Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 153, an act relating to administrative regulations for medications for substance use disorder
• House Bill 196, an act relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
• <00:41:52.720> Representative polyflloral substances.
• Representative polyflloral substances. Representative Kolk<00:41:53.520> Carney.
• House Bill 217, an act relating to designated income tax refunds to the animal control and care fund.

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 01:02 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 07:51 Stand at Ease 11:46 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:33 Adjournment 46:41, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 98 members present. The chamber approved the journal from January 6, excused absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. No committee reports, second readings, or orders of the day were needed. During announcements, a member invited colleagues to a Welcome Back to Frankfurt reception and the House adopted a citation honoring Michael Dean Hilton, with remarks noting his long career in Kentucky politics and lobbying. The House also adopted a citation recognizing Hank Parker. The clerk reported a large number of new filings, including House Bills 35 through 230 and several resolutions and constitutional amendments covering topics such as education, taxes, health care, firearms, housing, labor, elections, agriculture, public safety, and retirement systems. Among the measures introduced were bills on scholarship eligibility, respiratory care, retirement benefits, alcohol licensure, public notices, school curriculum, privacy protection, medical billing, housing, firearms-related issues, Medicaid expansion, cannabis, wage transparency, and healthcare price transparency. Resolutions included one recognizing election principles in Kentucky, one honoring victims of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 and responders, and others on political violence, memorial highways, law enforcement support, and ALS awareness. No substantive votes on legislation occurred beyond the citation adoptions and routine procedural approvals, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• time after when a defendant requested, the court must order a drug addiction expert to conduct a substance
• at least partially because of that substance use disorder.
• The same sort of treatment protocol in terms of treating folks who have substance use disorders.
• The five, small nonprofit appellate projects handle the oversight and quality control mandates.
• Thank you for your comments. focus on substance use treatment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, we’re going to move on to the next GM, GM 637, David Litman, Mental Health and Substance
• David Litman, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, for Maui Service Area Board, term to expire June 30,
• abuse aahu service area board substance abuse aahu service area board term<00:15:41.000> to<00
• Next is GM 632: John Fuji, Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.
• Working for Medicare, we have a perspective on substance abuse that a lot of our members continue to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 59 on prescription drugs, which drew extensive testimony from insurers, pharmacies, patient advocates, and health organizations. Supporters argued the bill would address PBM practices such as spread pricing, unclear reimbursement, and patient steering, and would help independent pharmacies and lower patient costs by passing rebates through to consumers. Opponents from health plans and PBM-related groups raised concerns, while Walgreens supported the measure and suggested amendments to establish a reimbursement floor. After questions, the committee accepted the Hawaii Pharmacist Association’s proposed amendments, added technical changes and a defective date of December 31, 2050, and voted to pass SB 59 with amendments. The remainder of the hearing focused on a series of nominations and reappointments to health, aging, disability, mental health, juvenile justice, and advisory boards. Nominees and agency representatives generally described their backgrounds and interest in serving, with support testimony emphasizing experience, continuity, and the value of volunteer service. Several nominees highlighted issues such as mental health access, substance abuse treatment, elder services, language access, disability access, and rehabilitation services. The Department of Health, SHPDA, DHS, and other organizations largely testified in support of the nominees. No votes were taken on the nominations during the transcript excerpt, and the chair repeatedly thanked the nominees for their service and testimony. The hearing also included brief procedural remarks about time limits, Zoom testimony, and a possible reconvening date in case of technical difficulties.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that the majority of referrals from primary care to specialty mental health and substance use
• We know that the majority of referrals from primary care to specialty mental health and substance use
• We know that the majority of referrals from primary care to specialty mental health and substance use
• <00:32:02.519> use lane or substance use lane or substance use Lane<00:32:04.360> a
• use and how mental health plays a role in decisions to try or use substances.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Post 9/11, we got really serious about security, uh, metal detectors, security cameras, access control
• We need to have real-time threat monitoring, like a control room so that we know what's happening and
• So Keep that in mind, but this is substances other than alcohol. 87% of the folks that they booked in
• this, this first quarter um tested positive for at least one substance, um, and 67% at least two substances
• And there are not caps in the federal law and we have no control over that, but there are caps in the

Transcript Highlights:

• LBB just took this number from the controller and plugged it in, is that a fair assessment?
• So, but, and definitely that we will. told the controller is very much behind this change, this effort
• Okay, because this is where the train is, and, but why on earth could controller won't make the change
• It doesn't make sense is that the controller is a CPA for our way He's an accountant for our state.
• That's the substance of the bill.

Bills: HB134, HB135, HB 1109, HB 1243, HB1392, HB1399, HJR99, HB134, HB135

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• The second one is $277,000 from Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment. the motion seeing none all
• This includes management, stewardship, fire protection, insect and disease control, reforestation, land
• It extends an existing contract for substance abuse treatment services for DCFS clients.
• Number 16: DHS with 10th District Substance Abuse Program for substance abuse treatment services.
• This is for substance abuse treatment services in Western Arkansas. Number 19: DHS with James H.

Summary: The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants. In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services. The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.

Transcript Highlights:

• happen that are out of our control. happen that are out of our control.
• <01:31:39.199> use suffer from suffer uh substance use suffer from suffer uh substance use
• uh, substance use disorder treatment<01:35:44.480> providers<01:35:45.239> associations
• We are a statewide organization of rural residential and outpatient substance use disorder programs,
• and I'm testifying today in support of House File 1993 as it would provide small rural substance use

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• evidence-based risk reduction initiatives or treatment options for young people, are lacking, as are substance
• So thinking about access to substances and substance use issues, behavioral health, familial issues,
• Who has an adult child with a substance use disorder. He's just substituting one drug for another.
• Mental health and substance use disorder claims, disparity in provider reimbursements, inadequate coverage
• Now, I know you don't have control over Medicare and the subsidiaries, but I think that other people

Transcript Highlights:

• who or is the state going to control it is this private enti after we control it is this private enti
• after we control it is this private enti after we get it they going to be able to control get it they
• going to be able to control get it they going to be able to control and do what they want to do with
• Substances be regarding Controlled Substances be regarding Controlled Substances be pending Senator
• substances others regarding controlled substances others regarding controlled substances and so I had

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not replace local control.
• Form is important if it makes the substance better.
• I don't think the legislature should be used to be weaponized to control local politics.
• And yes, I understand the state... ...government control that can be used in other regions.
• And, you know, this is the debate over rent control.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We increase program integrity for substance use disorder.
• We increase program integrity for substance use disorder.
• > disorder<01:32:00.719> treatment Half of substance use disorder treatment Half of substance
• <02:28:20.880> use substance use substance use disorder.<02:28:23.280> That's<02:28:23.600
• We're not shifting any cost to the counties that they cannot control.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• legal or illegal substances in utero.
• immediate safety, and missing infant care plans for newborns alleged to be prenatally exposed to controlled
• legal or illegal substances including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamines.
• immediate safety and missing infant care plans for newborns alleged to be prenatally exposed to controlled
• legal or illegal substances including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamines.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Committee on Government was called to order with member and staff introductions, followed by a reminder of committee rules and amendment deadlines. Chair Blackman also gave an opening statement framing the committee’s work as legislative oversight focused on child safety, transparency, and systemic issues at the Department of Child Safety (DCS), noting the committee may hold additional hearings and use subpoenas if needed. The committee then heard a presentation from the Arizona Auditor General on a special audit of DCS investigations of non-criminal child abuse and neglect reports. The audit found that while DCS generally met initial contact timeframes, 123 of 125 sampled cases had at least one policy violation. Problems included failures to provide or document required notices to alleged perpetrators, incomplete or missing documentation of key investigative steps and safety plans, and investigations that exceeded statutory or policy timeframes. The Auditor General said DCS agreed with the findings and all 15 recommendations, and members asked questions about sample size, staffing, and whether the issues reflected broader systemic problems. After the audit, the committee considered House Bill 262, which authorizes a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Boland Plaza. Supporters testified about the historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers and the importance of recognizing their contributions in Arizona. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0, with members explaining their votes in support. The committee also heard House Bill 2018, which would prohibit DCS from entering into agreements with health care institutions that allow payment in exchange for reports of child abuse or neglect. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would prevent financial incentives from influencing reporting and protect the integrity of mandatory reporting. Some members and public commenters raised concerns about DCS contracts, hospital reporting practices, and the need for documentation or a paper trail. After a recess and further discussion, HB 2018 was returned with a do pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• a loophole, which forbids charging a minor with murder for the unlawful distribution of illegal substances
• place, install, or use a tracking device or application on a person within their care, custody, or control
• So we're changing that method to give the governor more direct control without confirmation of the Senate
• to home for me because the majority of those individuals live with the disease that I live with, substance
• Now we're going to take up tab 7, CS for SB 1360 on controlled substances by Senator Lee.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and advanced a series of criminal justice bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll-call votes. Among the bills approved were CS/SB 468 on fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, which increases offense levels and allows impoundment of involved vehicles; CS/SB 1136 on age as an element of a criminal offense, which strengthens protections for minors and was amended to adjust age thresholds and luring/enticement language; CS/SB 144 on criminal justice, which was narrowed by substitute amendment after discussion with law enforcement and includes provisions on kill switches, body cameras/AI, first responder recognition, and other corrections-related items; and CS/SB 1782, which creates penalties for dangerous excessive speeding. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, CS/SB 1450 on arrest and detention of individuals with significant medical conditions, CS/SB 612 on murder involving unlawful drug distribution by minors, CS/SB 1838 on tampering with or harassing court officials, CS/SB 716 on enhanced penalties for sexual offenses by repeat offenders, CS/SB 1604 on corrections, and CS/SB 1360 on xylazine, which preserves veterinary use while increasing penalties for illicit trafficking and possession for sale. Several bills drew substantive testimony and debate. CS/SB 1838 prompted concerns from the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers that the tampering language could be applied to prosecutors or defense attorneys; the sponsor said he would work to refine the language. CS/SB 964 received support from criminal defense advocates and a witness who argued Florida’s parole system needs revision due to prison overcrowding and staffing issues. CS/SB 1604 generated questions about inmate access to courts, the statute of limitations for confinement claims, and involuntary mental health treatment; the sponsor said the bill aims to balance inmate rights with timely reporting and to address bad actors in corrections. CS/SB 1360 was supported as a response to the spread of xylazine on the street, while noting its legitimate veterinary use. The most contested measure was CS/SB 1804 on capital sex trafficking. The bill would create a capital offense for adult trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person under specified circumstances, with a life-felony fallback if capital punishment is later found unconstitutional. Supporters argued it targets especially heinous conduct and closes a gap in existing law; opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and anti-death-penalty advocates, argued it expands the death penalty beyond homicide, raises constitutional concerns, risks retraumatizing victims, and would be costly to litigate. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House companion and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, despite objections from some members who voted no. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members for the session, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on the agenda is an update from the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. Mr.
• I'm director of the Office of Drug Control Policy.
• Uh, and glad to keep you updated on the Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy, which is an umbrella
• director of the office of drug control director of the office of drug control policy.<00:23:43.760
• Abuse Policy, which is an for Substance Abuse Policy, which is an umbrella<00:24:02.159> agency

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:08 Approval of Minutes 00:43 KOAP Report 00:59 KY Office of Drug Control Policy 23:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on September 18, 2025, approved the July 10 minutes, and received Brandon Reid’s monthly report on Kentucky agriculture development and finance activity for July and August. Reid emphasized the long-running structure created under House Bill 611 and Senate Bill 28, the role of county agriculture development councils in all 120 counties, and the importance of the program as a national model for supporting Kentucky agriculture. He also introduced new staff and interns, including a new loan programs manager, Rachel Coward, and project manager Kylie Davis. For July, the development board reported $3.4 million invested in agriculture and the finance corporation reported $3.1 million in loans. Highlights included 11 county council meetings, site visits, program reviews, and 18 project reports. July approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased farm animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, infrastructure loans, an agriculture processing loan, and beginning farmer loans. Staff also noted that all 120 counties had submitted their required five-year comprehensive plans on schedule. Bill McCloskey then highlighted several funded projects, including Dino’s Farm LLC in Jefferson County, which received support to purchase a meat processing facility and equipment, with the goal of creating market opportunities for goat, sheep, and cattle producers and establishing Kentucky’s first halal meat processing facility. Other projects included a veterinarian facility project to address large animal vet shortages and Grow Appalachia at Berea College, which provides technical assistance and market support for small-scale and eastern Kentucky producers. Members discussed the need for programs such as high tunnels and other small-scale opportunities in rural areas, and staff noted related resources such as CAPE and NRCS funding. For August, the board reported $500,000 in development board investments and just over $3 million in finance corporation loans, along with fewer staff activities than July but continued county council, site visit, and project review work. August approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, agriculture infrastructure loans, beginning farmer loans, and a horticulture incentives loan. Additional project updates included another veterinary equipment purchase, emergency safety equipment in Graves County, and a food safety and efficiency incentive for Jared Cornet.

Transcript Highlights:

• So really trying to push that message back out that we have an effective tool to get this under control
• Recommendations total 2.4 billion dollars from all funds for all community mental health and substance
• Do it in a more controlled setting that can better provide the nature of services that that individual
• And they also have the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
• We've got substance abuse, anger management.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, the individuals would say, am I under the influence of any alcohol or controlled substances,
• Lastly, the individuals would say, am I under the influence of any alcohol or controlled substances,
• Lastly, the individuals would say, am I under the influence of any alcohol or controlled substances,
• Lastly, the individuals would say, am I under the influence of any alcohol or controlled substances,
• Lastly, the individuals would say, am I under the influence of any alcohol or controlled substances,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If you are dealing with co-occurring substance use disorder, mental health, we are taking care of those
• If you are dealing with co-occurring substance use disorder, mental health, we are taking care of those
• If you are dealing with co-occurring substance use disorder, mental health, we are taking care of those
• solution in this and some cost-sharing mechanisms for the things that they set rates on that we don't control
• solution in this and some cost-sharing mechanisms for the things that they set rates on that we don't control

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• CHAPTER 893 IF THE VIOLATION WAS FOR TRAFFICKING IN, THE SALE, MANUFACTURING, OR DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED
• SUBSTANCE OR POSSESSION WITH THE INTENT TO SELL, MANUFACTURE OR DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.

Transcript Highlights:

• substance.
• These types of things need to be controlled. They need to be looked at.
• These types of things need to be controlled. They need to be looked at.
• This also requires alcohol beverage control to notify all of the licensees in the city or town of their
• House 437, an act returning liquor licenses control to municipalities.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on alcohol licensing, sales, and consumption issues affecting bars, restaurants, package stores, and local communities. The chair outlined hybrid hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits and instructions for written testimony. The committee heard a local bill for Milford, H. 4169, authorizing an additional off-premises all-alcohol license for Charlie’s Mini Mart, with the understanding that the existing wine and malt license would be surrendered if the new license is granted. A major topic was the long-running debate over happy hour. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association opposed bills such as S. 217, H. 349, and H. 443, arguing that discounted alcohol would intensify competition, create pressure on restaurants to participate, and potentially raise liquor liability and insurance costs. In contrast, Senator Julian Cyr testified in support of repealing the happy hour ban through a local-option framework, saying the bill includes safeguards such as no discounts after 10 p.m., fixed pricing during promotions, and advance posting requirements, and that it could help downtowns and seasonal businesses without creating a public health risk. The Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified on a broad package of bills, opposing measures to reinstate happy hour, allow supplier control over retail shelf space (H. 350), impose a transfer fee on licenses (H. 351), authorize alcohol coupons or discounts (H. 381 and S. 219), and permit Thanksgiving alcohol sales (H. 428). It supported bills requiring beverage alcohol training for off-premise licensees (H. 344), restricting self-checkout for alcohol (H. 366), changing Section 15 grocery-store license rules (S. 213), and several other regulatory changes. The Distilled Spirits Council supported H. 350 on private label spirits, while acknowledging concerns about disclosure and preferential treatment; package store witnesses defended private labels as lawful products they create with manufacturers, and the council argued the bill should address consumer confusion and unfair competitive advantages. The hearing concluded with Chair Chan announcing committee poll results on other bills, including a number of favorable reports and study orders, and the committee then voted to close the hearing.