Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:16.960><c> a</c><01:02:17.119><c> lowincome</c><01:02:18.400><c> Kapuna</c><01:02:19.839><c> um
• One way<01:02:25.680><c> into</c><01:02:26.000><c> the</c><01:02:26.160><c> facility,</c><01:02:26.720
• /c><01:02:47.760><c> 2016</c><01:02:48.960><c> and</c><01:02:49.280><c> we</c><01:02:49.440><c> know<
• But<01:02:50.720><c> with</c><01:02:51.040><c> this</c><01:02:51.359><c> project</c><01:02:51.839><c>
• <01:02:53.680><c> learned</c><01:02:54.079><c> a</c><01:02:54.400><c> lot</c><01:02:54.559><c> more</

Bills: HB2437 , HB1815 , HB1614 , HB1613 , HB1612 , HB2411 , HB2597 , HB2583 , HB2474 , HB1863 , HB2590 , HB1813 , HB1838 , HB2138 , HB1967 , HB1576 , HB2139 , HB1605 , HB2113 , HB812 , HB1831 , HB1707 , HB2561 , HB1805 , HB2469 , HB2472 , HB2387 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1859 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB1656 , HB2116 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2340 , HB2158 , HB2339 , HB2489 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2338 , HB2005 , HB1952 , HB1872 , HB1676 , HB2384 , HB2614 , HB20 , HB1776 , HB1565 , HB2310 , HB1975 , HB1801 , HB1668 , HB2114 , HB1972 , HB1546 , HB1518 , HB1131 , HB2208 , HB2156 , HB2268 , HB2622 , HB2581 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB1577 , HB2033 , HB2031 , HB2023 , HB1969 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2315 , HB2343 , HB2501 , HB2505 , HB816 , HB1562 , HB1591 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1871 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB276 , HB2606 , HB2270 , HB1920 , HB1756 , HB1727 , HB1718 , HB1715 , HB1713 , HB1711

Transcript Highlights:

• :32.440><c> so</c><01:02:32.720><c> we</c><01:02:32.839><c> feel</c><01:02:33.039><c> like</c><01:02:
• c><01:02:34.319><c> of</c><01:02:34.440><c> the</c><01:02:34.559><c> stakeholders</c><01:02:35.200><c
• ><c> I</c><01:02:44.079><c> think</c><01:02:44.240><c> your</c><01:02:44.520><c> your</c><01:02:44.839
• <01:02:49.960><c> house</c><01:02:50.200><c> side</c><01:02:50.359><c> any</c><01:02:50.520><c> other
• </c> questions<01:02:54.640><c> I</c><01:02:54.799><c> guess</c><01:02:54.920><c> it's</c><01:02:55.039

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay,<00:02:00.479><c> thank</c><00:02:00.719><c> you.
• </c><00:02:01.200><c> Okay,</c><00:02:02.159><c> moving</c><00:02:02.399><c> on</c><00:02:02.640><c>
• to</c><00:02:02.799><c> HP</c> Okay, thank you.
• Okay, moving on to HP 214<00:02:03.920><c> HD1</c><00:02:04.479><c> SD1</c><00:02:04.960><c> relating
• </c><00:02:05.280><c> to</c> We are in agreement for the SD2 version.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:06.480><c> It's</c><01:02:06.640><c> the</c><01:02:06.880><c> it's</c><01:02:07.119><c> the
• So just<01:02:10.720><c> one</c><01:02:11.200><c> is</c><01:02:11.359><c> you</c><01:02:11.520><c> could
• </c><01:02:11.680><c> say</c><01:02:11.839><c> yes</c><01:02:12.000><c> or</c><01:02:12.240><c> no.
• Um, so<01:02:14.160><c> following</c><01:02:14.640><c> up</c><01:02:14.880><c> with</c><01:02:15.599>
• </c><01:02:56.000><c> Well,</c><01:02:56.480><c> speaking</c><01:02:56.720><c> of</c><01:02:57.040><c

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.480><c> think</c><00:02:02.760><c> it</c><00:02:03.000><c> is</c><00:02:03.240><c> better</c><00:
• that they collaborate<00:02:04.760><c> and</c><00:02:04.920><c> work</c><00:02:05.080><c> together</c
• So, So, So, over<00:02:09.640><c> my</c><00:02:09.800><c> time</c><00:02:10.440><c> here</c><00:02:10.880
• <00:02:14.040><c> watched</c><00:02:14.320><c> various</c><00:02:14.800><c> communities</c><00:02:15.440
• :02:24.160><c> Chapel</c><00:02:24.600><c> Hill,</c><00:02:25.000><c> and</c><00:02:25.160><c> Duke,<

Summary: The Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee heard Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers, which would create an endowed research fund to support collaborative university research in Kentucky. Stivers described the bill as an extension of earlier higher-education research efforts, arguing that Kentucky should build research “hubs” by requiring or encouraging partnerships among universities and outside entities, with potential focus areas including health care, engineering, aerospace, agriculture, and other emerging fields. He said the proposal would establish five research tranches over five years and sought a $30 million endowment for each, generating annual interest to fund consortium-based research and leverage additional private and federal dollars. Senators Frommeyer, Neal, Givens, Boswell, and Richardson spoke in support, emphasizing economic development, job creation, and examples from other research clusters such as Boston and North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The committee voted 12-0 to report the bill favorably to the Senate floor. The committee then received a presentation from Dr. Matthew Bush of the University of Kentucky on pediatric hearing loss and cochlear implants. Bush explained that early hearing detection and intervention is critical because hearing loss in newborns is a neurocognitive emergency that affects language, literacy, and long-term outcomes. He outlined national screening benchmarks, Kentucky’s incidence of childhood hearing loss, and the high educational and societal costs of untreated hearing loss. Bush also highlighted disparities in rural and western Kentucky, where children face delayed diagnosis, longer waits for hearing aids or cochlear implants, and more difficulty accessing follow-up care. He described cochlear implants, the multidisciplinary care they require, and research showing improved language development, quality of life, and cost savings when children are treated early.

Transcript Highlights:

• [laughter] &gt;&gt; Let's<00:02:04.560><c> recognize</c><00:02:05.040><c> these</c><00:02:05.280><c>
• Uh but<00:02:28.480><c> before</c><00:02:28.800><c> we</c><00:02:29.040><c> get</c><00:02:29.120><c>
• into</c><00:02:29.360><c> that,</c><00:02:29.599><c> we</c><00:02:29.920><c> do</c><00:02:30.160><c>
• ><c> group</c><00:02:30.560><c> of</c><00:02:30.800><c> special</c><00:02:31.200><c> guests.
• </c><00:02:42.959><c> Uh</c><00:02:43.360><c> today</c><00:02:43.599><c> we</c><00:02:43.760><c> have

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• :32.400><c> that's</c><01:02:32.680><c> the</c><01:02:32.799><c> way</c><01:02:32.960><c> our</c><01:
• 02:41.200><c> did</c><01:02:41.440><c> a</c><01:02:41.920><c> bad</c><01:02:42.279><c> tax</c> so what
• </c><01:02:43.559><c> would</c><01:02:43.839><c> happen</c><01:02:44.319><c> if</c><01:02:44.520><c>
• is</c><01:02:46.640><c> something</c><01:02:47.240><c> that</c><01:02:48.119><c> we</c><01:02:48.279>
• :02:52.799><c> nothing</c><01:02:53.119><c> to</c><01:02:53.319><c> do</c><01:02:53.720><c> with</c>

Summary: The committee first met in a revenue estimate work session to approve an LSR codifying the committee’s revenue estimates. Members reviewed the process for turning the LSR into a House Resolution and discussed how the adopted estimates would be used to amend House Bill 1. After a brief question-and-answer about current revenue splits and the governor’s proposed video lottery and tax-split changes, the committee voted 19-0 to approve the revenue estimates. The committee then moved into executive session on HB 669, which would require all revenue from the statewide education property tax to be deposited into the education trust fund and set an equalized statewide tax rate. Supporters argued the bill would better direct education funding, while opponents said it was unnecessary or duplicative. The committee voted 12-7 to retain the bill (ITL), and a minority report was noted. Next, the committee considered HB 290, which would raise cigarette and electronic cigarette taxes and create a study committee on tobacco and nicotine taxes. Testimony focused on revenue needs, inflation, public health, and concerns that a higher tax could reduce sales or drive purchases across state lines. The committee voted 11-8 to ITL the bill, with a minority report. The committee also ITL’d HB 402, dealing with whether Education Freedom Account payments are taxable income, after debate over unintended consequences and whether the bill’s language was misleading; that vote was 11-8 with a minority report. Finally, the committee opened HB 483, and Representative Tierney moved ITL, arguing the bill’s requirement that the scholarship organization be incorporated in New Hampshire would likely violate the Commerce Clause; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:14.959><c> other</c><00:02:15.280><c> nations</c><00:02:15.840><c> including</c><00:02:16.400
• other um<00:02:23.040><c> e</c><00:02:23.920><c> EU</c><00:02:24.480><c> members,</c><00:02:25.680><
• 00:02:50.000><c> that</c><00:02:50.239><c> is</c><00:02:50.640><c> it</c><00:02:50.879><c> is</c> our
• </c><00:02:51.519><c> country's</c><00:02:52.160><c> best</c><00:02:52.560><c> interest</c><00:02:53.440
• We<00:02:56.800><c> can</c><00:02:57.040><c> all</c><00:02:57.440><c> see</c><00:02:57.680><c> that</

Committee: House Small Business & Information Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, and Baltimore all have programs that support this type of home ownership
• critical that we pass this bill into law to ensure that these language changes are codified into statute
• I think you can look at examples like Minnesota or Texas or Florida, where deregulation has been really

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing opened a hybrid hearing focused on housing production bills, with Chairs Julian Cyr and Rich Haggerty emphasizing Massachusetts’ housing shortage and the need to produce more than 200,000 units over the next decade. The committee then heard testimony on a wide range of proposals, including social housing, starter homes and the “missing middle,” accessory dwelling units (ADUs), single-stair residential buildings, permanent affordability homeownership, and housing for people with disabilities. Several witnesses framed the bills as tools to expand supply, lower costs, and address racial and generational wealth gaps. Representative Connolly testified for H. 1478 on the Massachusetts Social Housing Program, describing publicly owned, mixed-income housing financed through a revolving loan fund. Senator Feeney testified for S. 989 on missing middle starter homes, arguing for zoning changes, incentives, and affordability tools to support smaller starter homes and duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Multiple witnesses, including housing advocates, real estate representatives, and local officials, supported the ADU trust fund bill and the single-stair study bill, saying they would reduce barriers, support homeowners, and enable more family-sized and infill housing. Some witnesses opposed bills they said would weaken ADU reforms or add new restrictions, while others urged broader deregulation to speed production. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1576/S. 1010, the Homes for Lasting Affordability bill, which would create a permanent affordability homeownership program for low- and moderate-income buyers and support small developments with long-term affordability restrictions. Testimony from community land trust leaders, legislators, and housing advocates emphasized that permanent affordability can preserve public investment, stabilize neighborhoods, and help families build wealth over generations. Senator Miranda and Representative Worrell tied the bill to closing the racial wealth gap and expanding access to homeownership for Black and Latino residents. The committee also heard testimony on S. 971, which would reform the Housing Development and Incentive Program to require more affordability in Gateway City projects. The committee additionally heard from Senator Kennedy and disability advocates on S. 1004, which would strengthen the Alternative Housing Voucher Program for people with disabilities by codifying project-based vouchers and aligning the program more closely with other voucher systems. Witnesses described long waitlists and the lack of accessible, affordable units as major barriers that can lead to homelessness or unnecessary institutionalization. No votes were taken during the hearing; the session was devoted to testimony and questions from committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have embraced the authority granted under state statute for county veteran service officers to provide
• Paul, Minnesota Regional Office Pension Management Center.
• Paul, Minnesota Regional Office Pension Management Center.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the work of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s role in supporting them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, survivor benefits, education waivers, health care access, and broader wraparound support. Several speakers argued that California’s veteran population is underserved relative to demand, that CVSOs produce a strong return on investment, and that the state should increase funding to reduce backlogs, expand staffing, and meet the Legislature’s stated goal of funding 50% of county veterans’ services operations. Testimony from county officials highlighted local models of service. Los Angeles County described a “no wrong door” approach, the Veteran Peer Access Network, suicide review efforts, justice-involved veteran services, and coordinated homelessness response, all supported by county leadership and partnerships with the VA and community organizations. San Luis Obispo County described rural outreach, mental health grants, suicide prevention work, and a food pantry, while also noting reduced subvention funding despite increased workload and high client satisfaction. Witnesses repeatedly warned that unaccredited claims consultants charge veterans large fees, sometimes seek access to VA and banking logins, and can delay or harm claims; they urged stronger enforcement and more accessible free alternatives through accredited offices. CalVet Deputy Secretary Roberto Herrera explained the accreditation system, CalVet’s training academy, district office review process, and the role of CVSOs in improving claim quality and appeals outcomes. He said California’s claims filed under CalVet power of attorney are completed faster than many others and that appeals representation has favorable outcomes above the national average. A researcher from the Center for a New American Security said California’s CVSO structure is a strong model nationally and that higher investment in CVSOs correlates with better claims outcomes and improved service delivery. Committee members asked about collaboration, funding formulas, suicide prevention, and how to curb predatory claims businesses; witnesses said the state should strengthen county partnerships, expand resources, and continue pursuing legislation targeting for-profit claims companies and veteran tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• :26.800><c> as</c><00:02:27.040><c> well</c><00:02:27.680><c> and</c><00:02:27.920><c> re</c><00:02:28.239
• and re recommends that the<00:02:29.280><c> effective</c><00:02:29.840><c> date</c><00:02:30.160><c>
• :32.640><c> 1st,</c><00:02:33.120><c> 2026</c><00:02:34.160><c> and</c><00:02:34.640><c> that</c><00:
• </c><00:02:37.120><c> uh</c><00:02:37.280><c> for</c><00:02:37.599><c> changes</c><00:02:38.160><c> necessary
• <c> implement</c><00:02:40.080><c> this</c><00:02:40.400><c> new</c><00:02:40.640><c> funding</c><00:

Bills: HB1688 , HB2386 , HB1691 , HB1680 , HB2516 , HB1993 , HB2442 , HB1510 , HB1958 , HB1915 , HB1692 , HB1524 , HB1884 , HB1523 , HB2213 , HB2186 , HB2163 , HB1908 , HB1910

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2699, which would create a youth transit program within DOT and a special fund tied to the environmental response/energy/food security tax fund. The chair described support from several agencies but also noted Attorney General concerns about whether the special fund met statutory criteria, DOE comments requesting a July 1, 2026 effective date, and broader funding concerns because the bill would draw from general fund resources. The chair recommended deferral, saying the measure involved significant long-term costs and needed more work on a funding mechanism. The committee deferred the bill. The committee then heard SB 3182, relating to administrative license revocation procedures. HDOT supported the measure, while the Judiciary opposed the bill as written, citing operational, staffing, fiscal, and mailing burdens from requiring ADLRO to mail all case documents to every respondent within five days. Judiciary said it handles about 3,000 to 4,000 DUI cases annually and would need additional staff and certified-mail costs. Prosecutors from the state and county supported a proposed SD1 version, saying it would address backlog concerns and help DUI enforcement by creating a presumption of revocation. The committee ultimately recommended support and passage of SD1. The committee also heard SB 3313 on interisland air service stability and transformation. The Attorney General warned the bill could be preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act and raised constitutional concerns about a local-hire provision. DOTAX said the program would be complicated to administer and suggested third-party certification. No action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard SB 3337, which would eliminate state taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for motor vehicles; HDOT opposed it, while DOTAX provided comments and the Hawaii Transportation Association supported it. The transcript then moved to SB 2896, lowering the minimum age for commercial driving from 19 to 18. HDOT supported the bill, the Hawaii Transportation Association strongly supported it and suggested added training requirements, and an Operating Engineers representative supported the concept but urged that young drivers be tied to apprenticeship or other structured training programs. No vote was shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard SB 2400, which would exempt wing-in-ground craft from the Hawaii Waters Act and define those craft in law. The PUC supported the bill’s intent, and Regent Craft testified in strong support, describing sea gliders as all-electric vessels that could improve interisland access, resiliency, and decarbonization while using existing harbor infrastructure. HTDC and several other groups also supported the measure. Members asked about infrastructure, ports, weather operations, and Coast Guard jurisdiction, and the witness said operators would decide harbor locations and that the company had identified multiple possible ports. No final committee action was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• some information<00:02:40.920><c> to</c><00:02:41.080><c> follow</c><00:02:41.319><c> up</c><00:02:41.480
• c><00:02:45.200><c> those</c><00:02:45.319><c> of</c><00:02:45.480><c> you</c><00:02:45.680><c> folks
• that don't<00:02:46.480><c> know</c><00:02:47.319><c> um</c><00:02:47.480><c> is</c><00:02:47.599><c
• 02:52.640><c> offices</c><00:02:53.640><c> all</c><00:02:53.959><c> four</c><00:02:54.319><c> County<
• c> could</c><01:02:02.559><c> use</c><01:02:03.160><c> 100%</c><01:02:04.160><c> of</c><01:02:04.400>

Transcript Highlights:

• And then<01:02:15.440><c> when</c><01:02:15.599><c> you</c><01:02:15.760><c> see</c><01:02:16.640><c>
• policy</c><01:02:18.079><c> uh</c><01:02:18.319><c> come</c><01:02:18.480><c> in</c><01:02:18.720><c
• ><c> more</c><01:02:19.599><c> what</c><01:02:19.839><c> I</c><01:02:20.000><c> would</c><01:02:20.079
• down.<01:02:24.880><c> people</c><01:02:25.200><c> lose</c><01:02:25.440><c> their</c><01:02:25.599>
• The<01:02:28.640><c> the</c><01:02:29.119><c> local</c><01:02:29.520><c> store</c><01:02:30.720><c> that

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.319><c> machine</c><01:02:12.720><c> recorded</c><01:02:13.040><c> to</c><01:02:13.119><c> vote</
• c><01:02:13.440><c> 105</c><01:02:13.920><c> I</c><01:02:14.319><c> zero</c> lock machine recorded to
• c> 226</c><01:02:17.119><c> has</c><01:02:17.359><c> passed</c><01:02:17.760><c> as</c><01:02:18.160>
• &gt;&gt; Thank<01:02:19.839><c> you</c><01:02:20.000><c> Mr.</c><01:02:20.319><c> Speaker.
• </c><01:02:20.640><c> Thank</c><01:02:20.799><c> you</c><01:02:20.960><c> body.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:02:00.320><c> over</c><00:02:00.560><c> to</c><00:02:02.000><c> uh</c><00:02:02.479><c> chair</c><
• </c><00:02:06.560><c> Um</c><00:02:07.280><c> okay,</c><00:02:07.680><c> moving</c><00:02:07.920><c>
• Chamber of<00:02:27.760><c> Commerce,</c><00:02:28.440><c> Hawaii</c><00:02:29.440><c> in</c><00:02:
• Anyone else<00:02:36.800><c> wishing</c><00:02:37.200><c> to</c><00:02:37.360><c> testify</c><00:02:37.760
• Seeing<00:02:39.040><c> none,</c><00:02:39.280><c> members,</c><00:02:39.599><c> any</c><00:02:39.840

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:02:50.040><c> Mr</c><00:02:50.319><c> Nolan</c><00:02:51.080><c> and</c><00:02:51.680><c> he</c>
• <00:02:51.959><c> is</c><00:02:52.519><c> big</c><00:02:52.720><c> in</c><00:02:52.840><c> the</c> driver
• industry</c><00:02:53.800><c> and</c><00:02:53.959><c> I</c><00:02:54.120><c> respect</c><00:02:54.480
• ><c> much</c><00:02:55.599><c> so</c><00:02:56.159><c> and</c><00:02:56.360><c> this</c><00:02:56.519
• ><c> is</c><00:02:56.760><c> this</c><00:02:56.879><c> is</c><00:02:57.599><c> coming</c> very much so

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 24, a measure aimed at combating property and casualty insurance fraud. Senator Girdler and witnesses from the Insurance Institute of Kentucky and the National Insurance Crime Bureau said the bill would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover statements that misrepresent the scope of property damage or repair costs, with the goal of addressing inflated storm-damage claims and out-of-state bad actors. Members discussed whether existing prosecutors were already handling these cases, the role of Commonwealth’s attorneys versus the Attorney General, and the need to keep the bill narrowly tailored to criminal intent rather than negligence or ordinary disputes over value. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill received favorable expression, and a title amendment was also adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, which would address a shortage of insurance options for automobile dealers by allowing nonadmitted carriers to provide garage liability coverage in Kentucky. Testimony from an insurance agent and a legislative agent for Big I Kentucky described a shrinking market in which some small dealers cannot find coverage at all, risking closure. Members asked about the meaning of garage liability, consumer protections, solvency concerns, and whether more competition could lower prices; witnesses said surplus lines carriers already operate in Kentucky, agents play an important vetting role, and errors-and-omissions coverage would apply to the agent. The bill was supported as a way to preserve dealer businesses and expand coverage options, and it passed the committee with favorable expression after roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• and CEO<00:02:02.799><c> of</c><00:02:02.960><c> the</c><00:02:03.119><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:03.520>
• 00:02:07.040><c> organization</c><00:02:07.680><c> that</c><00:02:07.920><c> really</c><00:02:08.239>
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:25.040><c> can't</c><00:02:25.280><c> help</c><00:02:25.440><c> you</c><00:02:25.599
• So, beyond<00:02:35.120><c> that,</c><00:02:35.440><c> it's</c><00:02:35.599><c> it's</c><00:02:35.920
• Um, what<00:02:37.599><c> we'd</c><00:02:37.840><c> like</c><00:02:38.000><c> to</c><00:02:38.160><c>

Summary: The committee received an update from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, joined by Matt Wingate and Terry Bradshaw of the Kentucky Association of Economic Developers, on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and the closing fund. The presentation focused on how KPDI helps communities develop shovel-ready industrial sites by funding infrastructure, engineering, geotechnical work, and other site-preparation costs. Noel emphasized that the program is designed to reduce uncertainty for companies, improve speed to market, and support statewide job creation and investment, especially in rural and eastern Kentucky where development costs are often higher. Testimony highlighted the complexity and expense of preparing sites, with examples of road, water, power, and rock-removal costs, and the importance of third-party evaluation in scoring applications. Noel said the program has 116 total projects statewide, with 20 active projects stemming from pilot efforts and 35 projects already resulting in about 6,381 jobs and $4.4 billion in investment. He cited examples including Crown Holdings, Flash Metals, Phoenix Paper, Pratt Paper, AESC, Sound Elements, Kitchen Foods, Latte, Krueger, Biomass, and Anna Munsman. Bradshaw added that even communities that have not yet landed a project have benefited by building spec buildings or improving access to industrial property. The speakers said the last KPDI round drew $81 million in requests but only $35 million in available funding, and they urged lawmakers to consider whether additional funding or program adjustments are needed. Suggested changes included modestly increasing eligibility or funding flexibility for rural and eastern Kentucky, while maintaining third-party performance metrics, and continuing to prioritize finishing existing parks and creating strong regional sites. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• :33.840><c> in</c><00:02:34.080><c> a</c><00:02:34.239><c> timely</c><00:02:34.560><c> manner.
• Um, so we spoke<00:02:37.200><c> with</c><00:02:37.360><c> the</c><00:02:37.599><c> Department</c><00
• 02:41.599><c> be</c><00:02:41.840><c> something</c><00:02:42.080><c> or</c><00:02:42.400><c> where</c
• > might</c><00:02:43.040><c> be</c><00:02:43.519><c> uh</c><00:02:43.680><c> potential</c><00:02:44.160
• :45.599><c> and</c><00:02:45.920><c> one</c><00:02:46.080><c> of</c><00:02:46.160><c> the</c><00:02:46.400

Summary: The committee held a work session on SB 145, which would require sexual assault evidence kits to be delivered to the state forensic lab within seven business days and analyzed more promptly. Pamela Kyle of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence said the bill was developed after survivor concerns and extensive discussions with the Departments of Safety and Justice. She explained that most agencies already deliver kits quickly, but some kits sit for months, and the bill is intended to add structure without penalties while preserving chain of custody. Members discussed the use of common carriers or courier services for transport, the need for clear rules, and whether carriers would know what they were transporting. Representative Papovich offered amendment 2025-2301H to remove the reimbursement program for police shipping costs, arguing it would add administrative overhead and was unnecessary. The amendment was adopted on a roll call vote, and the committee then voted OTPA on SB 145 as amended, with members voting yes on the roll call. The committee then opened a work session on SB 295, and the sponsor presented a replace-all amendment intended to simplify and clarify the Education Freedom Account bill without changing its purpose. The amendment would remove income-cap language, define priority enrollment groups, establish an enrollment cap for the EFA program, and create rolling enrollment rules. It would set a 10,000-student cap for the 2025-2026 school year, allow the cap to increase by 25% if enrollment exceeds 90% of the prior cap, and ensure current participants can remain enrolled. The amendment also provides that certain sections would later be repealed once the Department of Education certifies that applications have not exceeded the cap for two consecutive school years. The sponsor walked through the amendment section by section, explaining that the bill is structured in two phases: one while caps exist and another after they are no longer needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please consider listing these under Florida Statute 8903.
• You're removing that language from statute.
• Yeah, the statute itself doesn't relate to illegal immigration.
• Yeah, the statute itself doesn't relate to illegal immigration.
• Florida statutes are any substance controlled under Chapter 893.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization. The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties. SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• the North Dakota Association of Counties, the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, and the Minnesota
• This is in statute where we are obligated to meet on a quarterly basis to review water issues, which
• regarding stormwater projects in the state, including looking at current funding sources, related statutes
• You mentioned one legislative item regarding affordability that may—there might have to be a statute
• change or enhancement to the statutes regarding that area.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee