Transcript Highlights:

• That's what we're calling in this slide our employee backpack.
• We call this the employee foundation.
• don't want to harm another division or inadvertently cause a situation where you have to lay off an employee
• I'm a public employee.

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we’re asking is simple: put the burden of proof on the employer, not on the employee, to fight for
• federal level that extended benefits to... ...at the federal level that extended benefits to federal employees
• What we have done in this legislation is so that this would impact all of our employees at the state
• The federal legislation was a bit broader, so it addressed more categories of employees, but that's basically

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee began by rolling House Bill 132 at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without quorum as a subcommittee until additional members arrived. House Bill 285, as amended, was heard first. The bill was described as a cleanup measure to clarify New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption, including that it applies to a veteran’s primary residence and how it works for properties with multiple owners. Testimony from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services supported the bill, saying it would reduce confusion for assessors and help veterans access the exemption. One member raised broader concerns about housing insecurity among unhoused and renting veterans and asked for interim data on how many veterans would actually benefit, but the committee noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 285 as amended with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 128, which updates the state’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding the list of covered cancers and related conditions, aligning the state law with newer research and recent federal changes, and standardizing the employment period to five years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill reflects current science, removes outdated age limits for some cancers, and makes it easier for firefighters to receive workers’ compensation without having to prove causation case by case. Firefighters and union representatives gave emotional testimony about personal cancer diagnoses and the burden of fighting insurers while undergoing treatment. The Workers’ Compensation Administration, labor groups, and trial lawyers all supported the measure. Committee members asked about the federal model, the five-year threshold, the impact on rural jurisdictions, and why women’s cancers were not previously included; witnesses explained that the changes reflect updated data and the underrepresentation of women in the fire service. Dr. Dan Wu, speaking online, said firefighter cancer is an epidemic and argued the science supports the bill. The committee then adopted the motion and passed HB 128 with a do pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're asking is simple: put the burden of proof on the employer, not on the employee, to fight for
• there was legislation that was bipartisan at the federal level that extended benefits to federal employees
• And so what we have done in this legislation is so that this would impact all of our employees within
• The federal legislation was a bit broader, so it addressed more categories of employees, but that's basically

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first announced that House Bill 132 would be rolled at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without full quorum for part of the meeting and moved to House Bill 285, which concerns New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption. The sponsor and administration explained that the amended bill is a technical cleanup intended to clarify that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence, address multiple-owner situations, and remove duplicative statutory language. Support came from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services, all saying the bill would improve uniform administration without changing the substance of the exemption. Members also discussed broader concerns about veteran housing and homelessness, though the sponsor noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. After quorum was established, the committee formally adopted the amendment to HB 285 and then passed the bill as amended on a do pass motion. Members asked about protest timelines and how the clarification would help veterans who are waiting on certification; the sponsor explained that the bill preserves the ability to protest within existing timeframes and gives veterans additional time to secure certification. The committee then took up House Bill 128, which updates New Mexico’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding presumptive cancer coverage and aligning the state list with newer research and federal changes. Testimony in support came from firefighters, labor groups, workers’ compensation officials, and medical experts, who described occupational cancer as a major cause of firefighter deaths and said the bill would reduce the burden on sick firefighters by presuming coverage rather than forcing them to prove causation. Members also raised questions about women firefighters, the five-year employment baseline, and fiscal impact, and the bill sponsor and Dr. Wu explained that the five-year standard reflects federal compromise and current data limitations. The committee then approved HB 128 on a do pass motion and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, these employees are not included in the CEC and benefit calculations for regular FTP for
• state employees.
• benefit changes for these positions, in keeping with the rest of the CEC recommendations for state employees
• species response. for these positions and keeping with the rest of the CEC recommendations for state employees

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee met to receive a JFAC budget update focused on the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Budget analyst Morgan Poloni reviewed the department’s structure, staffing, dedicated-fund reliance, and several 2027 enhancement requests, including a CEC adjustment for fruit and vegetable inspectors, replacement items, IT hardware, reappropriation authority for a federal Resilient Food Systems Grant, a 2026 deficiency warrant for exotic species response, and a supplemental for quagga mussel treatment costs. She also described 2026 and 2027 holdbacks that were largely absorbed through dedicated funds and reductions to noxious weed pass-through money. Senator Lent raised concerns that budget cuts should follow policy priorities rather than broad reductions, and committee members discussed the exotic species and invasive species funding needs. Keith Bybee then gave a broader JFAC update on state revenue, structural balance, and the budget outlook for 2026 and 2027. He said Idaho is facing uncertainty in revenues, with recent forecasts below earlier expectations, and explained that the legislature is considering whether to use one-time money, restructure spending, or both to restore structural balance over the business cycle. He noted that many budget pressures come from statutory or population-driven obligations in education, Medicaid, corrections, and health and welfare, while higher education is more discretionary. Senator Groh added that the state is not structurally balanced and emphasized the need for policy bills to align with budget decisions; he also said recent tax payment timing helped revenues in December and that January numbers looked promising but were still preliminary. The committee then turned to administrative rules and approved a large group of Agriculture Department dockets by motion and voice vote. One docket, 0206-01-2501 on seed production and distribution rules, was held back after questions about incorporation by reference and publication dates. Mr. Knight explained that the referenced seed standards change frequently for export and testing purposes, and he said the department would work with DFM and legislators to find a better approach. Senator Lakey moved to hold that docket subject to call of the chair, and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned after the remaining rule dockets were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the pleasure of joining 2,200 really mission-driven employees, and I tell my family I can't screw
• They're employees.
• of those firefighters that we're talking about, many of them are members of the Washington Public Employees
• On this first slide, I would note that over time one of the resources I looked at was a former employee

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session with an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Commissioner Dave Upthe Grove outlined DNR’s size and scope, previewed agency-request legislation, and emphasized budget priorities. He said DNR will seek authority to sell ecosystem service credits, better use underutilized water rights with tribal consultation, add a tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources, make minor timber-sales efficiencies, and include wildland firefighters in the LEOFF pension system. He also urged restoration of wildfire prevention and preparedness funding, warning that reduced funding would mean fewer firefighters, less forest health work, and less support for rural fire districts. He noted DNR’s wildfire suppression costs are rising and argued prevention spending can reduce larger, more expensive fires. State Forester George Geisler followed with a detailed wildfire season review. He said Washington now responds to fires year-round and also assists other states, including Texas. He described DNR’s use of 31 aircraft, 691 firefighters, and corrections-based crews, and said the agency’s success rate for keeping fires under 10 acres improved slightly from 93.7% to 94.1%. He highlighted increased arson activity, especially around Spokane, and described the Crescent Road Fire as an example of early detection, rapid response, and the use of bulldozers, aircraft, and hand crews to contain a fire to 182 acres with no structure losses. Senator Saldan praised the emphasis on prevention and the use of bulldozers as cost-effective tools. Assistant deputy supervisor Dwayne Emmons then reviewed the trust land transfer program, which was codified in statute in 2023 after being funded through the capital budget for decades. He said more than 130,000 acres of underperforming trust land have been transferred since the 1990s to other public or tribal entities for more appropriate use, while DNR acquires replacement lands to keep the trust whole. He described the current application and ranking process, including tribal input, and said DNR is requesting funding for remaining parcels from the last round, including portions of Tract C, Babcock Bench, and Middle Fork Snoqualmie. In questions, Senator Wagoner raised concerns about DNR’s decision to remove some acres from timber harvest rotation and its impact on local revenue and mills; the commissioner responded that current five-year harvest plans provide short-term stability and that any changes would be explored through the Board of Natural Resources process, not through immediate reductions in supply. The committee then received a history briefing from staff member Jeff Olson on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and agency structure. He traced the evolution from early fish and game commissioners to the current commission-appointed director model adopted by voter-approved Referendum 45 in 1995. Olson explained the commission’s statutory duties, membership requirements, and how Washington compares with other states. Chair Chapman said he had no plans to hear a bill this session changing the commission’s makeup, but he expressed personal interest in exploring reforms, accountability, and possibly a future broader coalition or referendum process. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair adjourned the session with holiday and New Year’s wishes.

Transcript Highlights:

• WITHIN 24 HOURS AND CLARIFIES SELF-REPORTS ARE NOT ADMISSIONS OF GUILT AND CANNOT BE USED AGAINST THE EMPLOYEE
• THIS BILL AIMS TO PROTECT PERSONAL IDENTIFYING AND LOCATION INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEES BOARD MEMBERS AND
• SAFETY AND SECURITY, PROTECTING THE ENHANCING SAFETY AND SECURITY, PROTECTING THE FAMILIES OF THESE EMPLOYEES
• GUESS WHICH DOOR NEVER GETS USED BY A FIRE STATION EMPLOYEE. THE FRONT DOOR OF THE OFFICE.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, $30,000 a year on my farm could possibly hire another employee or another piece hire another employee
• Self-funded health plans are created by employers for their employees, and they take a combination of
• contributions from the employer and the employee and they put it into a fund to pay the claims.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's easier for employees then to be participants in the program.
• It's easier for employees<00:05:18.240><c> then</c><00:05:18.479><c> to</c><00:05:18.639><c> be</c><00
• :05:18.800><c> participants</c><00:05:19.360><c> in</c><00:05:19.520><c> the</c> employees then to be
• participants in the employees then to be participants in the program.<00:05:20.800><c> uh</c><00:05:

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives. Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees. After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• HHSC rules currently say that employees should avoid conflicts. of interest with their clients but do
• law that the agency would convey to all interested parties. who are care givers, say operators and employees
• The Human Services Commission rules say providers and their employees should avoid conflicts of interest
• Businesses should understand that hiring a deaf and hard of hearing person would make this. the great employees

Bills: HB451 , HB645 , HB 1041 , HB 1151 , HB 1155 , HB1536 , HCR12 , HCR12

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill seeks to protect the personal identifying and location information of current or former employees
• It includes former employees.
• So this amendment language includes former employees so that it's consistent all throughout the statute
• for the public records exemption, particularly around some cases that we may have seen involving employees

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several criminal justice, public records, nuisance, and firearms bills. SB 1168, by Sen. Leak, would create a second-degree felony for aggravated installation or use of a tracking device or application when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; it passed unanimously. SB 1054, by Sen. Garcia, would increase penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, require immediate revocation of pretrial release for tampering, and bar further pretrial release on the current charges; after testimony raising concerns about unintended consequences and proof issues, it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1198, by Sen. DeSigley, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment and a technical amendment, then reported favorably with support from retail and industry groups. SB 710, by Sen. Osgood, would create a public records exemption for personal identifying and location information of current and former Crime Stoppers employees, board members, and volunteers; it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1022, by Sen. Wright, would strengthen nuisance abatement enforcement by raising fines, allowing tax-collector collection and special assessments, and authorizing foreclosure on unpaid liens; it was reported favorably after support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. SB 716, by Sen. Martin, would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses by registered sexual offenders or predators and bar early release; after an amendment to tie the penalty to prior convictions rather than registration status, it passed favorably. SB 878, also by Sen. Martin, would extend probation supervision for certain misdemeanor controlled-substance offenses and align them with existing alcohol-related probation rules; it passed unanimously. Finally, SB 952, by Sen. Guglia, would repeal the statute allowing firearm and ammunition sales restrictions during certain declared emergencies; after extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and debate about local emergency ordinances, it was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Employees hired after 2008 are not eligible for this benefit.
• > retirement</c> and receive full payout upon retirement and receive full payout upon retirement employees
• 36.399><c> after</c><00:10:36.720><c> 2008</c><00:10:37.560><c> are</c><00:10:37.720><c> not</c> employees
• hired after 2008 are not employees hired after 2008 are not eligible<00:10:38.320><c> for</c><00:10:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 193, described as a simple measure to restore a wallet card for jailers to carry when outside the jail. The chair noted the fiscal impact was essentially zero, there were no questions, and the committee voted to pass the bill 9-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 9, a proposal focused on the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). The sponsor argued TRS remains underfunded despite large state contributions, cited rising unfunded liability and negative cash flow, and said the bill is intended to standardize and limit what sick leave, personal leave, and annual leave can count toward retirement calculations. The bill would generally cap TRS retirement credit at 10 sick days and 2 personal days per year, prevent annual leave from being rolled into sick leave, require more uniform reporting and oversight from participating districts and agencies, and shift costs to districts that offer benefits beyond TRS limits. The sponsor also said the bill would add 30 maternity leave days, allow voluntary supplemental contributions for Tier Four teachers, and include a floor amendment directing the state auditor to audit TRS and report on agency leave policies. During the presentation, the sponsor emphasized fairness, transparency, and accountability, and used a hypothetical high-salary administrator to illustrate how leave payouts can increase retirement benefits and create additional unfunded liability. Senator Mills thanked the sponsor and said members had been working to understand the issue, but no committee action on Senate Bill 9 was completed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know I had tasked you all to be concerned for the safety of not only yourselves but our employees,
• only yourselves for the safety of not only yourselves but<00:18:43.280><c> our</c> but our but our employees
• 46.520><c> reminded</c><00:18:47.159><c> you</c><00:18:47.559><c> that</c><00:18:47.840><c> we</c> employees
• but also reminded you that we employees but also reminded you that we had<00:18:49.159><c> hearing</

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• West's story is one of... employee of the Navy, West learned to employee of the Navy, West learned to
• paid, who of course are critical employees?
• are critical employees.
• are critical employees.
• </c><04:28:14.239><c> of</c> commissioner or who is an employee of commissioner or who is an employee

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the requirement that says any city or county employee must report to the DNR within 10 days and
• </c><01:25:21.920><c> must</c><01:25:22.199><c> report</c> any city or county employee must report any
• city or county employee must report to<01:25:22.840><c> the</c><01:25:22.960><c> DNR</c><01:25:23.480
• and it does not have a measure employee and it does not have a measure of<01:25:32.960><c> what</c><
• </c> and how do we train every city employee and how do we train every city employee to<01:26:02.760>

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When I have my employees, they're my first line of offense, and I support them to try to get them the
• Commercial employers paid 20 or the state employee health plan, which is like a commercial employer in
• The state employee health plan, which is like a commercial employer in many respects, paid 21,000 for
• It is a revenue source that comes at the expense of payers, businesses, employees, families, and all
• It is a large-ticket business item for an employer running the Kentucky employees' health plan.

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785 00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785 00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61 00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61 00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788 00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14 01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685 01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• are largely not yet uh but employees are largely not working<00:32:18.240><c> in</c><00:32:18.399><c
• stagnant and falling property employees stagnant and falling property values<00:32:32.360><c> Place<
• We certainly are working with our partners in state leadership to continue to advocate for employees
• in every state building uh but employees in every state building uh but this<00:39:54.640><c> would<
• And just in the past year alone, they told me that they turned down 35 employees, really high-paying,

Bills: HF1277 , HF812 , HF457 , HF633

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, income tax, tax brackets, tax adjustments, Minnesota, tax policy, underutilized buildings, adaptive reuse, building conversion, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, vacant property, vacancy reduction, refundable tax credit, income tax credit, grant in lieu of credit

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't say that I agree with the employment arbitration, because you all are not employees, and it's
• </c> because this you all are not employees. because this you all are not employees.
• </c><00:55:31.839><c> Employees</c><00:55:32.400><c> and</c> one small sentence.
• Employees and one small sentence.
• </c> elected members and not an employee. elected members and not an employee.

Committee: House Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it used to be you'd have 30 employees in a data center, and today it's looking more like 60 to 70
• Having that workforce continue to be healthy in a good pipeline of new employees.
• We have more than 200 permanent full-time employees at the Shackelford campus.
• Our employees donate significantly to charities and worthy organizations locally.
• Commissioner McAdams: ERCOT is... they are highly desirable employees for everybody in the system.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I move that the following named persons be placed in nomination as the new employees of the
• Will the reading clerk please read the names of the new employees and their respective positions?
• of the Senate and that they be employees of the Senate and that they be voted<00:17:07.360><c> on</c
• the new employees and their respective<00:17:14.799><c> positions?
• Its 39 employees are funded at $11.6 million per biennium, averaging nearly $115,000 per employee with

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or not every but a large number employee or not every but a large number of<00:22:44.559><c> them</c
• So we're looking at this from a customer or from a student, teacher/state employee standpoint of how
• So we're looking at this from a customer or from a student, teacher/state employee standpoint of how
• </c><00:37:57.280><c> So</c> teachers, and our state employees.
• So teachers, and our state employees.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 KentuckyWired Communications Network Authority 00:01:20 Artificial Intelligence and Free Expression 00:38:40, 958, all

Summary: The committee questioned KCNA officials about the Kentucky Wired network refresh, focusing on whether the equipment truly needed replacement now and what the vendor end-of-support dates were for the network’s layer 1, 2, and 3 equipment. Senators and representatives pressed for invoices, purchase orders, and vendor documentation, and KCNA staff explained that end-of-support dates vary by specific model and component, not just by broad product family. KCNA agreed to provide a detailed list of components, part numbers, and support dates, and acknowledged that some requested documentation had not yet been produced. A major point of discussion was the timing of the system refresh. KCNA said the 10-year refresh schedule comes from the project agreement, specifically Schedule 19, Section 2.1B, which requires the first system refresh to be completed by September 3, 2026. Committee members argued the network equipment appears to remain in service life for at least the next two years and questioned why an upgrade would be needed immediately. KCNA responded that failing to complete the refresh could excuse the service provider from contractual obligations and could constitute a material breach or default under the project and bond documents. Members also asked about network capacity and the impact on schools and state users. KCNA said it would need to check with Quark for an exact utilization figure, while the chair cited prior testimony that schools account for about 80% of traffic and KCNA about 20%. The committee raised concerns about schools not connected to the network and the effect of KCNA’s actions on continuity of service, while KCNA disputed that K-12 service had been put at risk. KCNA also explained the contract and payment structure: the Commonwealth’s project agreement runs through Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Corporation/Quark, with KEDA-issued bonds and funds flowing through Quark in a waterfall structure. The meeting ended with KCNA agreeing to request underlying vendor invoices from Quark, provide the requested contract documents, and supply information on the status of the wholesaler replacement procurement and related litigation. No formal vote was taken.