Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and you and I have to say yes, I did go visit a marijuana store in Massachusetts.
• Um, and you and I have to say yes, I did go visit a marijuana store in Massachusetts.
• Um, and you and I have to say yes, I did go visit a marijuana store in Massachusetts.
• Um, and you and I have to say yes, I did go visit a marijuana store in Massachusetts.
• Um, and you and I have to say yes, I did go visit a marijuana store in Massachusetts. Okay.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also defines the term geofencing and prohibits geofencing from being used to identify your visits
• But as long as people understood that it was geofencing for the purposes of identifying your visit to
• geofencing from being used to<00:46:12.600><c> identify</c><00:46:13.520><c> your</c><00:46:13.720><c> visits
• </c><00:46:14.200><c> to</c><00:46:14.320><c> healthcare</c> to identify your visits to healthcare to
• identify your visits to healthcare facilities<00:46:15.520><c> of</c><00:46:15.720><c> of</c><00:46:

Bills: SF1750 , HF2700 , HF1606 , HF3356 , HF3946 , HF3970 , HF3658 , HF3875 , HF2627 , SF856 , HF1268 , HF1338

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• she was fine, but if the feeling persisted in a couple of weeks, she should bring it up at her next visit
• she was fine, but if the feeling persisted in a couple of weeks, she should bring it up at her next visit
• c> weeks, she should bring it up at her weeks, she should bring it up at her next<01:37:31.040><c> visit
• 32.320><c> again,</c><01:37:32.639><c> just</c><01:37:32.800><c> to</c><01:37:32.960><c> offer</c> next visit
• And so, again, just to offer next visit.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• He added that when the committee had the opportunity to go to the archives and visit, they saw the work
• He added that when the committee had the opportunity to go to the archives and visit, they saw the work
• Nobody visited the house. They did it electronically.
• Nobody visited the house. They did it electronically.
• Nobody visited the house. They did it electronically.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• During the 10 months he was there, we traveled out to visit him as much as we could, but we still felt
• Anytime Matthew would start a new medication or see a new therapist or visit a new doctor, there was
• or see a new start a new medication or see a new therapist<02:29:24.319><c> or</c><02:29:24.479><c> visit
• a</c><02:29:24.840><c> new</c><02:29:25.080><c> doctor</c><02:29:25.479><c> there</c> therapist or visit
• a new doctor there therapist or visit a new doctor there was<02:29:25.880><c> always</c><02:29:26.160

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• there</c><01:14:42.960><c> was</c><01:14:43.040><c> a</c><01:14:43.199><c> site</c><01:14:43.520><c> visit
• </c><01:14:44.400><c> given</c> sounds like there was a site visit given sounds like there was a site
• visit given the<01:14:44.880><c> size</c><01:14:45.120><c> of</c><01:14:45.280><c> the</c><01:14:45.440
• </c><01:14:48.640><c> Um,</c> Sounds like there was a site visit given the size of the building that

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• This wouldn't be any different than a clinic visit where they're documenting that.
• </c><00:35:21.880><c> than</c><00:35:22.520><c> a</c><00:35:22.600><c> clinic</c><00:35:23.000><c> visit
• </c><00:35:24.080><c> where</c> any different than a clinic visit where any different than a clinic visit

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I hope you come back to visit us. Thank you and good night, wonderful sunshines.
• hope you<01:55:52.200><c> come</c><01:55:52.480><c> back</c><01:55:53.040><c> to</c><01:55:53.200><c> visit
• </c><01:55:54.120><c> Thank</c><01:55:54.560><c> you</c><01:55:54.880><c> and</c> you come back to visit
• Thank you and you come back to visit us.

Transcript Highlights:

• A few years ago, we did a wonderful project to determine user visits and state parks and the regional
• A few years ago, we did a wonderful project to determine user visits in state parks and the regional
• A few years ago, we did a wonderful project to determine user visits in state parks and the regional
• connecting people to the outdoors is really an important pillar, and it's one that I have a lot of fun visiting

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I visited a data center in a Carolina community, in a small community in South Carolina.
• here because of They're going to come here because of that.<01:27:06.159><c> I</c><01:27:06.480><c> visited
• I visited a a a um data center in that.
• I visited a a a um data center in a<01:27:10.320><c> Carolina</c><01:27:11.440><c> community</c><01:27

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss. Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted. On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property. The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I want to go visit. That's right. You got two minutes on this one.
• Downs, this is hopefully your last visit up here. Well, the next one, the main bill comes up.
• Also, whether it is the in-person visit with the physician at a time that the parent may want to pursue
• Maybe they're overwhelmed by life's demands, choosing between a doctor's visit and putting groceries

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you've been in this building every day, so we appreciate your comments and your visit with all
• comments<00:56:33.280><c> and</c><00:56:33.440><c> and</c><00:56:33.839><c> your</c><00:56:34.079><c> visit
• ><00:56:34.400><c> with</c><00:56:34.640><c> all</c><00:56:34.799><c> of</c> comments and and your visit
• with all of comments and and your visit with all of us.<00:56:35.119><c> I</c><00:56:35.280><c> think

Bills: HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• And my point is that I went around and visited schools before Labor Day, and it was an astronomical number
• why my point is that I'm I'm<01:51:39.440><c> went</c><01:51:39.679><c> around</c><01:51:40.480><c> visited
• </c><01:51:40.960><c> schools</c><01:51:41.840><c> before</c> I'm went around visited schools before
• I'm went around visited schools before Labor<01:51:42.560><c> Day</c><01:51:43.280><c> and</c><01:51:

Transcript Highlights:

• to be able to explain why the independent variables in the model make sense, and we can continue to visit
• /c><01:31:18.880><c> continue</c><01:31:19.199><c> to</c><01:31:19.520><c> to</c><01:31:19.760><c> visit
• </c> and we can we'll continue to to visit and we can we'll continue to to visit that<01:31:20.239><c

Transcript Highlights:

• Doing unannounced site visits so that people can't put on their best show for you is very good.
• the cost and try to do what we need to do in the most efficient manner possible, which is why we visited
• the cost and try to do what we need to do in the most efficient manner possible, which is why we visited
• Which is why we visited the Maran Adjustment Center and know that we are being very acutely aware of

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet. Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders. Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.

Transcript Highlights:

• array of services especially for our children, and this is including parenting classes, child-safe visitation
• I do encourage each one of you to reach out to your local domestic violence program and schedule a visit
• I promise you if you get there and visit them on site, you will see some things you've never seen before
• I promise you if you get there and visit them on site, you will see some things you've never seen before

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its July 30, 2025 meeting. Members then heard a presentation from Roger McCann of the Department for Community Based Services on Kentucky’s 2026-2027 Community Services Block Grant state plan. He explained that the federally funded grant, now about $12 million annually, is distributed through 23 local community action agencies that use flexible funds for locally identified needs such as housing, nutrition, transportation, Head Start, and domestic violence services. McCann said the plan is submitted every two years and that the agencies served about 264,000 Kentuckians and 130,000 families in 2024. Senator Meredith asked whether there was a central place to review local projects, and McCann said regular reports exist and could be shared with members. The committee then approved the CSBG state plan by roll call vote. After that, members received an update on Kentucky’s state-designated domestic violence shelter programs from Angela Yanelli of ZeroV, Mary Foley of Maryman House Domestic Crisis Center, and Elizabeth Martin of the Center for Women and Families. The presenters described ZeroV’s role as the statewide domestic violence coalition, its 15 member programs across all area development districts, and its contract with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to provide emergency shelter, supportive services, housing assistance, and batterers intervention programming. They emphasized that services are available 24/7 and are trauma-informed, with a strong focus on children and family support. The domestic violence providers reported high demand and rising costs. ZeroV said its network served more than 14,000 adults and children in fiscal year 2025, including nearly 900 children in shelter and more than 500 in outreach, while Maryman House reported operating at 90-92% capacity, with 53 households waiting for emergency shelter and 63 more waiting for intake. Maryman House also described an 8-unit transitional housing complex and plans for a 48-unit apartment complex if tax credit funding is approved. The Center for Women and Families highlighted school-readiness support for children, tutoring, counseling, and family services, including back-to-school supplies and rights information for homeless students. No additional votes or formal actions were taken during the domestic violence presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, as you'd mentioned, the Reach Louisville Water Company, I visited one of their facilities the other
• <00:43:47.359><c> Water</c><00:43:47.680><c> Company,</c><00:43:48.079><c> I</c><00:43:48.319><c> visited
• </c><00:43:48.640><c> one</c> Louisville Water Company, I visited one Louisville Water Company, I visited

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the minutes, and brief remarks, including birthday recognition for Representative Maseroni and a moment of reflection for a soldier who died during training at Fort Knox. The committee then heard a presentation from Tony Hatton, commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection and acting director of the Kentucky Division of Water, with Amanda Lefer, deputy commissioner, on the state’s water and wastewater programs and planning. Hatton described Kentucky’s water resources and the Division of Water’s responsibilities, including watershed and nonpoint source work, KPDES discharge permitting, PFAS response, engineering review of water infrastructure, inspections, public outreach, and sampling. He said Kentucky has 428 public water systems, 263 water treatment plants, about 1.9 million service connections, and nearly 97% of the population has access to municipally treated water. He also noted that the state has 43 systems receiving awards for EPA areawide optimization and emphasized operator training, regionalization, and use of GIS mapping and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority data to support planning and funding decisions. Members raised concerns about aging infrastructure, water loss, staffing shortages, and wastewater problems in local systems. Representative Blandon described severe failures in a city system, including major water loss and sewer backups, and asked whether the state could intervene; Hatton said the division inspects treatment facilities and provides compliance assistance but is not authorized to manage delivery systems, though third-party help and emergency funding can be used in some cases. Senator Smith and others shared similar experiences with line loss and system failures, while Hatton pointed to regionalization and funding support as the main tools available. The discussion also highlighted PFAS as an emerging issue, with Hatton saying the department is working with systems to meet anticipated federal requirements by 2029.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those of you who have either been on our campus as a student or maybe come to visit our campus have
• student or<00:45:24.800><c> maybe</c><00:45:25.200><c> come</c><00:45:25.359><c> to</c><00:45:25.599><c> visit
• c><00:45:25.839><c> our</c><00:45:26.079><c> campus</c><00:45:26.560><c> have</c> or maybe come to visit
• our campus have or maybe come to visit our campus have probably<00:45:27.200><c> seen</c><00:45:27.520

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, again, I think we've visited this about a year ago, or we've had these conversations before.
• So, I'm curious: how many site visits did you originally expect to do?
• Um, I don't know that I have the answer for how many site visits we expected to do.
• They only make one site visit when they come for each project, but we're kind of at the mercy of the

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 10 minutes, and then handled a routine agenda of contracts and agreements. It deferred one Kentucky Educational Television contract to the August 2025 meeting because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State, and then approved the remaining routine items on the PSC green list and related contract lists without objection. The most detailed discussion involved two personal service contracts for the Kentucky Employees Health Plan. Officials from the Personnel Cabinet and Department of Employee Insurance explained that the contracts were designed to identify claims errors and overspending, with vendors paid a percentage of validated savings recovered for the plan. Senators asked how the savings were calculated and whether the contracts had changed plan processes; staff said the contracts had produced realized savings, some errors had been corrected going forward, and the vendors report quarterly. The committee approved those contracts. The committee then took up a retroactive Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority contract for a customized College Info Road Show bus. Members questioned why the contract was being presented months after execution, why it involved an out-of-state vendor, and whether the purchase was reasonable and timely. KHEAA staff said the delay stemmed from the need to finalize sustainability and safety details after the RFP, and acknowledged internal process and staffing issues. Several members criticized the retroactive approval process and said they could not validate the purchase from the information provided, but the committee ultimately approved the contract after debate. A final KHEAA discussion focused on the purpose and value of the mobile outreach bus. Staff said the bus supports college and financial aid outreach, especially in rural areas, and has been used for 26 years. Some members questioned the return on investment and whether the state should rely more on broadband and remote outreach, while others supported the program as a way to reach students and families. The committee approved the KHEAA contract, with Senator Douglas voting no and explaining concerns about whether such outreach programs are the proper role of government and whether they are the best use of public funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now this is a big thing, and if you ever get a chance to visit, you ought to just go take a visit.
• Now this is a big thing, and if you ever get a chance to visit, you ought to just go take a visit.

Summary: The committee heard testimony focused on barriers facing minority-owned businesses and on local programs intended to improve access to capital and contracting opportunities. A representative from the U.S. Black Chambers described disparities in minority spending, argued for more intentional and transparent investment in Black communities, and emphasized the need to disaggregate data, hold officials accountable, and expand tools such as the byBlack certification directory. He also stressed that businesses need technical assistance, resources, and opportunities to grow through mergers, consortiums, and joint ventures. The main presentation then came from Larry Forester and Tyrone of Commerce Lexington, who outlined what they called eight major barriers for minority businesses, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship networks, discrimination and bias, bureaucratic hurdles, branding and visibility challenges, stereotyping, generational knowledge gaps, and limited financial literacy. They described several Commerce Lexington initiatives: the Access Loan Program, which brings small businesses before a pool of 26 lenders; a Minority Business Accelerator to help firms scale and connect with prime contractors; and an Opportunity Exchange for business owners to share experiences and lessons learned. They said the Access Loan Program has funded nearly $26 million in loans with an average loan size of about $62,000. Members asked about bias in lending and how to make contracting and certification easier for minority firms. Forester said applications are vetted by a subcommittee before reaching the full lender group, with attention to completeness and readiness, and that only one lender needs to say yes. On contracting, the witnesses said certification can be burdensome and suggested more hands-on help from the state, relationship-building events that include decision-makers, and incentives rather than mandates. They also relayed policy ideas from a business owner, including culturally informed underwriting, public-private matching grants, supplier diversity enforcement, and mentorship tied to capital access. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.