Transcript Highlights:

• What they did is use emerging technology and force staffers that they already had in the governor's office
• All of this with four people using emerging technologies and an at-will, can-do attitude, essentially
• Has emerging technology taken the problem we set out to solve away or made it more efficiently, you know
• Has emerging technology taken the problem we set out to solve away or made it more efficiently, you know
• Has emerging technology taken the problem we set out to solve away or made it more efficiently, you know

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 936, an author’s bill requiring cost-benefit analysis before agencies move forward with major rulemaking. Chair Nash moved the bill, the A2 author’s amendment was adopted, and the bill was then discussed as amended. The sponsor said the goal was not to eliminate rulemaking, but to require agencies to “show their work” by analyzing costs, benefits, and assumptions before rules are adopted. Supporters, including representatives from Americans for Prosperity and the Pacific Legal Foundation, argued the bill would improve transparency, uniformity, and accountability in rulemaking. They cited federal and other state models, especially Virginia, and said similar requirements already exist in several states. They also pointed to public support for requiring cost-benefit analysis and said the bill could help agencies avoid costly or poorly thought-out regulations, reduce litigation risk, and improve legislative oversight through notice to committees and publication of preliminary and final analyses. Several members raised concerns. Representative Luger Nikolai said cost-benefit analysis is already part of existing law through SONARs and that the legislature, not agencies, should be the first line of review; she also worried the bill would force dollar valuations on qualitative factors such as accessibility. Representative Craft said the bill could allow unelected officials to negate policy choices already made by the legislature if benefits do not exceed costs. Representative Fryberg said the bill appears to require full analysis even for minor housekeeping rules and may overemphasize dollar-based benefits. Chair Nash and supporters responded that the bill is meant to impose a uniform check on agencies and that many current rules already operate without sufficient legislative oversight. The discussion ended with members expressing both support and opposition, and a roll call was requested, though no final vote was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it is a medical emergency in a home, an active fire, or other emergency, it is critical that
• Individuals impersonating emergency response personnel also present new dangers for emergency responders
• I do think on the emergency personnel and the impersonation of emergency personnel, we want to deter
• The bill will ensure adequate emergency preparedness by requiring CDCR to establish an emergency response
• technology.

Summary: The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call. The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call. Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it was heard in business, labor and technology.
• <01:47:38.000> we really just updates the technology we really just updates the technology
• > spreading<02:12:42.719> like This camera technology is spreading like This camera technology
• we have now unleashed this technology we have now unleashed this technology and<02:14:45.520>
• the good uses of this technology. the good uses of this technology.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received committee and House messages before moving into third reading and final passage on several bills. Early action included passage of House Bill 1318, which concerns traffic safety near schools; Senator Cutter offered and the chamber adopted a third-reading amendment naming it the Liam Stewart School Zone Act in honor of a child killed in a traffic accident near a school. The bill then passed 33-1. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 134 on payment card network fees, and laid over Senate Bill 17 until April 30. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 45 on workforce development opportunities in Colorado’s nuclear sector, Senate Bill 91 on excluding certain printed news deliverers from employee definitions under labor law, Senate Bill 114 on spirituous liquor manufacturer sales rooms, Senate Bill 162 on releasing healthcare test results to patients, Senate Bill 23 on school finance, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 155 on homeowners insurance availability, Senate Bill 146 on restricting single-use food service ware, and Senate Bill 156 on State Workforce Development Council practices. Most of these bills passed, with recorded opposition on several measures: SB 91 passed 26-8, SB 114 passed 31-3, SB 162 passed 29-5, SB 93 passed 19-15, SB 155 passed 22-12, SB 146 passed 20-14, and SB 156 passed 32-2. SB 23, the school finance act, drew broad support and passed 34-0 after multiple senators emphasized education funding priorities and constitutional obligations. During debate, senators highlighted policy rationales and personal stories. On SB 162, Senator Weissman explained his no vote as a patient-autonomy concern despite acknowledging the bill’s earnest intent. On SB 23, supporters said the bill preserved and strengthened K-12 funding, while one senator argued schools should do better on safety and teacher pay. On SB 155, supporters said the homeowners insurance bill could help change market direction and improve affordability. On SB 156, Senator Marchman described the bill’s focus on out-of-school youth and the need to connect young people who are not in education, employment, or training with workforce supports. The Senate also began special-order second reading of consent-calendar bills, adopted the committee reports, and advanced House Bill 1313 on affordable housing fund requirements with amendments related to Prop 123 implementation and stakeholder processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• critical Emerging technology and Senator Perdue, you know, there's no doubt that the PRC is is engaged
• technologies, including A.I., which is so important?
• That means having the right technology and the right interoperability in place.
• They did so in order to gain access to the knowledge of the latest technology. technologies on the battlefield
• It's a public health emergency.

Keywords: committee meeting, bill discussions, nomination, David Perdue, Monica Crawley, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy

Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.

Transcript Highlights:

• all, I think there's some great opportunity with rural health transformation dollars because the technology
• One after that is bringing high-quality care closer to home, and the last one is connecting technology
• Many states seek IMD waivers with the stated goals of reducing emergency department visits, but many
• A couple more would be your emergency services, both fire and ambulance, would be hurt by it.
• Emergency services are going up. So I agree with you.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . emergencies. emergencies.
• federal emergency management agency. federal emergency management agency.
• It required emergency action planning. It required emergency action planning.
• members on an emergency members on an emergency of<02:44:34.080> an<02:44:34.240> emergency
• emergency preparedness. emergency preparedness.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know this gets into the second panel, but into clean technologies that we can export.
• Satellite technology that's making a difference in the firefight.
• And this technology, irrigation technology, is one of those exportable technologies that we can take
• I do want to point out two emerging issues.
• out there that are emerging and we should look at those.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the other member spent 15 years as an emergency manager at the county level.
• And the other member spent 15 years as an emergency manager at the county level.
• And the other member spent 15 years as an emergency manager at the county level.
• To answer your question, right now I have to... ...emergency operations plan audit.
• Emergency and Military Affairs, we are responsible for developing those standards.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Education Committee met as a committee of reference to complete required sunset reviews and hear a performance audit. Members and staff introduced themselves at the start of the session, and the chair outlined committee procedures, including limits on public testimony and the goal of adjournment by 5 p.m. The committee then heard the sunset review of the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board. A governor’s office representative explained that the board was created in 2016 to help qualifying schools, mostly charter schools, lower borrowing costs through a credit enhancement fund. He said the board has approved 15 projects, has no dedicated staff or budget, and is now at its statutory leverage limit, so it is mainly monitoring existing obligations. Members voiced support, and the committee voted by voice vote to recommend continuation of the board for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The committee next reviewed the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE leadership described the interstate compact, its student exchange programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional health care education, and related cost-savings and workforce benefits for Arizona. Testimony emphasized tuition savings for Arizona students, the return of many professional students to practice in Arizona, and the role of the compact in supporting higher education access and workforce needs. Commissioners from Arizona’s Board of Regents and Eastern Arizona College also spoke in support. The committee then voted by voice vote to recommend continuation of WICHE for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The committee also received the Arizona Auditor General’s performance audit of the Arizona Department of Education school safety program. The audit found that while the program has grown substantially and now funds more than 1,000 school safety positions, ADE did not ensure many sampled schools complied with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, annual training, activity logs, and expenditure documentation. The Auditor General said the department relied too heavily on written attestations and reduced monitoring as the program expanded, and recommended stronger oversight, written procedures, and better reimbursement controls. ADE’s school safety director responded that the department accepts the findings, has already begun improving monitoring, and is moving to require uploaded documentation and more risk-based reviews; he also said the department will seek additional staffing and will meet with the Auditor General and ASU to strengthen evaluation of the program. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 2142, which would establish a school safety center within ADE, assign it responsibility for administering the school safety program and providing technical assistance, and allow up to 10% of program appropriations for administration. Members discussed whether the bill should also require monitoring of emergency operations plan compliance, better address students with disabilities, and clarify coordination with other state agencies. The sponsor said he planned to offer a floor amendment to make monitoring expectations clearer. The bill was discussed but no final committee action was recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:10.559> vehicle 159, emergency medical services vehicle 159, emergency medical services
• <00:49:20.160> Medical Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Maryland Institute for Emergency
• five makes the act an emergency bill. five makes the act an emergency bill.
• carbon removal technology and practices. carbon removal technology and practices. bill<01:16:36.800
• Increasingly, the cybersecurity, information technology, and operational technology are interconnected

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 38 members present and a quorum, then began with an invocation and several ceremonial introductions. The chamber recognized pioneering women of the Maryland State Police for Women’s History Month, including the original six female graduates and other firsts in the department, and also introduced the day’s doctor and a student intern. The Senate agreed to journalize the remarks honoring the Maryland State Police guests. The body then took up several Finance Committee bills, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection on Senate Bills 385, 387, 389, 753, 469, and 608, each of which was ordered printed for third reading. SB 385 concerns immunization, screening, and preventive-service recommendations and pharmacist administration; SB 387 restricts predatory pricing and use of personal data by food retailers and delivery services; SB 389 makes transit-oriented development changes; SB 753 addresses financial exploitation protections for seniors and vulnerable adults; SB 469 authorizes a Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund affordability program; and SB 608 requires coverage for pharmacogenomic testing. Senate Bill 626, dealing with birth certificate sex designation changes and related identification documents, was briefly set aside at the request of a senator seeking possible amendments, with the presiding officer agreeing to hold it until the next session. Senate Bill 739, a climate change, homeowners insurance, and emergency management study bill, was also introduced with one amendment and sparked debate over its scope and funding, including discussion of a $150,000 Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocation and whether the study would examine the General Assembly’s own climate policies. The transcript ends during that discussion, before any final action on SB 739.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:25.199> is um nation is going where technology is um nation is going where technology
• <00:31:43.120> situations necessary for emergency situations necessary for emergency situations
• facility to run during an emergency facility to run during an emergency event<01:42:39.599> when
• This is helping with the emergency services that the city needs to provide.
• This is helping with the emergency services that the city needs to provide.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , like we should all figure it out right now, but there is a sense of emergency that those drums could
• One such technology is a non-invasive technology, where they, they, this will make a lot of people nervous
• I think that's great that there's new technology that's being made.
• Uh, so hazardous waste goes into the hazardous waste emergency fund, which is emergency response work
• Um, right now, the Navajo Nation is considering a technology called ablation.

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, are you familiar with the company called Leo Technologies? Vaguely.
• <00:14:34.760> procurement going through the emergency procurement going through the emergency
• <00:14:54.000> situation new contract in an emergency situation new contract in an emergency
• Leo Technologies? Vaguely. Leo Technologies? Vaguely. Okay. Okay. Okay.
• Emergency Management. I'm sorry. That was pulled.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and a staffing emergency in outpatient care across the state.
• crisis of children boarding in emergency crisis of children boarding in emergency rooms,<00:07:56.319
• <00:08:01.039> in counties and a staffing emergency in counties and a staffing emergency in
• A company called 4C Medical Technologies was certified as a business in 2016.
• leading healthcare and technology leading healthcare and technology organizations<00:58:26.000><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any emerging issues or trends that your board commission needs to be prepared for?
• Um, some of the newer technology drones.
• Um, some of the newer technology includes<00:08:50.240> drones<00:08:50.640> with<00:08
• And do we need in some statute dealing with these emerging trends to have something specifically that
• <00:30:05.440> uh technologies have popped up there. uh technologies have popped up there.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 18 meeting amendments, then heard an update from Representative Emily Callaway on the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. She reported no major budget or regulatory concerns, but noted hiring challenges, especially for investigators, and said the board is pursuing a scholarship program using cash reserves and penalty payments. She also said the board has about 20,000 licenses, handled 134 cases in 2024, and had an open-investigation count that stayed roughly flat. The board said initial licenses take about 5 to 7 business days and endorsements about 10 business days, with one citizen-at-large vacancy on the 11-member board. Callaway and board staff also discussed emerging issues such as AI, digital plan submissions, and the use of drones and LiDAR in surveying education. They said Kentucky’s surveying exam pass rates are well above national averages and that universities such as East Tennessee State, Cincinnati State, Bellarmine, Spalding, and Eastern Kentucky are helping train students for the field. The committee then took up Callaway’s occupational licensing bill aimed at removing barriers for people with criminal records. The proposal would let applicants seek an upfront determination of whether a record would disqualify them, require boards to consider specified materials and give written reasons if they deny eligibility, and bind the board’s decision absent new or undisclosed offenses. Supporters said the goal is to help roughly 30,000 people reenter the workforce and avoid wasted time and money on training that could later be disqualified. The committee next heard from Representatives Fleming and Willner on a psychology licensing bill, a reintroduction of prior legislation. They said the measure is intended to address mental health workforce shortages by adding two members to the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology, setting a more predictable timeline for licensure examinations, and requiring annual reporting on processing times for licenses and complaints. They said the bill is meant to speed entry into the profession as new psychology programs expand in Kentucky. No objections were raised. Finally, the Alcoholic Beverage Control commissioner and general counsel presented two administrative amendments tied to SB 202 to allow direct-shipping forms for cannabis-infused beverages, and the committee approved both regulations by voice vote. The committee then held a broader discussion about whether ABC should be expanded by statute to regulate additional intoxicating substances and emerging products. ABC officials said the agency already handles alcohol, tobacco, vape licensing, and some related enforcement, but any broader authority would require legislative action and likely more officers and funding. Members discussed the need to stay ahead of new products, possibly through an emerging-industries framework, while also protecting businesses and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another $2 goes to emergency medical services, and the other dollar goes to general revenue.
• Another $2 goes to emergency medical services and the other dollar goes to general revenue.
• It also provides emergency assistance to extremely low-income households and funds efforts to prevent
• The technology has not been there for them to take the driver out of these 18-wheelers.
• You know, and then you're finding out if they are, if they do have the technology or not.

Bills: HB341, HB469, HB971, HB1624, HB2721, HB2959, HB3365, HB3731, HB3793, HB3861, HB3946, HB3966, HB4348, HB4401, HB4402, HB4924, HB4966, HB5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve the balance of my time. is to adopt technology that has been is to adopt technology that has
• <03:15:50.560> for to deploy scanning technology for to deploy scanning technology for certain
• For those recognition or OCR technology.
• Imagine a world because it's technology.
• I yield technology for the greater good.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB1898 offers a safer path forward while still allowing these foams in real emergencies.
• SB1758 establishes a pilot program in Grayson County, Texas, to address an emerging conflict between
• All of this technology had migrated to East Asia starting in the 1990s.
• That technology, which is also part of our company, has migrated to East Asia.
• It just allows us to catch up with the technology that the marketplace has. Brought to us.

Bills: SB1757, SB1758, SB1898, SB2050

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• This is one out-of-state contract for Tyler Technologies.
• I mean, if it takes an emergency, then there should be an emergency...
• I mean, if it takes an emergency, then there should be an emergency addendum and it should be brought
• Division of Workforce Services with Kerosoft Technology.
• Number 15, DTS Division of Information Systems, with CARESoft Technology.

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commonwealth's Office of Technology is a lead for these projects.
• Parks is working closely with the Commonwealth Office of Technology on every one of these projects.
• is a lead for these of Technology is a lead for these projects. projects. projects.
• <00:13:52.160> on Commonwealth Office of Technology on Commonwealth Office of Technology on
• <00:29:16.000> repairs helping avoid costly emergency repairs helping avoid costly emergency

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:44 Approval of Minutes 01:56 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 54:59 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll have it within the Technology and Innovation Office.
• So we'll have it within the Technology and Innovation Office.
• In an emerging market, I'm going to call quantum emerging.
• We have eight new people in the Technology and Innovation Office.
• In my gut, I feel there's this little technology...

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.