Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:08:12.960><c> otherc><00:08:13.280><c> typesc><00:08:13.520><c> ofc> also oversees a number
• ><c> typesc> those are um licenses for specific types those are um licenses for specific types of<00
• c><01:42:58.119><c> withc><01:42:58.280><c> thisc><01:42:58.440><c> typec><01:42:58.599><c> of<
• /c><01:42:58.719><c> proc> leading the nation with this type of pro leading the nation with this type
• c><02:09:11.920><c> toc> additional types of organizations to additional types of organizations to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:18.880><c> onc><00:32:19.080><c> variousc><00:32:19.399><c> typesc><00:32:19.639><c> ofc>
• <00:32:19.799><c> gamesc><00:32:20.120><c> andc> receipts on various types of games and receipts
• on various types of games and uses<00:32:20.559><c> itc><00:32:20.679><c> toc><00:32:20.880><c> determine
• get to participate in these types<00:49:10.599><c> ofc><00:49:10.680><c> organizationsc><00:49:11.319
• ><c> whilec><00:49:11.480><c> wec><00:49:11.559><c> werec><00:49:11.720><c> inc> types of organizations

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the costs to the plans<00:04:54.360><c> thesec><00:04:54.600><c> typesc><00:04:54.840><c> of<
• /c><00:04:55.080><c> Assessmentsc><00:04:55.680><c> havec> plans these types of Assessments have
• c><00:34:54.320><c> Senatorc> type of payment methodology Senator type of payment methodology Senator
• ><c> typesc><00:37:06.599><c> ofc><00:37:06.800><c> fundingc> these types of funding these types
• wec><01:01:21.280><c> knowc> some type of cost contain we know some type of cost contain we know

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:19.520><c> ac><00:01:19.680><c> quorumc><00:01:20.200><c> upc><00:01:20.560><c> firstc><00
• 01:26.920><c> longc><00:01:27.119><c> asc><00:01:27.240><c> you'rec><00:01:27.400><c> beingc>
• ><c> havec><00:01:54.200><c> thec><00:01:54.560><c> subc><00:01:54.880><c> upc><00:01:55.040>
• :27.200><c> typec><00:20:27.520><c> thingc><00:20:28.080><c> umc><00:20:29.039><c> ifc><00:20
• :29.159><c> Ic> probably a curious type thing um if I probably a curious type thing um if I remember

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30 HB 537 Vote 00:05:15 HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 695 Vote 00:23:15 HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40 HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late. The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place. Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:11:59.120><c> typec><00:11:59.279><c> ofc> Um PTSD is an accumulative type of Um PTSD is
• ><c> typec><00:19:05.840><c> ofc><00:19:06.080><c> helpc> realize they need this type of help realize
• ><c> thesec><00:20:33.520><c> typesc><00:20:33.840><c> ofc><00:20:34.000><c> cases.
• c><00:38:58.480><c> typec><00:38:58.640><c> ofc> liability, they start some type of liability,
• is the type of incentive that addresses those<00:56:29.359><c> typesc><00:56:29.599><c> ofc><00:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:58:17.200><c> thesec><00:58:17.599><c> typesc> that addresses and reacts to these types that
• ><c> type.
• c> typec><03:31:20.720><c> ofc> um there still needs to be some type of um there still needs to be
• <c> ofc><03:41:56.800><c> legislationc> They want this type of legislation They want this type of
• ><03:45:29.760><c> typec><03:45:29.920><c> ofc> whoever is reviewing these type of whoever is reviewing

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the pledge, approved the January 30, 2026 journal, and then proceeded out of order for several personal privileges and resolutions. Members welcomed delegates from Poland and noted the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 001, which approves the water project revolving fund eligibility list administered by the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. Sponsors explained that the resolution only establishes project eligibility and does not itself set funding amounts. The resolution passed 32-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate next considered Senate Joint Resolution 006, a lengthy measure affirming civil rights and dignity for immigrant Coloradans and calling for transparent, accountable federal immigration enforcement. The resolution urged an end to anonymous enforcement tactics, protection of access to schools, health care, courthouses, and other public spaces, and broader federal immigration reform. Senator Weissman moved a technical amendment correcting a reference from ICE to CBP in one example; the amendment was adopted 32-0. Debate featured personal stories from supporters about immigrant family histories and service, while the Minority Leader said he appreciated the sponsors’ engagement but could not support the resolution as drafted, though he agreed with much of its intent and called for more constructive dialogue. The resolution passed 20-12, and several senators were added as co-sponsors. After the resolutions, the Senate moved into the Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 10, concerning clarification of definitions used in the taxation of agricultural property, was adopted on second reading and reported out favorably. The chamber then began consideration of Senate Bill 4, concerning who may petition a court for an extreme risk protection order, with the sponsor noting two technical amendments had been added to improve the language. The committee report on that bill was adopted, and the bill was moved forward on second reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:58:33.200><c> toc> type information that you want to get to type information that you want to
• ><c> thisc><01:00:48.880><c> typec><01:00:49.039><c> ofc><01:00:49.359><c> preferencec><01:00
• ><c> isc><02:29:42.920><c> thec><02:29:43.040><c> formc><02:29:43.840><c> typec><02:29:44.840
• ><c> andc><02:29:45.200><c> onc> 98 um an of8 is the form type and on 98 um an of8 is the form type
• type of uh is Saudi Arabian type of uh is Islamic<03:52:57.120><c> isc><03:52:57.640><c> letc><03

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typec><00:10:40.959><c> ofc><00:10:41.200><c> reportsc><00:10:41.680><c> willc> HB671, the
• :43.520><c> typec><00:20:43.679><c> ofc><00:20:44.080><c> programc><00:20:44.400><c> thatc><00
• :20:44.799><c> mightc><00:20:45.039><c> bec> is the type of program that might be is the type of
• type field trip without some scholarship type award.<00:27:24.159><c> Umc><00:27:24.640><c> backpack
• 02:08:40.320><c> typec><02:08:40.480><c> ofc> phenomenon.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened hearings on SB 69, including a germane amendment on school board votes to accept or reject gifts and donations, and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Prime sponsor Rep. Glenn Cordelli said the literacy program was modeled on earlier HB 671, would be funded through gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements to the governor and legislature. Members questioned changes from the earlier bill, including the move away from center-based language, the lack of a dollar threshold for school board action on donations, anonymous gifts, and whether the amendment preserved enough evaluation data. Testimony on the donation provisions raised concerns about broad language, timing, and public-meeting requirements. Rep. Timothy Han and Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association both noted that school districts already have policies and asked how the bill would work for routine donations, anonymous gifts, and situations that might require non-public discussion under right-to-know law. Wilson cited examples such as field-trip scholarships, backpack drives, and sports uniforms, and said the association was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails. Rep. Han said school boards may need to discuss some gifts in non-public session and that the bill should better address those circumstances. On the early literacy amendment, Wilson and others questioned whether the program was sufficiently developed, whether it was appropriate to rely on a primarily online model for very young children, and how it would interact with special education services and IEPs. A representative from Waterford.org, Rob Riley, testified in support, saying the program would be supplementary, adaptive, and family-engagement based, and that Waterford could provide devices and internet access for families who need them. He said the program would work alongside school districts and IEP teams rather than replace existing services. No vote was taken during the hearing; the chair said the committee would later exec the bills and try to get reports in for the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:17:37.600><c> toc><00:17:37.760><c> doc><00:17:37.960><c> thatc><00:17:38.120><c> type<
• /c><00:17:38.280><c> ofc> for a state agency to do that type of for a state agency to do that type
• c><00:30:57.279><c> typec> that provider type that provider type representative<00:31:00.080><c>
• c><00:37:27.760><c> umc> level two and three provider types um level two and three provider types um
• ><c> ac><01:02:12.039><c> localc><01:02:13.039><c> uhc><01:02:13.200><c> typec><01:02:13.359>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that are of course<01:31:14.320><c> entityc><01:31:14.719><c> typesc><01:31:14.960><c> thatc><
• entity types that are registered here.<01:31:16.239><c> So,c><01:31:17.280><c> umc><01:31:18.159
• typesc><01:46:10.880><c> ofc><01:46:11.119><c> compliancec> with uh different types of compliance
• with uh different types of compliance and<01:46:12.639><c> umc><01:46:12.960><c> operationalc><01
• ><c> ofc><01:48:18.239><c> registrationc> different types of registration different types of registration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Stable Token Study Commission held its first regular meeting, welcomed all remaining appointed members, and completed brief introductions from legislators and agency designees. The chair outlined the commission’s plan to use the first part of the enabling legislation as a “level-setting” discussion, focusing this meeting on the basics of blockchain, the current landscape for stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets, and leaving blockchain-based trust for a later meeting. No votes were taken. The main presentation came from Deanna Bario Zales of the Global Blockchain Business Council, who described stablecoins as increasingly converging toward fiat-backed or asset-backed models, with algorithmic designs viewed more cautiously. She said stablecoins are being used for payments, remittances, DeFi activity, cross-border transfers, retail use in high-inflation markets, and treasury functions, while noting risks such as peg instability, reserve transparency, counterparty and network risk, and possible capital flight from weaker banking systems. She cited growth in supply, wallet activity, and transfer volume, and said U.S.-pegged stablecoins dominate the market, with USDT and USDC leading. Zales also discussed tokenized real-world assets, describing them as digital representations of physical assets that can enable fractional ownership, liquidity, and faster settlement. She said the market is growing quickly, with institutional participation from firms such as BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, and projected continued expansion. She closed with an overview of regulatory developments, emphasizing the new U.S. stablecoin framework under the Genius Act, the proposed Clarity Act, OCC guidance, and similar regimes in the EU, UK, UAE, Singapore, Japan, and elsewhere, all of which she said are shaping compliance requirements and market development.

Transcript Highlights:

• um types<00:23:46.320><c> ofc><00:23:46.480><c> hearingsc><00:23:47.760><c> umc><00:23:48.000>
• <c> wherec><00:23:48.720><c> uhc><00:23:49.039><c> attorneysc> types of hearings um where uh attorneys
• c><00:27:00.919><c> Umc><00:27:01.919><c> whatc><00:27:02.559><c> typesc><00:27:02.960><c> of
• :27:35.520><c> umc><00:27:35.919><c> typesc><00:27:36.240><c> ofc> uh detail on what um types of
• 00:48:47.839><c> typesc><00:48:48.160><c> ofc> qualified to be making these types of qualified to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's not limited to any specific<01:18:48.880><c> typec><01:18:49.199><c> ofc><01:18:50.159><
• c> No,c><01:18:50.400><c> Ic><01:18:50.560><c> meanc><01:18:51.120><c> criminalc> specific type
• <c> onec><04:33:33.199><c> judgec><04:33:33.920><c> butc><04:33:34.240><c> thec> type of cases
• /c><04:33:36.799><c> typec> other one that's the human rights type other one that's the human rights
• type of<04:33:37.199><c> casesc><04:33:38.080><c> there'sc><04:33:38.320><c> ac><04:33:38.561>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through a series of budget amendments, mostly to House Bill 2 and related House Bill 1 changes, with members discussing whether to reduce or preserve funding for various programs. Early actions included approving an amendment to House Bill 219 that delays implementation of renewable energy-related provisions to 2027, and approving an amendment that removes a $150,000 appropriation tied to a housing-related database while allowing use of housing fund money for the project. The committee also approved an amendment affecting magistrates so they could continue pretrial and other judicial support work, while noting they would not handle bail and that the change reflected separate legislation already signed by the governor. Members then approved a series of administrative savings items in the Department of Administrative Services, including eliminating a long-vacant computer analyst position and reducing overtime and recruiting/subscription-tool budgets. They also approved an amendment cutting marketing and administrative support for the paid family leave program, with members emphasizing that the program itself would continue. A proposed cut to the WorkInvest NH program was discussed at length, with some members arguing it benefits workers and employers and others noting the cost is borne by employers; the committee ultimately set that item aside without taking action. The committee also debated and then approved a modest reduction to a BEA regional planning grant, despite objections that regional planning commissions provide valuable municipal support. The most extended discussion centered on the State Library. Representative Sweeney said he did not want to pursue a full cut of the library and instead favored a more targeted approach, noting that some federal funding for library services such as interlibrary loans and the Libby system may be at risk. Members discussed alternatives, including unfilled positions and other partial reductions, but no final action on the full library cut was taken in the portion provided. The committee also paused on some other items to gather more information before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• 13.040><c> toc><00:16:13.199><c> thisc><00:16:13.440><c> typec> protect patient access um to this
• ><c> typec><00:43:36.079><c> ofc> or um you know this this type of or um you know this this type
• this<00:43:46.079><c> wouldc><00:43:46.400><c> thisc><00:43:46.800><c> uhc><00:43:46.960><c> type
• c><00:43:47.119><c> ofc><00:43:47.280><c> insurancec> this would this uh type of insurance this
• /c><01:30:14.800><c> everyc><01:30:15.040><c> typec><01:30:15.280><c> ofc> doing?

Bills: HF2400, HF1724, HF3437, HF4333, HF2874, HF4052

Keywords: real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> mostc><00:50:30.960><c> umc><00:50:31.200><c> typesc> for essentially any uh for most um types
• :02:40.160><c> typesc><01:02:40.400><c> ofc><01:02:40.559><c> events.
• c><01:02:42.079><c> I'mc> these types of events. Thank you. I'm these types of events.
• 08.159><c> thatc><01:14:08.400><c> arec> of certain types of drugs that are of certain types of drugs
• c><01:44:48.080><c> umc><01:44:49.119><c> typec> what I mean?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:36:43.040><c> However,c> about this type of conduct. However, about this type of conduct.
• ><c> typesc><01:27:45.920><c> ofc><01:27:46.080><c> contracts.
• ><c> toc><02:11:16.960><c> letc> type of issue we always make sure to let type of issue we always
• <c> thec><02:23:48.640><c> typec><02:23:48.800><c> ofc> 6 to 13% depending on the type of 6 to
• ><c> thisc><04:06:32.720><c> typec> I know my patient, they need this type I know my patient, they

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• type of for those to based on what type of program<00:11:25.880><c> theyc><00:11:26.040><c> are.
• ><c> educationc><00:18:49.040><c> orc> any type of postsecondary education or any type of postsecondary
• <00:21:16.440><c> Whatc><00:21:16.600><c> typec><00:21:16.760><c> ofc><00:21:16.880><c> experiences
• 30.480><c> typec><00:52:30.680><c> ofc><00:52:30.760><c> things.
• c><00:52:31.720><c> Soc> money and those type of things. So money and those type of things.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for an overview of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). After approving the prior meeting minutes, staff from CPE explained that the council was reconstituted in 1997 and serves as Kentucky’s statewide coordinating body for higher education, with responsibilities including advising the General Assembly and governor, coordinating the postsecondary system, supporting budget and performance funding work, and using data to track outcomes. They described Kentucky’s governance structure, including the KCTCS governing board, independent boards at public universities, and CPE’s role in licensing private institutions and overseeing transfer, closed-school records, and tuition approval. CPE staff emphasized statewide strategic planning and the “60 by 30” goal of having 60% of working-age Kentuckians hold a meaningful credential by 2030. They said the agency uses dashboards, KPIs, and peer comparisons to set targets for institutions and monitor enrollment, retention, and graduation. They also highlighted the Kentucky Graduate Profile, a voluntary effort to embed 10 essential workforce skills into general education and major programs, and noted ongoing work on academic program approval, performance funding, and a biennial budget request. The presentation also focused on student support and workforce alignment initiatives. Staff described the Kentucky Advising Academy, the Commonwealth Education Continuum, and the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, which work with K-12 partners and campuses to improve advising, transfer, wraparound supports, and career planning. They also discussed GEAR UP, the Futurity career-planning platform, and efforts to connect education pathways to workforce needs, including healthcare, veterans, and other adult learners. CPE reported that student debt at graduation has fallen to $10,168 at public institutions and that six in ten Kentucky undergraduates graduate debt free.

Transcript Highlights:

• types,c><00:20:51.400><c> PIPc><00:20:51.760><c> isc><00:20:51.880><c> thec><00:20:52.000><c
• > onlyc><00:20:52.240><c> onec> insurance types, PIP is the only one insurance types, PIP is the
• typec><00:24:17.600><c> ofc><00:24:17.720><c> carec><00:24:18.040><c> andc><00:24:18.280><c>
• specialtyc><00:24:18.720><c> that'sc> the type of care and specialty that's the type of care and
• <c> whenc><00:46:33.440><c> itc><00:46:33.520><c> comesc><00:46:33.680><c> toc> type of structure

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion HB 527 00:02:29 Vote HB 527 00:08:02 Discussion HB 627 00:09:09 Vote HB 627 00:24:29 Discussion HB 355 00:25:59 Vote HB 355 00:34:28 Discussion HB 568 00:35:18 Vote HB 568 01:12:10, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 527, a cleanup bill related to insurance matters and the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program. The committee substitute removed language that would have repealed the workers’ compensation deductible range, added a one-time grant/reimbursement provision for contractor fortified-roofing certifications, and added an emergency clause. The Department of Insurance said the bill also updates licensing language, addresses issues with unlicensed pharmacy benefit managers, and supports contractor training tied to the roof grant program. The commissioner noted the program is set to go live March 1 and asked members to inform constituents about possible roof grants of up to $10,000. House Bill 527 received a favorable report after the committee adopted the substitute and title amendment by voice vote and then approved the bill on a roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 627, a PIP reform bill. The sponsor and State Farm’s legislative agent said the substitute clarified language so the Attorney General can prosecute insurance fraud and reflected negotiations with hospitals, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, chiropractors, and physical therapists. The bill would apply the workers’ comp fee schedule to most PIP claims, require bills within 180 days, prohibit balance billing and credit impairment, raise funeral benefits to $5,000 and weekly wage benefits to $500, require an annual fraud report, and give the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction over insurance fraud cases. A physician testifying in opposition argued the bill would cut reimbursement for non-hospital providers, shift costs to hospitals and other payers, reduce access to care, and create an uneven playing field that favors hospitals. Committee members asked about the lack of a PIP fee schedule and the effect of the workers’ comp schedule relative to Medicare and commercial insurance. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and then passed House Bill 627 with favorable expression on a roll call vote, with one member voting no. The committee also considered House Bill 355 on real estate appraisers. The sponsor said the bill would restore an independent board, allow evaluations under federal guidelines, and move Kentucky from a voluntary to a mandatory appraisal state. Testimony from insurance and appraisal representatives said the bill would require licensure for real property damage appraisers, exempt insurance agents and claims adjusters licensed under the insurance code, and create clearer standards and oversight. Members asked about the cost of an executive director and whether the board could sustain itself through fees; the sponsor said the board had historically been self-sustaining. The committee adopted the substitute and then gave House Bill 355 a favorable report by roll call vote. Finally, the committee began House Bill 568, which would prohibit new public adjuster licenses while allowing current licensees to renew. The sponsor said the bill responds to ongoing complaints and investigations in the industry and noted that most licensed public adjusters in Kentucky are not residents of the state. The transcript cuts off as the bill’s presentation was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14.640><c> whatc><00:18:15.679><c> typec><00:18:15.827><c> [snorts]c> we're just not sure what
• type [snorts] we're just not sure what type [snorts] of<00:18:16.080><c> unfavorablec><00:18:16.640
• ><c> typec> penalties, rate increases or other type penalties, rate increases or other type of<01:10
• First the other another<01:11:03.199><c> typec><01:11:03.360><c> ofc><01:11:03.520><c> unfavorable
• c><01:11:04.239><c> changec><01:11:04.880><c> isc><01:11:04.960><c> ac> another type of unfavorable

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later. On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• 26.280><c> thosec><00:04:26.479><c> typec><00:04:26.639><c> ofc><00:04:26.800><c> thingsc><00
• :04:27.120><c> soc> cameras those those type of things so cameras those those type of things so this

Keywords: Consideration of HB 373 02:30 Consideration of HB 455 10:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with opening prayer, pledge, and procedural reminders, then took up two election-related bills. House Bill 373, sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams, would modernize campaign finance law to allow campaign funds to pay for reasonable security measures for state candidates, officeholders, their families, and campaign or office staff. Williams said the bill uses campaign funds only, not state dollars, and is modeled on recently changed federal language. Members discussed whether the coverage included all state officeholders and close family members, and supporters cited increasing threats and harassment toward public officials; one member opposed the bill, warning about possible misuse and fraud. The bill passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 455, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Flannery, which creates an Office of Election Investigations and Security within the Attorney General’s office. Flannery said the bill would codify existing practices, establish a complaint and allegation review process, create a voter fraud hotline, and provide for investigations, referrals, and legislative oversight. Members asked about cost and whether the office duplicated existing functions such as the Public Integrity Office; Flannery responded that the bill creates a statutorily defined office and is intended to make the process less dependent on who holds the office. Supporters said the measure could improve transparency and voter trust, while opponents argued it duplicates existing agencies, could increase government size and cost, and might expose people to harassment or retaliation. The bill also passed with favorable expression, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><00:28:47.039><c> functionsc><00:28:47.520><c> thatc><00:28:47.760><c> thec> by the types of
• 00:47:19.599><c> positionc><00:47:20.240><c> thec><00:47:20.480><c> typesc><00:47:20.720><c> of
• c><00:47:20.880><c> positionsc> and the position the types of positions and the position the types
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Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Audit Commission heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of the Office of Ombuds for Families (OBFF). Auditors said the office remains important because of Minnesota’s long history of racial disparities in the child protection system, but they found major problems with how OBFF is operating. The report said OBFF’s statutory duties are very broad compared with its small staff and budget, and that the ombuds persons are not carrying out all required duties while spending substantial time on activities not required by law. Auditors also said the office’s recent impact is unclear and that its complaint-handling work has significant deficiencies, including poor documentation, limited data, few policies, inconsistent handling, and failure to follow best practices. The presentation also focused on oversight and accountability. Auditors said OBFF’s three community boards, which are supposed to appoint and oversee the ombuds persons, have not provided adequate oversight: meeting requirements were often not met, attendance was low, and there was little evidence the boards were fulfilling their statutory duties. The auditors further said OBFF’s unusual structure, with no single designated leader and shared authority among the three ombuds persons, creates unclear lines of accountability. Their recommendations included revising OBFF’s statutory duties to better match legislative goals and resources, improving complaint-handling practices, strengthening board oversight, and establishing a single leadership position for the office. Members asked follow-up questions about racial disproportionality in out-of-home care, spending on nonrequired activities, and whether the ombuds persons met statutory qualification requirements. Auditors referred members to the report for more detailed data, said the office does not track expenditures by function, and noted that while the ombuds persons have relevant professional backgrounds, the evaluation raised concerns about whether they are meeting their duties as expected. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.