Transcript Highlights:

• </c> health care, safety and security. health care, safety and security.
• to day.
• day.
• I'll see if the office from day to day.
• I'm a financial adviser as my day job.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification. Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach. Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• and not think of them as someone else, but as a partner in what you're doing and how you live your day-to-day
• and not think of them as someone else, but as a partner in what you're doing and how you live your day-to-day
• and not think of them as someone else, but as a partner in what you're doing and how you live your day-to-day
• and not think of them as someone else, but as a partner in what you're doing and how you live your day-to-day
• We couldn't make phone calls for a day or two.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• My wife comes to work in Boston three days a week these days.
• She works remotely two other days, and on a day like today she's walking to the bus stop very early in
• I know it's been a long day.
• I know it's been a long day.
• I know it's been a long day.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• every day people email us asking for municipal audits.
• every day people email us asking for municipal audits.
• every day people email us asking for municipal audits.
• </c><00:12:33.760><c> every</c><00:12:34.000><c> day</c> of all of that and all day every day of all
• of that and all day every day people<00:12:34.959><c> email</c><00:12:35.440><c> us</c><00:12:35.839>

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in day two of Courts, Corrections and Justice.
• So that— the day-long thing? Yes.
• days by a lot.
• 90 days before the evaluations.
• I put in front of this committee, I hope the topics and issues are very timely and important in our day-to-day

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a very unique, innovative program back in the day.
• But we have to be very, very careful about that.
• </c> Savannah D and I both uh organized a day Savannah D and I both uh organized a day of<01:25:13.480
• c><01:42:34.840><c> communities</c><01:42:35.719><c> our</c> care and caring for our communities our
• care and caring for our communities our policy<01:42:36.520><c> should</c><01:42:36.880><c> sh</c><01

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first considered two concurrent resolutions. SCR 76, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, would create a Kentucky School for the Deaf Governance Task Force to examine the school’s future governance and its relationship with the Kentucky Department of Education. Bledsoe described the school’s long history and said the task force would give the small deaf-school community more voice. The committee adopted the resolution unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then took up SCR 131, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, to continue the Efficient and Effective Districts Task Force from 2024. Wise said the prior task force met about 10 times and focused on student achievement and district policy, and the new version would continue that work as a legislature-only task force. The resolution passed unanimously with favorable expression. Members next considered HB 240 on primary school promotion. Rep. Truitt explained that the bill would require students who are not ready in kindergarten to repeat kindergarten, while a committee substitute softened the approach by allowing a school to hold a child back in kindergarten but requiring action in first grade. He said the bill aligns with existing reading-screening efforts and is intended to strengthen early literacy foundations. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression; Sen. Williams briefly explained his support as favoring performance-based advancement. The committee also approved HB 298, which would change the identification of schools for comprehensive support and improvement from every three years to annually, require KDE recommendations during management audits, add professional development in reading and math, and require effective instructional resources. The committee substitute also allowed districts with multiple CSI schools to contract for a turnaround vendor. The bill additionally carried employee-misconduct provisions from prior sessions, including disclosure requirements for applicants; the only change discussed was removing the word “investigation” from one disclosure section. HB 298 passed unanimously with favorable expression, and the committee also adopted a title amendment. Finally, the committee heard HB 424 on employment at public postsecondary institutions. Rep. Tipton said the bill would require performance and productivity reviews for faculty at least every four years, clarify appointment and removal authority for presidents at certain institutions, and expand “cause” for dismissal to include failure to meet performance and productivity requirements. Dr. Ray Horton, speaking for faculty groups, proposed a small substitute that would tie any performance measures to existing employment contracts to preserve academic integrity and avoid unintended changes to tenure processes. Members discussed how tenure works at Kentucky universities, and the committee was still in the middle of considering the proposed substitute when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is combined Aging and long-term care services.
• What does it look like on a day-to-day basis? So, we operate two vans.
• It didn't really change anything at the end of the day.
• Is it 30... days, 60 days, 90.
• Here's the eight to 14-day.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• A doctor of the day is Dr.
• And they put their lives at risk every day. And they put their lives at risk every day.
• The reality of what we live with every day.
• I don't care which we pick, but let's pick one.
• Without objection, the Senate is now adjourned for the day.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care. The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:38:46.400><c> And</c> state's death care providers. And state's death care providers.
• </c><00:55:48.840><c> service</c> or referrals to death care service or referrals to death care service
• </c> gets more and more complex every day. gets more and more complex every day.
• Patrick's Day? Happy St. Patrick's Day.
• Pat's Day everyone. happy St. Pat's Day everyone.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a... we don't have an update on its continuance, but we've been very careful with that.
• We share that, absolutely, the need to move with urgency every day that we don't.
• Yes, so we've handed off between vendors before this day. We have a location database.
• gender-affirming care as well.
• I hate to say immeasurable, but it literally grows every day.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in vitro fertilization, stem cell research, and other pregnancy management care.
• Fathers should share responsibility for prenatal care.
• When they call us, we can be out there the same day.
• Like I said, City of Phoenix is close to six months... ...the same day.
• I'm representing myself and my surgeon-husband, who had patients scheduled for the day.

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a full roster of members present and heard a series of bills focused largely on criminal law, victims’ rights, and family law. The committee first heard HB 2133, which would require commercial websites distributing sexual material online to verify consent and age for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images. Supporters said it would close loopholes in existing revenge-porn and child-exploitation laws, while opponents warned it added more complexity to already lengthy criminal statutes. The bill passed 7-1. The committee then heard HB 2043, expanding felony murder to include unborn children; supporters argued it would close a gap in the homicide statutes, while opponents raised concerns about personhood, reproductive rights, and abortion-related implications. It passed 6-2. HB 2144, allowing child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limiting pregnancy-related expenses, also passed 6-2 after testimony split between supporters citing parental responsibility and opponents warning about fetal personhood and abortion-related concerns. The committee next considered HB 2126, allowing a venue change in civil actions when a party is employed by the local judicial branch or clerk’s office. The sponsor described it as a fairness and public-confidence measure, and county representatives said they were working on amendments; it passed 7-0 with one member voting present pending amended language. HB 2045, expanding the definition of discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle to include the immediate area around the vehicle, drew testimony about drive-by shootings and concerns about vagueness and overlap with existing homicide laws; it passed 7-1. HB 2046, requiring notice to victims for pre-hearings in annual probation review hearings for certain young sex-offense probationers, passed unanimously. HB 2048, which would limit private process servers from serving certain exclusive-possession orders of protection, prompted debate over victim safety, service delays, and whether private servers were improperly charging fees; it passed 8-0 with one present. The committee also heard HB 2074, as amended, creating a mandatory reporting requirement for medical-facility employees, contractors, or volunteers who know a partial-birth abortion occurred, with the amendment increasing the penalty to a class six felony. Supporters framed it as a reporting and accountability measure, while opponents argued it targeted a procedure already banned and would add unnecessary abortion restrictions. The amended bill passed 5-3. Finally, the committee heard HB 264, creating criminal penalties for injuring or killing vulnerable pedestrians using mobility aids. Opponents said it duplicated existing traffic and homicide laws and could criminalize negligent accidents; after some members expressed reservations but voted yes pending further discussion, the bill passed 8-1. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So health care, housing, economic development, water, sustainability, And so just making it a place that
• Um, ideally that is business days.
• On crazy busy days, it might be 30, but again, I'll let you know how to talk; we'll get there.
• $10 million into the Child Care Facility Loan Fund.
• The one that I'll mention here is the linkages program with a health care authority.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Pool 174 by Representative Penner defines dependence in foster care to include dependent children as
• Pool 174 by Representative Penner defines dependence in foster care to include dependent children as
• It would clarify that foster care, dependents in foster care, including dependent children, are defined
• Clarify that foster care, dependents in foster care, including dependent children, are defined as they
• In an environment, we just have to be very careful when we're instituting new programs.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee first met in executive session on House Bills 2157, 2351, 2365, 2357, and 2446. Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for each bill. HB 2157, concerning high-risk AI systems, was amended to exempt activities regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and covered entities under HIPAA; members discussed balancing consumer protections with flexibility for developers and deployers. HB 2351, addressing protections for emergency responders and emergency operations, was described as clarifying definitions and procedures, including a mental health crisis defense and changes to emergency operation zone notifications; some members raised concerns about deconfliction and implementation details. HB 2365, on digital equity, was amended with several definitional and data-sharing proposals, though some amendments were rejected over fiscal concerns. HB 2357, creating the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, passed without amendment. HB 2446, on developing a quantum technology industry strategy, was amended to extend the strategy deadline, broaden who Commerce may contract with, and correct terminology; members noted concerns about industry involvement in the strategic plan and fiscal impacts. All five bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, with recorded votes of 8-5 on HB 2157, HB 2351, and HB 2365, unanimous support for HB 2357, and 12-1 for HB 2446. The committee then held a public hearing on HB 2523, which would make the community reinvestment program ongoing, require periodic updates and reporting, and direct a study of fund distribution and use. Testifiers from workforce boards, tribal programs, reentry services, community organizations, and Commerce described successful uses of the program for job training, reentry, small business support, legal services, and economic mobility, and urged the bill’s passage. Some suggested strengthening accountability, reporting, and access for new organizations. Commerce staff said the program has served more than 190,000 people and supported over 400 organizations, and asked for technical adjustments to keep administrative costs low. The bill was then closed for hearing. The committee also heard HB 2606, which would revise the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and performance measures, remove some reporting requirements, and add review of agency AI projects. The prime sponsor described it as a “stay-in-your-lane” cleanup bill responding to JLARC recommendations, and the state chief privacy officer testified in support, saying the office could implement the changes within existing resources. After questions about local government support and public resources, the hearing on HB 2606 was closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:01:54.079><c> that</c> getting 40 hours per week of care that getting 40 hours per week of care
• . complete on the day that it launches complete on the day that it launches it's<01:16:58.159><c> going
• </c> idea that we reduced the billable Days idea that we reduced the billable Days by<01:19:04.920><c
• </c> who don't go home for you know 14 days who don't go home for you know 14 days or<01:19:19.560><c
• </c> also kind of limiting the billing days also kind of limiting the billing days to<01:20:49.440><c

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• the one courtroom that we have now in a leased space that doesn't run every day.
• the one courtroom that we have now in a leased space that doesn't run every day.
• Eva is in need of quite a bit of care.
• Eva is in need of quite a bit of care, and we appreciate the support.
• Um, our office doesn't provide the care. Thank you. One last question.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Judiciary heard the Judiciary’s budget presentation from Brandon Kimura and other court administrators. The Judiciary outlined its mission and access-to-justice programs, including specialty courts, self-help centers, online small claims dispute resolution, and e-reminders. It requested an operating budget of $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027, along with 17 permanent and one temporary position, and described a series of staffing and program requests tied to specialty courts, district court operations, technology, and public guardianship. Major program requests included making women’s court permanent by converting seven temporary positions to permanent and adding a substance use counselor; expanding truancy court and the Early Education Intervention Program on Oahu; and making the driving while impaired court permanent. The Judiciary also sought staffing and funding for the new Wahiawa District Court, including security, janitorial, IT, clerical, bailiff, and social worker support, plus an additional district court judge and staff in Kona. Technology requests included cybersecurity tools and a cybersecurity unit, enhanced email protection, and replacement of aging network switches. Other operating requests included continued funding for the Criminal Justice Research Institute, restoration of 12 positions cut during the pandemic, and added support for the Office of the Public Guardian. For capital improvement projects, the Judiciary’s top priorities were $4 million to design a new South Kohala District Court, $900,000 to replace an aging AC chiller on Kauai, and $5 million for lump-sum facility preservation work. Members asked questions about purchase-of-service contract rates, implementation of court-appointed fee increases, federal grant dependence, specialty court effectiveness, truancy court outcomes, and the condition of the Ewa District Court site. Judiciary witnesses said they were working to raise provider rates through contracts and a separate bill, cited low recidivism and reduced petitions as evidence that specialty courts and truancy efforts are working, and said the Ewa site has significant foundation issues that may require further assessment or a different location.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of note: foster care and adoption, any parents, foster parents, child care workers in a child care setting
• , and shelter care.
• a center or a home child care.
• , seven days a week.
• Drive careful."

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, as an FFA advisor, I supervised my students there every day, all day.
• And it was a great fair, had a great day.
• I finally got paid 45 days later, you know, because fair boards are set up.
• They provide focused attention and expertise on the day-to-day operations and long-term success of the
• And beyond that, they did not care.

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• I know the general public in this body also care about the subjects of pursuits and TVIs.
• I know the general public in this body also care about the subjects of pursuits and TVIs.
• When we took over, we were doing one-day hearings.
• When we took over, we were doing one-day hearings.
• That's our number one job every single day that we walk out of the door.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Transcript Highlights:

• Master of the Day of Judgment, you alone do we worship, you alone do we ask for help.
• The Clerk will read the journal of the preceding day. Journal of the House, 94th session, 2025, St.
• Calendar for the day. The first bill on the calendar for the day is House File 20.
• The work they normally do on a day-to-day basis need to do, and I do not believe that this needs to come
• I learned that day that there are many people in this building who love hamburgers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Robbins said, “Okay, now for the fun stuff for the day. We have Minnesota State.
• </c> their textbooks on that very first day their textbooks on that very first day of<00:22:54.799><c
• self-pac short self-care including self-pac short courses<00:30:27.360><c> and</c><00:30:27.519><c>
• services, addressing Minnesota's ongoing demand for health care professionals.
• Minnesota's ongoing demand for health care professionals.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy