Transcript Highlights:

• >> Ma'am, to act on a resolution. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Please ask the clerk to report House Resolution 43
• Clerk, please report. >> House Resolution 43, a resolution recognizing the long-standing and successful
• >> Ma'am, to act on a resolution. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Please ask the clerk to report House Resolution 43
• Clerk, please report. >> House Resolution 43, a resolution recognizing the long-standing and successful
• 454; to families and children: House Bill 460; to health services: House Bills 2 and 466. resolutions

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:45 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20 Report of Committees 07:05 Orders of the Day 08:23 HB 214 08:33 HB 416 12:26 HB 281 16:20 HB 134 18:13 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15 ConC/Rules Report 42:29 Floor Amendments 44:27 Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14 Adjournment 46:40, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills. The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.960> pilot<00:40:25.440> program<00:40:26.160> or<00:40:26.480> who<00
• licensed<00:40:29.599> and<00:40:29.839> certified<00:40:30.400> advanced<00:40
• Establishes methods of validation<00:40:34.640> and<00:40:34.960> auditing<00:40:35.520
• active duty<00:40:41.760> members<00:40:42.079> of<00:40:42.240> the<00:40:42.400
• Updates existing<00:40:51.680> material<00:40:52.240> incorporated<00:40:52.800> by<

Keywords: 0:22 – Roll Call 0:30 – Approval of minutes 1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs 2:06 – Board of Pharmacy 3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners 39:26 – Board of Nursing 40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration 45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services 49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:40:02.760> we're<00:40:03.080> all<00:40:03.320> of<00:40:03.400> our<
• <00:40:09.680> It<00:40:09.800> knows<00:40:10.040> the<00:40:10.160> calls
• <00:40:22.760> Uh<00:40:22.880> we<00:40:23.000> do<00:40:23.160> have
• <00:40:36.240> So,<00:40:36.360> they<00:40:36.520> go<00:40:36.680> in
• when<00:40:39.240> they<00:40:39.480> end<00:40:39.720> the<00:40:39.800>

Keywords: Investments in Information Technology Improvement & Modernization Projects Oversight Board will met upon adjournment of both chambers. The time set is noon on YouTube, But the official time will likely vary based on chamber proceedings. Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:00 Tools for Managing Remote Work Kentucky Personnel Cabinet 00:00:30 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 00:20:20 Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:33:10 Housing, Buildings and Construction 00:47:40 Commonwealth Office of Technology 00:56:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee received testimony from Personnel Cabinet Secretary Mary Elizabeth Bailey and Deputy Secretary Robert Long on the state’s telecommuting policy. Bailey explained that telecommuting in the executive branch is governed by a statewide policy requiring eligible employees to work in the office three days a week and telecommute up to two days a week. Eligibility depends first on the position, not the person: public-facing jobs, roles requiring special equipment or insecure document handling, and other duties that cannot be performed remotely are not eligible. Employees and managers must complete training, sign agreements, comply with safety and IT requirements, and telecommuting privileges can be revoked for poor performance or discipline. She said the cabinet audits compliance and that telecommuting has helped maintain services during inclement weather, disasters, and building renovations. Bailey also said about 33% of the workforce is hybrid, 11% telecommutes full-time, and 56% does not telecommute. Members asked about cost savings, eligibility, discipline, and technology requirements. Bailey said she did not have statewide cost-savings figures and referred that question to the Finance and Administration Cabinet. She said employees must have reliable connectivity and appropriate equipment, but there is no fixed broadband speed requirement; if an employee cannot connect, they must come into the office. She also said telecommuting postings indicate whether a position is eligible, and that performance issues are handled through progressive discipline rather than being ignored. Transportation Cabinet officials then described how their agency manages remote work. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock, along with IT and human resources leaders, said the cabinet follows the executive branch policy and actively manages telecommuting employees through Microsoft Teams, VPN access, daily standups, project tracking, and manager oversight. They said more than 2,600 of the cabinet’s 4,000 employees cannot telecommute because their jobs are public-facing or field-based, while about 35% are eligible to telecommute up to two days per week. The cabinet also has 13 state employees and 94 contract employees working full-time remotely in IT. Officials said telecommuting has improved recruitment and retention, supported emergency response and weather operations, and allowed the cabinet to continue working during storms and other disruptions. Members asked about phone equipment, monitoring, and “mouse jiggler” devices; officials said phones are often forwarded to personal or state devices, Teams shows real-time availability, and managers rely on daily accountability and project management tools to monitor work.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txex_H52WCI, 2026-07-02T01:23:17+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 1:30 - HB 1686 HD1 2:40 - HB 1803 HD1 4:20 - HB 2048 HD1 7:12 - HB 2056 HD1 8:12 - HB 2641 HD1 11:25 - HB 2653 HD1 31:30 - HB 2801 HD1 34:50 - DM CPN 9:30 AM Hearing Notice: CPN 9:30 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_03-14-24_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwJjF1lRBZI, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00:00 – Roll Call Attendance 00:02:25 – Distinguished Soldier 00:05:00 – Military Kids Day 00:14:40 – 24RS HB 39 Discussion 00:20:10 – 24RS HB 39 Vote 00:25:20 – 24RS HB 469 Discussion 00:28:30 – 24RS HB 469 Vote 00:29:50 – 24RS HB 528 Discussion 00:31:05 – 24RS HB 528 Vote, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u3dmkG5IOM, 2026-07-02T01:23:13+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:50 - SB 2240 5:40 - SB 2319 6:30 - SB 2332 7:30 - SB 2375 8:30 - SB 2376 23:05 - SB 2377 38:10 - SB 2385 38:32 - SB 2521 43:55 - DM JDC 9:45 AM Hearing Notice: JDC 9:45 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_01-30-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reFrqBEYdN0, 2026-07-02T01:23:10+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:53 - HB 369, HD1 03:04 - HB 642, HD2 06:58 - HB 1509, HD2 42:43 - DM CPN 10:15 AM 44:40 - CPN 10:16 AM Hearing Notices: CPN 10:15 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_04-05-23_.PDF CPN 10:16 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_04-05-23-1_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVRRqlPoV-o, 2026-07-02T01:23:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:23 - HB 676, HD1 16:25 - DM WTL-GVO 1:00 PM 20:52 - HB 1089, HD1 33:40 - DM WTL 1:05 PM Hearing Notices: WTL-GVO 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WTL-GVO_03-20-23_.pdf WTL 1:05 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WTL_03-20-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWspARFVGsU, 2026-07-02T01:23:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:00 - Start 0:18 - GM 505 1:40:25 - DM EET 12:30 PM 1:43:22 - HB 852 HD1 1:47:10 - DM EET 1:00 PM Hearing Notices: EET 12:30 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET_03-16-23_.HTM EET 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET_03-16-23-1_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnVlQw0NR1A, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:40 Intro 01:14 SB 277 Discussion 02:17 SB 277 Roll Call Vote 06:20 SB 226 Discussion 07:10 SB 226 Roll Call Vote 13:53 SB 192 Discussion 14:29 SB 192 Roll Call Vote 17:28 SR 46 Discussion 17:57 SR 46 Roll Call Vote 24:55, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCrPgeDqYc0, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 02:00 - SB 722 04:40 - SB 1315 05:37 - SB 211 13:38 - SB 478 31:11 - DM LBT Defer 3:00 PM 32:53 - DM LBT 3:00 PM Hearing Notice: LBT 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-10-23_DEFER_.PDF LBT 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-10-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• House Joint Resolution 9.
• House Joint Resolution 10.
• House Joint Resolution 10. House Joint Resolution 10.
• House Joint Resolution 10. House Joint Resolution 10.
• House Joint Resolution 11.

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to lay out House Bill 2214 this morning.
• House Bill 2214 allows for two common situations where these notifications would not be required.
• So we filed House Bill 621 in response to that.
• House Bill 199 introduces a sliding scale.
• The hearing on House Bill 51 and House Bill 99 will be left pending at this time.

Bills: HB 112, HB199, HB621, HB1349, HB2214, HB3466, HB3698, HB3699, HCR9, HB112, HB199, HCR9

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:06.040> to<00:40:06.240> work<00:40:06.440> on<00:40:06.680> the
• c><00:40:07.000> for<00:40:07.359> staff<00:40:07.640> to<00:40:07.760> work<
• > um<00:40:45.920> I<00:40:46.000> forget<00:40:46.280> your<00:40:46.440
• :40:58.079> mind<00:40:58.200> putting<00:40:58.359> the<00:40:58.480> mic
• c> house<01:40:59.760> file<01:41:00.119> 1295<01:41:01.119> as to recommend

Bills: HF1082, HF1042, HF1295, HF1686, HF1998, HF1775, HF1163

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolution 25 and Senate Resolution 22. Resolution 25 and Senate Resolution 22.
• Resolution 22? Resolution 22?
• resolution as well. resolution as well.
• Resolution 22, Senate Concurrent Resolution 79 and Senate Resolution 81, Senate Concurrent Resolution
• <00:32:34.240> 22, Resolution 25 and Senate Resolution 22, Resolution 25 and Senate Resolution

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of Texans from 40 congregations across the state of Texas.
• More houses, not brick and mortar.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 22 would designate the gun as the state gun of Texas.
• House is in concurrent resolution form, but you're right, it would not need to amend the Constitution
• Let's say the first place candidate gets in the 40s.

Bills: SB29, SB406, SB447, SB875, SB893, SB1033, SB1346, SB1362, SB1539, SCR22, SB 29

Keywords: business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyymEWjs0EY, 2026-07-02T01:23:36+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:22 - CPN-JDC 9:20 AM 00:40 - HB 1334 02:20 - HB 1782 02:53 - HB 2101 05:38 - HB 2137 07:55 - CPN DEFER 9:30 AM Hearing Notices: CPN-JDC 9:20 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN-JDC_04-02-26_.PDF CPN DEFER 9:30 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_04-02-26_DEFER_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d5rxDgq2HY, 2026-07-02T01:23:34+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:35 - HB 1860, HD2 03:03 - HB 1815, HD1 04:01 - HB 2117, HD2 08:13 - HB 2426, HD1 15:00 - HB 1881, HD1 16:06 - HB 1918, HD1 18:01 - HB 1802, HD1 19:09 - HB 2544 HD1 22:40 - DM WLA 1:00 PM Hearing Notice: WLA 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_WLA_03-16-26_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• How many came<00:40:00.000> in<00:40:00.240> and<00:40:00.400> what<00:40:00.640
• :40:11.920> what<00:40:12.079> do<00:40:12.160> you<00:40:12.320> do<00:40
• <00:40:17.599> you<00:40:17.760> know<00:40:18.160> I<00:40:19.200> I
• <00:40:26.960> Any<00:40:27.200> other<00:40:27.440> members<00:40:27.839>
• Sounds<00:40:32.400> like<00:40:32.640> we're<00:40:32.960> all<00:40:33.200>

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore a few minutes lost at the end of the meeting Representative Tackett-Lafferty: 00:22 • Line of Duty Disability Benefits Representative Grossberg: 26:32 • Loss of TRS Credit Due to Religious Holiday Observance Representative Blanton: 32:01 • Educational Contracts and Membership Dates in KERS Representative Tipton and Representative Blanton: 40:55 • Apply SB 10 Changes from 2025 to KERS/SPRS Senator Higdon: 46:08 • PPOB Reporting on Line of Duty Benefits • TRS Annual Leave Impact on TRS • PPOB Membership • Use of Sick Leave for Religious Holidays Adjournment: 56:03, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty on a bill to extend minimum line-of-duty hazardous duty retirement benefits to certain CERS and KERS non-hazardous members who are injured in the line of duty and cannot return to that work. She used a video and examples from Eastern Kentucky first responders, including a deputy who lost a leg and an emergency management director who lost an eye, to argue that some injured officers and responders fall through the cracks because their employers did not elect hazardous-duty coverage. She said the proposal would provide 25% of pay to the disabled officer, plus 10% for dependent children and minimal health benefits, and noted estimated actuarial costs of about $2.9 million for CERS and $0.542 million for KERS, funded through small employer-rate increases. Members asked how far back the bill would reach, how many people might qualify, and whether the benefit would apply only to active employees or also to past injuries. Laferty said the bill would include a five-year window for recent situations and could potentially cover a total of 3,333 positions statewide that could be certified as hazardous, though benefits would only apply if the person was injured in the line of duty and disabled from returning to that work. Questions also focused on whether a non-hazardous employee could qualify if injured in a hazardous situation; Laferty said yes, if the position could be certified as hazardous, but only for the bill’s minimum benefits. Rep. Josh Calloway and others noted that local governments choose whether to pay the higher hazardous-duty contribution rates, which they said often drives the coverage decision. The committee then heard Rep. Daniel Gberg present a separate bill revising school leave rules so teachers and school employees may use accumulated sick leave to observe religious holidays not on the school calendar, with a required personal statement and advance notice. He said the change would address a longstanding inconsistency for teachers who observe non-Christian holidays and currently may have to choose between unpaid leave or improperly using sick days, and he said prior concerns about retirement service credit and maternity leave were reduced by other policy changes. The discussion ended without a vote, with members indicating they had the relevant materials and that the bill would be revisited later.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:05.680> That's<00:40:06.000> the<00:40:06.320> cost<00:40:06.640>
• Um<00:40:11.200> this<00:40:11.440> is<00:40:11.520> a<00:40:11.760> these
• ><00:40:12.240> next<00:40:12.560> two<00:40:12.800> are<00:40:12.960> a<
• unique<00:40:14.079> to<00:40:14.400> this<00:40:14.640> specific<00:40:15.200><
• The hearing<00:40:16.400> aids<00:40:17.119> um<00:40:17.920> we<00:40:18.160>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23 Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32 How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40 Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18 Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22 Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46 Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47 Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects. The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers. The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.