Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we had a situation as well where a lot of the interstates that we were dealing with, we were working
• <00:09:53.680> or residue from the the the interstate or residue from the the the interstate
• They had interstate shutdown that experienced this ice storm as well, as well as airports.
• They had interstate<00:15:28.160> shutdown<00:15:28.639> that<00:15:28.880> experienced
• interstate shutdown that experienced interstate shutdown that experienced this<00:15:29.440>

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he is a recovering law professor and could talk about the interstate commerce clause, the dormant
• manufactured in New Hampshire with pieces and material that came from out of state makes it an interstate
• commerce clause I could the interstate commerce clause I could talk<03:33:49.399> to<03:33:49.560
• <03:34:09.640> uh that incl that makes it an interstate uh that incl that makes it an interstate
• commerce clause and its interstate commerce clause and its applicability<03:34:28.880> uh<03:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're working towards having an interstate designation on it.
• One of the interchanges that we are constructing to control access on US 412, so it meets interstate
• We didn't have ports of entry on our major interstate system, and we went to work in conjunction with
• We now have a port of entry either end of Interstate 40.
• are really important Because they help us keep track of loads that are being carried across the interstate

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and cities, they represent a small portion of the traveling public as it relates to state and interstate
• State and interstate highways nationally represent a little over 20 percent. of the highways, yet over
• The interstate that have McDonald's and Burger King and KOA campgrounds as an example.
• And in a lot of cases, when you put a logo sign on the interstate, it requires potentially a ramp directional
• sign or a wayfinding sign if the business isn't readily visible from the interstate or from the stop

Transcript Highlights:

• For me, that triggers interstate commerce. Why? Because every... ...interstate commerce. Why?
• a concern there; there's a constitutional concern that's not First Amendment, but that is about interstate
• And if there's... ...about interstate commerce.
• If there's a state law that unduly burdens interstate commerce or the ability for businesses in other

Bills: SB186, SB187

Keywords: internet filtering, child protection, obscene content, civil liability, manufacturers, app store, app store provider, app developer, mobile app, age verification, parental consent, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, age gating, digital privacy, data protection, in-app purchases, online consumer protection, deceptive trade practice

Transcript Highlights:

• opining; I don't know how Jera did this particular thing, but they have not been able to get on the interstate
• further, more comprehensive than what we're discussing right now, and see how we can get them on the interstate
• There's a reason that the feds don't let them on the interstate; it's because they're already loaded
• Our state is already beyond the limits of what the interstate allows, and yet our surrounding states

Bills: SB46

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m glad to hear that there’s an agreement that more work needs to be done there.
• One, just interstate commerce. And I don't think we... ...two pieces.
• One, just the interstate commerce.
• Workers losing their collective bargaining agreements in exchange for lower pay, benefits, fewer job
• And there are a lot of broken agreements where California taxpayers are left holding the bag for things

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund. CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• cultivation microbusinesses to ship medicinal cannabis products directly to the patient's home through an interstate
• They sign long-term lease agreements with the expectation of savings over time.
• And it is absolutely a breaking of a contract because the interconnection agreement that is signed by
• currently are not in the real estate business of reviewing real estate sales or their customers' rental agreements

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 21, 2025, with 86 bills on the agenda. The committee first approved two consent motions covering a group of bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. Several bills were then heard individually, with authors and supporters emphasizing that many had no or minimal state costs and were aimed at climate, health, or regulatory improvements. Among the bills discussed were AB 39 on local planning for electrification and EV charging infrastructure; AB 1129 allowing local health jurisdictions to opt into reporting birth defects and early-life health conditions; AB 1332 to allow narrow direct shipment of medicinal cannabis to seriously ill patients; AB 1056 phasing out transfer of certain gillnet permits except for a one-time family transfer; AB 408 creating a new Medical Board health and wellness program for physicians; AB 546 requiring health plans to cover portable HEPA air purifiers for vulnerable people during wildfire emergencies; AB 942 revising rooftop solar subsidy rules to reduce costs for non-solar ratepayers; and AB 967 expediting licensure for out-of-state physicians. Supporters generally framed these bills as improving access, equity, public health, or affordability, while opponents on AB 942 and AB 967 raised concerns about implementation, workload, contract issues, and impacts on existing programs. The committee took action on each bill after testimony and questions. AB 39, AB 1129, AB 1332, AB 1056, AB 408, AB 546, AB 942, and AB 967 were all moved out of committee on roll call votes, with some members voting no or not voting on certain measures. The suspense calendar was then read and deemed approved, and the committee opened general public comment, where speakers voiced support for bills including AB 715, AB 1138, AB 782, AB 98, AB 53, AB 258, AB 330, AB 650, AB 649, AB 1048, and AB 425. The meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They recently ended that agreement with us in 2024.
• They recently ended that agreement with us in 2024.
• They recently ended that agreement with us in 2024.
• not interested in arrest prute agreement not interested in arrest prute agreement with<01:15:09.840
• agreements that they held historical agreements with<01:16:03.480> they<01:16:03.639> extended

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill narrowly applies to cover noncompete agreements uncover garden leave agreements.
• The agreement must be in writing.
• Garden leave agreements and garden.
• Garden leave agreement.
• , the garden leave agreement.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, uh, interstate around our, our areas and it, it has the potential for escalating if we don't
• an, uh, just an overview of to, to myself and other freshmen about IGAs, the intergovernmental agreements
• Agreements IGAs, uh, it's something that is brought up a lot with Navajo Nation and, uh, and I would
• There, it's complicated, but once you understand it, it makes sense, but not everybody was in agreement
• or is in agreement, but you know, it's already moving forward in the rule-making process, but PED also

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1172 by Senator Hurtado, relating to tax sharing agreements.
• Tax sharing agreements or take away local control.
• -Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA, Joint Review. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
• These projects maintain 25% affordable housing and project labor agreements, among other things.
• This bill does not in any way change the scope of nondisclosure agreements.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a roll call, a moment of silence for the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The body then handled routine matters and confirmations, including Julia Montgomery as General Counsel for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods, Dr. Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the State Board of Education, and George Cardona as Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar. All of those appointments were confirmed, with some no votes from a few members on the education and legal confirmations. The chamber also adopted several resolutions, including SR 111 on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia; SCR 129 naming part of Highway 152 the Rusty Arraes Highway; SCR 169 proclaiming October 2026 as Women’s Small Business Month; and SCR 173 designating May 2026 as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month. Senators spoke in support of fairgrounds as community, agricultural, and emergency-response assets. The Senate also welcomed Cal Lutheran University students, faculty, and staff to the gallery. A large number of policy bills were then taken up and mostly passed, covering procurement, elections, education, privacy, housing, transportation, labor, and health care. Among the measures approved were SB 1154 on best-value procurement for community college projects, SB 1369 on judicial recall safeguards, SB 1048 creating a climate literacy seal, SB 1106 shortening data broker deletion timelines, SB 1408 authorizing a Contra Costa transportation tax measure, SB 1172 on local tax-sharing transparency, SB 1383 protecting local labor standards in density bonus projects, SB 1223 on competitive bidding at fairs, SB 1344 extending anti-SLAPP protections to certain housing-related projects, SB 1371 limiting solid waste contract force majeure clauses during labor disputes, SB 908 on residential window replacement permits, SB 1272 on remedies for preexisting home code violations, SB 1406 targeting the “Montana tax loophole,” SB 1238 on HOA transparency, SB 868 on plug-in balcony solar, SB 903 restricting unlicensed AI psychotherapy advertising, SB 950 on early-onset Alzheimer’s coverage, SB 874 on Medi-Cal behavioral health oversight, SB 1049 on corrected health care claims, SB 1067 on early math screening, SB 1202 on Medi-Cal outreach, SB 944 on acupuncture coverage, SB 957 on notice for federal subpoenas to social media companies, SB 959 on wildfire-related school closures, SB 988 on auto glass insurance practices, and SB 1000 on AI content transparency. Most passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with a few dissenting votes from members who objected to procurement, labor, privacy, or tax-related provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1960, Flint's plan for Interstate 475 displaced over 7,000 residents from what was then the St.
• new master plan for the city, which included identifying two communities for redevelopment into interstate
• new master plan for the city, which included identifying two communities for redevelopment into interstate
• and industrial complex space. one of those two communities. interstate and industrial complex space.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met with a quorum present and adopted the June 16, 2026 minutes. The committee first took up House Bill 5644, which would allow nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to certify applications for disability windshield placards and disability license plates. The sponsor and witnesses from the nursing profession said the bill restores a practice that had worked for years, reduces delays and extra costs for patients, and improves access, especially in rural and underserved areas. A Department of State representative explained the issue arose after an Auditor General review found the statute was unclear. The bill was reported to the floor on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 791, which would designate a portion of I-475 in Genesee County as the St. John Street Community Memorial Highway. Senator Cherry and representatives of the St. John Street Historical Committee described the history of the St. John Street neighborhood in Flint, its displacement by urban renewal and highway construction, and the effort to memorialize the community’s cultural significance and trauma. No members asked questions, and the bill was reported to the floor unanimously, 10-0. House Bill 4415, previously heard by the committee, was also reported to the floor without further testimony. The committee then considered Senate Bill 959, which had a new S-2 substitute. Senator Klinefelt explained the substitute as a compromise that reorganizes rail detector regulations and changes distance and speed thresholds for Class 1, 2, and 3 rail lines. The substitute was adopted 10-0. After additional comments from Senator McBroom opposing the bill due to concerns about impacts on Upper Peninsula commerce and rail operations, the committee reported the S-2 version of Senate Bill 959 to the floor by a 6-4 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, when you get off the interstate and you're looking for a restaurant, if it's not readily available
• And again, when you get off the interstate and you're looking for a restaurant, if it's not readily available
• And again, when you get off the interstate and you're looking for a restaurant, if it's not readily available
• And again, when you get off the interstate and you're looking for a restaurant, if it's not readily available
• And again, when you get off the interstate and you're looking for a restaurant, if it's not readily available

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I said he must have gotten off the interstate. >> No, I've been here. >> Thank you so much.
• I said he must have gotten off the interstate. >> No, I've been here. >> Thank you so much.
• <00:09:05.280> gotten<00:09:05.440> off<00:09:05.520> the<00:09:05.600> interstate
• must have gotten off the interstate. must have gotten off the interstate.

Keywords: Insurance - Room 210, 26 February, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee considered several House bills, most of them already passed by the Senate or previously vetted in other committees. House Bill 1075 would expand access for low-income housing authorities and related entities to participate in insurance pooling arrangements, with the sponsor explaining it would help lower insurance costs as housing funding structures shift toward public-private partnerships. House Bill 565, renamed “Jill’s Law,” would advance biomarker testing and related Medicaid/prior authorization conforming changes; House Bill 856 would remove a repealer from the state’s anti-step-therapy law after hearings found the cost impact negligible; and House Bill 939 would extend the repealer on the volunteer firefighters’ Length of Service Award Program, which was described as needing ongoing funding to retain and recruit volunteers. The committee also heard House Bill 1019, which would expand health coverage options for small businesses, professionals, and self-employed people through access to regulated trade association self-funded group health plans. House Bill 1117 would create a transparency requirement for dental insurance by reporting premium-to-services information to the insurance commissioner and making it available in a portal; the sponsor said the Dental Association supports it. House Bill 1332 would require insurance examinations to meet National Association of Insurance Commissioners standards and best practices, and a member said he would vote present but the bill was said not to affect existing continuing education rules. Finally, House Bill 1713 would codify Mississippi Military Department authority to oversee state-sponsored life insurance for National Guard members, with the Adjutant General designated as state sponsor; it was described as voluntary, already operating since 1962, and without a fiscal note because it is paid for by guardsmen. Each bill received a motion to do pass or title sufficient to pass, was approved without opposition or with only a present vote noted on one bill, and the committee then voted to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• access highway replacing Route 22A and linking Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to Interstate
• access highway replacing Route 22A and linking Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to Interstate
• <00:14:33.440> 87<00:14:34.480> introduced and Rutland to Interstate 87 introduced
• and Rutland to Interstate 87 introduced by<00:14:35.360> Senator<00:14:35.839> Weekes<00
• and Rutland to Interstate 87. and Rutland to Interstate 87.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we've only just started the interstate compact for physicians. >> Okay.
• So, um, what I'm hearing from my colleagues, um, their concerns regarding interstate jurisdictional compacts
• So, we've only just started the interstate compact for physicians. >> Okay.
• with providers and enter into agreements with providers and enter into these<00:38:19.760> agreements
• to raise um patient these agreements to raise um patient safety<00:38:22.800> issues<00:38:23.119

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• A chunk of the bridge that went over Interstate I-76 fell off at Cedric County.
• And these are on interstate... Potholes. And these are on interstate highways.
• But, you know, Everybody was in agreement.
• concerning authorization for a state agency to award a percentage of the total value of a grant agreement
• a nonprofit grantee of a grant program in the agency upon the execution or renewal of the grant agreement

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You may have a primarily highway troop, if you will, an interstate troop; it doesn't necessarily go into
• 36.639> an primarily Highway troop if you will an primarily Highway troop if you will an interstate
• troop it doesn't necessarily interstate troop it doesn't necessarily go<00:31:38.960> into<00
• Is everyone in agreement? Okay, yes, perfect.
• okay yes perfect um Kurt I agreement okay yes perfect um Kurt I just<01:28:40.840> want<01:28

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on HB 153, a bill intended to improve law enforcement response to animal cruelty cases. The bill’s sponsor explained that the proposal would require one sheriff or deputy and one state trooper in each county to receive specific training in animal cruelty laws so they could serve as knowledgeable resources. The sponsor described real-world examples where agencies were unclear about jurisdiction, veterinary involvement, and response protocols, arguing that better training was needed because animal cruelty cases can require quick action and many towns do not have animal control officers. Jerry Sorenson, a retired UNH professor and longtime animal cruelty instructor, described the existing training structure at Police Standards and Training. He said recruits receive a required two-hour introductory block at the academy, while additional animal cruelty materials and a more comprehensive online resource library are available through the Benchmark system for certified officers. He noted that the older two-day in-service course he taught was more detailed and guided, but the current online materials are more of a self-study resource and are not mandated for in-service officers. He also said the committee could track usage through Benchmark analytics. Kurt Arenberg of the Humane Society of the United States and Rob Johnson of the Farm Bureau both supported the goal of ensuring a trained law enforcement contact is available statewide, but they questioned whether assigning one trained officer per county would be the best way to achieve it. They emphasized the need for a real-time response and for officers to know where to find help and guidance, rather than expecting one person per county to handle all cases. Vincent Greco of State Police said the agency is willing to help and has handled animal cruelty matters, but he said one trooper per county would not realistically meet the goal given coverage demands and vacancy rates; he suggested broader access to resources and training may be more effective. Representative Freeman asked how cases are handled now and was told State Police responses generally follow standard criminal investigation steps, with assistance from animal control, veterinarians, and other resources when available. No vote or final action was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as I was driving in I passed a solar array that was next to the interstate.
• bring a retort, sir. >> You know, as [clears throat], nothing like being called out, and I'm in agreement
• ,<00:59:34.079> the<00:59:34.319> sun<00:59:34.559> does and and I'm in agreement
• , the sun does and and I'm in agreement, the sun does shine<00:59:35.359> bright<00:59:35.680>
• So, again, thanks to the Kentucky Department of Transportation and their great work on our interstates

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, followed by the pledge, roll call, and a quorum declaration. The chamber approved the prior journal, received new bill and resolution introductions, and heard a House message that House Bill 312 had passed the House and was sent over for concurrence. The Senate also recessed briefly for committee meetings, then received committee reports referring several bills and resolutions to standing committees and placing Senate Joint Resolution 23 on the regular orders for January 28, 2026. The main floor action was on Senate Bill 17, relating to the Kentucky Court-appointed Special Advocate Network. The Senate adopted a committee substitute that updated CASA statutes, including reducing the minimum board size from 15 to 12, narrowing a volunteer/employment restriction to Department of Community Based Services employees, removing outdated references to the National CASA Association while retaining compliance with national standards through the Kentucky CASA Network, and updating the state association’s name. The bill passed 33-0, and a title amendment was adopted without objection. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 181, an emergency bill relating to schools and traceable communications. The chamber adopted a committee substitute and two floor amendments: one requiring parent notification after investigations involving alleged unauthorized electronic communication by a student, and another adding limited exemptions for communications involving school resource officers and directors of pupil personnel when certain school officials are included. Supporters said the changes were intended to refine implementation while preserving the bill’s original student-protection purpose. The bill then passed unanimously, 33-0. In addition, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 36 recognizing January 25-31, 2026 as Physician Anesthesiologist Week, with remarks highlighting the specialty’s contributions to anesthesia, airway management, patient safety, ICU care, pain management, and major surgeries. The Senate also heard announcements thanking road crews, first responders, and utility workers for winter storm response, and members made several co-sponsorship requests and announcements, including notice of Kentucky Audiologist Association advocacy day and a committee cancellation.