Transcript Highlights:

• Human Services will come to order. The clerk will call the roll. Chair hole here.
• I worked at San Antonio Independent Living Services.
• so we have no one doing this for these children's services.
• And improve services for children.
• But so they, those people then get their service there.

Bills: HB 451, HB 645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB 1536, HCR 12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• One is called prevocational services, and then we have three employment services.
• And also housing stabilization services, while not a framework service, allow up to 49% of the service
• those who use the service.
• And also housing stabilization services, while not a framework service, allow up to 49% of the service
• And also housing stabilization services, while not a framework service, allow up to 49% of the service

Bills: HF1662, HF2115, HF2159, HF1095, HF2160

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, human services

Bills: HB2115

Keywords: public assistance, Department of Human Services, federal funds, community services, energy conservation, poverty reduction, 914, all

Bills: HB2115, HB2115

Keywords: public assistance, Department of Human Services, federal funds, community services, energy conservation, poverty reduction, 914, all

Bills: SB5223, SB5067, SJM8002, SB5855, SB5865, SB5272, SCR8406, SB5000, SB5500, SJM8006, SB5325, SB5286, SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate convened on January 28, 2026, approved the previous day’s journal without objection, and then processed routine committee and bill referral business. A standing committee report listed Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization, which was referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate also advanced to first reading of bills and received Senate Bill 6328, sponsored by Senator Saldaña, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. No substantive debate or testimony occurred in this brief floor session. Senator Riccelli made the motions to dispense with the journal reading, refer reported measures as designated, advance to the fifth order of business, and refer newly introduced measures as designated. All motions were adopted without objection. The only action taken at the end of the meeting was adjournment. The Senate agreed to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, she's been a very active community member for at least 13 years, and that service is to be
• And that service is to be honored. And I urge adoption of her appointment. Thank you.
• And ever since then, in my life of public service, this issue has been part.
• And ever since then, in my life of public service, this issue has been part of my past.
• Also, the Human Services Committee is now meeting at 6 p.m. With that, Mr.

Bills: SB5223, SB5067, SJM8002, SB5855, SB5865, SB5272, SCR8406, SB5000, SB5500, SJM8006, SB5325, SB5286, SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial welcome for the Washington National Guard, including a color guard, prayer, and a resolution recognizing the Guard’s service. Senate Resolution 8668 was adopted unanimously, with members praising the Guard’s flood response, election support, counterdrug work, youth programs, and community assistance. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Eliza Munoz Estee to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. On legislation, the Senate passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865 on garnishment forms after adopting an amendment delaying the effective date to May 1, 2027. The chamber also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5855 on law enforcement face coverings after rejecting several amendments that would have broadened or clarified exceptions, including proposals related to timing after transport, warrants, and other scenarios. Debate centered on federal immigration enforcement, public safety, accountability, and whether the bill would affect local law enforcement; the bill ultimately passed on a 30-19 vote. The Senate then passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105, with a technical amendment, to address explicit depictions of minors and AI-generated or altered child sexual abuse material. It also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, updating community custody provisions for unlawful firearm possession after a date-fixing amendment. Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, revising unattended motor vehicle rules for remote starts, passed unanimously. Senate Joint Memorial 8002, urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud and supporting original Medicare, also passed unanimously. Finally, the Senate advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure to reduce impaired driving, while opponents argued it would have limited effect and that enforcement and staffing issues were more important. The bill was debated at length and then passed 38-11.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, she's been a very active community member for at least 13 years, and that service is to be
• She's very passionate about her service in the community, organizations such as Children's Dance Theater
• And ever since then, in my life of public service, this issue has been part.
• And ever since then, in my life of public service, this issue has been part of my past.
• Also, the Human Services Committee is now meeting at 6 p.m. With that, Mr.

Bills: SB5223, SB5067, SJM8002, SB5855, SB5865, SB5272, SCR8406, SB5000, SB5500, SJM8006, SB5325, SB5286, SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial honors for the Washington National Guard, including the presentation of colors, a prayer, and recognition of Major General Welsh and other Guard members in the chamber. Senators then adopted Senate Resolution 8668, which praised the Guard’s service in emergencies, disaster response, elections support, counterdrug training, and youth programs. Several members spoke in support, citing recent flood response efforts and the Guard’s work during COVID, and the resolution was adopted unanimously with all members’ names added as co-sponsors. The chamber then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Elisa Munoz Estes to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College. Each confirmation passed by wide margins or unanimously after brief supporting remarks about the appointees’ education, military service, and community involvement. The Senate also considered and passed several bills. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865, concerning garnishment forms, was amended to delay implementation and then passed 46-3 after supporters called it a technical fix and opponents focused on timing. Substitute Senate Bill 5855, dealing with face coverings by law enforcement officers, drew extensive debate and multiple failed amendments; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure aimed at masked federal immigration enforcement, while opponents argued it was overbroad, ineffective against federal officers, and harmful to state and local law enforcement. The bill passed 38-19. The Senate also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 on explicit depictions of minors, after an amendment clarifying liability and defenses, and Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268 on community custody for unlawful firearm possession, after a date update amendment. Finally, Engrossed Senate Bill 5081 on unattended motor vehicles and Senate Joint Memorial 8002 urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud were both adopted unanimously or by large margins. Later, the Senate took up Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05; the bill drew strong support from the sponsor and law enforcement-focused supporters, but also criticism that the lower threshold would not address the most dangerous impaired drivers and might have limited practical effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> are paying high prices for services are paying high prices for services without<00:03:36.799><c>
• </c> the rent or services that are provided? the rent or services that are provided?
• </c><01:09:28.159><c> Our</c> services does come at a cost. Our services does come at a cost.
• their services.
• as well as life residential services as well as life sharing<01:29:54.000><c> services.

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Nathan Go, Office of Legal Services staff attorney. Thank you so much.
• Department for Employment Services, 787 KAR 1:370.
• Switching to Department for Medicaid Services. 907 KAR 1:28.
• Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Aging Services. 910 KAR 1:210 and 1:241 repealer. no
• </c><01:19:13.920><c> 910</c><01:19:14.920><c> K</c> Services Office of Aging Services 910 K Services

Keywords: 0:01– Meeting start/roll call 0:34 – Approval of minutes 0:48 – Welcome of new committee members 1:34 – Council on Postsecondary Education 25:17 – Teachers’ Retirement System 27:00 – Kentucky Public Pension Authority 29:04 – Board of Veterinary Examiners 31:40 – Board of Nursing 34:01 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 36:15 – Fish & Wildlife Resources 40:34 – Department of Corrections 56:00 – Department of State Police 58:05 – Department of Criminal Justice Training 59:22 – Transportation Cabinet 1:00:18 – Department of Education 1:01:23 – Department of Employment Services 1:04:17 – Department of Workplace Standards 1:05:25 – Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction 1:06:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Sanitation) 1:13:50 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Trauma System) 1:17:46 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Radon) 1:18:30 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Medicaid Services 1:19:15 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. of Aging Services 1:20:36 – Other Business/Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and welcomed new members before taking up Council on Postsecondary Education regulations 13 KAR 2:120 and 13 KAR 2:130. The regulations, as amended by staff and agency amendments, update public university and KCTCS performance funding models to conform to 2024 Senate Bill 191 and the performance funding work group’s recommendations. Changes discussed included replacing the underrepresented minority metric with an underrepresented students metric defined as first-generation students, adding an adult learner metric, increasing the low-income degree premium, adjusting small-school and nonresident credit-hour weights, revising data aging and progression metrics, and adding STEM+H criteria in 13 KAR 2:120. Travis Pal of the Council on Postsecondary Education explained that the changes reflect the work group’s three-year review process and that the work group ultimately voted to define underrepresented students as first-generation students and to apply half-weighting between research and comprehensive universities for the new metric. Michael Frasier of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition and Eastern Kentucky University student government opposed 13 KAR 2:120, arguing that the regulation improperly applies weights where the statute does not clearly authorize them and that the funding changes disadvantage comprehensive universities and vulnerable students. He asked the committee to find the regulation deficient or, alternatively, recommend legislative clarification and a revised fiscal analysis. Pal responded that weighting has been part of the model since 2017, that CPE was following the statute and work group recommendations, and that the model could be changed by future legislation. Members asked about the timing of the broader performance funding review, and Pal said the full model is reviewed every three years, with the next work group cycle beginning in 2026. No motion to find the regulation deficient was made, and the committee allowed the regulations to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The committee then approved a staff amendment to Teachers’ Retirement System regulations 102 KAR 1:195 and 102 KAR 1:340, which require annual reporting of accumulated sick leave, leave policies, and salary schedules to TRS and make technical changes to the final average salary calculation and related definitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:41.200><c> Um</c> Services." Well, not completely. Um Services." Well, not completely.
• </c> facility providing a similar service? facility providing a similar service?
• </c> for the services that they provide. for the services that they provide.
• Do you have lab services?
• Do you have lab services? services? services?

Bills: HF4343

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we're uh, testing service.
• Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services, 907 KAR 1595, 1835, Emergency
• </c> services they would receive? services they would receive?
• Also, this would include services.
• Staying with Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community Based Services, 922 KAR

Keywords: 0:22 – Roll Call 0:30 – Approval of minutes 1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs 2:06 – Board of Pharmacy 3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners 39:26 – Board of Nursing 40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration 45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services 49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• That article relates to aging and disability services.
• Section 12 from the DHS policy bill adds financial management services, community-first services and
• These services include education and enrichment for kids, employment services, life skills like budgeting
• I serve as a Social Services Deputy Director at Ramsey County, leading the Aging and Disability Services
• With the organization they received services from, and 80% of those were satisfied with the services

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:48.319><c> and</c> long-term services and long-term services and supports.<00:03:50.319><c
• c><00:03:59.360><c> to</c><00:03:59.799><c> provide</c> services parents are allowed to provide services
• </c> community support services. community support services.
• </c><00:12:18.399><c> coordination</c> add um treatment service coordination add um treatment service
• </c> victims with services and housing. victims with services and housing.

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• c> become</c> Focus Services Will services will become Focus Services Will services will become increasingly
• </c> preventative Mental Health Services preventative Mental Health Services without<00:42:57.839><c>
• extensive services.
• extensive services.
• , cleaning services, home care, maybe some transportation services.

Bills: HF1380, HF1166, HF487, HF1553, HF1472, HF258, HF1911

Keywords: psychiatric treatment, human services, mental health funding, per diem rate, Clay County, disability services, assistive technology, remote support, advocacy, training programs, HF487, Wellness in the Woods, Minnesota human services, grant funding, general fund appropriation, peer support, substance use recovery, addiction recovery, reentry services, reentry after incarceration

Transcript Highlights:

• When we get into the PowerPoint, our K-9 units don't only service our state prisons, but they also largely
• Chair and members, House Bill 2402 allows the director of the Department of Health Services to issue
• device because at least 30% of the service area does not have GPS, which expires on April 1 and may
• device because at least 30% of the service area does not have GPS.
• 10,000 persons and is not within the service area of a certificate of necessity.

Bills: HB2134, HB2253, HB2270, HB2402, HB2404, HB2673, HB2941

Keywords: critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, law enforcement, disciplinary action, administrative appeals, investigative files, due process, retaliation, county seal, law enforcement authority, sheriff's posse, public safety, county governance, ambulance services, certificate of necessity, emergency medical services, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• services, as well as early intensive developmental and behavioral health services, or EIDBI services
• </c><00:03:52.280><c> for</c> Services or eidbi Services just for Services or eidbi Services just for
• </c><00:13:09.079><c> is</c> service so a residential service is service so a residential service is
• crisis services, and behavioral health home services.
• health services.

Bills: HF1005

Keywords: health insurance, medical assistance, behavioral health, reimbursement rates, primary care services, physician fee schedule, managed care, residential services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Families can get access to our combined in-home service array of contract services, evidence-based practices
• like... ...service array of contract services, evidence-based practices like FFT, functional family
• A little bit more intense level of service: that second level would be to coordinate services.
• in Washington having services for homeless young people to 37 of 39 counties having services and supports
• We do have three coaches that provide those services.

Bills: SB5911, SB5940, SB5942, SB5957

Keywords: children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability, family services, state department, child welfare, homeless youth, youth homelessness, runaway youth, young adult homelessness, housing instability, family reunification, family stability

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session focused on housing and supports for youth and young adults exiting public systems of care, followed by public hearings on several related bills. DCYF Assistant Secretary Vicki Ibarra described existing services for youth ages roughly 13 to 23, including family reconciliation services and the youth and young adult housing response team, which coordinates existing housing resources for young people exiting foster care, juvenile justice, and behavioral health systems. Office of Homeless Youth Director Casey Hannawer Sutton outlined statewide youth homelessness efforts, including a reported 40% reduction in youth homelessness since 2016, expansion of services to 37 counties, functional zero work in anchor communities, and a no-cost agency request bill for technical fixes and eligibility updates. Treehouse and the Mockingbird Society also described their work supporting foster youth, education, transition planning, peer support, and housing stability, and both groups raised concerns about funding cuts, eligibility gaps, and the need for better coordination across systems. The State Board of Health then presented a health impact review of the housing assistance proposal, concluding that rental assistance and related supports for young adults in extended foster care would likely improve housing stability, health outcomes, and equity for some youth, especially those who are Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, pregnant or parenting, or involved in the criminal legal system. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5911, which would stop DCYF from using Social Security benefits of youth in extended foster care to reimburse the state for care costs, while requiring DCYF to help eligible youth access and manage those benefits. Senator Alvarado said the bill is a narrower version of earlier proposals and is intended to preserve federal benefits for young adults ages 18 to 21 in extended foster care. Testimony from Partners for Our Children, TeamChild, the Mockingbird Society, and a former foster youth supported the bill, arguing that the current practice is unjust, undermines housing and education stability, and leaves youth without resources they are entitled to receive. Committee members asked about federal guidance, age eligibility, and whether financial literacy supports should accompany the change. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5940, a pilot program to provide housing vouchers and related assistance to up to 50 young people in extended foster care who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Chair Wilson said the bill is meant to address the gap between foster care support and access to federal housing vouchers, and to test a smaller-scale model with reporting due in 2029. Witnesses from the Mockingbird Society, current and former foster youth, and Communities in Schools supported the bill, describing housing instability, trauma, and the need for a stable place to live while pursuing treatment, school, or work. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 5942, which renames the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board, moves it administratively to OFM, and narrows its statutory duties by removing certain contract review powers and shifting from annual to biennial reporting with priority performance measures. Testimony from Partners for Our Children supported the clarification of the board’s role.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, this is the human service focus adjustment.
• Chair and members, this is the human service focus adjustment.
• And I'm Department of Human Services.
• </c> disability and and require um services disability and and require um services under<00:04:34.160
• Um however, the provide MAT services.

Bills: HF2995, HF2434

Keywords: human services, funding, appropriations, MinnesotaCare, behavioral health, general assistance, healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Services are being provided on the federal level, and we needed to codify them for state active duty
• status for service members.
• Service members, so that's what this bill does.
• It lays out the authority and structure of the Alabama National Guard Legal Services for legal compliance
• Service, and this is a bill of national guard. Are there any questions? That was my question.

Bills: HB328, HB377

Keywords: legal services, military law, Alabama National Guard, legal assistance, notary services, military, immunization, school admittance, medical records, dependents, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, obviously, if it comported with the terms of service of the platform and was verified that
• House Bill 2310 specifies that the contract and association created by the contract governing services
• professions statute to include the administering appraisal panel who performs property appraisal services

Bills: HB2010, HB2192, HB2310, HB2501

Keywords: digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, independent contractor, marketplace, digital services, contractual agreements