Video & Transcript : 'counties authority' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/26/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you, that's all I had. almost exclusively all of our County almost exclusively all of our County
- </c> know who who were as undery as an author know who who were as undery as an author um<01:54:18.599
- </c> for all manag care companies and County for all manag care companies and County based<02:00:58.480
- </c> these resources as the MC and County these resources as the MC and County based<02:03:23.000><c>
- </c><02:09:25.880><c> the</c> fee related statutes and authorizes the fee related statutes and authorizes
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And with me today, I have the Secretary of the Healthcare Authority, which is over this program.
- I'm the CEO at Guadalupe County Hospital in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and I support SB 101.
- I'm going to defer to the Secretary of the Health Care Authority. Mr.
- Any city or county in New Mexico can use an MRA designation to attract investment.
- So the argument for, I think, the taxing authorities is you will receive a very large tax increase when
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
Keywords:
SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB58, metropolitan redevelopment, redevelopment property, property tax exemption, payments in lieu of taxes, PILOT, municipal redevelopment, local government
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 27th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2019, the Legislature included proviso in the Appropriations Act, which authorized the Agency for
- With regard to long-term care streamlining, it allows DOEA-authorized and certified staff to complete
- With regard to emergency authority and continuity of care, it authorizes DOEA to provide temporary direct
- as allowable services, aligning statute... ...explicitly authorizes food and nutritional supplements
- This grants authority for an area agency on aging to directly provide core services during a state of
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Keywords:
child welfare, substance abuse, neglect, parental rights, drug exposure, Medicaid, disabilities, employment, healthcare access, income eligibility, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, aging services, disability assistance, long-term care, Alzheimer's support
Summary:
The committee considered several bills affecting children, disability services, aging, recovery residences, and foster youth benefits. SB 1016 codified the working people with disabilities program for Medicaid waiver recipients, with amendments removing automatic enrollment and improving information sharing between agencies; advocates testified that the program helps people with developmental disabilities work while keeping needed care, though they raised implementation and training concerns. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1002, as amended, clarified that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect in child welfare cases and allow court intervention and treatment requirements; it was also reported favorably. SB 1594 would preserve veterans’ benefits for foster youth for postsecondary education or aftercare rather than using them as reimbursement to the agency, and it passed favorably. SB 1630 modernized aging and long-term care statutes, expanded emergency service authority, updated oversight of area agencies on aging and guardianship, and permanently established the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; after two amendments, it was reported favorably. SB 1030, on recovery residences/substance abuse services, was amended with a substitute that narrowed transfer definitions, sped licensure for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident records; members noted it remained a work in progress, but it was reported favorably.
The committee also held confirmation hearings. Robert Astellos, nominated as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, described efforts to reduce the pre-enrollment list, improve transparency and customer service, expand family involvement, and streamline agency processes; multiple advocacy groups appeared in support, and the committee recommended his confirmation. The committee then unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10. The meeting concluded with adjournment.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:15 am
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I was just in the discussion, I was just wondering if there's a sale, if we have any authority
- Chairman, so this amendment doesn't give them authority to put a casino there.
- It just gives them authority to look into putting a casino there.
- So, according to what Representative Louser said, we're giving them the authority to put it there?
- Will the authority to take a look? Representative Louser has got more information.
Bills:
SB2003
Keywords:
higher education, student loans, scholarships, capital projects, workforce development, funding, North Dakota university system, 908, all
Summary:
The committee first reconsidered Senate Bill 2003 in the higher education budget and adopted several changes. It removed $3 million for enterprise resource planning, struck $2 million for a grant program for students who are pregnant or recently gave birth, and then added $3 million back into workforce education and innovative grants, restoring that line to $12 million. Members also discussed a possible purchase of the 19th Avenue building in Fargo for the State School of Science, but the motion was withdrawn for later consideration. Other higher ed items were briefly noted, including tribally controlled community colleges and a state magazine funding line, but no final action was taken on the building proposal during this segment.
The committee then moved to Senate Bill 2018, the Commerce budget, and reviewed a long list of funding items. It restored a vacant workforce FTE, increased tourism marketing to $10 million and Find the Good Life to $5 million, raised Operation Intern by $1 million, removed a $100,000 infrastructure study, increased autonomous agriculture grants to $15 million, and set the Regional Workforce Impact Program at $10 million. It also kept or adjusted several other items, including the uncrewed aerial vehicle replacement program, the global talent office, tribally controlled community colleges, Native American small business grants, and technical skills training grants.
A major new provision would transfer $50 million total, split between SIF and Bank of North Dakota profits, to the Theodore Roosevelt Library Museum Endowment Fund, matching a private fundraising challenge; members expressed both support and concern, and said they would revisit it later. The committee also discussed language to allow commercialization of Vantis and to permit the Turtle Mountain gaming compact proposal to move forward with required federal approvals, while clarifying that a previously discussed $100,000 study had been removed. Commerce officials said the workforce language was intended to centralize data and strategy, and they noted Operation Intern would need an emergency clause because applications begin in May. No final vote on the Commerce budget was taken in this segment, and the chair said the committee would return later to finish both budgets.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- and yet I do not believe authorities and yet I do not believe authorities and yet I do not believe that
- region drives this the economy of County region drives this the economy of County region drives this
- is tremendous Jefferson County is tremendous Jefferson County is tremendous tremendous for the state
- youth leadership of Lee County County youth leadership of Lee County County youth leadership of Lee
- the one that happened in Madison County the one that happened in Madison County my heart dropped uh
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- County input is advisory and not controlling.
- I know in the county that I'm operating in, Randolph County, the developer operated under non-disclosure
- The county knew about the project in '24.
- You said Randolph County, correct? Yes, sir.
- That's not $2,500 more for the county.
Committee:
House Utilities
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So being a county supervisor, I saw how this works in practice.
- And so what's happened, at least in Mojave County and I know definitely in other municipalities and counties
- In a more compressed district in Maricopa County, In a more compressed district in Maricopa County, now
- in my county.
- I’ve also worked at the county when we lost an elevator mechanic at the county because of a mistake he
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1167, which would allow municipalities and counties to satisfy certain public-notice requirements by posting advertisements, publications, and printings on their official websites. The sponsor argued the bill is permissive, intended to modernize notice practices, reduce costs, and help governments meet statutory deadlines, while a Blackmun amendment required a six-month transition period in which notices would still be published in newspapers and the public would be alerted to the change. Newspaper and media representatives, along with tribal and rural community advocates, opposed the bill, arguing that print notices remain important for transparency, historical recordkeeping, and access in areas with limited internet service. Supporters from county and local government said newspaper publication schedules have become unreliable and that websites are a more effective way to reach the public. The committee adopted the Blackmun amendment and then passed SB 1167 as amended on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1021, as amended by a strike-everything that would require the Auditor General to refer evidence of possible criminal activity involving health profession regulatory boards to the Attorney General, with procedures for investigation and conflict-of-interest handling. The sponsor and amendment sponsor said the measure would create a mechanism for criminal findings in audit work to be acted on. With no opposition testimony, the committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1021 as amended on a 4-3 vote.
Next was SB 1011, which would require county medical examiners or forensic pathologists to review an infant’s immunization and vaccination history, along with any countermeasures administered in the prior 90 days, in sudden unexplained infant death cases. The sponsor said the bill was a data-collection measure meant to improve accuracy, transparency, and prevention efforts. Opponents, including vaccine advocacy and disability representatives, said Arizona already collects this information, that unsafe sleep is the primary issue in most SIDS cases, and that the bill could fuel misinformation about vaccines. The committee passed SB 1011 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee also heard SB 1013, a merit-based public employment bill that would prohibit hiring based on conditions other than merit. Supporters said it would ensure public employees are selected by qualifications and objective criteria; opponents argued existing law already bars discrimination and that the bill could create litigation risks and hinder outreach to underrepresented communities. The committee passed SB 1013 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 1015 and a strike-everything amendment that would replace the bill’s original detransition-liability language with the Arizona Thriving Families Act, creating a family and medical leave insurance program within Medicaid beginning in 2029. The original bill sponsor defended the underlying detransition-related liability concept as accountability and support for detransitioners, while opponents said it would function as a discriminatory backdoor ban on transition care for minors. The transcript ends during debate and explanation of the strike-everything amendment, before a final vote on SB 1015 is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Floor debate on automatically returning future budget surpluses to taxpayers 3/17/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If there is no objection, we will let the author explain the bill before we act on the amendments.
- I recognize the author from Washington, Representative Johnson, who will explain the bill.
- I recognize the author of the amendment, Representative Johnson, who will explain the amendment.
- I recognize the author of the amendment, Representative Gomez, who will explain the amendment.
- I just wanted to make sure that if the author of the bill can yield for a question.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Look forward to continuing to work with the author and her staff.
- Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
- Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
- For Sacramento, Aftershock brings about $41 million across the region from Yolo County to Placer County
- Three million of that is generated in taxes to the city and county of Sacramento.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development met as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum, then later established quorum and took up a series of bills, mostly sunset extensions for licensing boards. SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1304, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all dealt with extending board operations to January 1, 2031 and making related technical or policy changes. SB 1303 for the Board of Naturopathic Medicine added a fictitious name permit program and other administrative changes, while SB 1304 for the Respiratory Care Board drew significant testimony over whether licensed vocational nurses should be allowed to perform basic respiratory tasks in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. SB 1363 updated barbering and cosmetology apprenticeship and licensing rules, and SB 1368 added a retired license category and strengthened continuing education oversight for speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers.
The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program to support large independent multi-day music festivals. Supporters, including Visit Sacramento and festival promoters, said the bill would protect jobs, tourism, hotel nights, and local tax revenue; opponents raised concerns about using state funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable events should receive subsidies. The committee also heard SB 1297, which would create regional public-private partnerships and financing tools for wildfire mitigation projects; the author and supporters said it would help address the state’s large wildfire prevention funding gap by leveraging local and private investment, while members asked how the bonds would be repaid and whether the state would bear costs.
SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals working in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process. Supporters described safety threats, stalking, and staffing concerns, and the bill passed unanimously. SB 1304 also passed after committee discussion, with members and the author noting ongoing negotiations over LVN scope and training in higher-acuity settings. SB 865 passed on a 9-1 vote, SB 1297 passed 10-0, and the sunset bills SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all advanced unanimously to the Senate Appropriations Committee. SB 1333 was not heard, and SB 1445 was on the consent calendar.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- authorization states.
- It’s like over 10 counties. And although...” “The enormity. It’s like over 10 counties.
- and Tarrant County.
- We're basically split in between Parker County and Tarrant County.
- Now, you said CD-12, are you in the Parker or Tarrant County portion? Tarrant County, sir.
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting met virtually for its West Texas regional hearing, established a quorum, and explained that the hearing was part of a series of statewide information-gathering sessions before any map was filed. The chair outlined the Zoom procedures, the two-minute testimony limit, and the availability of written comments through the committee’s public portal. Senators also discussed the logistics and transparency of the process, including the expectation that any proposed map or amendment would be made public once filed and that additional hearings would follow.
Senator Blanco, whose district includes West Texas and the border region, said the area’s communities of interest should be kept together and warned against repeating the loss of representation that followed the last redistricting cycle. Senators Alvarado, Hinojosa, Miles, and others debated the value of virtual hearings versus in-person hearings, the number of people who had testified, and whether the committee could subpoena witnesses after the regional hearings ended. The chair said he was awaiting legal guidance and would consider a subpoena motion at a formal meeting the next day. A lengthy exchange also occurred over the tone of public testimony and the chair’s view that some comments directed at Republicans and the president had been offensive or historically inaccurate.
Invited witnesses and public commenters largely opposed mid-decade redistricting and argued that any new map should reflect population growth, especially among Latino and other minority communities, and comply with the Voting Rights Act. Nina Perales of MALDEF said the hearings were not meaningful without a draft map and testified that Texas has a long history of discriminatory redistricting; senators questioned her about litigation, DOJ’s July 7 letter, and the 2021 congressional map. Tania Chavez Camacho, Luis Figueroa, and several El Paso residents emphasized that maps should preserve communities of interest, avoid cracking and packing, and be transparent and participatory. A smaller number of witnesses supported redistricting, including one El Paso resident who said the current districting leaves the area underrepresented and another who argued that some communities want to return to a map closer to the earlier District 16 configuration. Several witnesses also criticized the DOJ letter as inconsistent with the state’s position that the 2021 maps were drawn race-blind, while others said the current process was too rushed and lacked sufficient public input.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN DEFER, CPN-HOU, CPN, CPN-EDT Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- The provision adds, um, authorizing the 99 leasehold interest in state and county lands.
- </c> state and county lands. state and county lands. >> Thank<00:06:04.240><c> you.
- </c> leaseold on non-seated state or county leaseold on non-seated state or county land<00:15:38.720>
- </c><01:00:47.200><c> to</c> um states do retain the authority to um states do retain the authority to
- </c><01:12:21.440><c> to</c> protection may use its authority to protection may use its authority to
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Keywords:
combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land.
They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments.
The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Today Yonge County, with Graham as its vibrant county seat, It blends small-town charm with progress,
- Not only is Washington County my home county, it is home to many first and oldest in Texas.
- Fairs the oldest county fair in Texas.
- , and the United Way of Tarrant County.
- The history of Bee County, named after Col.
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We had no way to build out the campuses that we were authorized through the legislature.
- In the past 12 years, y'all have added us in Williamson County, LA, County, Fort Bend County, Komal,
- Guadalupe County, and Denton.
- Second, it refines the authority granted to governing boards. to our regents.
- Senator Menendez, Senator Paxton for co-authoring.
Bills:
SB530 , SB757 , SB769 , SB1085 , SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1409 , SB1878 , SB2138 , SB2314 , SB2231 , SB2361 , SB2431 , SJR59
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a senator from the 44th District in Snohomish County. Ms.
- I'm a firefighter in Snohomish County, and I've been a firefighter since 2003.
- It also puts employers, in this case counties, in the difficult and extremely impossible position of
- And lastly, the bill allows cities and counties to adopt ordinances for kratom products that are more
- Also, this bill creates local regulatory authority by passing state regulation on an emerging issue.
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords:
interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, laid-off employees act, WARN notice, mass layoff, business closure, plant closing, worker adjustment and retraining notification, employment security department, employee notice, layoff notice, worker protections, job loss, employment loss, public records exemption, privacy, employee names and addresses
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- “That would be for cities and counties.
- And now you've got this great festival, and people are coming from county around, county around, and
- I think about the library in Worth County.
- I think about the library in Worth County.
- And when you ask about the counties, yes, all 114 counties are touched.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 015 Jan 29th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- across the state who are 911 authorities across the state who are responsible<00:28:03.039><c> for</
- They're having their day at the Capitol, and the good senator from Douglas County and I got to spend
- If they'd stand up, from Mountain Vista High School in Douglas County: RF Gravidi, Nathan Samuel, Gabriel
- Uh, we're hearing confirmations for the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority Board
- Authority Board and then we will Authority Board and then we will consider<00:38:04.720><c> Senate</c
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Osgood: We do have one appearance form with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in support
- With regard to emergency authority and continuity of care, it authorizes DOEA to provide temporary direct
- With regard to Area Agencies on Aging oversight, it clarifies authority to rescind AAA designation for
- With regard to Home Care for the Elderly, it authorizes food and nutritional supplements as allowable
- We have Lisa Hurley from Collier County waiving in support.
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Eight - Monday, April 27
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- from Boone County?
- from Boone County?
- And the county commission then can have some impact on those third- and fourth-class counties.
- And the county commission then can have some impact on those third- and fourth-class counties.
- Louis County? The gentleman from Cole County: Absolutely. Proceed, representatives.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill requires the counties to adopt ordinances for the regulation of retention and detention ponds
- This bill requires the counties to adopt ordinances for the regulation of retention and detention ponds
- This bill requires the counties to adopt ordinances for the regulation of retention and detention ponds
- We add a date of January 1st, 2027, as a beginning date that each county shall adopt ordinances for the
- </c><00:14:09.680><c> of</c> also authorizes the administrator of also authorizes the administrator of
Summary:
The conference committees met on April 25 in Room 229 and handled several bills, often by rolling them over when finance or budget releases were still pending. HB 1007 HD2 SD2 on HCDA was simply continued to 1:00 p.m. in the same room. HB 1316 HD2 SD1 on DLNR rental vessels and registration was later taken up, with members noting a proposed CD1 based on the Senate draft; after quorum was confirmed, both chambers voted yes and the measure was approved. SB 465 HD1 on Kiki Aola small boat harbor was rolled to 4:00 p.m. in Room 441 because the required release had not yet been received. HB 86 on Makai Watch was also deferred for lack of quorum, and HB 800 HD1 SD2 on government real property and land transfer was eventually voted out after the missing House member arrived, with both House and Senate voting yes. SB 1221 SD2/HD3 on water safety and retention/detention ponds was described as requiring county ordinances and surveys of existing ponds; the conference draft added “Sharky’s Law,” set a January 1, 2027 start date for county ordinances, and was approved unanimously by both chambers.
The committees also discussed SB 223 SD2/HD1 on wildfire prevention and forest reserve fire protection. The measure would create an independent DNR wildfire prevention program, authorize forestry and wildlife facilities for fire protection and related work, allow the State Fire Council to strengthen fire code requirements in hazardous fire areas, establish a community fuels reduction project, require legislative reporting, and provide funding. The conferees explained that section 3, which sought an additional appropriation for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, was removed because the money was already included in the budget. The bill’s effective dates were set for July 1, 2025, and it was rolled over to 4:00 p.m. in Room 411 rather than voted on at that time.
Later, HB 1220 HD1 SD1 on invasive species in Kaneohe Bay was taken up and passed after quorum was confirmed, with both House and Senate members voting yes. HB 778 HD2 SD1 on the integrated land use office and land use study, SB 739 HD1 on land exchange, and HB 830 HD2 SD2 on historic preservation reviews were all agreed to in principle but rolled over to later meetings because finance or WAM releases were still outstanding. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted absences, excused members, and the need to reschedule items to later in the afternoon.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture (3-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- State Representative me and Doet, 9th District, Christian County.
- however they so choose, and it clarified language to direct any fines and fees back to the local authorities
- ><c> that</c><00:05:17.680><c> are</c><00:05:17.880><c> that</c><00:05:18.000><c> are</c> local authorities
- that are that are local authorities that are that are regulating<00:05:19.240><c> uh</c><00:05:19.360
- Jason Nemes, the state representative of the 33rd District, which is Jefferson, Oldham, and Shelby counties
Keywords:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Attendance Roll Call
02:09 – House Bill 216
03:15 – Roll Call Vote
04:06 – Senate Bill 122
05:42 – Roll Call Vote
08:43 – House Bill 391
17:25 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The committee first considered House Bill 216, which would correct a conflict created when an office was moved into the Department of Agriculture by restoring grant and loan eligibility for Department of Agriculture employees while keeping the prohibition in place for employees of the office of policy. The bill was approved unanimously and sent on to the Senate floor.
The committee then revisited Senate Bill 122 after concerns from the prior meeting. Members adopted a committee substitute that clarified local governments may regulate the covered businesses but not ban them outright, and that fines and fees go back to the local authorities doing the regulating. During final consideration, Senator Deneen, Senator Reed, and Senator Richardson voted no, citing concerns about enforcement, inspection, and potential bad actors, while Senator Webb supported the bill as a needed regulatory scheme. The motion passed and the bill advanced.
House Bill 391, dealing with Kentucky honey production, was also approved. Representative Jason Nemes and industry witnesses said the bill would raise the threshold for requiring a certified honey house from 150 gallons to 500 gallons, add language requiring “pure and unadulterated” Kentucky-produced honey, and support local beekeepers without creating additional public health risk. Members discussed whether the limit should be removed entirely, the cost of honey houses, and concerns about imported or adulterated honey. The committee passed the bill to the Senate floor. Senator Yates later registered a no vote on Senate Bill 122 and yes votes on House Bill 216 and Senate Bill 171, though Senate Bill 171 was passed over for further work and not heard that day.