Video & Transcript : 'legislative appropriation request' :
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-19 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These permitting standards are subject to legislative ratification.
- This legislation will prohibit an aircraft, an aircraft and an air traffic control.
- Individuals may voluntarily request this envelope through the DHSMV or, Individuals may voluntarily request
- Unfortunately, Broward County remains listed in this legislation.
- Nothing real prompted this except for the president's request.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- your fellow legislators to do the<00:06:40.800><c> same.
- Thank you. after this current legislative session after this current legislative session is<00:14:45.360
- amendment or the request to change the<00:27:06.640><c> bond.
- Um, and also I think the penalties up to life are just not appropriate.
- Um, and also I think the penalties up to life are just not appropriate.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Keywords:
stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Some recent legislation that's been passed by this body.
- sure it's clinically appropriate.
- Answer questions at the appropriate time. Thank you.
- But we do enjoy legislative privilege if you guys have questions that you would like to, you know, Legislative
- When the request window would open, they would request as many placements as possible.
Committee:
House Public Health
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-11 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for adults and what's appropriate for minors.
- We also had an upholding even just last year for age-appropriate material.
- The holding even just last year for age-appropriate material in Texas.
- So the parents requested a meeting with our school board.
- So the parents requested a meeting with our school board.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine organizational actions including approval of the journal and adoption of a special order report. The chamber then took up House Bill 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors, which the sponsor described as a measure to clarify and strengthen standards for removing obscene or pornographic content from public school classrooms and libraries while preserving educational uses and not targeting classical literature, LGBTQ content, or other protected viewpoints. Members questioned the bill’s use of terms such as “predominantly,” its relationship to existing local review processes, the impact on AP/IB and college-level materials, the applicability to voucher-funded schools, and the risk of additional First Amendment litigation and costs. The sponsor responded that the bill was needed because current standards were being bypassed and that the legislation was aimed at material harmful to minors, not general literary value.
The House considered numerous amendments, most of which were defeated. Amendments offered by Representatives Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris sought, among other things, to preserve parental choice during review periods, restore a whole-work constitutional standard, limit repeated objections, protect educational and abuse-prevention materials, prevent LGBTQ-inclusive books from being labeled harmful solely on that basis, shield school districts from funding penalties, and delay enforcement in districts already under litigation. Supporters of the amendments argued that the bill would encourage censorship, remove books with clear literary or educational value, burden districts with costs and lawsuits, and harm students who rely on school libraries for access to reading material and representation. Opponents of the amendments argued the bill was necessary to protect minors from explicit content and that the proposed changes would weaken that protection. All of the amendments described in the transcript failed.
After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. In closing debate, opponents repeated concerns about constitutional vulnerability, overbroad book removals, and the educational harm of limiting access to literature, while supporters framed the bill as a child-protection measure and a clarification of existing law. The transcript ends during the structured debate on final passage, before the final vote on the bill is shown.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 22 Afternoon Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for that, but no, the intent for this legislation is to complete the application.
- We don't need legislation for every issue in the state. Let's not be ridiculous.
- Is there any specific example that led to this legislation?
- When the process improves or in any way changes, we would then have to legislate those changes.
- Request no. Sir, I believe that's enough.
Bills:
HB4104 , HB3722 , HB3787 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3310 , HB3404 , HB2964 , HB2398 , HB3024 , HB3499 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3645 , HB3649 , HB2293 , HB3260 , HB3176 , HB3177 , HB3114 , HB3172 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4248 , HB3720 , HB2210 , HB1322 , HB1937 , HB3301 , HB4107
Keywords:
Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And she has sent in a statement and would request Madam President permission to read.
- She goes on to say she looks forward to the swift enactment of this legislation.
- It adds $45 million in appropriation for VSOs because they are underfunded.
- The legislation doesn't preempt state law. Number one.
- Thank you. of the appropriate council districts.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And this was requested at our meeting in Las Vegas.
- It has since been incorporated into HB 2 as an appropriation.
- We received 14 total applications with the total request of $5 $5.5 million.
- We still have a lot of work to do as legislators.
- So I think we're going to have 20 million worth of requests pretty easily.
Committee:
House Water & Natural Resources Committee
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent Legislative District 2. I'm here to present RS 33475.
- So I would request that the committee send it to print.
- Again, Mark Harris, Legislative District 35. This bill is... Mark Harris, Legislative District 35.
- Senator Lenny, thank you for this legislation.
- The legislation is before us. Thank you. You're good. Committee, the legislation is before us.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee approved the February 18, 2026 minutes and advanced gubernatorial appointee Callie Younger as administrator of the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources with a recommendation for Senate confirmation. The committee then introduced several RS measures, including a resolution supporting use of Article V to pursue a balanced-budget amendment, a memorial backing gold-backed U.S. bonds, and a bill authorizing the state treasurer to invest idle funds in gold and silver bullion. It also introduced RSs related to school district strategic performance plans, a new school funding formula study, college athletics, traffic use of the passing lane, and campaign finance reform.
The committee heard and advanced several bills on state administration and elections. SB 1320, a cleanup bill repealing language tied to the business information infrastructure fund and Luma implementation, and SB 1321, which clarifies reporting deadlines and enforcement for agency contracts and MOUs filed with the state controller, both received due-pass recommendations. SB 1322, which tightens the voter affidavit process by requiring additional identifying information and poll-worker verification before issuing a ballot, also advanced after discussion about election integrity, privacy, and practical implementation. The committee likewise advanced SB 1296, which creates a specific criminal trespass offense for entering or remaining in a church or house of worship with intent to intimidate, harass, or disrupt worship services.
The committee also advanced HCR 28, calling on Idahoans to fast and pray on March 1 for unity, peace, and moisture/snowpack, after testimony in support from the Idaho Family Policy Center and a private citizen. Finally, the committee heard HB 539, which limits temporary administrative rules to emergency or other narrow circumstances, requires a gubernatorial statement explaining necessity, and restricts repeated substantially similar temporary rules; after testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau in support, the bill was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after all listed items were handled.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent Legislative District 2. I'm here to present RS 33475.
- I'm Senator Hart from Legislative District 2, here to present RS 33451.
- Mark Harris, Idaho State Senate, Legislative District 35. RS 33472 is a bill.
- So I would request that the committee send it to print.
- Senator Lenny, thank you for this legislation.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The House consent has been requested. Is there objection?
- House Bill 489 will hold its place on the third reading calendar for one legislative day.
- Unanimous consent has been requested. Is there objection? Hearing none, so ordered.
- The House consent has been requested. Is there objection?
- The request has been made. Is there objection? Hearing none, so ordered.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a notice naming Grayson Stone as a qualified substitute for District 25CA for Representative Donald Hall. It also received an enrolled House Concurrent Resolution 22 from the Senate. Committee reports referred several printed measures, including House Joint Memorial 10 and House Bills 518 and 519, and the House introduced and referred House Bills 520 through 531, covering topics such as administrative procedure, criminal history records, unmanned aircraft near correctional facilities, Capitol Mall property and access rules, child custody, execution procedures, cottage food operations, the Yellow Dot medical information program, directed blood product transfusions, anti-cancer medications, and epinephrine delivery systems.
On third reading, House Resolution 20 passed by voice vote after brief remarks emphasizing civility, reducing political violence, and supporting public servants. House Bill 489 was held on the calendar for one legislative day. House Bill 491, which would expand Good Samaritan protections to encourage layperson intervention in suicide crises, passed 67-0 with three absent and excused; supporters cited the need for bystander intervention and examples of lives saved. House Bill 492, which adds a juvenile justice administrator position to a council to better represent those working directly with youth in detention and probation settings, also passed 67-0 and was transmitted to the Senate. The remaining bill on the calendar was held one legislative day.
During announcements, members welcomed University of Idaho students, FFA visitors, and other guests, noted a firefighters’ Medal of Honor application event in the rotunda, and mentioned Idaho Potato Commission potatoes available in the rotunda. Committee meeting notices were announced for several standing committees later in the week. The House then adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 1st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- At the request of the author, I am giving a one-day notice.
- I rise on behalf of the California Legislative Hispanic Caucus in support of ACR 185.
- I rise on behalf of the California's Legislative Hispanic Caucus in support of ACR 185.
- All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.
Summary:
The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and then moved through guest introductions and floor items. Members welcomed students from Futures High School’s Hydrogen Car Grand Prix team, family members and visitors from their districts, and former legislator George Runner. The chamber also took up several ceremonial resolutions recognizing Portuguese Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, congenital cytomegalovirus awareness month, and World No Tobacco Day.
ACR 185 by Assembly Member Macedo was adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added, honoring Portuguese Heritage Month and the contributions of Portuguese Californians. ACR 197 by Assembly Member Stephanie was also adopted after 54 co-authors were added, recognizing Italian American Heritage Month and Italian American contributions to California. ACR 205 by Assembly Member Lackey was adopted after 55 co-authors were added, designating June as CMV Awareness Month, and SCR 177 by Assembly Member Connolly was adopted after 49 co-authors were added, proclaiming May 31, 2026, as World No Tobacco Day and reaffirming California’s anti-tobacco efforts.
The session also included adjournments in memory for John Wesley Finney, Jr., a longtime educator and public servant, and Deputy Levi Vargas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Finney. The body then announced upcoming committee and floor schedules and adjourned until Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/07/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:15:47.079><c> is</c> leads to this uh proposed legislation is leads to this uh proposed legislation
- </c> your vote in favor of this legislation your vote in favor of this legislation thank<00:50:33.280
- <00:55:24.880><c> acknowledges</c><00:55:25.480><c> that</c> legislation acknowledges that legislation
- </c> I so if if reciprocity so if I request I so if if reciprocity so if I request for<02:17:07.120><
- </c> 34A to bring forward that legislation 34A to bring forward that legislation years<04:47:05.600><
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense.
Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process.
Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Aug 26th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, and I want to make a note to all the legislators here...
- Earlier this year, in the legislative session, the legislature...
- funding to do in the 2025 legislative session specific to quantum.
- I support the legislation here that is phenomenal.
- I don't know if you've seen it; it's on the legislative website.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- framework for an agriculturally resilient markets act, and it includes a number of policies and appropriations
- Last, the bill includes an appropriation of $885,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the
- It's one of our favorite days in the legislative session. Thank you very much.
- I am very supportive of this legislation.
- So there's a capital budget request.
Summary:
The Consumer Protection & Business Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 2616, described as an agriculturally resilient markets act, would create a broad package of agriculture-related policies and appropriations, including a strategy to expand state purchasing of Washington-grown food, temporary packaging and emissions exemptions for certain agricultural uses, changes to labor notice rules for agricultural and dairy layoffs, several grant and study programs, a transfer of cannabis production/processing/testing oversight to the Department of Agriculture, and an appropriation for the tree fruit leadership program. Representative Christine Reeves said the bill was intended as a state-level “farm bill” to address farm losses, food security, and regulatory burdens, and she emphasized stakeholder input and the need to support family farms and farmworker well-being.
Testimony on HB 2616 was overwhelmingly supportive, with growers, commodity groups, dairy and potato representatives, and other agricultural stakeholders arguing that Washington farms face low margins, high regulatory and labor costs, refrigeration and processing challenges, and competition from foreign producers. Several speakers said the bill’s exemptions, grants, and studies would help keep farms viable and preserve local food production. Committee members asked about stakeholder outreach, the role of Washington State University and commodity commissions, the impact of federal versus state policy, and possible ways to reduce compliance burdens. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair noted the bill was after cutoff and would not move this year, but that stakeholder meetings would continue over the summer.
The committee then heard House Bill 2721, which would create a registration system for commercial interior designers, expand and rename the Board of Architects, set education, examination, and experience requirements, define the scope of practice, require seals and technical submission attestations, and establish penalties and a fee account. Supporters from interior design organizations said the bill would recognize a profession already performing code- and safety-related work in commercial spaces, align Washington with other states and national model law standards, and remove barriers to ownership and advancement, especially for women. Testifiers also said the bill would clarify responsibility for life safety, accessibility, and non-structural interior construction in schools, health care, and public buildings. The committee heard only supportive testimony, but members raised questions about how the profession compares with architecture, the impact of delaying the bill until 2027, and demographic diversity in the field. The chair closed the hearing noting the bill would not advance this session and that further interim work would be needed.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:21:28.840><c> the</c><00:21:28.960><c> message</c> legislation that is sending the message legislation
- Is that the legislative intent?
- For those reasons, I appropriate folks.
- </c> legislative body. Why not have one Sure. legislative body.
- </c> legislative date March 19th. legislative date March 19th. >> 3:00<01:57:47.400><c> p.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Give deference to legislators who come to testify, so if there's a legislator here now or if a legislator
- , and those three legislative...
- Enchamping this concept and an earlier version of this legislation in those three legislative sessions
- These requests are critical. These requests are critical to maintaining our schools.
- I come before you today to urgently request that you support Senator Lewis's proposed legislation and
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators.
A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs.
Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually.
School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 4 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Appropriations calendar. He passes. Appropriations calendar. He passes.
- baseline for future passing of any AI baseline for future passing of any AI legislation. legislation.
- legislation.
- Request— State your request. Uh, I’d like to hold item number 37 and 38 on a motion to reconsider.
- </c> piece of legislation for our teachers. piece of legislation for our teachers.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-EEP-AGR Informational Briefing 02-24-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also ensure that they keep records to ensure that they’re applying products appropriately.
- We also ensure that they keep records to ensure that they’re applying products appropriately.
- We also ensure that they keep records to ensure that they’re applying products appropriately.
- But they also asked us to talk to our legislative bodies.
- </c><00:46:30.680><c> and</c> delivered to us because requesting and delivered to us because requesting
Summary:
The joint informational briefing focused on restricted use pesticides in Hawaiʻi, with Senate and House members opening the meeting and explaining that the session was intended to hear expert presentations and community concerns. Fern Holland outlined the background for the briefing, describing how restricted use pesticides differ from general-use products, why state-level regulation matters, and how community advocates have sought disclosure and protections for years. She summarized 2019 reporting data, saying a small number of users accounted for most reported use, with especially heavy application in North Central Oʻahu and on the west side of Kauaʻi. She highlighted concerns about applications near schools, homes, and coastlines, and identified 1,3-dichloropropene and metam sodium as among the heaviest-used fumigants. She also noted concerns about highly hazardous pesticides, some banned in other countries, and the lack of research on long-term combined exposure to multiple pesticides.
Greg Takashima of the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture described the department’s pesticide program and regulatory authority under FIFRA and state law. He explained the distinction between general-use and restricted use pesticides, the certification requirements for applicators, and the department’s role in tracking RUPs from sale through use. He reviewed the branch’s functions in enforcement, education and certification, registration and technical review, and laboratory analysis, including inspections, complaint response, market surveillance, product registration, groundwater review, and outreach on drift reduction and integrated pest management. He also noted staffing and funding limitations, saying the branch lacks a toxicologist and long-term monitoring capacity, and compared Hawaiʻi’s resources to California’s much larger pesticide regulatory program. Takashima thanked the legislature for passing Act 231 the prior year and said the department supports the measure as it moves forward this session.
Dr. Lee, speaking for the Hawaiʻi chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and as a former member of the Kauaʻi Joint Fact-Finding Task Force, said pediatric guidance has shifted from focusing on acute poisoning to recognizing chronic low-level pesticide exposure as a concern. He cited AAP publications linking pesticide exposure to cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, birth outcomes, neurobehavioral effects, and asthma, and said pediatricians are now encouraged to advise families on reducing exposure and to support right-to-know measures and buffer zones around schools and public gathering places. He also described the Kauaʻi task force’s work, saying it found the west side of the island to be an unhealthy community but could not prove causation because of missing drift, geospatial, and biomarker data. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, questions were held until after presentations, and the department expressed support for Act 231.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- . request. request.
- </c> them doesn't mean that as a legislative them doesn't mean that as a legislative body<00:09:41.440
- the</c><00:13:40.800><c> general</c> million appropriation from the general million appropriation from
- Our upcoming budget request will request funding to build out both the Office of Data Privacy and Child
- Our upcoming budget request will request funding to build out both the Office of Data Privacy and Child
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
CA