Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Miller now requests unanimous consent that the amendment be adopted.
• Representative Archer requests unanimous consent that the amendment be adopted.
• Representative Osborne now requests unanimous consent that the CCR be adopted.
• Representative Pogemiller requests to speak. Are you calling for debate?
• I pushed my request to speak button and didn't get it in time.

Bills: HJR1101, SB1319, SB1264, HB4237, SB1277, SB2069, HB3066, HB2115, HB2153, HB2268, HB2961, SB1679, SB2018, HB4294, SB2095, HB4113, SB1894, SB1810, HB4268, HB1752, HB3413, SB625, HB3644, HB3940, HJR1096, HJR1100, HJR1099, HB2992, SB1636, HB4302, SB1613, SB1443, HB1409, HB1675, HB1225, HB1381, HB4359, SB1503

Keywords: Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana regulation, administrative rules, permanent rules, rule approval, joint resolution, legislative oversight, Title 75 Section 308, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 442, patients, caregivers, licensees, dispensaries, growers, processors, SB1319

Summary: The House considered and passed a series of Senate bills and Senate amendments, mostly on criminal justice, education, health, and administrative matters. Measures approved included SB 1319 creating a revolving fund for the Corporation Commission; SB 1264 expanding the definition of great bodily harm; HB 4237 streamlining court collection of fees, fines, and costs; SB 1277 codifying OESC employment-benefit procedures; SB 269 creating the Advanced Nuclear Office through a strike-everything amendment; HB 3066 renaming a health workforce revolving fund; HB 2153 removing statutory eligibility language and leaving OSSAA transfer rules to the association; HB 2268 adding $2.5 million for PACE; HB 2961 providing a tuition waiver for Gold Star recipients; SB 1679 reaffirming the Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutions as courtroom standards; SB 2018 addressing ad valorem tax cost basis for new construction; HB 4294 restoring title and enacting clause on a health insurance measure; SB 2095 protecting landowners in guiding-service situations; HB 4113 clarifying voting rights restoration for felons; SB 1894 allowing extra professional development hours for newer teachers; SB 1810 updating human trafficking victim and expert-testimony provisions; HB 4268 adjusting terms on the education commission; HB 1752 allowing certain prosecutorial agencies to buy vehicles directly; HB 3413 modifying contract-services dashboard reporting; SB 625 using a strike-everything amendment for domestic-violence/civil-procedure cleanup; and HB 3644 on venous thromboembolism, with title/enacting-clause restoration and other cleanup. Most bills passed with little or no debate, and several emergency clauses were adopted by the required two-thirds vote. One notable bill that failed was HB 2115, which would have moved administration of the federal weatherization assistance program from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. Representative Osborne explained the bill as a placement change for the program, but after questions about possible budget synergies, the House rejected it 39-41. Osborne later gave notice of intent to reconsider the vote. HB 2153 drew the main substantive debate: Representative Pogemiller opposed the measure, arguing it would weaken transfer-eligibility safeguards for student athletes, while Representative Hall said the bill simply removed duplicative statutory language and left eligibility decisions to OSSAA rules. The chamber also handled several Senate amendments that were largely technical, such as restoring titles and enacting clauses or clarifying fund names and commission terms. Votes on the measures that passed were generally strong, including unanimous or near-unanimous support on several bills. The House later noted a main water break in the building, shifted to announcements and introductions, and adjourned with a motion to reconvene on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a request for the Department of Education Television Division, or AETN.
• This is a request for the Department of Health, Nursing Board, and the Dietetics Board.
• This is a request for DHS Division of Aging and Adult Behavioral Health Services.
• A request for DHS Division of County Ops.
• The request will increase the total positions authorized from 607 to 673.

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request. Office representatives said they wanted to move the office to the state pay plan to better align salaries with other constitutional offices and remain competitive, noting that OPM had approved the positions and grades. Senators questioned the size of the requested increases and the office’s workload, and after discussion the motion to adopt the proposal failed on an 8-8 tie. The committee then voted to expunge that vote and returned to the regular agenda. The committee approved a series of Governor’s letters involving position transfers and appropriation adjustments across several agencies. These included changes for AETN, the Department of Health and Nursing Board/Dietetics Board, multiple DHS divisions, DFA shared services and budget management, and the Department of Public Safety shared services division. Most of these items involved moving positions and associated salary appropriations between divisions, with no major opposition and motions passing. A lengthy discussion followed on the transfer of child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture. Education and DFA officials explained that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the funding and commodities are tied to USDA programs, and they clarified that both state and federal funding and all related positions would move. Senators raised concerns about the math in the letters, the split between state and federal funding, and whether all program resources were being transferred. After the explanation, the committee approved the Education side of the transfer and then approved the Agriculture companion letter. The committee also discussed the Educational Freedom Account program budget. Officials said the $309 million request matched current participation and included a $70 million reserve in case applications increase. Several senators expressed concern about the program’s growth and its effect on public education funding and adequacy, while others noted that the program’s rules and funding levels could be adjusted through the State Board and future legislative action. The committee then approved a Public Safety classification change and a member amendment changing a title at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor, with no change in positions or appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:16.880> uh construction department requested uh construction department requested uh
• million general fund that was requested million general fund that was requested to<00:41:27.520>
• but not a standard exception request but not a standard budget<01:16:09.040> request.
• >> and that was a request of the agency. >> and that was a request of the agency.
• software request effective immediate. software request effective immediate.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:30.240> is justice Research Institute request is justice Research Institute request
• is this<00:16:31.160> um<00:16:31.800> request this um request this um request um<00:16
• And, regarding the request from the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and the others that are requesting, you
• <00:28:47.240> uh absolutely support uh their request uh absolutely support uh their request
• <00:38:57.000> um there is an Appropriations request um there is an Appropriations request

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . request. request.
• It's not us necessarily requesting. We are requesting, but it's not at our discretion.
• Uh, and the total increase in request over the FY26 request is 35,895,133.
• But now you do... requests. Now, one of the things I want requests.
• request. Slide 27. request. Slide 27.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah.<00:15:52.720> One<00:15:52.959> request. >> Yeah. One request.
• One request.
• > budget<00:48:50.480> of department requests a lean budget of department requests a lean
• Um there was a<01:04:22.880> request<01:04:23.280> by a request by a request by >>
• :37:45.199> our time that we put our requesting our time that we put our requesting our related

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your request further explanation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Do you request further explanation? No, thank you.
• Members, this is the Ag Request Bill regarding milk.
• Members, this is a request from Washington County.
• This is an Oklahoma Real Estate Commission request bill.

Bills: SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100

Keywords: driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Colonel Stanley L. Evans, Oklahoma City Young Professionals, state contest winners for America’s 250th anniversary, and a long series of page introductions. The chamber then moved into floor action on a large number of measures, many of them Senate bills and House joint resolutions dealing with administrative rules and agency oversight, public safety, education, health, agriculture, business, and tax policy. Among the major bills discussed were SB 1543 on aggregating multiple DUI charges within one year into a single felony case, HB 1933 on nitrous oxide violations, SB 1859 creating an OSBI Cybercrimes and Fraud Unit, SB 237 on ad valorem tax NAICS code changes, SB 2065 designating pollinator-related state symbols, SB 44 extending nonprofit sales tax exemptions to contractors, SB 2030 updating automated expungement procedures, SB 2045 expanding the Grow Your Own education program, and several water and agriculture measures including SB 1509, SB 1314, and SB 2071. Members also considered multiple joint resolutions approving permanent administrative rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, health agencies, and building code rules, with Kendricks explaining that some major rules were separated out for transparency and, in one case, a cost mitigation agreement had been reached. Testimony and debate were generally brief and focused on clarifying amendments. Several authors explained that amendments were added to address constitutionality, remove outdated or incorrect language, or reflect negotiated changes with agencies and stakeholders. Notable discussion included concerns about forum shopping in SB 1543, questions about the scope of the Grow Your Own program in SB 2045, and clarification that SB 1618’s pretrial report language had been changed to a public safety report agreed to by sheriffs and district attorneys. The House adopted numerous amendments without objection and passed the bills by wide margins, including some unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a few measures drew more opposition, such as SB 1403, SB 1509, SB 2071, and SB 1618. The House also adopted HCR 1027 setting sine die adjournment for Thursday, May 14, and adjourned until the next day, May 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you'll hear you'll see some of that in our request.
• Mitigation plan appropriation in our request this year.
• We're requesting a one-time...
• So That's why we're here with this appropriation request.
• The subcommittee is happy to hear your budget request. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a request for an additional court judge.
• We got some money in there from the request, at 745.8 to 200... ...there from the request at 745.8 to
• I want to see them get their requests.
• In that scenario, there's also a request for members.
• That was a late request from the department.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:08.559> of<00:32:08.720> health STR118 requesting department of health STR118 requesting
• <00:44:51.200> the gives patients the right to request the gives patients the right to request
• <00:50:01.839> of are also going to note their request of are also going to note their request
• we can No request. we can No request.
• <00:55:00.240> for committee report shift request for committee report shift request for $100,000

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present. The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient. Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• reviewed 16 capital IT project request reviewed 16 capital IT project request with<00:05:05.360>
• HVAC replacement uh we um uh requesting HVAC replacement uh we um uh requesting um<00:21:09.120>
• Our maintenance pool requests work.
• > this New construction requests in this New construction requests in this capital<01:00:20.400
• The Ashtaware IT infrastructure request is a recurring request that keeps day-to-day cabinet operations

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• About 484,000 requests were received during the reporting period, and 465,000 requests were closed by
• 484,000 requests during the reporting period and closed 465,000 requests by December 31st.
• Agencies reported closing 274,000 requests within five days and 212,000 requests received an 174,000
• requests within five days and 212,000 requests received an estimate beyond five days.
• More requests closed within five days. So you have to remember, not all requests are the same.

Summary: The committee met on December 3, 2025, with a quorum present and approved the September 17 minutes. Members first voted to suspend the 2026 JLARC lodging tax expenditure report for one year, based on staff’s explanation that the report is self-reported, not verified, and less useful than State Auditor accountability audits; the motion passed. The committee also approved renaming the JLARC I-900 subcommittee to the “Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits,” while keeping the opening script noting that the performance audit process exists under Initiative 900. The committee then heard follow-up updates on two prior performance audits. The Department of Health presented a draft strategic management plan in response to findings on hospital inspections, complaints, adverse event review, and hospital data access. JLARC staff reiterated that 72% of hospital inspections were late, that DOH did not verify third-party inspection standards or review adverse event reports, and that complaint data suggested possible language-access barriers. DOH said it concurred with the recommendations, had improved on-time inspection compliance to about 49%, planned annual updates starting in July 2026, and would work on accreditation oversight, complaint-language access, and data accessibility, though members pressed for firmer deadlines and questioned the three-year timeline for language access improvements. The Liquor and Cannabis Board also reported on its cannabis market study recommendation. JLARC staff said the agency’s data were incomplete and unreliable, limiting oversight of production, recalls, tax collection, and diversion. LCB said it had improved its current CCRS system but still relied on self-reported data, and it presented a decision package for a new traceability system estimated at about $9 million over three fiscal years. LCB described a plant-tagging and serialization approach tied to production, processing, testing, and retail, but acknowledged it did not currently have sufficient staff to fully implement the system without additional funding. The committee also received briefings on JLARC’s recommendation-tracking tools and the 2024 public records reporting summary, including a high-level review of agency response rates, request volumes, costs, and litigation. Finally, JLARC presented the proposed final report on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, concluding that OPDP meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but that its mandate should be updated to better match its current capacity and focus; the committee adopted the report for distribution. The meeting then moved into the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, where JLARC staff summarized nine reviews and noted that the Citizens Commission on Tax Preference and Performance Measurement endorsed all 17 legislative auditor recommendations, with comments on seven. Early reviews discussed included natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, nonprofit low-income housing development, multipurpose senior centers, disabled veteran adaptive housing, and trade convention attendance, with staff and commissioners generally recommending continuation of some preferences, modification of others, and improved objectives or performance measures where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our FY27 general fund base request is 2.2 billion.
• request.
• To go on to our FY27 budget request, our total budget request is $422.3 million, broken up into our four
• So that amount we're requesting in growth is essential.
• So it's a general fund request of $9.8 million. Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> There’s no federal program. >> Our request, if I may— >> Sure. >> Our request was simply to allow
• > may >> Our request if I may >> Our request if I may >> Sure.
• You officially need to request that. Could you state that for the record? We request a deferral.
• you officially need to request that. you officially need to request that.
• we we request a deferral. we we request a deferral.

Keywords: 0:06 - Roll Call 0:30 - Approval of Minutes 0:45 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 2:08 - FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET - OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER 2:55 - BOARD OF DENTISTRY 5:30 - BOARD OF OPHTHALMIC DISPENSERS 7:30 - BOARD OF NURSING 8:32 - BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 9:30 - EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPPORT SERVICES 15:35 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH 18:44 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES 23:39 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES 1:01:46 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, OFFICE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS 1:03:46 - Next meeting/adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute. The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set. The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students. The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.

Transcript Highlights:

• :53.840> in<00:04:54.080> state respectfully request 1 million in state respectfully request
• > workforce This request directly advances workforce This request directly advances workforce
• Smith, this is the second time that we've requested funds.
• Smith, this is the second time that we've requested funds.
• Smith, this is the second time that we've requested funds.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 2581 was presented as a request for a $1 million state investment in Fortis Capital, a Minnesota nonprofit economic development lender. The bill was described as supporting entrepreneurship and wealth-building by expanding access to capital for businesses that are underserved by traditional lending, especially in rural areas, communities of color, immigrant communities, and low-wealth areas. Testifiers argued that conventional underwriting standards leave viable businesses without financing and that Fortis provides flexible gap financing to help deals close, complementing rather than replacing banks and CDFIs. Brian Smith, co-founder and CEO of Fortis Capital, said the organization was established in 2019 and has deployed 37 loans totaling over $4 million since 2021, leveraging an additional $29.5 million through partnerships. He said Fortis seeks to increase lending capacity, reduce risk in innovative capital structures, expand statewide partnerships, and accelerate small business growth and job creation. In response to questions, he said Fortis typically charges about 6.12% on average, has had two defaults, and operates as a revolving loan fund. He also explained that Fortis already participates in some Department of Employment and Economic Development programs, but is not eligible for certain grant programs because those grants go directly to borrowers. Committee members asked how the proposal fits with existing state economic development efforts and whether competitive grant programs exist for this kind of work. A DED representative said he would need more detail to compare the proposal to agency programs, though he mentioned the emerging entrepreneur loan program as a possible fit. Members also discussed broader concerns about direct appropriations versus competitive grants. No public testimony was offered. Chair Frasier closed by saying the bill addresses a real need and laid House File 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Concerning a waiver request under Act 929 for Jonesboro Water and Light, the emergency action report
• The Personnel Subcommittee met on Wednesday, June 17th, and reviewed the requests, continuations, and
• It's a request to review investment summaries. We'll need a motion to file as reviewed.
• This is a request to approve funding for the Rural Community Grant Program for fiscal year 2026.
• It's a request for approval of special maintenance funding for fiscal year 2027.

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call, prayer, and approval of the previous minutes. Members then adopted a resolution honoring Lori McDonald of the Department of Human Services for nearly 28 years of state service, with remarks praising her legislative work, constituent services, leadership, and emergency response roles. McDonald thanked the committee, and the Senate also presented her with a citation, flag, and commemorative coin. The committee received the May 2026 revenue report, which showed gross adjusted collections of $7.76 billion year-to-date, up 4.4% from the prior year, and a projected surplus of $585.8 million. The executive subcommittee report was adopted, covering emergency rules for DHS and the Department of Education, school district waiver requests, committee fund allocations, cancellation of the July ALC meeting, and authorization for subcommittees to meet in July on urgent matters. The administrative rules report was also adopted after members noted that most rules were approved, with a few pulled by agencies or held. Members then heard a lengthy exchange on the Arkansas Education Department’s ClassWallet contract and delays in expense review for education savings account payments. Department officials said they were meeting regularly with ClassWallet, enforcing contract standards, keeping some reviews in-house, and adding staff and technology improvements to speed processing while maintaining oversight. The committee also adopted reports from Game and Fish and State Police, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Lottery Oversight, Occupational Licensing Review, Peer Review, Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and Personnel, including a Department of Commerce reallocation tied to a broader shared-services realignment. Under review of communications, members filed several retirement system investment items as reviewed, approved rural community grant funding, gave favorable advice for state park additions, approved special maintenance funding for state parks, and filed Office of State Technology service-rate changes as reviewed. The meeting concluded with no new business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, respectfully request your aye vote on SB 168.
• Respectfully, request your aye vote on SB 166. Respectfully request your aye vote on SB 166.
• For these reasons, I respectfully request your aye vote on SB 165.
• For these reasons, I respectfully request your aye vote on SB 163.
• And so I would respectfully request an aye on SB 111.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pittman requests legislative leave for Senator Yaw.
• Senator Costa requests Capitol leave. Senator Costa requests Capitol leave for Senator Piscotano.
• Request a capital leave for Senator Hughes. Thank you.
• Senator Langerholc requests legislative leave for Senator Ferry and Senator Costa requests capital leave
• Senator Pittman requested House Bill 1442.

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That we have two related requests in our operating budget.
• Our 2025 request continues our no net growth approach.
• So there you have this, and so the poll request is here. Thank you.
• The studies we are requesting will be focused on the Stillwater Prison.
• We really appreciate your consideration of this request. Mr.

Bills: HF3220

Keywords: school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security

Transcript Highlights:

• We acknowledge the economic uncertainty facing the state and yet respectfully make these requests due
• to the underlying circumstances of each of the requests.
• , or to add on to a more specific CIP request.
• So we do request That you consider these amendments. Great. Available for questions.
• The security services funding requested by the Judiciary... Oh, I'm sorry.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several nominations and bills. It first recommended advise and consent for Governor’s Message 573, confirming Luann Blake to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee after she described her experience as a blind voter and her goals of improving outreach and accessibility for voters with print disabilities. The committee then took up the judiciary supplemental budget bill, HB 2095, with testimony from the courts and several supportive organizations. The courts requested funding for security, cybersecurity, substance use treatment contracts, public guardian services, staffing, and capital projects; members questioned the lump-sum CIP request, the substance use contract funding, and the Kamanu Hale elevator project. The committee later voted to pass HB 2095 with amendments, including changes to cybersecurity funding, security-related report language, and other committee-report notes. The committee also heard HB 1520, which changes the five-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations to begin upon discovery by the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supported the bill, saying it would prevent delayed reporting from avoiding prosecution, while one senator raised concerns about due diligence, tolling, and the difference between administrative and criminal enforcement. The bill drew broad support from advocacy groups and was advanced with an amendment clarifying “criminal prosecution.” HB 1548, which reduces the maximum sentence for misdemeanors and other offenses punishable by up to one year to 364 days, received strong support from the Public Defender, immigrant-rights groups, OHA, and others, who said the change would reduce immigration consequences for noncitizens. The committee later amended and passed the bill, limiting it to non-violent offenses. HB 2050, increasing partial public financing limits and available public funds, was supported by the Campaign Spending Commission and good-government groups, while OHA asked for parity with lieutenant governor races. The committee passed it with amendments increasing the public-fund match and funding levels, and requested additional appropriations in the committee report. HB 2494, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require documentation of the justification, drew strong support from the Public Defender and civil-liberties advocates but opposition from the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, police, and some business groups, who warned it would restrict officer discretion and trigger litigation. The committee nevertheless passed it with amendments. In a final decision-making agenda, the committee also passed HB 2250 with amendments, adding blank appropriations and committee-report language related to claims against the state, including claims involving exonerees and a disputed USEPA-related claim.