Video & Transcript Research : 'rendition statement'
Page 41 of 418
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider committee rules and procedures, subcommittee organization and jurisdiction for the 119th Congress, and the nomination of Eric Turner, of Texas, to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Jan 23rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- **Ranking Member Warren** and I will each make a statement before we vote.
- I recognize myself for an opening statement at that time, and then I will go to Ranking Member Warren
- At this point, I'll give an opening statement.
- As I said in my opening statement last week, we are not done.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (03/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Did she submit her statement? Yes. Could you mind submitting that?
- <00:26:46.679>
yes witness did she submit her statement yes witness did she submit her statement - The amendment, and that's what made me send you guys what the statement that he made.
- disclaimer statement.
- uh on on the disclosure statement uh on on the disclaimer<05:04:00.400>
statement <05:04:01.400
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on HB 584, which would bar New Hampshire and its political subdivisions from enforcing mandates, orders, or similar directives from the World Health Organization, United Nations, or World Economic Forum. Prime sponsor Representative Green described the bill as a sovereignty measure and offered an amendment to clarify language, including replacing a reference to entities that “create and enforce policies” with language covering enforcement of policies, mandates, orders, requirements, edicts, or directives. Supporters argued the bill was a preemptive safeguard against outside influence and cited concerns about pandemic-era public health measures and international organizations. Opponents, including the American Heart Association, warned it could chill local policymaking and limit the ability of communities to use outside research or guidance. The chair closed the hearing on HB 584 after testimony concluded.
The committee then moved to HB 580-FN, relative to retaliatory defamation in domestic violence and sexual violence cases. Representative Anita Burroughs, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect people who report sexual assault, sexual harassment, abuse, or domestic violence from retaliatory defamation suits, so long as statements are made in good faith and without malice. She also said the bill preserves the ability of accused persons to defend their names. Burroughs explained that the proposal was prompted by a survivor’s experience and was meant to address the chilling effect of expensive litigation on reporting misconduct.
Testimony on HB 580 was generally supportive. Witnesses said the bill would help survivors speak out without fear of meritless lawsuits and described retaliatory defamation as a tool used to silence or intimidate accusers. Burroughs noted the bill was informed by anti-SLAPP principles and referenced high-profile defamation cases as examples of the cost and pressure of litigation. No vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided; the hearing on HB 580 was opened and testimony began.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Capping Property Taxes to Increase Affordability – Senator Michael Kreun Mar 13th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Yeah, as early as your next property tax statement for next year.
- pay the increases until they sell their home later on. >> Yeah, as early as your next property tax statement
- ;> Yeah, as early as your next property tax >> Yeah, as early as your next property tax statement
- <00:04:39.280>
If <00:04:39.440>the <00:04:39.600>bill statement for next year - If the bill statement for next year.
Summary:
The discussion focused on Minnesota affordability pressures, especially rising property taxes, gas, and grocery costs. Senator Michael Kreun said property taxes rose by nearly $1 billion statewide in the last year, about 7%, and argued that many constituents are worried about being able to stay in their homes. He attributed much of the increase to unfunded state mandates on cities and counties and said mandate relief should be part of the solution.
Kreun described a bill that would cap city and county property tax growth at the rate of inflation, with an additional allowance tied to population growth. Under his example, if inflation were 3% and a city grew, property taxes could rise 3.5%; anything above that would require voter approval through a referendum. He said the proposal would not apply to school districts, which already have a separate cap. He also mentioned other relief ideas, including increasing the disabled veterans property tax exemption and allowing seniors to defer property tax increases until they sell their homes.
Kreun said the proposal has been mostly well received by constituents and homeowners, while local governments are concerned about losing revenue if state mandates continue. He said relief could begin as soon as the next property tax statement if the bill passes this year. He also noted broader affordability ideas in his caucus, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and reducing tab fees, but said he was not aware of current bipartisan efforts on property taxes specifically and remained open to working across the aisle on affordability measures.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:26:38.480>
And statement a month after it happened. - And statement a month after it happened.
- I looked at the statement of findings for the bill, and it's very powerful.
- I looked at the statement of language.
- That statement of finding that powerful.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:31:57.920>
will And maybe this surplus statement will And maybe this surplus statement - :32:04.159>
you <01:32:04.400>were surplus statement that uh you were surplus statement - <01:32:11.440>
So some of the uh statements, chair. So some of the uh statements, chair. - because the surplus statements are us because the surplus statements are not<02:20:13.520>
for <04:06:59.040>out that there's a surplus statement out that there's a surplus statement out
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire.
Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming.
Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.527, to require the Federal Trade Commission to study the role of intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide Congress with appropriate policy recommendations, S.1040, to amend the Federal Trade Commis Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an outrageous statement for anyone to make, but even more so for someone who has been nominated
- At his sentencing hearing, Judge Trey McFadden, appointed by President Trump, said, and I quote, statements
- I have a statement on the patent bills before us, but I'll withhold that until we've completed this conversation
- the same matter, that's pretty serious because when you're engaging in derogatory and defamatory statements
- Call on Senator Durbin for his closing, or his opening statement.
Keywords:
drug competition, product hopping, generic drugs, biosimilars, federal regulations, FTC Act, patent, biological products, healthcare access, affordable prescriptions, Medicare, Federal Trade Commission, sham petitions, competition, public health, unfair competition, healthcare, pharmaceutical, antitrust law, pay-for-delay
Summary:
The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- is too vague saying is is that statement is too vague saying is is that statement is too vague to be
- So, give me a better uh statement. So, give me a better uh statement.
- So, give me a better statement. Give me a better statement. Give me a better statement.
- that was put on the one the statement that was put on the one the statement that was put on the one
- I I like everything but this one statement. Uh everything but this one statement.
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/15/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so I will go back to my statement.
- Um, so I will go back to my statement.
- Um, so I will go back to my statement.
- Um, so I will go back to my statement.
- commissioner both uh make that statement commissioner both uh make that statement uh uh uh explicit
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- the previously estimated funds available for budget operations as shown in the following summary statement
- following<00:03:47.640>
summary shown in the following summary shown in the following summary statement - .<00:03:48.360>
Sincerely, <00:03:48.880>Wes <00:03:49.160>Moore, statement. - Sincerely, Wes Moore, statement. Sincerely, Wes Moore, Governor. Governor. Governor.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate met in a brief pro forma session. After roll call, the chamber welcomed a guest, recognized two senators’ birthdays, and approved the prior day’s journal. The main business was transmitting messages to the House of Delegates on Senate Bill 282, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and Senate Bill 284, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2026; in both cases, the Senate refused to concur with House amendments and requested that the House recede, while also naming conference committee members and advisory members.
The Senate also received a message from Governor Wes Moore submitting Supplemental Budget No. 2 as an amendment to the FY 2027 budget, which was journalized and referred to the Budget and Tax Committee and the conference committee later that day. In addition, the Governor sent one executive nomination for Senate confirmation, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and a separate notice withdrawing a previously submitted nominee, also referred to that committee.
No substantive debate or votes occurred beyond adopting the messages and ordering them journalized. The session concluded with thanks to the pages and a motion, adopted without objection, to recess until 6:30 p.m. Monday.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Section B asks, upon request, be supported by an itemized statement.
- <00:21:27.520>
I've supported by an itemized statement. - I've supported by an itemized statement.
- <00:37:18.320>
from I think what we need is a statement from I think what we need is a statement - We don't file a statement of formation.
Keywords:
education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We haven't evaluated their financial statements. So I will say that right first and foremost.
- We haven't evaluated their financial statements. So I will say that right first and foremost.
- We haven't evaluated their financial statements. So I will say that right first and foremost.
- We haven't evaluated their financial statements. So I will say that right first and foremost.
- But to answer your<01:09:16.159>
statement your statement your statement >> Okay.<01:09:
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03
Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41
Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38
Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13
Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34
Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders.
Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's important, though, that we ground ourselves in the statement by Mr.
- I think it's important, though, that we ground ourselves in the statement by Mr.
- I think it's important, though, that we ground ourselves in the statement by Mr.
- I don't know that I heard a question; I think it was more of a statement.
- Um, and um, members have all done closing statement.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy (06/11/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<01:09:21.279>
we make those sorts of statements, we make those sorts of statements, we should - That is just a simple statement.
- Um expect such a statement from that.
- 51:07.120>
minority also statements from the minority also statements from the minority um<02: - Certainly, we heard similar statements during the pandemic.
Summary:
The committee met as a special House committee on COVID response efficacy, noted absences, and restated its mission to review New Hampshire’s pandemic response, including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID treatment, patient bill of rights implementation, and vaccination policies. The main business was discussion of a proposed letter or report language concerning current COVID vaccine recommendations for young children, especially those under age two, and how to support any conclusions with cited scientific and state sources.
Representative Polozov argued that the committee should ask the governor or agencies to reconsider current recommendations, saying the committee should focus on whether vaccination is needed for that age group, whether it is effective, and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. He said he had distributed articles and wanted the committee to pair its conclusions with scientific and statistical data. Other members asked him to identify the specific New Hampshire DHHS and American Academy of Pediatrics sources for the recommendation, clarify the age range being discussed, and separate any evidence about adverse effects in other age groups from the infant/toddler demographic so the letter would be transparent and not misleading.
Members generally agreed the letter should be carefully sourced and refined, with citations for each claim. The chair said the committee would treat the request as urgent and try to finalize a version by the next meeting, noting that some members would be traveling. The committee also discussed scheduling additional testimony in September and October, possibly with extra meetings, to continue gathering evidence and to hear from witnesses. The chair then began reviewing supporting articles, including studies he said were new since the 2024 report, and introduced a 2025 South Korea cohort study and another 2025 Italian cohort study as examples of the evidence he wanted to incorporate into an updated 2026 report.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are assets that are going to be included in the state's financial statements.
- I didn't ask Auditor Randall for a question; I was just making a statement.
- I was in the middle of a statement when you cut me off, and we could have avoided some of this.
- That's my statement. So when we do these reports, it's important that the timeline is in place.
- right that's my own that's my statement right that's my own that's my statement so<00:53:32.040>
Keywords:
sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- you'll see in an deficit statement you'll see in an example<00:40:27.880>
later <00:40:28.119> - There'll be a surplus statement that will come out, an official audited surplus statement.
- What we'll provide to the committee is not an audited surplus statement; it's a surplus statement for
- There'll be a surplus statement that will come out, an official audited surplus statement.
- What we'll provide to the committee is not an audited surplus statement; it's a surplus statement for
Summary:
The Finance Committee met for an organizational opening session in which the chair, Ken Weyler, called the committee to order and members introduced themselves. The introductions established the committee’s leadership and membership, including Vice Chair Dan McGuire, ranking member Mary Jane Wallner, deputy ranking member Karen Eil, clerk Jerry Griffin, and other members from both parties. Many members briefly described prior legislative service and professional backgrounds, with several noting prior experience on Finance or related budget committees.
Chair Weyler then outlined committee procedures and expectations. He emphasized that Finance handles spending bills and fiscal notes, that bills will generally be heard by the full committee and then referred to the appropriate division, and that executive sessions may be used to save time when positions are clear. He reviewed rules on attendance, dress, phones, paperwork handling, committee replacements, conflict of interest and recusal, and the process for testimony, including that members should listen without debating witnesses and that sponsors of bills must recuse themselves from questioning witnesses on their own bills.
He also described the committee’s structure and workload, noting three divisions and the role of legislative budget staff. Weyler said the committee would likely see bills from many policy committees that have fiscal impacts, and he encouraged policy committees to find offsets within their own areas rather than assume new spending will be added. No bills were heard and no votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/4/26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that an accurate statement? >> Yeah, Mr. Garing is nodding. >> Mr.
- The House version of the bill with this amendment would cover all types of reports and statements filed
- So, these are statements filed with local officials and not with the Campaign Finance Board.
- Um, you know, that's why I would appreciate the statement, Chairwam, that you would continue to work
- , would appreciate the, uh, statement, would appreciate the, uh, statement, Chairwam,<01:02:55.359
Keywords:
tribal governments, Metropolitan Council, grant programs, funding, local government, small business, contracting, veteran-owned businesses, compliance, government contracts, housing finance, reporting requirements, regional development, city programs, elected officials, campaign access, multiple unit dwellings, residential access, voter registration, 1183
Summary:
The committee met on March 4, 2026, and first approved the minutes from March 2 by voice vote. It then took up several Metropolitan Council agency bills, with members repeatedly moving to lay them over for possible inclusion or, in one case, to re-refer a bill to another committee. The first three bills discussed were House File 3884, House File 3881, and House File 3882, all presented as administrative or programmatic changes intended to streamline Met Council processes.
House File 3884 would allow tribal governments and tribal development entities to apply directly for Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Act grants and community tree planting grants, rather than applying through a city or other local government. Testimony from Met Council staff said the bill would simplify access and align the Met Council’s tree-planting program with existing DNR authority. House File 3881 would expand the Met Council’s contracting authority to include small businesses more broadly, require an annual report to the legislature on small-business contracting, and repeal a duplicative statute on certificates of compliance. House File 3882 would make a range of administrative cleanups, including removing an obsolete housing-bond review role, clarifying outdated statutory language, extending the review cycle for metropolitan significance rules from every two years to every 10 years, clarifying reporting and Livable Communities Act provisions, changing regional parks operations-and-maintenance reimbursements to rely on audited financial statements, and clarifying agricultural preserves procedures.
The committee also considered House File 3883, which was amended with an A1 amendment before adoption. That bill updates appointments to the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee, known as MOSAC, including direct appointments for certain county representatives and adding a tribal representative appointed by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, while also cleaning up outdated language and eligibility provisions. A former MOSAC member spoke in support of the committee’s work, and the chair said the bill was common-sense and renewed the motion to lay it over as amended. Finally, the committee began House File 3363, a bill described by the author as a response to safety concerns after the June events, aimed at removing public access to legislators’ home addresses from Campaign Finance Board materials; discussion had just begun when the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (7-8-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, just quick clarification on the end-of-life statement on the equipment.
- Yeah, just quick clarification on the end-of-life statement on the equipment.
- end of life statement on the equipment. end of life statement on the equipment.
- Uh, I don't have anything to make a statement or summary on.
- Um but make a statement or summary on.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Kentucky Office of the Attorney General 00:01:18
LTS Kentucky Managed Technical Services LLC 00:13:41
Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:34:20, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its May 21 and June 10 meetings, then heard testimony from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General on the effect of HB 314 on the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) board. The Attorney General’s representative said HB 314 changed KCNA’s structure and staffing, but did not alter the statutory duties of the board, which still include developing and implementing strategic plans, providing policy direction, monitoring results, and approving fiscal planning. He argued the board is not merely advisory, has operational and budget authority, and that actions taken outside board approval could be ultra vires and without effect. He also noted the board historically approved settlements and contracts, including matters involving Open Fiber, and said the removal of the executive director position reduced direct personnel control but did not eliminate the board’s broader oversight.
The committee then heard from representatives of Kentucky Managed Technical Services/LTS, who described a dispute over the Kentucky Wired network refresh and service-provider transition. They said the project agreement required a market test and acceptance of a proposal for both the network refresh and service-provider role, but that their proposals were rejected and the refresh work was later treated by the parties as a change order issue. They said some equipment worth about $3 million had been delivered, transferred, and paid for, while roughly $7 million in additional equipment was canceled by LTS but reportedly shipped to a KCNA warehouse and not paid for. They also said no refresh installation work has been performed, that they continue providing network maintenance to avoid service disruption, but believe the contract has expired and that there is no current agreement for ongoing service-provider work.
Committee members asked whether actions taken without board approval would be invalid, whether the board could alter or terminate contractor arrangements, whether the bond disclosures suggesting a successful contract extension were accurate, and what equipment had been purchased or remained in storage. LTS representatives said they would follow up with the committee on the financial delta between the contracted rate and the month-to-month billing they say has been in effect since the contract expired, and on an inventory of in-service equipment and end-of-life dates. They said they want a commercial resolution, but if no resolution is reached soon they may pursue the formal contractual dispute process, and identified September 1 as their stated target date for resolving the matter and completing the refresh.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, March 27, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:55.839>
But <00:16:56.000>I Section four, explanatory statement. - <00:17:21.280>
The Section four, explanatory statement. - The Section four, explanatory statement.
- c><00:17:23.199>
act explanatory statement regarding this act explanatory statement regarding - President Trump's simple statement that President Trump's simple statement that the<00:21:57.039>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy (05/13/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- This is adapted from the previous mission statement and it has been updated.
- So, that is our mission statement.
- and it it has previous mission statement and it it has been<00:10:53.120>
updated. - I know the governor at that time, Governor Sununu, did a lot of statements, as did Dr.
- I know the governor at that time, Governor Sununu, did a lot of statements, as did Dr.
Summary:
The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations.
Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses.
In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (1-21-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I do have a statement and then I do have a question. I have two statements. One...
- I want to read to you a policy statement from the American College of Emergency Physicians that says
- , then there's got to be some statement, then there's got to be some substance<01:03:54.480>
to <01:11:00.960>- And I'll go back to the statement<01:10:59.840>
again <01:11:00.159>from <01:11:00.560><- c> the
American statement again from the American statement again from the American - And I'll go back to the statement<01:10:59.840>
Summary:
The committee first handled several referred administrative regulations, including a package from the Board of Respiratory Care described as a substantive housekeeping update to its regulations and incorporated materials. There were no questions from members, and the committee also heard from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which was present in case questions arose but did not require action.
Members then took up an amendment to the state health plan for facilities and services, specifically 900 KAR 5:02. Wesley Duke explained that a previously proposed criteria related to mega-voltage requirements, originally suggested by the Kentucky Hospital Association, was now being removed because the association no longer considered it necessary. The committee moved to accept the agency amendment, with a motion and second, and approved it without opposition.
The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, a “food is medicine” resolution sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. Supporters from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association described the initiative as a voluntary, statewide effort already adopted by 52 hospitals, aimed at improving patient health while supporting Kentucky farmers and local food systems. Members discussed access to healthy food, grocery-store availability, school nutrition, and the need to reduce barriers to local procurement; the resolution was adopted unanimously after a roll call vote, with one senator briefly explaining a late vote due to weather.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 12, which would allow mid-level practitioners to serve as the leader of a Level IV trauma center under physician direction. The sponsor and witnesses from Appalachian Regional Healthcare argued the change would help address rural trauma-care shortages, align with national standards, and improve access without changing scope of practice or other trauma-center requirements. Several members raised questions and comments about rural access, liability, costs, and the broader health impacts, but no vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.