is</c> involved with the way this program is involved with the way this program
- </c> thing to say well uh here's the program thing to say well uh here's the program and<01:26:52.000
- from uh for a program<01:31:15.280><c> that</c> program that program that benefits<01:31:17.159><c>
- I see that under this program there could be a lot of situations of misuse of this program unless it
Summary:
The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month.
The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote.
House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0.
The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Sep 22nd, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This program is basically a giant data aggregator.
- So, I believe you do have a program—it's, I forget what—but you do have a program to do that internally
- This program that you have, the FUSION program, or FUSE, I guess, is it FUSE or FUSION? FUSIS. Yes.
- And do you still have any gaps in that program?
- We have department policy and a pretty rigorous training program for our deputies' use of that program
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. (2-23-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- and similar programs.
- and similar programs.
- We provide programs.
- programs? programs?
- program costs, are the collaboratives part of these programs?
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:07
Chair Comments 00:00:36
Approval of Minutes 00:04:01
Volunteers of America 00:04:21
Soil and Water Conservation/Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:14:52
Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy/Justice & Public Safety Cabinet 00:21:05
Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:26:01
Early Childhood Advisory Council 00:45:18, 958, all
Summary:
The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations.
Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources.
The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information.
The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.