Transcript Highlights:

• And if the panelists for item 12 can come up: Edward Martinez, Luis Reyes, and Robert Balch.
• With prioritization falling with the Interstate Commission.
• It could happen in seven or eight years, but it could be 10 or 12.
• A bosque fire translated to 12 residential homes burning.
• You mentioned that there were 12 homes destroyed in a fire in Dubosky.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:02.160> on<01:12:02.320> the<01:12:02.720> on<01:12:02.880> the<01:12:
• And<01:12:03.600> that's<01:12:03.840> why<01:12:04.000> the<01:12:04.120> big
• <01:12:04.360> push<01:12:04.720> to<01:12:04.840> try<01:12:05.080> to
• <01:12:06.200> team<01:12:07.200> a<01:12:07.280> little<01:12:07.520> bit
• :12:24.320> in<02:12:24.400> my<02:12:24.640> area<02:12:25.120> whole.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To start off, I'm going to open this informational meeting on the financial update on the Interstate
• Oh, 12 on the even... yeah, it always varies, but I would say four times as many.
• And I'll just mention a couple of other things about the Interstate Bridge project.
• And I'll just mention a couple of other things about Interstate Bridge project.
• Greg Johnson, who led the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, came to Oregon from W. led the Interstate

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a presentation on OPPAGA's examination of interstate health care compacts.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of joining interstate health care compacts?
• This is the national landscape for interstate compacts.
• So how is that different from an interstate compact? You recognize? Nice.
• From an interstate compact? You recognize, Ms. Scott. Thank you for that question.

Summary: The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably. A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no. The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:01.959> to<00:12:02.120> do<00:12:02.399> anything<00:12:02.760> we
• we could as<00:12:03.720> a<00:12:04.320> state<00:12:05.320> to<00:12:05.600>
• <01:12:12.679> nice<01:12:12.880> to<01:12:13.000> see<01:12:13.159> you<
• :12:20.560> this<01:12:20.679> bill<01:12:20.920> for<01:12:21.080> a<01:
• > first<01:12:23.320> is<01:12:23.600> I<01:12:23.719> think<01:12:23.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :03.360> from<00:12:03.600> members<00:12:04.079> is<00:12:04.399> are<00
• <00:12:05.360> Case<00:12:05.680> and<00:12:05.920> I<00:12:06.160> appreciate
• <00:12:07.680> Thank<00:12:07.839> you,<00:12:08.000> Chair<00:12:08.320>
• None<00:12:10.160> of<00:12:10.320> those<00:12:10.480> are<00:12:10.720> controversial
• Any<00:12:14.480> other<00:12:14.800> discussion<00:12:15.279> or<00:12:15.519><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• enforce<00:12:00.960> the<00:12:01.040> laws<00:12:01.280> that<00:12:01.400
• <00:12:07.600> With<00:12:07.760> that<00:12:07.960> Mr.
• Speaker, I would<00:12:08.920> move<00:12:09.120> passage<00:12:10.000> of<00:12
• <00:12:12.800> House<00:12:13.000> Committee<00:12:13.240> Substitute<00:12:
• . interstates. interstates.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 33, 37, and 56 and requested concurrence, and it approved the journal from February 27, 2026. The House then considered several bills. House Bill 648, relating to motor vehicle dealers, was explained as closing loopholes in warranty compensation for class 7 and 8 heavy-duty truck dealers; it passed 94-0. House Bill 299, relating to machine gun conversion devices or “Glock switches,” was amended by House Committee Substitute 1, described as mirroring existing federal law so local law enforcement can enforce it; it passed 65-25, with one member explaining support as a constitutional gun restriction. House Bill 282, “Troy’s Law,” relating to vehicle lights for tow trucks, was amended to allow green flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights for wreckers and was presented as a safety measure honoring tow operators killed or injured on highways; it passed unanimously. House Bill 658, relating to limited commercial driver’s licenses for agricultural businesses, was amended with clarifying language and passed 93-0. House Bill 519, relating to a voluntary notation on driver’s licenses or IDs for people with communication disorders, was described as a non-stigmatizing safety tool for first responders and passed 92-0. House Bill 246, “Keion’s Law,” requiring animal control officers to receive training to identify and report child abuse and neglect, was amended to address county liability concerns and passed 85-0 after testimony about child maltreatment data and the link between animal abuse and child abuse. After the bills, the House took up additional business, including moving House Bills 619 and 651 from Appropriations and Revenue for second reading. The chamber also adopted Citation 52 recognizing the Model Laboratory School Personal Finance Team for winning a state competition, and Citation 51 honoring the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children and Children’s Advocacy Week. Members announced committee meetings, an Americans for Prosperity Kentucky reception, and a Women’s History Month recognition highlighting Martha Layne Collins as Kentucky’s first and only female governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:10.560> And<00:12:10.959> I'm<00:12:11.040> just<00:12:11.279> going
• 12:12.000> off<00:12:12.160> to<00:12:12.399> the<00:12:12.560> good to hand
• >> Thank<00:12:14.880> you<00:12:15.040> for<00:12:15.200> pinch<00:12:15.519
• >> Brings<00:12:19.920> us<00:12:20.079> to<00:12:20.240> Senate<00:12:20.480
• <00:12:23.760> You're<00:12:24.000> familiar<00:12:24.320> with<00:12:24.480

Bills: SF0007, SF0008

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> And<00:12:12.639> I<00:12:12.800> asked<00:12:12.959> that<00:12:13.120
• > in<00:12:14.240> Andalusia<00:12:14.959> with<00:12:15.200> a<00:12:15.519
• ><00:12:16.880> a<00:12:17.040> lot<00:12:17.120> of<00:12:17.279> questions<
• > who<00:12:18.079> was<00:12:18.240> going<00:12:18.320> to<00:12:18.399>
• would<00:12:20.880> go<00:12:21.040> to<00:12:21.120> a<00:12:21.279> runoff

Bills: HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134

Keywords: procurement, county commission, administrative savings, public services, government efficiency, HB17, municipal audits, municipal audit clarification act, municipal finance, local government, city council, mayor, city manager, Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, independent public accountant, annual audit, biennial audit, annual report, financial accountability, public records

Transcript Highlights:

• for example, must resubmit credentials, verify training, undergo background checks, and wait six to 12
• The dental hygienist and dentist compact is initiated in 12 states already.
• Massachusetts would be joining the growing list of 12 states that have already passed this model act,
• Next, S. 1608 and H. 2531, an act relative to physician assistant interstate compact.
• I also want to speak in support of H. 2531 and S. 1608, the PA Interstate Compact.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• :07.120> to<00:12:07.279> take<00:12:07.440> lead<00:12:07.760> off<00:12
• All right, for<00:12:12.560> the<00:12:12.720> record,<00:12:13.040> just<00:12:
• Brett Molen,<00:12:17.680> Wyoming<00:12:18.000> Farm<00:12:18.320> Bureau<00:12
• <00:12:39.200> interstate.
• :12:58.480> and<00:12:58.880> a<00:12:59.040> like,<00:12:59.600> we<00:12

Bills: HB0032

Keywords: English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A bill enacting the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, providing for the appointment of New Mexico
• Compact Commissioners, requiring the public posting of Interstate Commission bonds, laws, rules, and
• enacting new sections of the Medical Practice Act, and providing for a contingent repeal of the Interstate
• An act relating to licensure, enacting the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. of New Mexico Compact
• Commissioners of the Medical Practice Act, providing for a contingent repeal of the Interstate Medical

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you kind of look at pages 11 and 12... ...the table shows all of the projects, with the 95% state
• We had district-wide striping, sign replacement projects, I-25, more interstate.
• together with these projects, so that's why we're dedicating those resources to that interstate.
• interstate.
• I would have like 10 or 12 dedicated, and then they go throughout the district, roughly.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee heard a District 5 New Mexico Department of Transportation presentation from Rhonda Lopez, who reviewed the district’s FY26 budget, staffing vacancies, and the status of special appropriations from 2020 through 2025. She described numerous completed and ongoing projects across the district, including roadway overlays, bridge work, intersection improvements, ADA upgrades, and maintenance projects, and also summarized STIP, TPF, LGRF, and equipment needs. Members asked about a guardrail issue near U.S. 64 in Hogback, the 5% local match for TPF projects, and the status of the New Mexico 371/U.S. 36 intersection funding agreement with the Navajo Nation; DOT said the match is secured or waived where applicable and that the Navajo agreement is nearly finalized. The committee then heard House Bill 270, which would amend the Public Works Apprentice Training Act to require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs for certain public works contracts, including highway-related work, while creating an exception where no approved apprenticeship program exists for a trade classification. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen workforce development and support apprenticeship training. Contractors and asphalt industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it would raise road project costs and duplicate existing training contributions. A motion to table failed on a tie, and a later motion to pass also failed on a tie, leaving the bill in committee. Next, the committee heard House Bill 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund, dedicate additional revenue sources including a portion of electricity GRT and motor vehicle excise tax, and begin annual distributions for federal matching funds in 2029. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help address a multi-billion-dollar road funding gap, improve maintenance, and provide a stable source for matching federal dollars. Some members raised concerns about the electricity tax component, its effect on utility bills, and overlap with recently enacted transportation financing measures; others supported the concept but questioned timing and funding priorities. A motion on the bill resulted in a tie and failed, leaving the bill in committee. The meeting concluded with a District 4 NMDOT legislative presentation. The district outlined its geography, budget, staffing vacancy rate, completed special appropriations, active construction and maintenance projects, wildfire-related recovery work, local government funding allocations, and equipment replacement needs. Members asked about school district uses of local funding and the impact of aging equipment and weather on maintenance costs. The presentation ended without any formal action on District 4 items, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.200> your<00:12:03.440> support<00:12:03.760> for<00:12:03.959>
• > and<00:12:05.639> would<00:12:05.839> appreciate<00:12:06.279> an<00:12
• and<00:12:09.000> consideration<00:12:09.839> and<00:12:09.959> I<00:12:10.040><
• > can<00:12:11.720> hand out<00:12:16.639> thank<00:12:16.800> you<00:12:
• <00:12:21.800> seeing<00:12:22.199> none<00:12:23.199> I'd<00:12:23.360> like

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 561, sponsored by Representative Nancy Murphy, which would limit the state’s ability to discontinue, reclassify, or revert state-owned highway property to municipalities without local approval. Murphy and other supporters argued the bill would protect towns from unfunded mandates and prevent property tax increases caused by taking on costly road maintenance. Representative Wendy Thomas, Rosemarie Rung, Merrimack Town Council Chairman Finley Rothhouse, and Town Manager Paul McAuliffe all testified in support, describing the financial burden of the planned transfer of Continental Boulevard in Merrimack and warning it would set a harmful precedent for other communities. The Department of Transportation’s Steve Leon explained the department’s current authority and processes for discontinuance and reclassification, said active highways are not surplus property, and noted that the Supreme Court’s Town of Nelson decision held such reclassifications were not an unfunded mandate. The committee then closed the public hearing on HB 561. The committee next took up House Bill 578, presented by Representative Mooney on behalf of Representative Bill Boyd, to require sound barriers along the F. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. Supporters said widening the turnpike would increase noise in nearby neighborhoods and that a 2019 NHDOT study identified 17 neighborhoods with noise levels above federal standards, though only four were included for mitigation under the current project. They argued the remaining neighborhoods should also receive relief and cited quality-of-life and property-value concerns. Senator Tim McGuire also testified in support, saying residents were experiencing unexpected and severe noise impacts and urging the committee to act outside the usual criteria to approve the barriers. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or action on HB 578.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the<00:12:02.480> aid<00:12:02.720> of<00:12:02.880> their<00:12:03.040>
• Um<00:12:07.360> I'm<00:12:07.680> very<00:12:08.000> proud<00:12:08.959> of<
• /c><00:12:09.200> the<00:12:09.440> work<00:12:09.760> that<00:12:10.079> our
• 00:12:33.760> some<00:12:34.000> very<00:12:34.320> unpleasant<00:12:35.200>
• :35.760> you<00:12:36.000> know,<00:12:37.200> uh<00:12:37.519> to<00:12:

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• To Plains Interstate on U.S. 6487. Page 10.
• to just interstate.
• This includes the $12 million dedicated to the rural areas.
• The communities, that $12 million is not the request; that $12 million as we talked about earlier was
• shoulders and 12-foot inside-outside lanes.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:47.120> what<00:12:47.240> you're<00:12:47.440> saying<00:12:47.920>
• > we<00:12:48.880> have<00:12:49.079> these<00:12:49.399> three<00:12:49.800
• 51.399> that<00:12:51.519> are<00:12:52.160> each<00:12:52.560> less<00:12
• <00:12:54.360> to<00:12:54.760> almost<00:12:55.040> about<00:12:55.240> to
• to hit 5,000<00:12:56.199> so<00:12:56.399> we<00:12:56.480> should<00:12:56.680

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.399> John blaton<00:12:56.160> repres blaton repres blaton repres Blandon<00:12:58.519
• > please<00:12:58.760> identify<00:12:59.199> by Blandon please identify by Blandon
• They cannot drive school buses, and they cannot drive interstate.
• They cannot drive school buses, and they cannot drive interstate.
• They cannot drive school buses, and they cannot drive interstate.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from its previous meeting. It then considered several transportation-related bills, beginning with House Bill 157 on special license plates. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would create a commercial Friends of Agriculture plate to support agriculture-related programs, with proceeds going to the same fund used by the existing farm tag. Members also discussed the committee substitute’s fee exemptions for military-related plates, and the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. The committee next took up House Bill 682 on utility relocation. Testimony from Charter Communications explained that the bill would update outdated law so cable and broadband providers are treated like public utilities for reimbursement when forced to relocate facilities for highway projects, while preserving the Transportation Cabinet’s discretion over reimbursements. Members asked about the current reimbursement process and fiscal impact; witnesses said the bill does not change cabinet discretion and therefore has no fiscal note. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 443, which would shift the east end signage of the H. Rogers Parkway farther east to US 23 in Prestonsburg to reflect the already four-laned section and support future federal funding efforts, also received favorable expression. House Bill 444, a commercial driver’s licensing measure brought by the Transportation Cabinet and amended by committee substitute, would align Kentucky reporting requirements with federal law and allow drivers age 18 and older to qualify for a hazardous materials endorsement, with limits excluding school buses and interstate transport. Members discussed the safety rationale and the need for drivers in agriculture and propane delivery; the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 493 on towing and storage of motor vehicles. Representative Pollock and a Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance witness described it as a cleanup bill aimed at transparency and enforcement against predatory towing and inflated charges, and members noted constituent concerns about towing practices. The bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute attached. The committee also reviewed Administrative Regulation 600 KAR 1:041, which updates disadvantaged business enterprise certification rules to conform to federal nomenclature and related federal changes; the regulation was reviewed without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I assume your interest rates were at 12% because you're actually—” “Thank you.”
• One is, you mentioned that you guys would reduce the rate from 12 to 6%.
• Open the shoulder of the interstate to facilitate those evacuations.
• So basically the... 400 miles of interstate if you look at it in both directions.
• This is the first time we've had 200 miles of interstate covered in inches of snow.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to continue its review of hurricane impacts and state response. The committee first heard from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which described its four core functions—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—and highlighted its 24/7 State Watch Office, regional training efforts, and disaster assistance work. Deputy Executive Director Keith Pruitt detailed the state’s 2024 storm response, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, citing large-scale mission support, flood-control deployments, meal and water distribution, power restoration, debris removal, and billions in disaster funding and mitigation dollars. He also discussed debris management challenges and recommended that local governments update and exercise debris plans and maintain contingency contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing<00:12:29.279> none,<00:12:29.519> those<00:12:29.680> in<00:12:29.760>
• <00:12:37.440> Uh<00:12:38.000> House<00:12:38.240> Bill<00:12:38.480> 307
• <00:12:42.639> What<00:12:42.880> we<00:12:43.120> have<00:12:43.279> before
• 00:12:47.920> who<00:12:48.240> opt<00:12:48.480> in<00:12:48.800> to<00:
• from the<00:12:58.240> per<00:12:58.560> from<00:12:58.720> our<00:12:58.959>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The clerk reported Senate Bills 156, 173, and 193 had passed the Senate and requested concurrence. Committee reports were then read, advancing a number of bills on banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing/occupations, and primary/secondary education, including measures on insurance, fraudulent practices, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, legal representation, costs and fees, barbering, fire protection, licensing background checks, dentistry, school reporting, teacher certification, and educator placement. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The chamber then took up House Bill 307, the “My Kentucky Future Act,” on proactive post-secondary admission. Sponsors explained that the bill would send opt-in letters from public universities to eligible high school juniors, include a common application for the state’s public institutions, and share data with KY Stats to track outcomes. Members asked about scholarships, the target student group, and privacy; the sponsor clarified that participation is voluntary, the letters do not guarantee admission, and the program is meant to streamline college access. House Committee Substitute 2 and House Floor Amendment 2 were adopted, and HB 307 passed 97-0. House Bill 418 on domestic violence was then considered. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes the non-offending parent, requires abusive parents to address violent behavior before unsupervised visitation, and gives courts more tools to consider false abuse allegations and victim advocates’ testimony. House Committee Substitute 1 was adopted, and after brief discussion the bill passed 96-1. House Bill 593 on data centers followed; its sponsor said the measure is intended to support data center development while protecting ratepayers from subsidizing infrastructure risk, requiring companies to bring their own generation, buy power on the open market, or prepay certain costs. After adopting House Committee Substitute 1, the bill passed 90-8. The House also passed House Bill 5 on prison educational programs, with a committee substitute and a floor amendment adding data collection on post-release employment; it passed 99-0. Finally, House Bill 584 on licenses for prescribing or dispensing controlled substances was debated. The sponsor said the bill removes a permanent ban so a physician who has regained licensure may apply for DEA registration, while opponents raised concerns about repeated misconduct and the ability to practice without DEA authority. The transcript cuts off before final disposition on HB 584.