Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we<00:02:04.400><c> stand</c><00:02:04.960><c> on</c><00:02:05.120><c> our</c><00:02:05.200><c> written
• Thank<00:02:10.759><c> you</c><00:02:10.800><c> very</c><00:02:11.000><c> much.
• Bill<00:02:12.640><c> Gunnesson</c><00:02:13.480><c> for</c><00:02:13.960><c> Service</c><00:02:14.240
• <00:02:55.680><c> to</c><00:02:55.760><c> repair</c><00:02:56.200><c> or</c><00:02:56.360><c> replace
• <00:02:57.280><c> if</c><00:02:57.400><c> it</c><00:02:57.520><c> breaks.

Bills: HB1511 , HB1535 , HB1642 , HB1753 , HB1810 , HB2282 , HB2614

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard several consumer-protection and insurance measures. HB 1511 HD2 would prohibit unsolicited mail or email using high-pressure tactics or falsely implying affiliation with another entity; it drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection, the DCCA Insurance Division, and the Service Contract Industry Council, with some written support and at least one opposition. HB 1535 HD2, concerning automated external defibrillators and a tax-related provision for devices installed in certain public accommodations, received comments from DOTAX and the Tax Foundation, with additional support from the Department of Health and other groups. HB 1642 HD1 would ban ownership or operation of digital financial asset transaction kiosks that accept U.S. currency; it was strongly supported by OCP, the Attorney General, and AARP, while kiosk operators and industry representatives opposed the ban and urged a regulatory approach instead, including licensing, transaction limits, refunds, and other safeguards. Members questioned whether federal action could preempt the bill and whether a licensure regime could be funded through a surcharge, but no action was taken during the discussion. The committee also took up HB 1753 on social media account deletion and permanent erasure of personal information, with OCP standing on its initial comments and TechNet and Will Caron in support. HB 1810 HD2 would impose prompt payment and financial reporting requirements on professional solicitors selling donated tangible property on behalf of charities; Goodwill Hawaii testified in strong support, emphasizing donor trust and transparency, and several nonprofit and business groups submitted supportive testimony. HB 2282 HD1, which would require explanations for premium increases and clarify insurance licensing and cancellation/non-renewal procedures, was supported by the Insurance Division and OCP; a vice chair asked for complaint data related to condo associations, and a member noted that the same agencies had previously opposed similar Senate bills. Finally, HB 2614 HD1 would require cosmetics merchants to accept returns of new or unopened goods within specified time frames and improve signage requirements; OCP said the bill addressed longstanding complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and no-return policies, citing over 180 complaints and survey results showing most complainants did not understand the policy and felt misled.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:02:14.800><c> have</c><00:02:14.879><c> a</c><00:02:15.040><c> motion</c><00:02:15.360><c> and</
• All in favor<00:02:16.800><c> in</c><00:02:17.040><c> a</c><00:02:18.000><c> Well,</c><00:02:18.800><
• c> do</c><00:02:18.959><c> we</c><00:02:19.120><c> had</c><00:02:19.280><c> to</c><00:02:19.440><c> have
• Well,<00:02:25.360><c> there</c><00:02:25.520><c> are</c><00:02:25.680><c> two</c><00:02:25.840><c> items
• So we're looking at<01:02:38.319><c> u</c><01:02:38.480><c> for</c><01:02:38.559><c> example</c><01:02

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board opened its fourth meeting, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes by unanimous voice vote, and then heard information items and agency presentations. The main substantive presentation came from the Council on Postsecondary Education, which outlined its capital planning recommendations for the 2026–28 biennium. CPE staff described the role of Kentucky’s research and education network (Kron), including connectivity to cloud services, Internet2, identity services, and new local AI/inferencing capacity, and argued that the network is now essential to higher education, health care, and extension services. They said the network’s recent upgrades were driven by privacy, security, redundancy, and the need to support modern research and AI workloads at lower cost than commercial providers. CPE also presented its broader higher-education capital request: $700 million for asset preservation and $1.73 billion for new construction, for a total recommendation of about $2.4 billion. Staff said they do not plan to recommend IT projects or equipment in this cycle, despite reviewing 48 IT submissions totaling nearly $1.4 billion and equipment requests totaling $322.6 million. For asset preservation, they said the recommended allocation method would remain based on each institution’s share of Category 1 and 2 square footage, and they noted that the state’s prior facility assessment is now 12 years old, with deferred maintenance still estimated in the $7–9 billion range. For new construction, they said the requests are heavily focused on STEM and health-related facilities that are difficult to retrofit into older buildings. Board members asked about how asset-preservation amounts were determined, including why Northern Kentucky University’s request was much larger than its prior allocation. CPE staff responded that campus size, building age, and institutional prioritization affect the requests, and that schools are asked to submit more projects than are likely to be funded. The board then moved on to an Attorney General capital plan overview, where senior counsel Will Schroeder began describing the office’s technology needs and the office’s prior reliance on a 2020 appropriation to replace legacy systems and improve security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh DFA itself<00:02:01.280><c> uh</c><00:02:01.520><c> LBR</c><00:02:02.560><c> Senate</c><00:02:02.880
• </c><00:02:36.239><c> and</c><00:02:36.400><c> Senate</c><00:02:36.720><c> action</c><00:02:37.040><c
• Mississippi<00:02:44.879><c> Home</c><00:02:45.200><c> Corp,</c><00:02:46.080><c> LBR</c><00:02:46.640
• </c><00:02:53.760><c> is</c><00:02:53.920><c> an</c><00:02:54.239><c> explanation</c><00:02:55.280><c
• <c> said,</c><00:02:57.519><c> uh</c><00:02:57.680><c> they</c><00:02:57.920><c> are</c><00:02:58.160

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator,<00:02:05.840><c> may</c><00:02:06.000><c> I</c><00:02:06.159><c> take</c><00:02:06.240><c> the
• <00:02:07.439><c> Yes.</c><00:02:07.759><c> Yes.
• </c><00:02:08.160><c> Senator</c><00:02:08.560><c> Enoi.</c><00:02:09.119><c> Hi,</c> Senate? Yes.
• </c><00:02:11.120><c> I</c><00:02:11.680><c> Senator</c><00:02:12.080><c> Chang.
• </c><00:02:15.520><c> Yes,</c><00:02:16.640><c> you</c><00:02:16.879><c> did.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560><c> box</c><01:02:00.960><c> office,</c><01:02:01.320><c> only</c><01:02:01.960><c> 6%</c><01
• The public back backlash<01:02:06.160><c> was</c><01:02:06.320><c> so</c><01:02:06.560><c> intense</c
• </c><01:02:12.080><c> national</c><01:02:12.560><c> news.
• </c><01:02:38.840><c> So</c><01:02:39.040><c> if</c><01:02:39.200><c> bot</c><01:02:39.520><c> bans</
• </c><01:02:43.320><c> to</c><01:02:43.440><c> this</c><01:02:43.640><c> committee</c><01:02:44.080><c

Bills: SB2603 , SB3007 , SB3019 , SB3022 , SB2795 , SB2256 , SB3250 , SB2147

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure. The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk. Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:45.120><c> By</c><00:02:45.240><c> order</c><00:02:45.440><c> Sylvia</c> Ghrist, House Rules
• &gt;&gt; The<00:02:48.320><c> clerk</c><00:02:48.640><c> will</c><00:02:48.800><c> read</c><00:02:49.040
• :02:50.280><c> committee</c><00:02:50.640><c> assignment.
• :53.000><c> 60,</c><00:02:53.360><c> March</c><00:02:53.840><c> 6th,</c><00:02:54.280><c> 2026,</c><00
• Introductory House Bond Initiatives<00:02:58.200><c> number</c><00:02:58.400><c> 61,</c><00:02:59.360

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.200><c> and</c><00:02:20.440><c> your</c><00:02:20.720><c> guest</c><00:02:21.080><c> whoever</c>
• with you [Music] [Music] [Music] today<00:02:26.480><c> and</c><00:02:26.680><c> introduce</c><00:02
• discussion<00:02:49.959><c> all</c><00:02:50.159><c> in</c><00:02:50.360><c> favor</c><00:02:50.760>
• <00:02:53.080><c> say</c><00:02:53.360><c> I</c><00:02:53.920><c> I</c><00:02:54.519><c> any</c><00:02
• Riley you<00:02:58.360><c> have</c><00:02:58.519><c> the</c><00:02:58.640><c> floor</c><00:02:58.959

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 491 by Representative Steve Riley. The committee adopted a proposed committee substitute, then heard that the bill would raise the threshold for certain capital project and equipment purchases from $200,000 to $500,000, remove a requirement for a special board meeting when replacing a board of regents member, allow certain employees or contractors to perform capital construction work up to $500,000, remove limits on retired police officers working at postsecondary institutions, and speed release of pension information to employers. Members asked about reporting and oversight of the higher threshold, and the witness said the records are maintained by institutions and available upon request. HB 491 passed on a 19-0 roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 738 by Representative Griffey, relating to state personnel and the constitutional officers. The bill would give independently elected constitutional officers more flexibility to hire unclassified employees and set salaries for classified employees up to the midpoint without Personnel Cabinet approval, while leaving pay scales, appropriations, and funding limits unchanged. Representative Griffey and witnesses from the auditor’s office said the measure was intended to reduce red tape, address salary compression, improve pay equity, and help recruit and retain staff; they also said it would allow offices to fill policy roles needed for audits and other work. Members questioned the fiscal note, salary caps, and whether the bill would affect future budget requests. The bill passed 18-1, with one pass, and the chair noted it would move favorably to the House floor. After those bills, the committee briefly welcomed Taiwan’s consul general, Elliot Wang, and Representative Adam Bowling spoke about Kentucky’s relationship with Taiwan, including trade, investment, and prior assistance during disasters. Wang described Taiwan’s economic ties with the United States, ongoing trade and investment developments, defense and education cooperation, and people-to-people exchange programs, noting Kentucky was the first state to sign an education cooperation MOU with Taiwan in 2021.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:16.480><c> also</c><00:02:16.800><c> for</c><00:02:17.040><c> LBT.
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:25.599><c> This</c><00:02:25.840><c> meeting</c><00:02:26.080><c> is</c><00:02:26.239
• </c><00:02:27.599><c> In</c><00:02:27.760><c> the</c><00:02:27.920><c> unlikely</c><00:02:28.400><c>
• ><c> I</c><01:02:40.640><c> won't</c><01:02:40.880><c> be</c><01:02:41.119><c> able</c><01:02:41.359>
• "<01:02:43.680><c> We</c><01:02:44.000><c> cannot</c><01:02:44.400><c> take</c><01:02:44.640><c> on</

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.319><c> then</c><00:02:50.640><c> that</c><00:02:50.800><c> sometimes</c><00:02:52.239><c> and</c
• sometimes and then you know<00:02:52.959><c> then</c><00:02:53.120><c> I</c><00:02:53.280><c> got</c
• ><00:02:53.440><c> as</c><00:02:53.599><c> I</c><00:02:53.760><c> said</c><00:02:54.000><c> I</c><00:
• I said I got one counters<00:02:55.599><c> a</c><00:02:55.840><c> system</c><00:02:56.160><c> that's
• middle</c><00:02:58.720><c> school,</c><00:02:58.959><c> and</c><00:02:59.120><c> one</c> school, one

Bills: HB558 , HB558

Committee: House Urban and Rural Development

Keywords: education funding, public schools, student achievement, RAISE Act, K-12 education, state budget, accountability, rural impact, legislation, report, government analysis, community assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh appreciate<00:02:00.960><c> your</c><00:02:01.280><c> being</c><00:02:01.520><c> involved</c><00:02
• :02.479><c> in</c><00:02:02.719><c> your</c><00:02:02.960><c> schools</c><00:02:03.200><c> and</c><00
• </c><00:02:06.640><c> Frell</c><00:02:06.960><c> Seymour,</c><00:02:07.360><c> I</c> counties.
• Frell Seymour, I think<00:02:07.600><c> you</c><00:02:07.840><c> have</c><00:02:07.920><c> a</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:09.440><c> to</c><00:02:09.599><c> recognize.

Bills: SB211 , SB305 , SB300 , SB211 , SB305 , SB300

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:13.360><c> of</c><00:02:13.599><c> America</c><00:02:14.560><c> and</c><00:02:14.800><c> to
• republic<00:02:16.000><c> for</c><00:02:16.239><c> which</c><00:02:16.400><c> it</c><00:02:16.640><c
• </c><00:02:17.599><c> One</c><00:02:17.920><c> nation</c> republic for which it stands.
• One nation under<00:02:19.120><c> God,</c><00:02:20.080><c> indivisible,</c><00:02:21.120><c> with</c
• God, indivisible, with liberty and justice<00:02:22.720><c> for</c><00:02:22.959><c> all.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> going</c><00:02:05.600><c> up</c><00:02:06.000><c> uh</c><00:02:06.079><c> as</c><00:02:06.240><
• </c><00:02:07.439><c> So,</c><00:02:07.920><c> yes,</c><00:02:08.160><c> I</c><00:02:08.319><c> think
• </c><00:02:08.479><c> we</c><00:02:08.640><c> all</c><00:02:09.119><c> and</c><00:02:09.360><c> at</c
• c> we</c><00:02:10.000><c> could,</c><00:02:10.239><c> why</c><00:02:10.319><c> don't</c><00:02:10.399
• don't we do a<00:02:10.720><c> moment</c><00:02:10.959><c> of</c><00:02:11.200><c> moment</c><00:02:

Summary: The committee met for its fifth and final Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education meeting, but did not initially have a quorum and approved the minutes later when enough members were present. The Council on Postsecondary Education, represented by President Aaron Thompson and Vice President Bill Payne, opened with condolences for the UPS crash victims and then presented higher education budget recommendations for the 2026-2028 biennium. Thompson emphasized the return on investment from state support for higher education, citing gains in retention, enrollment, persistence, graduation, reduced time to degree, lower student debt, and expanded dual credit participation, while noting that affordability and access remain priorities. Payne outlined CPE’s operating funds request, including $43.3 million in the first year and $86.6 million in the second year for inflation adjustments, plus $30 million and $45 million for performance funding. He said the inflation request would apply across the board to institutions to offset rising costs, and that the KSU land grant match would not need additional funding because the state has already met the matching requirement. He also explained that state support for educating students has not kept pace with inflation over time, creating pressure on institutional budgets and tuition, though tuition increases have been held to historic lows in recent years. A major portion of the discussion focused on the performance funding model and how it affects smaller institutions. CPE proposed two approaches to address institutions that have received little or no performance funding, especially Kentucky State University and Morehead State University. The first approach would create a $20 million minimum distribution pool, providing $1.95 million to each university and $4.4 million to KCTCS, with the goal of giving smaller and rural institutions a base level of support. The second approach would provide direct appropriations totaling a little over $5.6 million to Kentucky State, Morehead State, and five community colleges that have not been receiving performance funding. Members, especially Representative Tipton and Senator West, questioned how the model had treated small schools over time, and CPE officials explained that the original small school adjustment was not large enough to prevent KSU and Morehead from effectively being left out of the distribution. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> not,</c><00:02:27.680><c> because</c><00:02:28.000><c> of</c><00:02:28.080><c> the</c><00:02:28.160
• And<00:02:30.520><c> I</c><00:02:30.640><c> would</c><00:02:30.960><c> say,</c> And I would say, And
• But<00:02:39.160><c> I</c><00:02:39.280><c> can</c><00:02:39.480><c> tell</c><00:02:39.680><c> you</c
• instructor that<00:02:48.000><c> who</c><00:02:48.360><c> is</c><00:02:48.640><c> actually</c><00:02:
• So,<00:02:57.480><c> it's</c><00:02:58.040><c> it's</c><00:02:58.280><c> a</c><00:02:58.360><c> part<

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• :18.720><c> and</c><00:02:18.920><c> Administration</c><00:02:19.599><c> has</c><00:02:19.760><c> been
• been so supportive<00:02:20.959><c> of</c><00:02:21.319><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:21.760><c> State</c><00
• of Kentucky State Police and law<00:02:23.280><c> enforcement</c><00:02:23.720><c> across</c><00:02:
• Kentucky in general<00:02:25.200><c> and</c><00:02:25.280><c> I</c><00:02:25.400><c> know</c><00:02:
• /c><00:02:27.519><c> have</c><00:02:27.879><c> to</c><00:02:28.040><c> have</c><00:02:28.280><c> that

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary met to approve the February 18 minutes and then heard first from Kentucky State Police Commissioner Philip Burnett Jr. on recruitment, Trooper Academy classes, and the Kentucky Emergency Warning System (KQES) lease program. Burnett said KSP had submitted the House Bill 6 recruitment and retention reports, and he reviewed Cadet Classes 104 and 105, including application numbers, age ranges, and the mix of applicants by education, military, and law enforcement background. He said attrition is driven largely by physical fitness failures and homesickness from the resident academy model, but noted KSP has expanded recruiting and mentoring efforts, including college-credit partnerships and targeted recruiting in western Kentucky. Members asked about academy credit, the physical test, dropout reasons, whether applicants can reapply, and where recruits are coming from; Burnett said some do return successfully and that most candidates come from central and eastern Kentucky, while staffing remains hardest at posts in Mayfield, Madisonville, Henderson, Campbellsburg, and Dry Ridge. Burnett also updated the committee on KQES and the broader radio replacement effort. He described KQES as a 153-tower microwave backbone supporting state and local public safety communications, including DEMA, KET, and seismology equipment, and said KSP is renewing long-term private land leases that were set to expire in the coming years. He reported progress using master agreements and outside leasing firms, with eight leases out for bid and eleven more to follow, plus new interagency leases with the Transportation Cabinet and a site move in Wolf County to Forest Service land. He said about 997 leases still remain to be executed, though some tower sites involve multiple leases, and he expressed optimism that the new process will protect the system’s assets. In response to questions from Representative Sharp, Burnett said he could not give a firm completion date for the new radio system but estimated 18 to 36 months depending on tower construction, and said phase three equipment has already been procured for parts of Posts 8, 11, and 14, including Boyd and Lawrence counties. After KSP’s presentation and questions from Representatives Sharp, Carney, and Decker, the committee turned to the Kentucky Court of Justice. Zach Ramy, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, introduced himself and began the court system’s budget overview, but the transcript provided cuts off before that presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45.879><c> cover</c><00:02:46.120><c> them</c><00:02:46.319><c> for</c><00:02:46.720><c> 126</c><00:
• <00:02:50.800><c> depending</c><00:02:51.120><c> on</c><00:02:51.239><c> the</c><00:02:51.440><c> players
• in</c><00:02:52.440><c> 2025</c><00:02:53.440><c> and</c><00:02:53.519><c> so</c><00:02:53.680><c> they
• ><c> there</c><00:02:55.239><c> are</c><00:02:55.319><c> only</c><00:02:55.879><c> 168</c><00:02:56.280
• :56.800><c> in</c><00:02:56.879><c> a</c><00:02:57.040><c> week</c><00:02:57.959><c> um</c><00:02:58.080

Summary: The Senate Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor heard two bills. Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, was presented with testimony from Major League Baseball in support of exempting minor league baseball players from Kentucky wage-and-hour treatment. Witnesses said the bill would preserve the negotiated collective bargaining structure for players, avoid impractical time-tracking requirements, and keep Kentucky aligned with other states. Senators discussed minor league salary levels, the importance of baseball to Kentucky communities, and the bill’s relationship to minimum wage law. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed the bill with unanimous support from members present. The committee next heard Senate Bill 103 from Sen. Danny Carroll, which would require the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to adopt regulations under Chapter 13A, limit reciprocal agreements with other states until in-state provider contracts are exhausted, establish procedures for service fee memos before a new fiscal year, and require an annual report with operating and financial information. Testimony from community rehabilitation providers and disability advocates emphasized that the bill would increase transparency, protect local providers, and improve services for people with disabilities seeking competitive employment. They said Kentucky has a large disability population, that many working-age individuals with disabilities are not employed, and that better oversight could help address workforce shortages and reduce reliance on public assistance. Senators asked about the disability population, age ranges served, funding, and recent changes to provider rates and selection processes. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 103 unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• you. that I have given all of y'all a lot of that I have given all of y'all a lot of explanation<00:02
• :52.800><c> about</c><00:02:53.160><c> House</c><00:02:53.480><c> Bill</c><00:02:54.360><c> 586.
• I<00:02:55.600><c> have</c><00:02:55.800><c> members</c><00:02:56.160><c> of</c><00:02:56.240><c> the
• </c><00:02:56.360><c> Alabama</c><00:02:56.760><c> Real</c> I have members of the Alabama Real I have
• here<00:02:58.720><c> available</c><00:02:59.200><c> if</c><00:02:59.280><c> you</c><00:02:59.360><c

Bills: HB586 , SB107 , HB619 , HB586 , SB107 , HB619

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: HB586, Cullman, Cullman County, City of Cullman, annexation, municipal boundaries, corporate limits, local legislation, boundary adjustment, city limits, municipal expansion, zoning, municipal services, property tax, land use, metes and bounds, Alabama Highway 157, Judge of Probate, SSUT, simplified sellers use tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh correct.<01:02:08.720><c> The</c><01:02:08.960><c> the</c><01:02:09.440><c> our</c><01:02:09.760><
• c> we</c><01:02:13.119><c> do</c><01:02:13.359><c> have</c><01:02:13.520><c> funds</c><01:02:13.839><
• :14.720><c> 15th,</c><01:02:15.359><c> but</c><01:02:15.520><c> we</c><01:02:15.760><c> are</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:19.119><c> And</c><01:02:19.280><c> then</c><01:02:19.440><c> we</c><01:02:19.680><c> do</
• </c><01:02:27.200><c> would</c><01:02:27.359><c> have</c><01:02:27.520><c> available</c><01:02:28.160

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.360><c> LifeKY,</c><00:02:02.640><c> a</c><00:02:02.960><c> nonprofit</c><00:02:03.920><c> life</
• We<00:02:46.160><c> all</c><00:02:46.400><c> know</c><00:02:46.720><c> that</c><00:02:47.280><c> Kentucky
• invests<00:02:48.959><c> heavily</c><00:02:49.920><c> in</c><00:02:50.720><c> research,</c><00:02:51.840
• But<00:02:54.800><c> there's</c><00:02:55.200><c> a</c><00:02:55.440><c> point</c><00:02:55.760><c> where
• :02:59.040><c> needs</c><00:02:59.280><c> to</c><00:02:59.519><c> move</c><00:02:59.920><c> from</c>

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Gary Yaco, and I'm the mayor of pretty Red Wing, Minnesota.
• My name is Gary Yaco, and I'm the mayor of pretty Red Wing, Minnesota.
• In Minnesota, the Department of Revenue sets what they pay in property taxes based on Minnesota land
• I'm glad that you got to hear from the mayor from Minnesota earlier today.
• I'm glad that you got to hear from the mayor from Minnesota earlier today.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Summary: The committee met to hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear economics, workforce, community impacts, and financing. Nucleon Energy’s William Bridge presented a report estimating the economic impacts of hypothetical 200-megawatt and 600-megawatt SMRs, including construction and operating jobs, local spending, tax revenue, and the private-sector conditions needed to attract investment. He said the report used nth-of-a-kind cost assumptions, discussed security and water siting considerations, and argued that early community engagement and permitting work should be timed to when projects are closer to being economic. Committee members questioned cost assumptions, security staffing, transmission and water siting, and whether large reactors or SMRs are more likely to be financed in the near term. Lori Brady of the Nuclear Energy Institute then outlined national nuclear workforce needs and NEI’s strategic workforce planning. She described declining labor-force demographics, the need for hundreds of thousands of new energy workers by 2050, and six workforce priorities: career awareness, pipelines, training and qualification, policy support, retention, and non-traditional pipelines. She highlighted the Nuclear Works career website, the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap, the new federal Energy and Natural Resources career cluster, and the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program for community colleges. Members asked about AI, robotics, and when training should begin relative to future plant construction; Brady said AI is not expected to replace workers broadly and that training timelines depend on the specific project and staffing plan. Red Wing, Minnesota Mayor Gary Yako described hosting the Prairie Island nuclear generating facility. He said the plant provides a large share of the city’s property tax base, supports well-paid jobs, contributes to local emergency preparedness, and is a strong community partner through donations and employee involvement. He said the city supports relicensing, has regular emergency drills, and has had no issues with dry cask storage. The committee also heard from NEI’s Benton Arnett, who reviewed the current financing landscape, including federal tax credits, DOE loan authority, offtake agreements, and the shift toward project developers and special-purpose vehicles. He said early projects face high first-of-a-kind costs, but federal support and long-term power purchase agreements are helping make projects financeable. Finally, DOE’s Julie Kazeraki described the Office of Energy Dominance Financing and its role in supporting new nuclear, restarts, uprates, and supply chain investments, emphasizing that federal loan and tax-credit tools are intended to reduce upfront risk and improve project affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they were able to pass this bill for a tax, and it funds just the Humanities Council in Minnesota
• This is Minnesota. This is panel on community voices and policy impact. So we're going to start.
• And so they were able to pass this bill for a tax, and it funds just the Humanities Council in Minnesota
• This is Minnesota. This is panel on community voices and policy impact. So we're going to start.
• This is Minnesota. This is panel on community voices and policy impact. So we're going to start.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on how recent federal actions are affecting arts, culture, humanities, libraries, museums, and the creative economy in California. Chair Ben Allen and Vice Chair Chris Ward opened by describing the hearing as a response to proposed and ongoing federal cuts to the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and public broadcasting, as well as grant terminations and leadership changes at cultural institutions. Several members emphasized the economic and civic importance of the arts, while one Republican member argued for greater ideological diversity in the arts and noted the loss of music programs in small schools. Testimony from Aaron Harky of Americans for the Arts and Jolie Fisher of SAG-AFTRA described the impact of federal policy on grants, jobs, and production. Harky said executive orders and the FY 2026 budget proposal threaten arts agencies and arts education, and that rescinded grants are causing hiring freezes, shutdowns, and losses for small organizations, especially in rural and underserved communities. Fisher focused on runaway film and television production, outdated tax rules, and the need for federal incentives, intellectual property protections, and action on AI and digital replicas. Members also discussed bipartisan support, the role of business and tourism partners, and the need to include more diverse voices in arts advocacy. The second panel featured Rick Noguchi of California Humanities, Greg Lucas of the State Library, and Danielle Purcell of the California Arts Council. Noguchi said NEH funding was cut immediately, putting California Humanities’ grantmaking and documentary programs at risk and prompting consideration of litigation and possible state support. Lucas reported that IMLS funding for California libraries was briefly canceled but partly restored, though a budget gap remains. Purcell said the California Arts Council is still awaiting federal award language for state partnership funds, but NEA grant terminations and the proposed elimination of federal cultural agencies create major uncertainty; she also said the council is assessing the damage and tracking impacts on grantees. Members asked about measuring outcomes, AI’s threat to creative work, documentary funding losses, and possible state and national strategies to protect cultural institutions and jobs.