Video & Transcript : 'emission standards' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill requires the department to create a standard withdrawal form to be used by scholarship applicants
- Then you have to have some kind of standardized way of paying out money.
- Then the bill standardizes the authorized use of funds among scholarships.
- Then the bill standardizes the authorized use of funds among scholarships.
- Then the bill standardizes the authorized use of funds among scholarships.
Summary:
The committee first heard the Pre-K-12 education budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 and voted to adopt it as the committee’s recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The proposed $34.7 billion budget includes increases for the FEFP, Family Empowerment Scholarships, VPK, school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. Members asked no questions on the budget before it was advanced, and staff was authorized to make technical corrections.
The committee then passed CS/SB 1402, which expands eligibility for dropout retrieval services to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer only dropout retrieval services. An amendment to clarify the grading calculation was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also took up SPB 7030, a comprehensive scholarship-program bill sponsored by Senator Gates, which would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding as its own categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, change payments to a monthly schedule, require background checks for paid instructional providers, mandate annual FTE audits by the Auditor General, and standardize reimbursement and eligibility procedures. After extensive discussion and public testimony, the bill was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no.
Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 508, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide for students with existing plans such as IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services, and the bill was reported favorably. Public testimony included support from parent-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about administrative burden and the scope of the required disclosures. The meeting concluded after the final roll call votes and adjournment motion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Because again, these are the same standards that everything's already subject to today.
- This has the issue, the first analysis is, is there a compelling standard just in the state of providing
- magic, but I think in your variety everyday case where we're deciding whether somebody gets the standard
- possession order or the extended. expanded standard possession order that courts will give... other
- And the way you determine is you use the best interest of the child. standard, which is Steve's point
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- products they're selling have gone through the rigor of the testing, and are all held to the same standards
- It meets the standards that we have here in Florida.
- I support using Florida labs to ensure all products are up to Florida standards, because it levels the
- responsibly distributed by the Anheuser-Busch distribution network, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards
- ABC has set the standard for this on the beverage alcohol side, and now we're trying to help do it on
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders.
The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an original bill entitled, "GENIUS Act of 2025", and S.875, to curtail the political weaponization of Federal banking agencies by eliminating reputational risk as a component of the supervision of depository institutions. Mar 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have the alternative which is to have a U.S. denominated stablecoin that becomes a world standard
- is to say that federal and state payment stable coin regulators, so the regulators would develop standards
- legislation requires stablecoin issuers to publish their policies about what those redemption, you know, standards
- that doesn't go far enough, that it just makes sense that we would have kind of a base level of standard
- These standards which allow for tailoring, granting regulators tailoring flexibility will help ensure
Bills:
SB875
Keywords:
banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual
Summary:
This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of these fees, as the Chancellor pointed out earlier today, also have to be rated by Moody's, Standard
- passed was a $2.5 million cost to Florida State University that was not funded, and the Fair Labor Standards
- You take out the standardization. But I do think that it comes with a level of flexibility.
- You take out the standardization.
- guidelines that can help us or guide us to ensuring there is a level of consistency or at least a standard
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat.
The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students.
In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Are those standard across the state, or do they differ?
- And do the reimbursements, are those standard across the state or do they differ based on the agreements
- school districts around the state have agreements with different providers, there's probably some standardization
- school districts around the state have agreements with different providers, there's probably some standardization
- program—but it also shows them that there's other things as well that are not part of the regular standard
Summary:
The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met to discuss apprenticeship education and workforce development, with panelists from Santa Fe College, the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, ABC East Coast/ABC Institute, and Piper Fire Protection. Members heard that apprenticeships are growing in Florida, with panelists emphasizing that these programs offer paid, tuition-free training, progressive wage increases, and strong job placement in high-demand fields such as HVAC, electrical, fire protection, and construction. Panelists also described efforts to expand into new areas like accounting, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and surgical technology, while stressing the importance of aligning programs with employer demand.
A major topic was funding and reimbursement. Panelists said the current model is complicated and often leaves providers with only a portion of the funds appropriated for apprentices, with one provider saying reimbursement can be as low as 44% and others describing caps, contract delays, and inconsistent CareerSource support. They argued that more of the money should reach training providers, that small businesses need more support to participate, and that transparency and contract reform could help expand enrollment and improve program quality. Several also raised barriers such as instructor approval rules, paperwork, and facility costs.
Members asked about admission criteria, program costs, employer incentives, outreach to high school students, and whether apprenticeships should have greater access to other funding sources. Panelists said the main requirements are being employed and willing to work and learn, and that outreach through schools, career fairs, community partnerships, and public awareness campaigns is essential. They also discussed articulation agreements that can provide college credit for apprenticeship training and suggested statewide credit recognition and possible direct funding to providers as policy improvements. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with the subcommittee adjourning.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (01/17/25)
Transcript Highlights:
- One is the manufactured housing installer standards.
- One of the manufactured housing installer standards is from a preliminary objection we did.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) met briefly, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior meeting minutes and the consent calendar. Members were seated to fill attendance, including Representative Potenza for Senator Innis. The committee noted two items still pending on the regular calendar: manufactured housing installer standards, for which a response to a preliminary objection is still due next month, and the Dental Examiners Board matter, for which the committee agreed to waive the deadline and allow the board until April to return with a resolution on the sedation issue.
No additional substantive business was taken up. Members discussed an informational training session on how JLCAR works, including what motions are allowed and the committee process, and agreed to proceed with that session after adjournment. To do so, the committee voted to cancel the contingent meeting for the month. The meeting then adjourned, with members noting that all items had been handled on consent and that the session was unusually short.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- The standard under this is a negligent mental standard, which I would stress to the committee is higher
- than a civil negligence standard, and that standard comes directly from the New Hampshire Supreme Court
- </c> what would uh what would the uh standard what would uh what would the uh standard have<01:22:40.040
- </c> negligence standard and that um standard negligence standard and that um standard comes<01:22:54.000
- </c><03:55:20.279><c> which</c> have our water quality standards which have our water quality standards
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/16/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- My view of it is on that IBHS standard.
- Now, if compliance with IBHS standards.
- So then they standards are necessary?
- , know how to meet those their standards, know how to meet those standards,<00:35:42.160><c> and</c><
- We're a high standard.
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts.
Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised.
Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Ethical standards do not change based on political urgency.
- Ethical standards do not change based on political urgency.
- Ethical standards do not change based on political urgency.
- So they set the standards of what constitutes passing or failing; that doesn't change.
- </c> funds within a department is standard funds within a department is standard budgeting<05:46:44.638
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not an uncommon standard for proctoring.
- Um uncommon uh standard for proctoring.
- </c> approved to meet reciprocity standards. approved to meet reciprocity standards.
- </c><01:58:28.080><c> around</c> accurate EV charging standards around accurate EV charging standards
- </c> and a license that resembles a standard and a license that resembles a standard one<04:21:27.279
Summary:
The hearing began with SB 12, which would let certain veterans who already qualify for a disabled veteran license plate use that VA disability determination to obtain a walking disability placard without having to undergo a second physical or submit additional proof. Senator Waters, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a constituent and would reduce redundant paperwork. Melinda Sims of United Spinal and Leo Pacquin of the State Veterans Advisory Committee both supported the bill, saying veterans already go through an extensive VA certification process and should not have to repeat it for the state. A DMV representative said the department had no known objection and explained that the change would let the placard travel with the veteran in another vehicle. The hearing on SB 12 was then closed.
The committee then took up SB 40, which would allow safe boater education certificates to be completed and tested online, rather than requiring an in-person final exam. Representative Coker and Senator Tim Lang described the bill as a cleanup measure to make a COVID-era online process permanent and said it would improve convenience and keep more revenue in New Hampshire. Tom Praol, representing the vendor, said the state lost significant revenue when the online option ended and argued that online proctoring can verify identity and prevent cheating. The New Hampshire Marine Trades Association supported the bill, saying it would help boaters learn New Hampshire-specific laws and keep dollars in-state. The Department of Safety Marine Patrol was neutral: Captain Tim Dunlvy said the current system includes classroom and online coursework followed by an in-person proctored final exam, and he raised concerns about safety, exam integrity, and lower scores in computer-only testing, while noting New Hampshire’s strong boating safety record. Committee members asked about reciprocity, proctoring methods, costs, and crash data, but no vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And at that time, we were doing something that is unheard of by today's standards.
- they have for permitting for a park, you mentioned in particular—if that standard is applied across
- those standards. ...that provides those services and meets those standards.
- There's a place for standards, and it should be based on... ...said. And everyone doesn't do that.
- There's a place for standards, and it should be based on merit. But if the HR manager, if the...
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- My role is to ensure that this standard continues and strengthens as we prepare for the next generation
- This is well above national standards and evidence of our commitment to quality and safety.
- Most importantly, it ensures that our veterans continue to receive the highest standard of care in a
- Most importantly, it ensures that our veterans continue to receive the highest standard of care in a
- Following the ballot initiative a couple of years ago, the MCAS has been eliminated as a standardized
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began.
MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal.
The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Clear statewide standards for triaging and classifying reports, distinguishing imminent threats from
- standards, whether it's through<01:02:25.760><c> the</c><01:02:25.840><c> statewide</c><01:02:26.360
- ><c> triaging</c> Clear statewide standards for triaging Clear statewide standards for triaging and<01
- Before any reporting can occur, MDE has to design and build a standardized collection process and the
- </c> not receive data in a standardized not receive data in a standardized format<01:05:43.600><c> with
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 06:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And sometimes they do get the tax and standards that, by the good graces of this legislature, that they
- I think that is just running a standard actuarial report.
- It is a standard of measurement, and it will help manage the risk posed by the underlying policy.
- The use of a null and void clause, as you well know, is fairly standard.
- The use of a null and void clause, as you well know, is fairly standard.
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> to align with uh federal standards. to align with uh federal standards.
- We're abolishing it because it was created before there was a federal standard.
- So now that there's a higher standard, we don't need it anymore. It's duplicative.
- So now that you know there's a standard.
- a higher uh standards, we don't need<01:03:38.720><c> it</c><01:03:38.880><c> anymore.
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work.
The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- "Appears on page 159: Unit 601, Peace Officer Standards Training Commission."
- So what this request for 23,652,744 is to adjust the standard budget.
- </c> the major maintenance is in the standard the major maintenance is in the standard budget.<01:57:
- </c> for 23 652 744 is to adjust the standard for 23 652 744 is to adjust the standard budget.<01:57:
- </c> we'll be moving the base the standard we'll be moving the base the standard budget<01:57:56.960>
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It would make sense to me that it be standardized. We could not get that.
- </c><01:11:54.480><c> It</c><01:11:54.719><c> would</c><01:11:54.880><c> make</c> a standardized format
- It would make a standardized format?
- </c><01:11:56.400><c> We</c> sense to me that it be standardized.
- We sense to me that it be standardized.
Summary:
The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year.
Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent.
The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (10-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> have</c><00:15:32.840><c> have</c> So you're saying standards have have So you're saying standards
- That's always been the expectation and the standard. Thank you, Mr. Chair." like that. like that.
- Section one of KAR 922 has placement standards, I guess you would say.
- </c><00:24:49.840><c> Um</c> standards, I guess you would say. Um standards, I guess you would say.
- <00:24:58.160><c> Um</c> standards Um standards Um and and and I<00:25:00.680><c> understand</c><00:25
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01
SERVS Informational Update- 00:01:22
Child Removal and Reunification Update: Department for Community Based Services Financials- 00:03:00
Small Business Sales Tax Websites: Department of Revenue-00:28:05
Senior Citizen Meal Programs: Department for Aging and Independent Living-00:35:50
Adjournment-01:41:57, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from the September 11 meeting by motion and voice vote. It then received a brief update on the statewide emergency responder voice system, but no presenter was present. The chair said he expected a more substantive update in November and warned that if there is not real progress on acquiring needed private properties, the committee may consider further action, including possibly freezing funding.
The main discussion centered on the Department for Community Based Services’ child removal and reunification work and its structured decision-making tools. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and General Counsel Wesley Duke explained that the intake, safety, and risk assessment tools are being used at very high rates and that the department is still implementing and evaluating the system. Dennis said the tools are meant to inform, not replace, professional judgment; when staff disagree with a recommendation, the worker and first-line supervisor consult and decide together. Members questioned whether the system favors keeping children in the home, whether the department has studied safety outcomes for in-home cases versus removals, and whether foster home shortages affect removal decisions. Dennis said child safety remains the top priority, that the practice has not changed, and that the department would provide additional data on outcomes later. Members also asked about permanency timelines and delays in termination of parental rights cases; Dennis said federal timelines are difficult to meet because of family progress, substance use recovery, and court delays, and she confirmed foster parent shortages were not the reason for those delays.
The committee then heard a presentation from the Department of Revenue on the new My Taxes portal. Staff said the portal, launched in March, replaced DOR’s portion of the old Kentucky One Stop Business Portal and now allows businesses to file and pay multiple taxes, update account information, and receive official notices. They reported the system is available 24/7 except for scheduled maintenance every other Thursday evening, has maintained over 99% availability since launch, and now has a dedicated contact center with 50 agents plus a public help line and email. In response to questions, the department said early downtime was caused by unexpectedly high traffic, but server capacity was increased and in the last three months there had been only one day of unexpected downtime.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence Task Force 2025 (10-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- that any AI tool approved for use for Kentuckians for mental health purposes meet many of the same standards
- that any AI tool approved for use for Kentuckians for mental health purposes meet many of the same standards
- Because as a profession, they want to have that—except we have professional standards that they have
- </c> standards that they have to adhere to. standards that they have to adhere to.
- So that we have licensed supervision, we have licensed professionals, we have evidence standards, we
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.”
The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.