Transcript Highlights:

• So this is going to be the limits bill for Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
• It puts it out with the Department of Health. I stand for questions and urge adoption.
• It puts it out with the Department of Health. I stand for questions and urge adoption.
• We are appropriating $500,000 to the decennial census revolving fund at the Department of Commerce for
• Members, Senate Bill 1162 is the limits bill for the State Department of Health.

Bills: HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4033, HB4034, HB4035, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4039, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4044, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4049, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4065, HB4067, HB4071, HB4072, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4033, HB4034, HB4035, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4039, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4044, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4049, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4065, HB4067, HB4071, HB4072, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176

Keywords: education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability

Bills: HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145, HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, HVAC, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, warranty transfer, manufacturer warranty, consumer protection, home sale, residential real property, real estate

Bills: HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145, HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, HVAC, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, warranty transfer, manufacturer warranty, consumer protection, home sale, residential real property, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a request bill in Reasser's department. I thought I did that. Thank you so much.
• Members, House Bill 3044 reauthorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs income tax checkoff.
• We are creating the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Equipment and Capital Improvement Programme.
• It's a fund that will be designated to capital Improvements that the Oklahoma Department of Veterans
• The money to be used for this already exists over at Commerce. With that, I yield for questions.

Bills: HB3044, HB3465, HB3625, HB3704, HB3759, HB3920, HB3972, HB4191, HB4311, HB4426

Keywords: veterans, tax refund, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, capital improvement, donations, Oklahoma Emission Reduction, incentive, taxation, environment, revenue, investment, school funds, treasurer, education funding, financial policy, income tax, scholarship, tax credit, Oklahoma Tax Commission, school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will say that I support the Commerce Authority. I support Sandra and her team.
• And I thank the Commerce Authority for meeting with me.
• And I thank the Commerce Authority for meeting with me.
• I thank the Commerce Authority for meeting with me, and I apologize again.
• Department of Defense cybersecurity standards.

Bills: HB2056, HB2057, HB2224, HB2257, HB2265, HB2311, HB2352, HB2367, HB2369, HB2446, HB2532, HB2592, HB2752, HB2809, HB2957

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding, Arizona, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement

Summary: The committee approved the March 10, 2026 minutes and then considered several bills. HB 2056, appropriating $100,000 for an Arizona Department of Water Resources feasibility study on brackish groundwater desalination, passed 6-3 despite concerns that it could encourage more groundwater pumping and worsen subsidence or impacts to tribal lands. HB 2057, which lowers the Arizona Centennial Special Plate renewal fee from $25 to $20, also received a do-pass recommendation, 7-2, with some members objecting to the special plate’s focus and the reduced fee. HB 2224, appropriating $1 million annually to DES for the produce incentive program, drew strong support from nonprofit and food-access advocates who said the Double Up Food Bucks program helps families, farmers, and local markets; it passed 9-0. HB 2257, changing the allocation of watercraft registration revenues among the Watercraft Licensing Fund, Lake Improvement Fund, and boating safety/law enforcement funds, passed 6-3 after criticism that the bill was heard without a sponsor present and concern about shifting money away from Game and Fish. HB 2265, barring courts from charging defendants for public defender or court-appointed counsel costs and related criminal-case fees, passed 7-1 amid debate over constitutionality, cost shifting to counties, and whether the bill should be amended to offset lost revenue. The committee then took up HB 2311, which imposes disclosure, content, parental-control, and self-harm response requirements on publicly available conversational AI services for minors. The sponsor and supporters framed it as child protection, while opponents warned about privacy, surveillance, and overbroad definitions; an Epstein amendment expanding the bill to broader conversational technology was rejected, and the bill passed 7-2. HB 2752, moving authority over international trade offices from the Arizona Commerce Authority to legislative appropriations and reporting, passed 6-3 after a proposed data-and-research amendment was also rejected. Finally, HB 2957, requiring ADOT to continue offering non-REAL ID licenses and limiting biometric collection and data sharing, prompted extensive testimony for and against; supporters emphasized privacy and choice, while opponents warned it could conflict with federal CDL and REAL ID requirements. The transcript cuts off during the discussion of HB 2957, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• has<00:27:53.760> a<00:27:54.000> a Department of Commerce actually has a a Department
• That is why the fraud bureau needs to be in the Department of Commerce.
• governor had removed that from the Department of Commerce and moved that over to the Bureau of Criminal
• On January 3rd, the governor had removed that from the Department of Commerce and moved that over to
• That is why the fraud bureau needs to be in the Department of Commerce.

Bills: HF1392, HF2233, HF695, HF2228, HF1289

Keywords: consumer protection, restitution, attorney general, consumer enforcement, unclaimed funds, victim compensation, settlement funds, special revenue fund, general fund, restitution account, consumer fraud, state treasury, eligible consumers, distribution of funds, tax subtraction, income tax, refund, unpaid compensation, Minnesota Department of Revenue, consumer redress

Bills: HCR1006, SB1226, SB1239, SB1309, SB2132, SB1189, SB1344, SB1295, SB1355, SB1998, SB1330, SB1297, SB1338, SB1546, SB1378, SB1859, SB1333, SB1341, SB1377, SB1990

Keywords: campaign finance, election spending, political spending, money in politics, constitutional amendment, Citizens United, free speech, ballot measures, elections, corruption, dark money, outside spending, foreign influence, special interests, corporations, unions, federalism, self-government, political equality, term limits

Bills: HR213, SB2607, SB2043, SB2396, SB2835

Keywords: Hawaiian Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian, Native Hawaiian community, Native Hawaiian advocacy, recognition resolution, ceremonial resolution, nonprofit, community development, economic development, cultural preservation, self-sufficiency, housing counseling, community development financial institution, CDFI, small business accelerator, trades academy, tourism, regenerative tourism, iwi kūpuna

Bills: HR213, SB2607, SB2043, SB2396, SB2835

Keywords: Hawaiian Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian, Native Hawaiian community, Native Hawaiian advocacy, recognition resolution, ceremonial resolution, nonprofit, community development, economic development, cultural preservation, self-sufficiency, housing counseling, community development financial institution, CDFI, small business accelerator, trades academy, tourism, regenerative tourism, iwi kūpuna

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill additionally states the director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, or the
• The bill additionally states the director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, or the
• This process includes review by EPA in concurrence with the Department of Energy.
• Ding, did you check with the department to see if they thought $100,000 was enough or 90 days?
• For the record, Rachel Andrews here on behalf of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

Bills: HB2014, HB2113, HB2145, HB2331, HB2340, HB2389, HB2400, HB2401, HB2428, HB2494, HB2696, HB2756, HB2795, HB2955, HCM2008

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, energy reliability, electric service providers, reliable resources, public power entity

Summary: The committee heard several energy and transportation bills, with testimony largely split between sponsors, industry groups, local governments, and environmental advocates. HB 2428, dealing with county and ADEQ authority to issue voluntary permits certifying emission reduction credits for mobile and non-road sources, drew neutral support from ADEQ and support from Maricopa County; it was amended and passed 10-0 with a due pass recommendation. HB 2145, which expands who may petition on gasoline supplier alternative standards, also passed, 5-4, with no amendment. A lengthy debate followed on HB 2331, as amended, which would require electric utilities to ensure 85% of generating capacity serving retail load comes from “reliable resources” by 2030. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill was needed to preserve affordable, dependable power and prevent overreliance on intermittent renewables, while opponents from the Sierra Club and Rural Arizona Action said it would effectively favor fossil fuels, raise costs, and limit cleaner energy options. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and the sponsor’s amendment, then passed the bill 6-4. HB 2795, which limits county zoning authority over small modular reactors once federal permitting and certification steps are met, drew strong support from nuclear and business advocates and opposition from county, city, and environmental representatives concerned about local control, safety, waste, and preemption; it passed 6-4 after amendment-related discussion. The committee also passed HB 2340, which allows the power plant and transmission line siting committee to evaluate the plant itself when reviewing transmission line applications, by a 5-4 vote. Finally, HB 2400, an emergency measure to suspend the motor vehicle fuel tax in Areas A and C during summer months and replace the lost revenue with state highway funds, prompted testimony about gas prices, boutique fuel requirements, and transportation funding needs; cities and counties opposed the diversion of highway funds, while the sponsor argued it would help consumers facing higher fuel costs. The Griffin amendment was adopted, and the bill passed with a due pass recommendation after debate on affordability versus road funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, if just as we're going through, we're going to go through each department.
• Um, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is comprised of six departments.
• So that way you all can feel department.
• Each department has worked budget.
• Um the Department of joining me up here.

Keywords: Opening and Roll Call 00:28 Public safety Cabinet 01:09 Juvenile justice MH Facility: 04:30 Department of Corrections Repair and Replacement: 10:29 Department of Criminal Justice Flat Track 19:05 KSP : 27:02 Department of Public Advocacy : 37:35, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard capital project requests from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for fiscal years 2026-28. The cabinet described its large statewide footprint and said its facilities face significant deferred maintenance, with the governor’s budget proposing full funding for maintenance pool requests, including an additional $60 million for the Department of Corrections’ maintenance pool and cash funding through investment income. Officials said the projects were based on facility assessments and were presented as necessary public safety investments rather than wish-list items. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, the main requests were $35 million for a high-acuity mental health treatment facility and $45 million each for two new female detention facilities. Officials said the mental health facility would fill a gap for youth needing psychiatric care, while the female facilities were needed to support a regional detention model and address overcrowding; they noted the current female population has grown by 50% since July 2024. Members asked about locations, and staff said they were considering western Kentucky abandoned mine land and available land in Fayette and Jefferson counties, with current female placements in Boyd County and Warren County. For the Department of Corrections, officials requested funding for critical mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, and structural repairs, including $15.78 million for Kentucky State Penitentiary utilities infrastructure and additional funding for North Point Training Center projects. They also highlighted two re-entry initiatives: a KCTCS partnership for a re-entry campus at North Point and the East Kentucky Applied Manufacturing Institute at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, both aimed at reducing recidivism through intensive training and job preparation. Members asked about the KCTCS re-entry model, and DOC explained it would be a more immersive, campus-style program than current prison-based vocational classes. The Department of Criminal Justice Training discussed projects at its Richmond campus and the planned Western Kentucky Training Center, including a replacement flat track and campus access road at Richmond and added training features in Madisonville. Officials said the Richmond changes were needed because EKU construction had removed the existing flat track and would affect access, while the Western Kentucky project would expand training capacity and reduce travel for law enforcement agencies. The Kentucky State Police then outlined the final phase of the statewide emergency radio system replacement, estimated at about $17.5 million, and said the system is being built in geographic phases; members asked how long completion would take, and staff estimated roughly four years after funding, assuming no major inflation spikes. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational with member questions and staff responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment adds an information-sharing provision so the Department of Revenue can share limited tax
• information with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of State.
• It shifts verification and registration from the Department of Veterans Affairs and creates a verification
• eligibility criteria for veteran- and military-spouse-owned businesses and continues to provide a Department

Bills: S1182, S1594

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, business incentives, tax exemptions, economic development, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. SB 1594, by Senator Gates, would change how veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth are handled so the funds are not used to offset foster care costs, but instead are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare services when the youth leaves foster care. The bill drew one supportive appearance from Victoria Zep of Family Support Services, had no debate, and was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. Senator Sharief later asked to be recorded as a yes vote on the bill. The committee then considered SB 1182, by Senator Jones, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development Act to provide fee relief and tax incentives for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses. The committee adopted Jones’s strike-all amendment, which added information-sharing and verification provisions, refined the tax exemptions, and broadened eligibility for fee waivers and sales tax relief. After no questions or debate, the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee also held a confirmation hearing for three appointees—Matthew Bacchano, Tim Thomas, and Belinda Kaiser—and recommended confirmation on all three in one vote. The meeting concluded with several members offering remarks praising Chair Wright’s long service and leadership on veterans’ issues, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:17.200> if<00:01:17.360> they Department of Medicaid Services. if they Department
• ><00:02:16.319> for commissioner for the Department for commissioner for the Department for Medicaid
• department of law regulation. department of law regulation.
• <01:56:18.080> We department of law. Is there a motion? We department of law.
• for the department?

Keywords: 0:00 – Meeting start/roll call 0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes 1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services 27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners 1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E. 1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board 1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief 1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) 1:54:28 - Board of Nursing 1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy 1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority 2:01:34 - Department of Corrections 2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice 2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance 2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient. The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health Care and Commerce Policy, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• > Policy, Health Care and Commerce Policy, Health Care and Commerce Policy, Minnesota<00:16:15.040
• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• The Department of Commerce estimated that the program reduces premiums by about 20% compared to what
• /c><00:18:49.760> the Department of Commerce to seek the Department of Commerce to seek the needed

Bills: HF4502, HF3388, HF4106, HF400, HF4138, HF4118, HF4203

Keywords: trusted contact, financial exploitation, elder abuse, elder financial abuse, fraud prevention, financial institution, banking, credit union, broker-dealer, account security, dormant account, consumer protection, scam, suspicious activity, protective services, law enforcement reporting, Minnesota Statutes chapter 45A, HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance

Transcript Highlights:

• The contract is with Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Department.
• I'm a sergeant for the Bertram Police Department.
• I'm a sergeant for the Bertram Police Department.
• of Juvenile Justice as well, the Juvenile Justice Department.
• To represent the county and department officials in civil matters.

Bills: HB240, HB2097, HB2731, HB3087, HB3234, HB3319, HB3394, HB3687, HB4105, HB4205, HB4350, HB4462, HB4642, HB4801, HB5403

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Summary: The subcommittee on county and regional government heard a long agenda of county-related bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097, by Rep. Martinez, would let counties that opt in use an independent hearing examiner instead of a civil service commission for certain deputy sheriff discipline appeals; the bill drew support from CLEET’s Robert Leonard, who said it would be fairer and faster, and it was left pending. HB 4642, by Rep. Gonzalez, would require counties that contract with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas jail-standard protections and oversight; Gonzalez, detainee Jess Hampton, his wife, Texas Jail Project’s Krish Kundu, and TCJS director Brandon Wood all discussed deaths and poor conditions in Louisiana facilities, staffing shortages, and the need for guardrails and data collection. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, by Rep. Capriglione, allowing peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face targeted threats and should have protections similar to judges; a title industry witness warned about preserving the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687, by Rep. Harless, would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet training and certification standards within set timeframes; Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen supported professionalization, and the bill was left pending. HB 4105 would let very large counties give a local-bid preference for construction and infrastructure contracts, and HB 4205 would require pay parity for similar law enforcement ranks within large counties; both were supported by Harris County officials and constables and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 5403, which would repeal a special rule limiting Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs’ control over commissary funds; the author said it would remove an outdated population bracket, and the bill was left pending. HB 4462 would require large counties to allow elected officials named in civil suits to seek outside counsel and have a role in settlement decisions; supporters argued county attorneys and commissioners court can have conflicts of interest, while questions focused on who qualifies and whether the bill could complicate settlements. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 240, by Rep. Swanson, would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively preventing tax action without all commissioners present and defaulting to the no-new-revenue rate if quorum is not met; urban counties opposed it as a potential budget obstruction, while supporters said it protects taxpayers and representation. That bill was also left pending. The transcript ends as the committee begins HB 3319, which would create a civil service system for constable department employees in large counties, but the discussion is cut off before testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The contract is with Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Department.
• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is looking at it.
• as well, the Juvenile Justice Department.
• Also be a department head or...? I believe it's elected officials. Okay.
• , the Harris County Sheriff's Department, and the Houston firefighters.

Bills: HB240, HB2097, HB2731, HB3087, HB3234, HB3319, HB3394, HB3687, HB4105, HB4205, HB4350, HB4462, HB4642, HB4801, HB5403, HB240

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Transcript Highlights:

• hunting permits, and stuff, and where they can check it off if they want to donate to the Oklahoma Department
• The PCS still retains that spirit and it also incorporates language from the Department of Commerce,

Bills: SB44, SB134, SB1378, SB1400, SB1403, SB1832, SB2018, SB2143

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, Olympics, funding, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, local businesses, revolving fund, event hosting, sales tax, tax exemption, tax refund, Oklahoma Sales Tax Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Department for Community Based Services. Department for Community Based Services.
• Chairman. department does their response. department does their response.
• obligations with the department. obligations with the department.
• with Kentucky One Stop at the Department with Kentucky One Stop at the Department of<00:31:49.080
• the division director in the Department the division director in the Department of<00:36:03.480>

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 SERVS Informational Update- 00:01:22 Child Removal and Reunification Update: Department for Community Based Services Financials- 00:03:00 Small Business Sales Tax Websites: Department of Revenue-00:28:05 Senior Citizen Meal Programs: Department for Aging and Independent Living-00:35:50 Adjournment-01:41:57, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the September 11 meeting by motion and voice vote. It then received a brief update on the statewide emergency responder voice system, but no presenter was present. The chair said he expected a more substantive update in November and warned that if there is not real progress on acquiring needed private properties, the committee may consider further action, including possibly freezing funding. The main discussion centered on the Department for Community Based Services’ child removal and reunification work and its structured decision-making tools. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and General Counsel Wesley Duke explained that the intake, safety, and risk assessment tools are being used at very high rates and that the department is still implementing and evaluating the system. Dennis said the tools are meant to inform, not replace, professional judgment; when staff disagree with a recommendation, the worker and first-line supervisor consult and decide together. Members questioned whether the system favors keeping children in the home, whether the department has studied safety outcomes for in-home cases versus removals, and whether foster home shortages affect removal decisions. Dennis said child safety remains the top priority, that the practice has not changed, and that the department would provide additional data on outcomes later. Members also asked about permanency timelines and delays in termination of parental rights cases; Dennis said federal timelines are difficult to meet because of family progress, substance use recovery, and court delays, and she confirmed foster parent shortages were not the reason for those delays. The committee then heard a presentation from the Department of Revenue on the new My Taxes portal. Staff said the portal, launched in March, replaced DOR’s portion of the old Kentucky One Stop Business Portal and now allows businesses to file and pay multiple taxes, update account information, and receive official notices. They reported the system is available 24/7 except for scheduled maintenance every other Thursday evening, has maintained over 99% availability since launch, and now has a dedicated contact center with 50 agents plus a public help line and email. In response to questions, the department said early downtime was caused by unexpectedly high traffic, but server capacity was increased and in the last three months there had been only one day of unexpected downtime.

Transcript Highlights:

• Southeast State where the department Southeast State where the department operates<00:03:28.000>
• . department. department.
• In 2022, the within the department.
• ,<00:14:18.000> uh<00:14:18.160> we Department of Juvenile Justice, uh we Department
• funded positions spanning our department funded positions spanning our department in<00:14:23.920

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:42 Department of Corrections 04:14 Department of Juvenile Justice 16:22 Kentucky Law Enforcement Council 28:01 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard budget-related testimony from the Department of Corrections on a request for additional funding to take over operations of the Lee Adjustment Center, including $2.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028. The witness said the governor’s budget did not recommend the request. Members asked about the cost savings of private operation versus state operation, the facility’s role in the department’s long-term goals, and whether the state intends to move toward operating all adult correctional facilities directly. The Department of Juvenile Justice then presented on staffing, recruitment, retention, and facility planning. Officials described recent pay increases and other investments, including a 10% security pay raise in 2021, an 8% state employee raise in 2022, higher youth worker starting salaries, and $4.8 million in 2023 funding to sustain salary increases. They said DJJ has also expanded mental health and medical staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and seen an upward trend in hiring. In response to questions, the commissioner said barriers to recruitment and retention include the Tier 3 retirement system, the structured and restrictive nature of detention work, and competition from other employers. He also said the department wants to move toward a regional model for female facilities under SB 162 and believes those facilities can be staffed. DJJ provided staffing figures showing 1,339 funded positions, with 157 filled and 182 vacant at a January benchmark, and 524 detention positions with 450 filled and 74 vacant. Officials said 30 correctional officers were in basic training and expected to join posts soon. Members also asked about the feasibility of staffing additional facilities and the department’s vacancy trends. Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council testified on a funding request for one attorney, one paralegal, one additional monitor, higher costs for existing monitor positions, and Lexington office rent. Officials said the request is needed to handle a growing decertification caseload and expanded oversight responsibilities as the number of academies has increased to about eight, with more than 2,100 instructors requiring biennial review. They said KLEC currently has one attorney and about 15 total staff, with roughly 180 cases pending, more than 50 complaints left to file, and another 30 cases expected soon. Members asked about current staffing, attorney salary, the number of academies, and the move to a separate Lexington office. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum for approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:46.520> of and valuable to have the Department of and valuable to have the Department
• department from DHS. department from DHS.
• <00:51:20.680> of Director again, Department of Director again, Department of Corrections<
• <00:51:27.280> of Director of the Department of Director of the Department of Corrections<
• testimony already Department of Health. testimony already Department of Health.

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.