Transcript Highlights:

• Now, depending on who the data center operator is, they might want to be closer to a particular kind
• center location aspects of a data center location decision.<00:30:55.120><c> Now</c><00:30:55.440><c> depending
• Now depending on who the data decision.
• Now depending on who the data center<00:30:57.440><c> uh</c><00:30:57.679><c> operator</c><00:30:58.320
• Now, depending on who the data center operator is, they might want to be closer to a particular kind

Keywords: Meeting Start - 00:00 Roll Call – 00:15 Approval of Minutes of the July 15, 2025, Meeting 00:55 Helping Power Kentucky’s Growth – 01:25 Powering and Deploying AI – 41:00 Fueling America’s Intelligence – 56:12 Adjournment – 01:10:37, 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• Depending on the individual's prior record, this multiplier will help increase an offender's total sentencing
• Depending on the individual's prior record, this multiplier will help increase an offender's total sentencing
• The parents will not have to depend on outsiders to do this.
• , but how do you balance protecting the environment with the rights of transient boaters who are depending
• , but how do you balance protecting the environment with the rights of transient boaters who are depending

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions and recognitions. The Rules Chair moved CS/CS/SB 622 to the end of the special order calendar, which was adopted without objection. SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed, as were later bills SB 716 and CS/CS/CS/SB 1348. The chamber then took up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and adopting amendments before final passage. Measures approved included a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan (HB 295, 38-0), mitigation banking and land development changes with a phosphate mining lands amendment (CS/CS/SB 492, 35-3), aggravated animal cruelty with a searchable FDLE database and sentencing multiplier (HB 255, 37-0), the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism and related training/funding (HB 711, 37-0), newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (CS/CS/HB 1089, 36-0), and revisions to the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects and adjust approval thresholds (CS/CS/HB 393, 37-0). The Senate also passed workforce education legislation allowing charter schools access to grant funding and expanding money-back guarantees (HB 1145, 37-0), a statewide study on automation and workforce impact (HB 827, 35-0), parole guideline revisions (HB 181, 37-0), court-appointed psychologist procedures in family law cases (HB 901, 37-0), sexual cyber harassment protections covering digitally forged intimate images (HB 1451, 37-0), a home health aide program for medically fragile children with training and reimbursement provisions (CS/CS/SB 1156, 37-0), substance abuse and mental health care changes including 988 oversight and involuntary examination procedures (HB 1091, 37-0), a feasibility study for a statewide pond data database (HB 1359, 37-0), and Department of Law Enforcement housekeeping changes and retired police dog reimbursements (HB 1053, 37-0). The most extensive debate centered on the charter schools bill (HB 443), which expanded charter autonomy, reporting parity, enrollment flexibility, and governance rules; after a delete-all amendment and a friendly amendment, it was placed on the third-reading calendar rather than immediately voted on. Several bills were briefly discussed with concerns about transparency, accountability, funding, and constitutional issues, but all bills brought to a vote during this segment passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a lot of people depending on us to ensure that they have coverage for the things that are most
• As a mother of five, who depends on access to culturally based youth services, As a mother of five, who
• depends on access to culturally based youth services at an urban Indian organization, I know these life-saving
• Regrettably, we could be working into a more fiscally restrictive space, depending on what this federal
• is our opportunity to change the world, starting with how we treat the caregivers and patients who depend

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health bills focused on access to preventive care, behavioral health, hospital services, and patient safety. Early items included AB 554, which would expand and protect access to HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, including injectable forms and coverage protections; supporters said it would shore up access amid federal threats, while insurers opposed it as a costly benefit mandate. AB 577 would limit insurer and PBM practices that steer medications away from physician offices and require more transparency and patient consent; doctors and patient advocates supported it, while health plans and insurers warned it could raise drug costs and disrupt specialty pharmacy networks. AB 546 would require coverage for portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during declared emergencies, especially wildfire smoke events, with support from air quality and public health groups and opposition from insurers concerned about benefit expansion and cost. The committee also heard AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan after a public review process, adding infertility treatment, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment if approved by CMS for the 2027 plan year. DMHC said the state had completed the review and needed legislation to meet federal timing, and the measure drew broad support. AB 1032 would require plans and insurers to reimburse up to 12 additional behavioral health visits for enrollees in wildfire-affected counties for a limited period after an emergency; supporters argued it would fill gaps in trauma care after disasters, while insurers said existing parity and continuity-of-care rules already address the issue and that the bill could create inequities. AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams and training on how to observe and intervene; it was backed by a survivor and patient advocates, with hospitals and health districts raising staffing concerns. Later, AB 1196 would direct the Department of Public Health to update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass; supporters said the rule no longer reflects modern practice and strains staffing, while cardiology representatives had no formal opposition but wanted to review amendments. AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons in public spaces, with support from disability and public health groups. AB 1386 sought to add perinatal care to the list of basic hospital services, prompting testimony about maternity ward closures, workforce shortages, and rural access; the author said the bill would be amended further and that the committee would need to revisit timelines and implementation details. The committee also heard AB 1429, which would address Kaiser’s repeated mental health parity violations and improve access to behavioral health care, though the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill is shown. Several bills were moved with motions and seconds, but many were held for quorum; AB 1196, AB 1113, and AB 1386 were among the measures advanced to a roll call or held on call, and the committee repeatedly noted that final votes would occur when quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• doing another kind of examination, like an agreed-upon procedures engagement or something like that, depending
• doing another kind of examination, like an agreed-upon procedures engagement or something like that, depending
• doing another kind of examination, like an agreed-upon procedures engagement or something like that, depending
• doing another kind of examination, like an agreed-upon procedures engagement or something like that, depending
• doing another kind of examination, like an agreed-upon procedures engagement or something like that, depending

Bills: HF627 , HF474 , HF361 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• from Oʻahu, that’s why I act the way I do, um, but Kauaʻi different, Maui different, so it’s all dependent
• </c><00:39:54.480><c> so</c><00:39:54.800><c> it's</c><00:39:55.040><c> all</c><00:39:55.440><c> dependent
• </c><00:39:55.839><c> on</c> maui different so it's all dependent on maui different so it's all dependent
• research to understand the current state of the research and to develop methods for our groundwater-dependent

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it depends on which standing meeting. It's a standing meeting with Mr.
• mostly geographically based, it's not always even across all of the specialists, but on average it depends
• think</c><01:05:07.880><c> it</c><01:05:08.119><c> it</c><01:05:08.200><c> do</c><01:05:08.480><c> depend
• </c><01:05:08.880><c> on</c><01:05:09.359><c> how</c> see so I think it it do depend on how see so I
• think it it do depend on how many<01:05:09.680><c> cases</c><01:05:09.960><c> are</c><01:05:10.119><c

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of grants that the BHA is administering, and in-person site visits to, you know, 600, 700, 800, depending
• on the year 900 600 700 800 depending on the year 900 grants<00:41:29.119><c> that</c><00:41:29.440>
• And so I, you know, depending on how the report comes out, what we learned from that, um, we will lay
• And so I, you know,<01:54:04.800><c> depending</c><01:54:05.199><c> on</c><01:54:05.679><c> how</c><01
• on how the report or or know, depending on how the report or or when<01:54:08.239><c> the</c><01:54:

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It varies, you know, depending on the status of the homes and the plans within the home, whether they
• You know, it depends on the home. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you.
• </c> &gt;&gt; There is It varies, you know, depending &gt;&gt; There is It varies, you know, depending
• You know, it depends Yeah, I'm not sure.
• You know, it depends on<01:43:12.719><c> the</c><01:43:12.880><c> home.

Bills: SB2175 , SB2410 , SB2080 , SB2276 , SB2277 , SB2282 , SB2413 , SB2425 , SB2491 , HB2315 , HB2562 , HB1532 , HB1857 , HB2209 , HB1961 , HB2343 , HB2160 , HB2505 , HB1537 , HB1562 , HB1731 , HB1853 , HB1973 , HB1974

Committee: House Health

Keywords: environmental protection, waste management, disposable electronic smoking devices, plastic pollution, lithium-ion batteries, public health, electronic smoking devices, e-liquids, certification, FDA compliance, penalties, directory, mental health, telepsychology, interjurisdictional compact, psychology regulation, LGBTQ+ youth, access to care, professional licensing, surgical assistant

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on multiple health-related bills and first took up HB 2315, which would create a Department of Health pilot program allowing eligible employees to defer unused vacation leave in exchange for a payout to help with home purchase assistance. The Department of Health testified in support, saying the proposal could aid recruitment and retention, and United Public Workers also supported it as a creative, cost-effective benefit that could help employees become first-time homebuyers. The chair likewise praised the department’s effort, and there were no questions or opposition before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 2562 on workplace violence in health care settings. The Department of Health said it preferred requiring licensed hospitals to adopt workplace-violence prevention policies and public reporting rather than creating a new state program. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said it appreciated the intent and explained that, absent a specific standard, enforcement would rely on OSHA’s general duty clause, guidance, and inspections. Nurses and the Hawaii Nurses Association gave emotional testimony describing harassment, threats, doxxing, and fears for patient and worker safety, arguing that existing processes were too slow and that hospitals needed immediate, enforceable requirements. The committee discussed current hospital alarm systems and OSHA enforcement, and Labor said it does inspect hospitals and can receive complaints from employees. HB 1532, concerning importation of large cigars and pipe tobacco, was announced as deferred at the request of the bill’s author so it could be refined with proponents and the Attorney General. The committee also discussed HB 1857, a very large measure redefining qualified health care provider and making extensive changes to health care law; the chair said the House would likely pass it without substantive changes and instead defer the effective date while using the Senate companion bill as the vehicle. Testimony on HB 1857 was generally supportive, including from the Hawaii Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and a certified genetic counselor, though both referenced proposed amendments. Finally, the committee heard HB 2209, which would require insurers to honor a patient’s written assignment of benefits to a substance use disorder treatment provider. The Insurance Division and HMSA opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it would create a special class of providers, raise fraud and litigation concerns, and potentially increase premiums. Treatment providers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying insurers often refuse direct payment even when patients assign benefits, forcing families to front large sums and delaying access to residential treatment; they argued the bill would improve access and help keep care in Hawaii. A psychiatrist testified that he had not seen fraud in Hawaii and that the bill could help address long wait times for life-saving treatment. The committee also received written support from multiple individuals and organizations, and members began asking questions about HMSA’s network size and wait times, with follow-up information requested."}】【。final json to=commentary 天天中彩票出票 to=commentary code 彩神争霸邀请码 to=commentary 彩票平台招商 to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary

Transcript Highlights:

• that's just because the cases differ so much and that's why we need flexibility from year to year depending
• <00:05:02.320><c> year</c> need flexibility from year to year need flexibility from year to year depending
• 05:03.440><c> of</c><00:05:03.600><c> cases</c><00:05:04.639><c> um</c><00:05:04.800><c> come</c> depending
• on what kind of cases um come depending on what kind of cases um come through<00:05:05.280><c> the</
• </c><01:10:24.800><c> on</c> is I would say some solely depend on is I would say some solely depend on

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No school districts, many schools, or depends on the district.
• </c><01:25:54.800><c> on</c> essentially we we we're so dependent on essentially we we we're so dependent
• The only difference is the position is not mandated and its funding depends entirely on local discretion
• ><01:29:18.639><c> and</c><01:29:18.880><c> its</c><01:29:19.040><c> funding</c><01:29:19.440><c> depends
• </c> not mandated and its funding depends not mandated and its funding depends entirely<01:29:20.159>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended. The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal. The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only hope that we have of any type of enforcement of this type of weapon is to be dependent on the
• weapon,</c><00:05:59.840><c> is</c><00:05:59.919><c> to</c><00:06:00.080><c> be</c><00:06:00.240><c> dependent
• </c><00:06:00.639><c> on</c> type of weapon, is to be dependent on type of weapon, is to be dependent
• ,</c><01:41:52.719><c> neglected</c><01:41:53.440><c> or</c> if the minor is dependent, neglected or
• if the minor is dependent, neglected or abused.<01:41:54.800><c> Um</c><01:41:55.199><c> so</c><01:41

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 26RS BR 8 - AN ACT relating to machine gun conversion devices: 00:01:33 Department of Public Advocacy Update: 00:51:33 26RS BR 126 - AN ACT relating to boating under the influence: 01:23:46 26RS BR 60 - AN ACT relating to grooming: 01:33:23, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 29 minutes, and then heard testimony on a bill relating to machine gun conversion devices, often described as Glock switches or auto sears. Representative Jason Nemis presented the bill with Louisville police Chief Paul Humphrey and Lt. Drew Fox, arguing the measure would mirror existing federal law, make possession of these devices unlawful under Kentucky law, and give state and local law enforcement authority to seize and prosecute them without relying solely on federal agencies. They said the devices are small aftermarket or 3D-printed parts that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons and emphasized that the bill would not affect lawful gun ownership. The presenters cited rising seizures and public-safety concerns, saying LMPD and Jefferson County seizures increased sharply from 2023 to 2024 and that the average age of possession had dropped. They argued the devices are used offensively, are inaccurate and dangerous, and have been linked to violent crime. Two Alabama legislators, Representatives Philip Ensler and Russell Bedsole, testified in support based on Alabama’s recent enactment of a similar law. They said local police and prosecutors there had been unable to act effectively because the devices were handled mainly by federal authorities, and they described bipartisan support, immediate enactment, and reported confiscations after passage. Members asked about the bill’s penalty level, the source and manufacture of the devices, the scope of the definition of “conversion device,” and whether the bill could create constitutional problems given ongoing federal litigation over machine gun restrictions. The sponsors said the penalty would be a Class C felony and that the bill was intended to cover only the device attached to the firearm, not tools like 3D printers. They acknowledged that if federal machine gun laws were ultimately struck down, the state law would also be unenforceable. Some members supported the bill as common-sense public safety legislation, while Representative Roberts opposed it on Second Amendment grounds, arguing Kentucky should focus on expanding gun rights rather than adding restrictions already covered by federal law.

Transcript Highlights:

• And really is part of a network of national emergency supplies that we depend on.
• supplies that we national, um, emergency supplies that we we<00:11:43.920><c> we</c><00:11:44.399><c> depend
• 46.720><c> let</c><00:11:46.959><c> me</c><00:11:47.200><c> start</c><00:11:47.360><c> this</c> we we depend
• Um, let me start this we we depend on.
• </c> them and is it it must differ depending them and is it it must differ depending upon<01:40:36.400

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on hazard mitigation planning and recent tsunami and wildfire threats. Chair Dela Buladi opened by framing the meeting around the need for iterative disaster planning and lessons learned from events such as the Lahaina wildfires, the Puna Coast earthquake/tsunami, and recent wildfire activity. The committee heard first from Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Tomage Magno, who explained the federal and local hazard mitigation planning process, including the requirement for an active five-year mitigation plan to qualify for federal disaster funds. He described the plan as a living document built from prior plans, public and agency outreach, risk and capability assessments, and ongoing updates, with county departments, state agencies, and subject matter experts participating in the process. Magno outlined several FEMA-related mitigation funding programs, including flood mitigation assistance, post-fire assistance, pre-disaster mitigation, revolving loan funds, and dam safety grants. He emphasized that the Hawaii County plan was recently approved by FEMA, that the county council approves the plan, and that the county reviews it annually with a formal revision process beginning in the fourth year. Members asked about how the plan tracks project status, how priorities and funding changes are handled, and whether federal funding programs might be affected by HR1; Magno said the county is proceeding on the assumption that funding will remain available and noted some sources have been reestablished. He also said the county encourages council participation in meetings and planning. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen then addressed the committee on DOT’s response to a recent tsunami threat, saying the agency had about four hours to prepare before the first wave arrival and was focused on its own operational response rather than the broader statewide planning process. In response to questions, he stated that FHWA funds cannot be used for evacuation routes, which is why prior legislative funding was important. Members also discussed specific mitigation projects such as fire breaks, bridge retrofits, and the Singing Bridge, with DOT noting that work is underway and that a replacement bridge upstream is being planned to carry traffic during repairs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The census does vary depending on demand.
• And so it's dependent on number of folks referred involuntarily.
• The census does vary depending<01:10:17.600><c> on</c><01:10:17.760><c> demand.
• So we serve all depending on demand.
• And so it's dependent on number region.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first approved the minutes from its May 13 meeting. Members then reviewed a deferred contract with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for the Kentucky Pharmacist Recovery Network (KYPRN), a program that provides monitoring and support for pharmacists and pharmacy interns with substance abuse or mental health issues. Board representatives explained that the contract is a long-running arrangement, renewed periodically, with an option for two additional two-year renewals. Senators asked about the program’s structure, participation trends, follow-up, and consequences for noncompliance. The board said enrollment has remained fairly consistent at about 52 participants, with roughly 500 participants over the life of the program, weekly and monthly check-ins during the five-year typical enrollment period, and possible additional sanctions if participants fail to meet obligations. The committee then approved the contract. The committee next considered a group of economic development contracts, including items from the Cabinet for Economic Development. Secretary Jeff Null and general counsel Matt Wingate testified about contracts tied to regional innovation and entrepreneurship hubs. Members focused on the large differences in funding between regions and pressed for more support for rural and eastern Kentucky. Null said the cabinet is working on a more tailored, non-one-size-fits-all approach, including possible changes to capital support, build-to-suit options, and additional resources for rural areas. He said the hubs have helped 193 startups over the last two years and helped attract nearly $350 million in private capital, and he agreed to provide a written report by hub district on startup viability. The committee approved the economic development contracts. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation then presented its contracts with vendor IGT for retail and internet sales systems. Lottery officials said the contracts are mission-critical, cover both the traditional retail system and iLottery, and are structured as a percentage of sales so no payment is made until revenue is earned. They described planned equipment upgrades, including refreshed terminals, new ticket checkers, cashless vending and bill acceptors, and connected-play features that would link retail and online wallets. Officials said keeping the same vendor reduces the risk of business disruption and that the arrangement has already produced cost savings. They also said the lottery continues to see year-over-year growth and expects to meet its annual contribution target of $360 million for scholarships and grants. The committee approved the lottery contract after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• No real discussion, no deliberations, no listening to union members that are dependent on their job to
• We pay for chemical dependency treatment. We pay for mental health treatment.
• We pay for chemical<01:32:22.239><c> dependency</c><01:32:22.800><c> treatment.
• </c><01:32:23.199><c> We</c><01:32:23.360><c> pay</c> chemical dependency treatment.
• We pay chemical dependency treatment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on a system department was dependent on a system that<00:36:59.520><c> was</c><00:36:59.680><c> clearly
• So, it's not something that we can depend on to be available, and as you know, there's no timetable for
• So, it's not something that we<01:32:35.679><c> can</c><01:32:35.840><c> depend</c><01:32:36.239><c>
• on to be available and as we can depend on to be available and as you<01:32:38.800><c> know</c><01:32
• And buprenorphine is the main medication used to treat substance use disorder for opiate dependency.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with DHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White to receive an update on the department’s budget lapse and vacancy rates. White explained the difference between the “back-of-the-budget” reduction and lapse assumptions, saying DHS is facing a current biennium reduction of about $23 million and estimating roughly a $60 million general fund lapse in state fiscal year 2025, compared with about $13.5 million the prior year. He said DHS’s lapse is driven largely by program utilization, labor market conditions, contract spending, and statutory carry-forwards in areas such as Medicaid and developmental disabilities, which tend to produce a smaller lapse in the first year of the biennium and a larger one in the second year. He also noted that the House and Senate budgets differ on some operating items, including Medicaid rates, with the Senate having struck a House proposal to reduce rates by 3%. Members questioned White about whether DHS ever spends down lapse money on last-minute purchases. He said the department does not engage in that practice, though it does retain some flexibility in its facilities budget for emergencies. He also described the process for transferring funds within and between class lines, including the need for fiscal committee approval above statutory thresholds, and gave examples such as moving funds to cover overtime in the SYSC budget and to ensure Medicaid payments for nursing facilities. White said such transfers are public and transparent and are reviewed by the governor and Executive Council. The committee then discussed DHS staffing. White said the department has a little over 3,200 authorized positions, with a vacancy rate around 14.5%, and that a hiring freeze had been imposed a few months earlier while exempting direct care positions. He said DHS is planning for about a $30 million general fund reduction to personnel, equivalent to just under 400 positions, and is managing postings centrally to stay within budget by July 1. In response to questions about the loss of about $80 million in federal funds, White and Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly said DHS avoided layoffs by shifting staff into vacant positions, but that the cuts affected community contracts, public health workers, laboratory work, and some IT/data projects. Tilly said roughly 20 positions were affected, most were reassigned, a few staff left voluntarily, and the department has less flexibility going forward if more federal funding ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• ban on facility fees is we are excluding certain types of clinics and certain types of providers depending
• <01:08:38.400><c> of</c><01:08:38.560><c> providers</c><01:08:39.600><c> um</c><01:08:39.759><c> depending
• </c> certain types of providers um depending certain types of providers um depending on<01:08:40.480>
• Um, my concern is if the hospital-based clinic is dependent on these facility fees to operate in the
• on these facility fees to dependent on these facility fees to operate<01:12:13.120><c> in</c><01:12:

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would be a matter of contacting the office of either the House Speaker or the Senate President, depending
• > on</c><00:15:22.160><c> where</c><00:15:22.399><c> the</c><00:15:22.560><c> bill</c> President depending
• on where the bill President depending on where the bill was.<00:15:24.079><c> uh</c><00:15:24.240><c
• </c><01:10:19.120><c> on</c><01:10:19.280><c> the</c> are sometimes um depending on the are sometimes
• um depending on the leadership<01:10:20.000><c> in</c> leadership in leadership in place<01:10:21.920

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It could probably vary a little bit depending on economic circumstances. Yes, you may.
• It could probably vary a little bit depending on economic circumstances. um it went up.
• So ideally we're targeting to get to 80% of Medicare, but it again depends on the appropriation that
• but it again it depends on the appropriation<01:06:51.280><c> that</c><01:06:51.839><c> is</c><01:06
• I want to say a qualified yes, but I think that depends on how the policy is written, right?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to begin work on HB 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and more broadly to study special education aid/differentiated aid and related costing issues. The chair said the group was starting early because the issue has been debated for years without resolution, local districts are being forced to absorb prorated costs, and the committee wants to send the Department of Education and HHS Medicaid a clear request for data and recommendations before retained bills return in the fall. A committee clerk was also selected, with Representative Reverend volunteering to take notes for the meeting. Members reviewed background materials on special education enrollment, high-cost students, and possible funding formulas, including data on students in high-cost brackets and prior ideas such as category-based funding and caseload-based approaches. The chair also referenced research on other states, including Arkansas, which uses a different special education funding structure and audits IEPs. The committee emphasized that it was focused on the funding mechanics and costs, not on questioning whether services should be provided. Henry Lipman of HHS explained how Medicaid-to-schools currently works in New Hampshire. He said 172 school districts participate, but utilization dropped during the pandemic and remains below historical levels, in part because districts need the capacity to bill Medicaid. Under the current system, schools receive reimbursement based on half of the Medicaid fee schedule, with the school district effectively providing the state share. He said the federal government is requiring a shift by July 1, 2026, to a true certified public expenditure model based on actual costs, which should allow schools to recover 50% of their true costs and some administrative overhead. The department has received a roughly $2.5 million grant to hire a vendor and support districts through the transition, and an RFP and stakeholder meetings are underway. Committee members asked about how costs would be determined, whether the new system would use actual district-specific costs rather than averages, and how the department would support districts that do not currently participate. Lipman said the cost model would be based on each district’s own reasonable costs, subject to audit standards, and that the department expects to provide templates and technical assistance through the vendor because its staff is limited. He also said about one in four New Hampshire children are enrolled in Medicaid, that child enrollment has been relatively stable, and that continuous coverage rules should reduce churn. No votes or formal actions on HB 742 were taken during the meeting beyond organizing the subcommittee and beginning testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota depends on the health and sustainability of its thriving event industry.
• </c><00:23:54.039><c> on</c> insisting on them Minnesota depends on insisting on them Minnesota depends
• Representative, my answer is about the sequencing of the process, and so we acknowledge that depending
• </c><01:09:44.759><c> on</c><01:09:45.080><c> what</c> acknowledge that depending on what acknowledge
• that depending on what budget<01:09:46.080><c> levels</c><01:09:46.560><c> are</c><01:09:46.799><c>

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

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, just to step back and say that the actual cost of this benefit enhancement is going to be dependent
• on who takes the benefit and dependent on who takes the benefit and when<01:05:12.400><c> they</c><01
• The safety of agents, the safety of the communities they serve, depend on it.
• :10:02.600><c> deserve,</c><01:10:03.600><c> they</c><01:10:03.840><c> serve</c><01:10:04.239><c> depend
• </c> they deserve, they serve depend on it. they deserve, they serve depend on it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all