Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:05.760><c> Chairman,</c><00:32:06.159><c> I'll</c><00:32:06.399><c> get</c><00:32:06.480><
• We<00:32:09.840><c> do</c><00:32:10.080><c> support</c><00:32:10.799><c> uh</c><00:32:10.880><c> the<
• </c><00:32:13.039><c> I</c><00:32:13.279><c> began</c><00:32:13.519><c> working</c><00:32:13.760><c>
• </c><00:32:16.559><c> So,</c><00:32:16.720><c> it's</c><00:32:16.960><c> been</c><00:32:17.039><c> a<
• So, it's been a long<00:32:17.919><c> uh</c><00:32:18.080><c> road</c><00:32:18.480><c> to</c><00:32:

Bills: SF0045 , SJ0001

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:32:08.080><c> have</c><00:32:08.320><c> anything</c><00:32:08.640><c> that</c><00:32:08.720><c> has
• </c><00:32:43.120><c> visit</c><00:32:43.360><c> about</c><00:32:43.679><c> this</c><00:32:44.000><c>
• ><c> now</c><00:32:45.120><c> a</c><00:32:45.360><c> few</c><00:32:45.519><c> moments</c><00:32:45.840
• They don't believe<00:32:47.600><c> it</c><00:32:47.840><c> will</c><00:32:48.000><c> hinder</c><00:32
• ><c> is</c><00:32:51.200><c> ready</c><00:32:51.519><c> for</c><00:32:51.760><c> that</c><00:32:52.080

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll We'll talk<00:32:02.160><c> about</c><00:32:02.440><c> it</c><00:32:02.480><c> later,</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:03.760><c> Um</c> See<00:32:09.080><c> where</c><00:32:09.200><c> my</c><00:32:09.400><c>
• notes</c><00:32:09.760><c> are</c><00:32:10.000><c> here.
• </c> On<00:32:14.960><c> on</c><00:32:15.080><c> the</c><00:32:15.160><c> sports</c><00:32:15.600><c>
• </c><00:32:24.240><c> any</c><00:32:24.600><c> fears</c><00:32:25.080><c> at</c><00:32:25.200><c> all

Committee: House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Keywords: 00:00 CALL TO ORDER 00:05 ROLL CALL 01:03 HB 566 DISCUSSION 03:05 HB 566 VOTE 05:10 HB 885 DISCUSSION 08:03 HB 885 VOTE 09:55 HB 904 DISCUSSION 33:10 HB 904 VOTE 34:28 ADJOURNMENT, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> how</c><00:32:03.880><c> much</c><00:32:04.120><c> other</c><00:32:04.320><c> funding</c><00:32:
• :32:06.840><c> as</c> well<00:32:11.679><c> uh</c><00:32:11.840><c> Miss</c><00:32:12.039><c> Madison
• ><c> we</c><00:32:15.639><c> receive</c><00:32:17.080><c> 375,000</c><00:32:18.080><c> per</c><00:32:
• <c> have</c><00:32:38.480><c> the</c><00:32:38.720><c> opportunity</c><00:32:39.639><c> if</c><00:32:
• 32:51.039><c> reducing</c><00:32:51.519><c> VMT</c><00:32:52.480><c> and</c><00:32:52.960><c> travel<

Bills: HF2382 , HF639 , SF1075 , HF1243 , HF1087 , SF1360 , HF739 , HF2337 , HF1220 , HF712 , HF1219

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: accident reporting, law enforcement, data privacy, contracted service providers, public safety, HF639, Minnesota driver license, Department of Public Safety, driver medical review, loss of consciousness, voluntary control, seizure, nonepileptic seizure, epilepsy, antiseizure medication, physician statement, medical certification, commercial driver, CDL, medical examiner's certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:32:13.679><c> have</c><00:32:14.000><c> about</c><00:32:14.559><c> that</c><00:32:15.320
• :16.039><c> be</c><00:32:16.200><c> happy</c><00:32:16.440><c> to</c><00:32:16.600><c> visit</c><00:32
• c> deed</c><00:32:25.039><c> is</c><00:32:25.320><c> is</c><00:32:25.480><c> so</c><00:32:25.799><c>
• <00:32:30.960><c> if</c><00:32:31.279><c> there's</c><00:32:31.679><c> anything</c><00:32:32.679><c>
• ><c> I'd</c><00:32:36.120><c> be</c><00:32:36.279><c> happy</c><00:32:36.559><c> to</c><00:32:37.760>

Bills: HF8 , HF1416

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

Keywords: wetlands, environmental review, permitting efficiency, Pollution Control Agency, construction permits, environmental impact statements, local government, business regulation, environmental assessments, HF1416, relocation grants, economic development, business relocation, site selection, business incentives, grant extension, appropriation extension, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, request for proposals

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.360><c> uh</c><00:32:00.519><c> over</c><00:32:00.880><c> the</c><00:32:01.080><c> past</c><00:32
• in</c><00:32:03.440><c> Grants</c><00:32:04.000><c> uh</c><00:32:04.080><c> we've</c><00:32:04.279><c
• :32:07.720><c> are</c><00:32:08.000><c> the</c><00:32:08.159><c> major</c><00:32:08.519><c> recipient
• ><00:32:12.559><c> loan</c><00:32:13.000><c> program</c><00:32:13.399><c> is</c><00:32:13.559><c> a</
• </c><00:32:14.760><c> part</c><00:32:15.159><c> of</c><00:32:15.360><c> this</c><00:32:15.600><c> as<

Bills: HF276 , HF413 , HF411

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:02.799><c> What</c><00:32:03.440><c> do</c><00:32:03.679><c> you</c><00:32:04.159><c> to</
• ><c> we</c><00:32:08.480><c> would</c><00:32:08.640><c> need</c><00:32:08.880><c> to</c><00:32:09.120
• Obviously<00:32:12.640><c> I</c><00:32:12.799><c> guess</c><00:32:12.880><c> you</c><00:32:13.039><c>
• 14.799><c> to</c><00:32:14.960><c> expand</c><00:32:15.279><c> it</c><00:32:15.519><c> with</c><00:32
• :32:21.919><c> um</c><00:32:22.399><c> you</c><00:32:22.559><c> know</c><00:32:22.640><c> to</c><00:32

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:22 Forging the Future: Kentucky's National Leadership in Metals Manufacturing 00:01:33 Improvements to Kentucky’s Incentive Programs 00:52:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) on Kentucky’s metals industry. Speakers described metals manufacturing and recycling as a major economic backbone for the Commonwealth, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper operations, with broad impacts across production, fabrication, supply chains, and related businesses. They emphasized that the industry supports high-paying jobs, significant capital investment in Kentucky, and is aligned with broader efforts to expand U.S. manufacturing. A central theme was workforce development. MI2 leaders said the industry faces a persistent talent gap and that current education programs do not always produce the skills needed for modern metals jobs. They argued for stronger exposure and awareness, more direct industry involvement, and a dedicated metals career pathway through high schools, area technology centers, career and technical centers, and KCTCS. They also described pilot efforts in Logan, Warren, and Carroll counties that would introduce students to metals careers in middle school, move them into credits and pathways in high school, and connect them to internships, apprenticeships, and postsecondary training. Recycling and supply-chain security were the other major topics. Testimony stressed that recycled inputs are far cheaper than raw ore extraction and that recycling is increasingly important to competitiveness, environmental performance, and keeping materials from leaving the U.S. Speakers also raised concerns about China’s large steel and aluminum capacity and said unfair trade and global market manipulation make it harder for Kentucky producers to compete. Committee members and presenters framed MI2 as a collaborative effort among industry, state government, and academia to strengthen workforce pipelines, recycling, and long-term industry growth. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:32:13.880><c> from</c><01:32:14.440><c> the</c><01:32:15.639><c> um</c><01:32:16.639><c> from
• 32:54.440><c> time</c><01:32:55.440><c> uh</c><01:32:55.960><c> and</c><01:32:56.960><c> uh</c> right
• c><01:32:58.199><c> that</c><01:32:59.199><c> one</c><01:32:59.360><c> of</c><01:32:59.520><c> the</c
• :00.720><c> and</c><03:32:00.880><c> we'll</c><03:32:01.120><c> end</c><03:32:01.279><c> up</c><03:32
• :01.960><c> and</c><03:32:02.160><c> you</c><03:32:02.279><c> know</c><03:32:02.439><c> how</c><03:32

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on HB 566, which would require permit applications for new landfills to include a detailed leachate management plan. Representative German introduced the bill and explained that it was prompted by recent reporting on leachate management problems at New Hampshire landfills, including alleged violations and deficiency letters from DES. He said the bill was intended to address public health concerns, PFAS contamination, and increased leachate volumes tied to more severe rainstorms, while still allowing innovation in treatment and transportation methods. He also described a set of proposed amendments developed after discussions with DES and a landfill operator, including changing “permit for construction” to “operating approval,” applying the bill to landfill expansions, moving contract-related language into the planning section, and removing a proposed new subparagraph. Committee members asked whether the bill would limit operator flexibility or duplicate existing DES rules. Representative German said the bill would not dictate specific treatment methods or lock operators into long-term contracts, but would require a plan showing how leachate will be managed, transported, and disposed of, with later contract changes reported to DES. Several members and the BIA representative questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing Env 806 rules and DES enforcement authority. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill as introduced, arguing that DES already has rules and technical expertise, that the issue is better handled through rulemaking, and that moving requirements into statute could freeze the framework and make future adjustments harder. Supporters countered that a statute would provide a stronger, more durable policy commitment in response to ongoing problems. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration and with the sponsor indicating that a revised amendment would likely be brought forward for later work session or executive session review.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.200><c> So</c><00:32:01.360><c> if</c><00:32:01.519><c> we</c><00:32:01.679><c> can</c>
• :09.200><c> you</c><00:32:09.360><c> come</c><00:32:09.519><c> up</c><00:32:09.679><c> with</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:12.080><c> someway</c><00:32:12.720><c> next</c><00:32:13.039><c> year</c><00:32:13.600><c
• So<00:32:16.399><c> um</c><00:32:16.559><c> does</c><00:32:16.799><c> that</c><00:32:16.960><c> make<
• :18.559><c> get</c><00:32:18.799><c> what</c><00:32:18.960><c> we</c><00:32:19.120><c> can</c><00:32:

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The uh the name<00:32:25.360><c> of</c><00:32:25.519><c> the</c><00:32:25.679><c> bill</c><00:32:25.919
• ><c> an</c><00:32:27.600><c> enhanced</c><00:32:28.000><c> penalty</c><00:32:28.399><c> for</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:36.320><c> Um</c><00:32:36.880><c> any</c><00:32:37.200><c> person</c><00:32:37.600><c> who
• And<00:32:53.840><c> then</c><00:32:54.000><c> we</c><00:32:54.159><c> don't</c><00:32:54.240><c> have
• That's whatever<00:32:54.960><c> is</c><00:32:55.120><c> in</c><00:32:55.200><c> the</c><00:32:55.360

Bills: SF0007 , SF0008 , SF0009 , SF0010

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, fentanyl, controlled substances, minors, drug distribution, enhanced penalties, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, 916

Transcript Highlights:

• these health<00:32:05.840><c> care</c><00:32:06.440><c> supplies</c><00:32:06.880><c> and</c><00:32:07.120
• </c><00:32:10.240><c> do</c><00:32:10.679><c> and</c><00:32:10.799><c> they</c><00:32:11.000><c> cover
• ><c> cost</c><00:32:11.919><c> of</c><00:32:12.039><c> the</c><00:32:12.200><c> sales</c><00:32:12.559
• c><00:32:15.120><c> vulnerable</c><00:32:15.639><c> motans</c><00:32:16.559><c> uh</c><00:32:16.679><
• <c> tight</c><00:32:22.159><c> margins</c><00:32:23.120><c> with</c><00:32:23.320><c> over</c><00:32:

Bills: HF1359 , HF1829 , HF290 , HF1933 , HF926

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: solid waste management, resource management account, environmental fund, taxation, Minnesota statutes, homestead, property tax, classification, disability, resort properties, recreational use, commercial property, tax refund, estimated tax, interest on refunds, income tax, corporate franchise tax, S corporation, partnership, corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• already</c><00:32:02.440><c> funded</c><00:32:02.919><c> at</c><00:32:03.240><c> you</c><00:32:03.360
• ><c> whatever</c><00:32:05.039><c> cap</c><00:32:05.720><c> is</c><00:32:06.720><c> so</c><00:32:07.039
• > mean</c><00:32:14.519><c> this</c><00:32:14.639><c> is</c><00:32:14.960><c> I</c><00:32:15.039><c>
• I'm trying<00:32:15.639><c> to</c><00:32:15.720><c> get</c><00:32:15.799><c> a</c><00:32:15.880><c>
• ><c> me</c><00:32:17.559><c> a</c><00:32:17.919><c> a</c><00:32:18.039><c> flowchart</c><00:32:18.760

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've<00:32:05.040><c> eaten</c><00:32:05.240><c> the</c><00:32:05.320><c> calf</c><00:32:05.640><c
• and the udder<00:32:10.040><c> off</c><00:32:10.200><c> of</c><00:32:10.280><c> the</c><00:32:10.400
• </c> That's<00:32:15.480><c> the</c><00:32:15.600><c> stuff</c><00:32:15.960><c> you</c><00:32:16.120
• Or<00:32:55.679><c> I</c><00:32:55.720><c> have</c><00:32:55.920><c> videos</c><00:32:56.360><c> with
• </c><00:32:56.520><c> my</c><00:32:56.720><c> kids</c><00:32:57.280><c> when</c><00:32:57.440><c> we<

Keywords: Continuation of today's legislative session, beginning at 7:45 pm., 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:41.360><c> If</c><00:32:41.600><c> if</c><00:32:42.000><c> this</c><00:32:42.159><c> is</c
• If if this is this<00:32:42.720><c> is</c><00:32:42.799><c> a</c><00:32:43.039><c> priority</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:45.600><c> what</c><00:32:45.760><c> we</c><00:32:45.919><c> respond</c><00:32:46.240><c>
• Um there<00:32:48.399><c> is,</c><00:32:48.799><c> you</c><00:32:48.960><c> know,</c><00:32:49.039><c
• :32:51.279><c> programs</c><00:32:52.399><c> uh</c><00:32:52.640><c> within</c><00:32:52.960><c> the<

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> that</c><00:32:01.520><c> is</c><00:32:01.720><c> I</c><00:32:01.880><c> I</c><00:32:01.960><c>
• And I think we<00:32:33.120><c> need</c><00:32:33.360><c> to</c><00:32:33.480><c> do</c><00:32:34.160
• ><c> We</c><00:32:34.440><c> We</c><00:32:34.560><c> need</c><00:32:34.760><c> to</c><00:32:34.880><c
• Um you<00:32:38.360><c> know,</c><00:32:38.600><c> I've</c><00:32:39.080><c> I've</c><00:32:39.200><c
• We've<00:32:40.480><c> seen</c><00:32:40.680><c> grizzly</c><00:32:41.080><c> bears</c><00:32:41.440>

Committee: Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:32:23.159><c> to</c><00:32:23.320><c> meet</c><00:32:23.559><c> the</c><00:32:23.679><c> moment
• ><c> 300</c><00:32:25.279><c> attorneys</c><00:32:25.720><c> from</c><00:32:25.919><c> across</c><00:
• <00:32:26.679><c> staffed</c><00:32:27.039><c> the</c><00:32:27.159><c> hotline</c><00:32:27.600><c>
• ><c> Bar</c><00:32:29.679><c> Association</c><00:32:30.679><c> and</c><00:32:30.799><c> our</c> Hawaii
• ><c> the</c><00:32:33.760><c> front</c><00:32:34.279><c> lines</c><00:32:35.279><c> Mahalo</c><00:32:

Keywords: State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:24.000><c> Um</c><00:32:24.559><c> our</c><00:32:24.799><c> labs</c><00:32:25.120><c> are<
• ><00:32:33.679><c> of</c><00:32:33.919><c> doing</c><00:32:34.159><c> right</c><00:32:34.399><c> now<
• Um<00:32:38.399><c> we</c><00:32:38.720><c> have</c><00:32:38.880><c> to</c><00:32:39.120><c> actually
• contract<00:32:40.880><c> those</c><00:32:41.200><c> services</c><00:32:41.600><c> out</c><00:32:42.320
• :32:12.639><c> generated</c><01:32:12.960><c> at</c><01:32:13.120><c> the</c><01:32:13.280><c> patrol

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies. Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> or</c><00:32:27.280><c> tools</c><00:32:28.120><c> in</c><00:32:28.280><c> ways</c><00:32:28.520
• :01.800><c> and</c><01:32:01.960><c> owe</c><01:32:02.080><c> money</c><01:32:02.520><c> to</c><01:32
• And so<01:32:04.080><c> I</c><01:32:04.160><c> think</c><01:32:04.480><c> we're</c><01:32:04.600><c>
• finally</c><01:32:05.040><c> in</c><01:32:05.160><c> a</c><01:32:05.200><c> place</c><01:32:05.920><c
• <01:32:11.080><c> of</c><01:32:11.200><c> the</c><01:32:11.280><c> fact</c><01:32:11.480><c> that</c>

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But<00:32:09.200><c> sort</c><00:32:09.720><c> of</c><00:32:10.720><c> focusing</c><00:32:11.279><c>
• in</c><00:32:11.600><c> on</c><00:32:12.240><c> some</c><00:32:12.480><c> of</c><00:32:12.640><c> our
• about 51%<00:32:36.480><c> except</c><00:32:36.880><c> for</c><00:32:37.200><c> in</c><00:32:37.840>
• without children,<00:32:39.200><c> also</c><00:32:39.440><c> known</c><00:32:39.679><c> as</c><00:32
• <00:32:52.799><c> to</c><00:32:52.960><c> conversations</c><00:32:53.600><c> going</c><00:32:53.760><

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:32:02.799><c> of</c><00:32:03.000><c> these</c><00:32:03.360><c> these</c><00:32:04.000><c> uh<
• kids up<00:32:05.000><c> from</c><00:32:05.200><c> getting</c><00:32:05.559><c> to</c><00:32:05.760>
• <c> be</c><00:32:05.960><c> where</c><00:32:06.159><c> they</c><00:32:06.279><c> need</c><00:32:06.480
• Senator funky fomar<00:32:11.559><c> thank</c><00:32:11.760><c> you</c><00:32:11.919><c> and</c><00:32
• Senator girdler<00:32:14.840><c> has</c><00:32:15.000><c> a</c><00:32:15.159><c> way</c><00:32:15.320

Keywords: 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:22 Roll Call 00:01:56 Discussion on SB 85 00:14:03 Vote on SB 85 00:16:15 Explanation of Agency Amendment 00:19:04 Voice Vote on Amendment 00:19:33 Discussion on Kentucky Foster Children Housing, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Meredith, which would move the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the State Auditor’s office and make related cleanup changes. Meredith said the bill grew out of a prior task force and a two-year transition from Senate Bill 48, and he argued the move would create independence, improve access to the ITWIST database, ensure complaints are not lost in the handoff, and add confidentiality protections for whistleblowers. Auditor Allison Ball and her staff said the bill would codify access and procedures after earlier disputes and a court-mediated settlement, and they described the measure as necessary to make the new structure work effectively. Members asked how the Ombudsman would handle complaints and verify services in cases involving waiver recipients and other cabinet services. Ball and her staff said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints, make inquiries, and provide accountability outside the cabinet structure, with timelines and procedures similar to the Auditor’s office. The committee also discussed staffing and whether the office would need more personnel; Ball said the office already had about 100 people but could use more. The bill passed 10-0 with favorable expression. The committee then approved an agency amendment to administrative regulation 922 KAR 1:001490 concerning foster parent background checks. Cabinet staff explained the amendment corrected a drafting error by removing references to civil determinations in a second section of the regulation because the system cannot search those determinations, while still allowing the required checks under state and federal law. Senator Herron asked what a civil determination meant, and staff said it could involve a court finding in a custody or abuse case, though such findings are now typically handled through the child abuse and neglect registry. The amendment was adopted. Afterward, the committee began a discussion on Kentucky foster children housing and related issues. Ball and Ombudsman staff presented a preliminary assessment of children placed in office buildings, saying the review covered 49 children placed over a four-month period and showed a different picture than the public narrative of only older, high-acuity youth. They reported that some children had no documented behavioral or disability issues, many came directly from home, the average age was 13, the average stay was four nights, and placements were spread across several regions rather than centered only in Louisville. Members raised concerns about the lack of formal policies and procedures, staff safety, and how to ensure children are treated appropriately, and Ball said the Ombudsman was continuing a deeper review. No final action was taken on that discussion in the portion provided.