Transcript Highlights:

• We had, in the original bill, in its original posture, asked for an additional consent to transfer them
• And a 1035, if I'm not mistaken, you transfer all the cash value to the new policy.
• It goes from one company to another through a wire transfer.
• I was just making sure that all the benefit here is to the bank, and that's what's transferring.
• But the consent to transfer? Yeah, the second consent. Because that has been removed, correct?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met with a quorum and took up three Senate bills. Senate Bill 341, by Senator Edmonds, was amended with technical changes and reported as amended. The bill expands the Louisiana churches and nonprofit religious organizations’ self-insured fund from a property-only pool to broader commercial coverage, including premises liability, fraud, contents, wind and hail, and loss-of-use coverage. Testimony from the sponsor and the Department of Insurance emphasized that the measure was intended to help churches and nonprofits, including smaller congregations, while preserving solvency requirements for the fund. The committee then heard Senate Bill 509, by Senator Cloud, concerning bank-owned life insurance (BOLI). The sponsor, bank and insurance industry representatives, and the Department of Insurance discussed allowing banks to exchange underperforming policies for better-performing ones under 1035 exchanges, while clarifying insurable-interest and consent issues. Members raised questions about former employees, split-dollar arrangements, and whether additional consent would be needed. Because the parties were still working on a solution, the committee adopted a technical amendment but voluntarily deferred the bill until the following week. Finally, Senate Bill 464, by Senator Barrow, was presented by Ryan Haney and the Department of Insurance as a framework to cover severe obesity treatment, including bariatric surgery. The bill would allow the state to partially implement the mandate based on the amount of funding appropriated, rather than requiring full funding up front. Supporters said the measure could reduce long-term health costs and align Louisiana more closely with neighboring states. The committee reported the bill favorably, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• inserting the following language on page 13, line 4 through 9: “This section shall not apply to any transfers
• of Hawaiian Homes lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act 1920, as amended, as any such transfers
• <00:01:02.719> as<00:01:03.039> any<00:01:03.359> such<00:01:03.760> transfers
• <00:01:04.320> shall as amended as any such transfers shall as amended as any such transfers

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met in decision-making sessions on March 18 and considered several House bills. On HB 576 HD2, the chair proposed an amendment clarifying that the bill would not apply to transfers of Hawaiian Homes lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, including lease conditions for 99-year terms; the committee adopted the recommendation to pass with amendments, with one no vote. On HB 606, the chair recommended passing the bill with amendments and a committee report requesting a $50 million appropriation; that recommendation was also adopted, again with one no vote. HB 1408 was recommended for indefinite deferral, and no discussion was recorded before adjournment. In a later portion of the meeting, the committee heard testimony on HB 410, which was described by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as its budget request. OHA testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance its strategic plan, reduce disparities affecting Native Hawaiians in health, housing, economic development, and education, and improve transparency and data-driven oversight. The committee noted additional support and opposition testimony counts on other measures, including HB 871 and HB 1091, and then moved into decision-making. The committee ultimately adopted the chair’s recommendations to pass HB 410 HD1 unamended, HB 871 HD1 unamended, and HB 1091 HD1 as is. Senator Ihara was noted as excused for part of the later voting. The meeting concluded with no further testimony or discussion and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of y'all might recall that it was an EMS-type of bill to help out hospitals to transfer their patients
• House Bill 777 was an EMS-type bill to help hospitals transfer their patients and clients between facilities
• other provisions go back a couple of years to House Bill 777, an EMS-type bill to help hospitals transfer
• other provisions go back a couple of years to House Bill 777, an EMS-type bill to help hospitals transfer
• Hospitals transfer their patients and clients between facilities and so forth.

Keywords: Roll Call 00:20 Discussion on HB 303 00:45 Vote on HB 303 04:41 Discussion on HB 305 05:32 Vote on HB 305 08:34, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• those transfer stations up and running. those transfer stations up and running.
• tribes, each running two transfer tribes, each running two transfer stations<02:39:37.160> a<
• or repairs at any of the transfer or repairs at any of the transfer stations. stations. stations
• Arapahoe Transfer Station.
• purchased the camera and transferred purchased the camera and transferred that<04:16:05.800>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or non-transferability of licenses.
• <03:34:02.359> or um non about transferability or um non about transferability or non-transferability
• non-transferability non-transferability of<03:34:06.560> licenses<03:34:07.439> so<03:
• ...not transferable even if the business is sold? It is not transferable. And if you need to...
• It simply says it can't be transferred or sold.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• to transfer. Thank you. Thank you. to transfer. Thank you. Thank you.
• What kind of information is being<02:37:46.319> transferred? being transferred?
• Uh, transfers and probationary status.
• as to what uh benefits actually transfer as to what uh benefits actually transfer and<03:14:48.800
• system has when employees transfer. system has when employees transfer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, private nonprofits are excluded from transfer entitlements, limiting opportunities for
• This is especially important for transfer students and my friends at the University of the Pacific, who
• Almost all of our students work full-time, and about 80% of them are transfers from community colleges
• This is a targeted, cost-effective investment that promotes transfer success, degree completion, and
• find is that our institutions that already have... ...transfer volume to our institutions.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard AB 402, which would increase Cal Grant award amounts for students attending private nonprofit colleges and allow community college transfer entitlement awards to be used at those institutions. The author and supporters said the bill would restore award levels to their 2001 value and improve access for low- and middle-income, working, military, and transfer students. Several witnesses from private nonprofit universities, community college districts, and advocacy groups supported the measure. Senators raised concerns about the prior Cal Grant agreement tied to Associate Degree for Transfer participation and about the need to fund broader Cal Grant reforms, but the bill advanced on a unanimous due-pass vote to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee then took up AB 2067, a sunset extension for lease-lease-back authority for TK-12 school construction through July 1, 2032. The author and supporters from school housing and contractor groups said the method provides flexibility, early collaboration, cost control, and legal certainty for school construction projects. Senators asked how often lease-lease-back and other alternative delivery methods are used, and whether the skilled-and-trained workforce provisions limit competition. Some members objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement, while others said the bill simply preserves an existing tool without changing labor rules. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with Senator Ochoa Bogh voting no, and was placed on call. AB 1204, which would revise the Local Control Funding Formula by increasing supplemental and concentration grants, lowering the concentration threshold, adding regional cost adjustments, and setting a minimum annual COLA floor, drew extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters said the bill better reflects regional costs, inflation, and student need, especially for low-income, multilingual, and unhoused students. Opponents, including several school district leaders, argued it would widen funding disparities and divert money from the LCFF base grant, which they said should be the priority. Committee members also questioned the fiscal impact, the proposed 4% COLA floor, and whether the bill had enough research and stakeholder consensus. Despite those concerns, the bill was advanced to Appropriations on a due-pass vote and placed on call. Finally, the committee heard AB 1235, which would require a skilled-and-trained workforce process for CSU design-build projects to align CSU with UC and community college construction rules. Supporters said it would improve training and project quality, while opponents from contractor groups argued it would reduce competition, increase costs, and impose mandates without evidence of better outcomes. Several senators objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement as limiting opportunities for contractors who comply with state law, while others noted the issue was already common in higher education construction. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final vote on AB 1235 was captured.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go ahead and make that transfer and earn your $3 transfer fee.
• Go ahead and make that transfer and earn your $3 transfer fee. >> Members, I ask for an I vote. >> Go
• <01:22:58.320> the actually was the one transferring the actually was the one transferring
• He says, "I want you to transfer this money."
• We can't funds to be transferred.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The meeting included routine floor business, announcements, and several committee notices, followed by consideration of resolutions and third-reading votes on multiple bills. Members also recognized visiting groups, including North Glenn High School students, NFIB members for Small Business Day at the Capitol, Parker Day participants, and advocates for intellectual and developmental disabilities. A resolution honoring Youth Mental Health Action Day was taken up and adopted 62-0, with sponsors emphasizing the shortage of mental health services in many Colorado counties and the need to support children’s mental health. The House then passed several bills on third reading. House Bill 1189, concerning property held by a community property spouse under the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act, passed 61-1. House Bill 1039, concerning requirements for municipal jails, passed 46-16. House Bill 1044, aimed at improving equity in maternal health, passed 49-13. House Bill 1135, increasing transparency about chemicals used in certain hair products, passed 42-20. House Bill 1134, addressing conditions for municipal court defendants, passed 43-19. House Bill 1113, concerning modifications to election laws, passed 41-22. The House also heard a lengthy debate on House Bill 1110, which would allow financial institutions to place temporary holds on suspicious transactions involving vulnerable adults and provide related protections. Supporters said the bill would help prevent elder financial exploitation and give banks and credit unions tools to intervene. Opponents argued the bill’s liability protections for financial institutions were too broad and could weaken protections for victims. Representative Garcia offered amendment L007 to strike the immunity provision, and several members spoke for and against the amendment, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on the amendment or final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:47.280> a says, "Transfull youthful of transfer a says, "Transfull youthful of transfer
• <01:02:55.920> does<01:02:56.160> not goals as long as the transfer does not goals
• a system participant it says, "Transfer a system participant to<01:03:06.799> an<01:03:07.040
• Pascal mentioned before, some updating of the Aeronautical Board SIB fund transfer process.
• aeronautical board SIB fund transfer aeronautical board SIB fund transfer process.<01:27:21.520>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from February 13, 2026, and heard several announcements and introductions, including recognition of student guests and notices about upcoming committee meetings. Members also shared informal remarks tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, a water policy breakfast, and other caucus or committee updates. The chamber then took up special orders for several bills, including House Bill 1013 and House Bill 1064. House Bill 1013, concerning ratio utility billing systems used by landlords to allocate utility charges to tenants, was presented as a technical cleanup to last year’s House Bill 1090. Supporters said it was intended to clarify that such billing practices remain allowable and to align the statute with legislative intent. Amendment L002, offered to state that the bill created no private right of action and to limit litigation, was debated at length but defeated. Opponents argued it would restrict existing rights under consumer protection law, while supporters said it would reduce unnecessary lawsuits. The bill then passed the committee. House Bill 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, was also heard. Supporters said the bill codifies existing Department of Corrections practices, updates language to promote effective communication, and reflects evidence-informed, trauma-informed rehabilitation aimed at reducing recidivism. Amendment L003, which adjusted language to be more inclusive of the YOS community, was adopted. Several members opposed the bill, arguing it codified practices already in place, lacked clarity on evaluators and costs, and did not sufficiently account for victims’ perspectives. Despite that opposition, the committee report was adopted and the bill advanced with the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We either try to get the money out to students or we transfer it, but if we don't do this on time, we're
• funds between our financial aid transfer funds between our financial aid programs<00:25:21.159> we
• it but we don't students or we transfer it but we don't if<00:26:18.640> we<00:26:18.760>
• language around the funding transfer language around the norstar<00:26:40.080> promise norstar
• money into the flexibility to transfer money into the state<00:26:45.440> grant<00:26:45.840>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is taking the blockchain technology and, like I said, so the grown-ups can use it for transferring
• This is taking the blockchain technology and, like I said, so the grown-ups can use it for transferring
• <00:20:09.919> Uh<00:20:11.120> the for for transferring uh funds.
• Uh the for for transferring uh funds.
• , you know, right now we're handling money transmitters and, uh, that's like all the people that transfer

Bills: HB259, HB206, HB207, HB259, HB206, HB207

Keywords: income tax credit, tax incentive, recruitment, remote work, remote worker, recruited worker, rural counties, small counties, county population tiers, opportunity zone, teacher recruitment, nurse recruitment, law enforcement recruitment, workforce development, economic development, relocation incentive, Alabama Department of Revenue, nonrefundable tax credit, tax carryforward, state income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 467 transfers the Nevada Office of Cyber Defense Coordination from the Department of Public
• Senate Bill 467 transfers the Nevada Office of Cyber Defense Coordination from the Department of Public
• Assembly Bill 553, introduced by the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, transfers the Division of
• Assembly Bill 553 is a bill that transferred the Division of Emergency Management from the Office of
• Assembly Bill 553 is a bill that transferred the Division of Emergency Management from the Office of

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and how we feed into the transfer and how we feed into the transfer system.<00:46:30.319> With
• credit and other courses transfer credit and other courses transfer between<01:09:29.359> these
• Seamless transferability is in place.
• Seamless transferability is in place.
• Next is Senator Thomas. every place it transfers uh in that every place it transfers uh in that regard

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes: 0:01:45 Federal Education Updates 0:02:12 Dual Credit Updates: 0:43:38 Kentucky State University's Doctoral Program Request: 01:27:08 Postsecondary Accreditation: 1:49:05 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 2:14:48 Adjournment 2:16:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Austin Reid of the National Conference of State Legislatures on education-related provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Reid said the law is projected to increase the federal deficit over 10 years, with major savings coming from Medicaid, student loan changes, and SNAP. He focused on how those changes could affect schools, including possible effects on free and reduced-price meal certification, state funding formulas that use SNAP as a proxy for low-income status, and Medicaid-funded school services for students with disabilities. Reid also outlined the new federal scholarship tax credit, which gives a dollar-for-dollar credit for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. He said families up to 300% of area median income may benefit, the program begins in 2027, and states must opt in and designate eligible organizations. He noted unresolved questions about whether states can add their own criteria and said Treasury regulations will be important. He also described the expansion of 529 plans to cover more K-12 and postsecondary expenses. On higher education, Reid explained a new workforce Pell grant option for short-term programs, with states and governors playing a role in determining eligible programs. He said the programs must meet placement, completion, and earnings measures and that implementation is expected to be tight before the July 1, 2026 effective date. He also reviewed student loan changes, including lower institutional loan limits, prorated borrowing for part-time enrollment, new caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and a new earnings-based accountability standard that could make some programs ineligible for student loans if graduates earn too little. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, due to a couple of court cases and a bunch of movement in the transfer space, what many call
• I know you can transfer from one school to the next without a wait.
• I still think in sports transfer portal.
• They want to transfer a second time. I think they need to be able to sit out for a year. Okay.
• They want to transfer a second time. I think they need to be able to sit out for a year. Okay.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Approve Minutes from June 11, 2026- 00:00:40 Staff Report on 2026 Child Fatality Panel Update- 00:01:17 Panel Staff Response to Report-00:21:12 University of Kentucky Name, Image, and Likeness-00:44:34 Kentucky State Police Update on SERVS-01:17:55 Adjornment-01:33:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Members then received a staff report on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including an annual LOIC evaluation of the panel’s operations, statutory compliance, case management system development, member experience, and written procedures. The report noted recent House Bill 778 expanded the panel’s access to records and to TWIST/I-TWIST, and recommended that staff request access and training promptly to avoid implementation problems. Analysts reported the panel has met statutory membership and meeting requirements, and that agency responses to the panel’s 2025 recommendations improved, with all responses meeting statutory content requirements though some were late. They also said the panel still lacks formal written procedures, so a prior recommendation was reissued. The report discussed the panel’s new case management system, now in testing with the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and a survey of panel members showing generally positive views of meetings and case discussions but recurring concerns about SharePoint access, time demands, virtual meetings, and the panel’s lack of enforcement authority. The report included a matter for legislative consideration suggesting the General Assembly may wish to seek additional testimony from agencies when responses are unclear or more information is needed. Panel staff responded that the work is difficult but important, said they are optimistic about gaining TWIST access, and acknowledged that written procedures have not yet been completed because they wanted to align them with the new system. They said both the system and procedures are hoped to be finished by the end of the year, with the new case management system expected to be implemented by September 1 after further testing and migration. Members also discussed trends in child fatality and near-fatality cases, including increases in reported cases since 2013, substance abuse, safe storage of firearms, and concerns about THC/CBD gummies reaching children. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joint Fiscal would approve a transfer Joint Fiscal would approve a transfer from<00:37:44.480>
• can approve transfers based on requests. can approve transfers based on requests.
• > come<00:39:17.800> from And those transfers typically come from And those transfers typically
• fund or whether we need to transfer fund or whether we need to transfer money<00:46:01.120> in
• transfers at that time. Thank you. transfers at that time. Thank you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: Division Three of the Finance Committee met in work session on April 20, 2026, to consider Senate Bills 481, 603, and 663, with the discussion focused primarily on SB 481, relative to the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property. The chair explained that the bill was advisory only and that the committee’s recommendations would go to full Finance on April 27. For SB 481, members reviewed conflicting provisions in the prior budget law about whether sale proceeds should go to the general fund or the Youth Development Center Claims and Administration Settlement Fund, and the bill was described as a compromise that would direct proceeds to the general fund before June 30, 2027, and to the settlement fund after that date. It was noted that the settlement fund had originally received about $20 million and had roughly $10 million remaining. The committee also received an extensive update from DCYF Director Marie Noonan on the new Youth Development Center in Hampstead. She reported that construction remained on schedule, with major structural and interior work complete, substantial completion expected in late summer or early fall 2026, and occupancy anticipated in early 2027. The presentation highlighted the facility’s design features, including single-occupancy bedrooms, sensory rooms, an education wing, medical and clinical suites, visitation space, a gym, and multiple outdoor courtyards, all intended to support a trauma-informed setting. Members asked about the facility’s funding, square footage, fencing, and scanner; staff said the building is about 34,000 square feet, funded entirely with federal ARPA state recovery funds to date, and that the scanner is on site but not yet operational pending policy and staff training. Committee members also raised concerns about the facility’s design and security. In response, DCYF said some concrete walls are required for structural and safety reasons, but they are being painted to maintain a brighter environment, and that the fencing will be about 15 feet high with privacy netting because the campus is shared with Hampstead. Officials said the new facility is legislatively limited to a maximum of 12 youth, while the current center can house 12 to 18, and emphasized that courts ultimately determine placements. No votes or final actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's something that needs to be transferred, like a bigger case that needs to be more elaborate
• If there's something that needs to be transferred, like a bigger case that needs to be more elaborate
• So if there was a need, they have to agree in writing to transfer responsibility for an investigation
• If there's something that needs to be transferred, like a bigger case that needs to be more elaborate
• If there's something that needs to be transferred, like a bigger case that needs to be more elaborate

Bills: HF3169, HF3749, HF2605, HF3541, HF4102, HF3513, HF268

Keywords: suicide prevention, transportation, mental health, bridge safety, data collection, state law, bridge inspection, active transportation, truck parking, public safety, vehicle registration, fee structure, full-service providers, Capitol security, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, State Patrol compensation, trooper salary

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, 30 years ago, the university, those buildings were transferred to Fairview.
• buildings were transferred to Fairview. buildings were transferred to Fairview.
• <00:51:18.559> of able to find says that that transfer of able to find says that that transfer
• Chair, uh, committee member Botney, in the transfer of the asset, uh, happened in '97.
• <01:20:47.760> across education and knowledge transfer across education and knowledge transfer

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And if an inmate were to be released and not complete their studies, they can seamlessly transfer and
• They start a program in one place and they were transferred somewhere else.
• Chairman, there was a question by Senator Neimus that I would like to answer about the transfers. >>
• Chairman, there was a question by Senator Neimus that I would like to answer about the transfers. >>
• Chairman, there was a question by Senator Neimus that I would like to answer about the transfers. >>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary met on November 6, 2025, approved the minutes, and welcomed guests including Kentucky Specialty Courts manager Elizabeth Nichols and Boyle/Mercer Family Court Judge Bruce Petri. The committee then heard the Chief Justice of Kentucky, Deborah Lambert, deliver her state of the judiciary address, focused largely on judicial branch funding, facilities, technology, and specialty court programs. Chief Justice Lambert said the branch is facing a projected $14.3 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 and asked lawmakers for supplemental support, access to reserve funds, and higher base appropriations to cover inflation and nondiscretionary costs. She also requested a 15% across-the-board pay increase for judicial branch employees, citing salary gaps with other state workers and declining judicial compensation relative to national averages. She emphasized that the branch has received a clean FY 2025 audit and said the requests were intended to sustain current operations rather than expand them. A major portion of her remarks covered court technology and facilities. She described the move to Chamberlain during Capitol renovations, the purchase of that building as a cost-saving measure, and the need to fund courtroom audio/video systems and a new statewide case management system. She also discussed courthouse maintenance, flood damage, mold issues, security system upgrades, and the $47 million asset preservation fund created last session, while asking for additional local facilities funding and one-time disaster-related support. Lambert highlighted specialty court and statewide program results, including foster care review boards, family recovery courts, court designated worker programs, drug and mental health courts, and the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. She thanked legislators for prior bills and support, including House Bill 1, Senate Bill 26, and the CES law, and said 2026 recommendations will focus on civil commitment reforms under KRS 202C. During questions, Senator Wheeler asked whether some courthouses are being overbuilt; Lambert said most facilities are inadequate, though some may be larger than needed, and that future needs and population changes must be considered. She also noted that virtual hearings and technology have improved efficiency. No votes or formal committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:04:40.200> to of Grant programs through transfers to of Grant programs through transfers
• <01:04:46.119> both<01:04:46.440> administrator<01:04:47.440> and transfer both
• administrator and transfer both administrator and paraprofessional<01:04:48.480> licensing<01:
• the duties to issue which transferred the duties to issue administer<01:08:41.080> administrator<
• transfer actually includes both the transfer actually includes both the staff<01:26:14.880> member

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then for the fiscal year, that one-time transfer of $5 million. Yes, ma'am.
• It's given them permission to transfer that five million.
• Okay, that's... ...transfer that five million.
• A one-time appropriation of $5 million should be transferred. Yeah.
• It was transferred from a cow to a human.

Keywords: 1136, house, all