Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Chair<00:01:34.400><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chair Douglas. &gt;&gt; Chair Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chair<00:19:54.240><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chair Douglas. &gt;&gt; Chair Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:35:56.880><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<01:26:53.120><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• &gt;&gt; Chair<01:38:26.719><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chair Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chair Douglas, &gt;&gt;

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas? Present. Senator Elkins? Present. Senator Howell? Senator Rawlings? Here.
• Senator Douglas? Present. Senator Elkins? Present. Senator Howell? Senator Rawlings? Here.
• Uh, Senator Douglas, I think, had a question or a comment. A comment, Mr. Chairman.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:04:06.640><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas. &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas.
• I’ll be looking forward to helping Senator Douglas to his seat in the chamber.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:08 Discussion SB 219 01:25 Vote SB 219 04:00, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Chairman Douglas, I I Hart. Yes. And Chairman Douglas, I I motion<00:02:18.959><c> carries.
• Yes, Chairman Douglas.<00:25:06.480><c> I</c> Douglas. I Douglas.
• And Chairman Douglas, I. So, Hart, yes. And Chairman Douglas, I.
• Chairman Douglas. Hi, Madame Hart. Yes. Chairman Douglas.
• Co-chair Douglas. Douglas. Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contract Committee met with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Representative McCool after the death of his sister, and approved the April 14 minutes. The committee then reviewed a large agenda of contracts and amendments, beginning with a deferred Office of the Controller procurement involving broker services. Members questioned why a contract that had previously been handled for about $300,000 annually was now priced at about $1 million, and why the procurement was limited to one year. Office of the Controller staff said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the work had previously been treated as not practical to bid, and the new RFP was intended to increase competition. They said the technical evaluation was scored before cost was considered, that past performance was not scored because it was seen as unreliable, and that AON received the highest technical score despite not being the lowest bidder. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action and let the contract proceed to the Finance Cabinet, with members noting continuing concerns about the pricing and process. The committee next considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment for language services. DCBS representatives said the additional funding did not come from a new cut elsewhere, but from reduced spending on interpreter services because commonly used forms had been translated into other languages, freeing up funds for the contract. The committee approved the item unanimously. The final major item discussed was an initial contract for the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists for legal services. Board staff said the board had been without a permanent general counsel since March 2024 and had relied on special and conflict counsel because of unusually heavy litigation, including 11 active cases, plus broader disciplinary and licensing changes tied to recent legislation and an oversight report. They said the contract was a not-to-exceed amount funded entirely by agency fees and that the board was currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing prior legislation and oversight findings about problems at the board and saying the contract was needed to help the board address ongoing litigation and corrective work. The committee approved the contract and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, sending them forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES PARTICULARLY FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC EVENTS AT MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS
• OUR GOAL TODAY IS TO WALK TO THE FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED BY THE FOUNDATIONAL MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH
• STRONG SYSTEM IN PLACE BECAUSE OF MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS ACT.
• AND THAT IS ALL PUBLIC RECORD IN THE MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS 350 PAGE REPORT.
• WE DON'T HAVE ANOTHER MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas, &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:03:32.319><c> Elkins,</
• , Senator Douglas, Senator Douglas, Senator Elkins, Senator Funky From, Senator Elkins, Senator Funky
• Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Elkins, Senator Elkins.
• Senator Douglas, Senator Douglas. Senator Elkins, Senator Elkins.
• Senator Douglas, Senator Douglas. Senator Elkins, Senator Elkins.

Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619

Keywords: open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas present. Senator Herron here. Senator Mills. Senator Nemas present.
• Senator Douglas, I. Senator Herron, I. Senator Mills. Mr. Chair, can I explain my vote?
• Berg Senator Carol I Senator Douglas I Berg Senator Carol I Senator Douglas I Senator<00:04:52.919><c
• Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Herron, aye. Senator Mills, aye. Senator Nemas, aye.
• </c><00:08:52.080><c> I</c> Senator Carol I Senator Douglas I Senator Carol I Senator Douglas I Senator

Keywords: Roll Call 00:20 Discussion on HB 303 00:45 Vote on HB 303 04:41 Discussion on HB 305 05:32 Vote on HB 305 08:34, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Douglas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Douglas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• A gentleman from Douglas, to speak on the amendment.
• A gentleman from Douglas, to speak on the amendment.
• The gentleman from Douglas. I close.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House first established a quorum, welcomed special guests, and then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1855, a reporting bill on Alpha-Gal syndrome. The bill sponsor described Alpha-Gal as a serious tick-borne condition causing delayed allergic reactions and argued Missouri should track it through mandatory lab reporting to the Department of Health and Senior Services, with aggregated annual reporting to the CDC. Supporters said the measure would improve surveillance, identify hotspots, guide public health outreach, and help rural and agricultural communities that are heavily affected. An amendment changing the department’s follow-up language from “may” to “shall” was adopted after members said it would ensure accountability if the legislature funds the work. A second amendment seeking patient consent before reporting was debated at length over privacy and data concerns but failed 41-85, 10 present. The underlying bill then passed perfection and printing. The House next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2230 and 2978, a school policy bill focused on reducing K-5 screen time and encouraging handwriting and cursive instruction. The sponsor said the measure was revised to be less prescriptive, instead requiring school districts to review screen-time policies and creating a state-level “focus group” of educators, parents, and health professionals to study the issue and make recommendations. Supporters argued excessive screen use is linked to weaker literacy, behavior, and mental health outcomes, while some members raised concerns about technology use for special education students and English language learners. An amendment was adopted to exclude the virtual school program from the bill. The House then adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2355, the “Food is Medicine” initiative. The sponsor said the bill would let Missouri use federal 1115 waiver funds for pilot programs that provide medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling, and related nutrition supports for health care purposes. Supporters said the program could improve health outcomes, reduce Medicaid spending, and help address food deserts, while one amendment added vitamin therapies and updated a date in the bill. Members discussed concerns about supplement quality and the scope of covered therapies, but the bill advanced after the amendment debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:26:22.640><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:51:46.240><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:53:54.319><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:57:11.200><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<01:34:35.440><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Chairman Douglas Chairman Douglas present.<00:01:30.560><c> Thank</c><00:01:30.720><c> you</c><00
• Douglas. Douglas. I<00:20:43.039><c> motion</c><00:20:43.520><c> passes.
• ><00:31:50.559><c> without</c> Douglas, I contract passes without Douglas, I contract passes without
• Chairman Douglas. I, Madame Hart. Yes. Chairman Douglas.
• And Chairman Douglas, Hart, yes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for Representative McCool, who was absent due to a family death, then approved the April 14 minutes and noted the agenda contained 482 items totaling about $138.6 million. The first deferred item involved the Office of the Controller and a brokerage services contract. Senators questioned why the new contract was roughly $1 million a year when a prior vendor had been paid about $300,000 annually, why the procurement was rebid after years of no-bid arrangements, and why past performance was not heavily weighted. Agency witnesses said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the new RFP drew more competition, technical evaluators did not see cost until after technical scoring, and AON received the highest technical score despite being an out-of-state vendor with its closest office in Nashville. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action, and the contract advanced to the Finance Cabinet for final decision. The committee then considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment. Members asked what funding was being redirected to cover an increase of about $265,000. DCBS explained that reduced spending on interpreter services, due to more commonly used forms being translated into other languages, freed up funds to support the contract. The committee approved the item. Next, the committee reviewed an initial contract for the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. The board explained that its small legal staff was handling 11 active cases and needed outside counsel with investigators and additional attorneys because of ongoing litigation and disciplinary changes tied to prior legislation and a recent LOIC report. Members asked whether the contract was a not-to-exceed amount and whether the board could afford it; the board said the $50,000 was a ceiling, not an expected spend, and that the board was fully funded through licensing fees and currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing recent reforms in Senate Bills 14 and 22 and the need to help the board work through corrective action. The committee approved the contract. The Board of Pharmacy item was then deferred at the agency’s request until the June 2025 meeting, and the committee approved that deferral.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas.
• Senator Douglas.
• Senator Douglas.
• Senator<00:15:25.160><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas. Vote<00:15:27.440><c> I.
• Senator<00:28:07.720><c> Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first took up Senate Joint Resolution 116, sponsored by President Stivers. The resolution directs the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Eastern Kentucky University to work over the next year on a statewide framework to improve health care access, especially in underserved and unserved areas. Members discussed physician shortages, maldistribution of doctors, recruitment and retention, loan forgiveness, scholarships, technology, and the connection between health care access and economic development in rural Kentucky. The resolution was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 116, relating to physician assistants and a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model. The sponsor and PA witnesses explained that the bill was heavily revised through a committee substitute after discussions with the Kentucky Medical Association, physicians, and hospitals. They said the substitute keeps physician supervision in place while allowing health care teams to function more efficiently, and they emphasized that the bill is intended to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas with few doctors. Some members supported the compromise and the collaboration, while others raised concerns that expanding PA practice could worsen long-term physician shortages or reduce incentives for doctors to practice in rural Kentucky. The bill passed the committee 7-2 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:12:15.040><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.
• Chairman Douglas. &gt;&gt; Yes. Chairman Douglas.
• Chairman Douglas. &gt;&gt; Yes. Chairman Douglas.
• Chairman Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting, and then approved a large agenda of contracts and related items, with the total agenda amount stated as $359,638,393.88. Most items were approved without objection, but two contracts were pulled for discussion: attorney general panel counsel contingency fee contracts and a Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission personal services contract. For the attorney general’s office, Chris Lewis explained that the contracts were panel counsel contingency fee agreements, with 14 qualified awards from 16 applicants. He said the contracts were contingency-based, so no money would be paid unless cases were successful, and that the fee structure worked out to roughly 5% under the statutory waterfall. Senators asked about the size of the contracts, whether the terms were uniform, why no Kentucky firms were among the awardees, and how the public should understand the large dollar figures. Lewis said one Kentucky firm applied but was disqualified for a late submission, other Kentucky firms had inquired but did not apply, and local firms could still work with national firms on cases. The committee then approved the contracts. The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission contract drew more extensive questioning. Commission representatives said they had previously had a contract disapproved because the proper process was not followed, so they used an RFI process posted on the state and commission websites for at least three weeks. They received one applicant, a Kentucky firm, and set the rate at $125 per hour. Members questioned whether the commission was acting beyond its ethics mission, whether staff were helping draft complaints against legislators, and whether the commission was taking on a prosecutorial or human-resources role. The commission said its role is limited to enforcing the legislative code of ethics, providing advisory guidance, and following the formal complaint process; it does not pursue matters outside that code. Members also raised concerns about the earlier procurement misstep and the commission’s credibility, and the commission apologized, said it had corrected the process, and pledged to comply going forward. The committee then approved the contract.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:01:46.480><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:02:39.840><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.
• . >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Chairman Douglas. >> Chairman Douglas. >> Chairman Douglas. >> Aye. >> Aye
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:25:25.080><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:30:34.080><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas. Senator Carroll. Here. Senator Douglas. Present. Senator Herring. Present.
• Senator Douglas.
• Senator Douglas. Senator Herring. Senator Mills. Senator Nemes. Senator Rawlings.
• Senator Douglas. I would like to explain my vote. Yes, please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Douglas. I. Senator Herron. &gt;&gt; I. Senator Douglas. I. Senator Herron.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health-related measures. House Bill 178, on the psychiatric collaborative care model, was presented by Rep. Kim Mosher and psychiatrist Arthur Oliva. They said the bill would let primary care providers address mental health needs more quickly with psychiatrist consultation, reduce long wait times, and save money. Members voiced support, and the bill passed 7-0 with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 387, presented by Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, would keep veterinarians excluded from KASPER reporting requirements and instead add two veterinarians to the Controlled Substance Council. Meade argued that veterinary prescribing is difficult to track by animal, that prior efforts created complications, and that rural Kentucky needs the flexibility. A senator asked about possible diversion of veterinary opioids to humans; Meade said there was no substantial evidence of widespread abuse. The bill passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 676, by Rep. Rebecca Raymer, was amended from creating a health data utility to directing LRC to study best practices for one during the interim, with a report due December 1, 2026. Members said the state needs a coordinated way to use health data. The amended bill passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 689, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors and Dr. Heidi Marley, would authorize a Medicaid state-directed payment program for qualifying hospital-affiliated physician and non-physician services, pending federal approval, with supporters saying it would improve access in underserved areas, support provider retention, and bring in about $29 million annually in federal funds without using state dollars. It also passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. Finally, House Joint Resolution 24, presented by Rep. Kim Fleming, would direct the administration to withdraw a previously required community engagement waiver request because it is no longer needed. The resolution passed 9-0 with favorable expression and consent. The chair noted the next meeting might be April 1, though no bills were currently scheduled, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: Douglas Manis, the main proponent of the bill, is coming up. Come forward, sir.
• Douglas Manis: My name is Douglas Manis and I have been a minister for 36 years.
• a better person, I went back to school and got my Master's Douglas Manis: degree in counseling so I
• their Douglas Manis: faith is, any of those things when they walk through the door.
• Douglas Manis: I believe that allowing people when they come forth to be able to choose Douglas Manis

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Douglas present.
• Thank you, Senator Douglas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Thank you, Senator Douglas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Thank you, Senator Douglas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Douglas: I explain my yes vote, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: Special Guests 00:13 Roll Call 00:39 HB 15 Discussion 01:35 HB 15 Vote 14:03 HB 157 Discussion 17:28 HB 157 Vote 18:42 HB 444 Discussion 19:35 HB 444 Vote 23:12 HB 188 Discussion 25:20 HB 188 Vote 29:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then took up several bills out of order. House Bill 15, sponsored by Leader Rudy, would lower the learner’s permit age to 15 while keeping the graduated driver’s license system in place until age 17. Supporters, including a 14-year-old witness, argued it would give teens more supervised driving experience, align Kentucky with surrounding states, and help families and the workforce. Members raised questions about safety, parental supervision, and regional driver’s license office backlogs, but the bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute attached after a roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 444, which would conform Kentucky CDL rules to federal reporting requirements by preventing masking of violations and would lower the age for certain hazmat CDL endorsements from 21 to 18 for in-state use only, excluding school bus endorsements. The sponsor and supporters said the change would help address truck-driver shortages and support delivery of propane, agricultural products, and other hazardous materials. A question was raised about possible insurance cost increases, but the sponsor said companies would decide whether to hire younger drivers and that the bill was intended to keep trucks moving. The bill was reported favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 157, a Department of Agriculture initiative creating a tag bill for commercial vehicles, was briefly presented and reported favorably with a committee substitute. House Bill 188, dealing with driveaway plates for businesses that transport vehicles for others, was also heard. The sponsor said the bill would clarify how many plates a business needs, reduce insurance exposure, and help keep a Warren County driveaway business in Kentucky rather than moving to neighboring states. After questions about how the plates work and a committee substitute changing the issuing authority language, the bill was reported favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Douglas: I am present.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:05:13.280><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:40:14.560><c> Douglas,</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas, &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas,
• Chairman Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<01:42:13.600><c> Douglas</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas &gt

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• Elkins, Senator Smith, Senator Storm, Senator Wheeler, Senator Williams, Senator Wilson, Vice Chair Douglas
• Senator Chambers, Senator Armstrong, Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas.
• Senator Chambers, Senator Armstrong, Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, aye.
• Senator Chambers, Senator Armstrong, Senator Burke, Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, aye.
• Senator Chambers, Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Elkins, aye.

Keywords: Roll Call 00:15 HJR 46 Discussion 00:43 HJR 46 Vote 2:58 HB 546 Discussion 04:10 HB 546 Vote 06:00 HB 443 Discussion 07:30 HB 443 Vote 09:35 HB 783 Discussion 10:29 HB 783 Vote 15:29, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Joint Resolution 46, a county priority projects resolution. Members approved a committee substitute that added $1.47 million and included Butler, Carroll, Casey, Cumberland, McGoffin, Monroe, and Nicholas counties. The resolution was then reported favorably with a title amendment and an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up House Bill 546, which creates the local assistance road program and related rules. The committee substitute moved $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to priority projects and amended the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock I-69 funding tied to Garvey bonds. After discussion about continuing to refine the program, the committee approved the substitute, adopted a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably with an expression of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 443 was then heard, extending the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and Floyd to support future federal funding and four-laning of the corridor. The committee reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. Finally, House Bill 783 was presented as a response to temporary tag fraud in auto sales, with testimony from Representative Jackson, Warren County Sheriff Brad Hightower, and the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association. Supporters said the bill adds enforcement tools, including felony penalties for serious violations and discretion for the Motor Vehicle Commission so mistakes are not treated the same as deliberate fraud. The committee voted to report the bill favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas present. Chairman Hden here.
• Senator Douglas, thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
• Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Elkins, aye.
• Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Elkins, aye.
• Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Elkins, aye.

Keywords: Roll Call 00:23 Roll Call Approval of Minutes 00:57 HB 664 Discussion 01:26 HB 664 Vote 08:25 HB 682 Discussion 10:46 HB 682 Vote 12:12 HB 493 Discussion 13:00 HB 493 Vote 20:20 HJR 5 Discussion 21:14 HJR 5 Vote 25:08 Kavis and Sherriff’s Inspection Discussion 27:40 Admin. Reg Consideration 35:40, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:01:22.880><c> Douglas</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas &gt
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:51:34.320><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<00:54:49.680><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<01:13:27.880><c> Douglas</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas &gt
• &gt;&gt; Chairman<01:19:42.480><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Chairman Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the September 19 meeting minutes and then took up a deferred University of Kentucky personal services contract amendment for guardianship services. UK officials explained that the contract covers court-appointed guardians for patients who cannot make medical decisions and are not eligible for state guardianship, with the work funded by UK Medical Center agency dollars rather than the general fund. Members questioned the large increase in the not-to-exceed amount, the number of cases, the hourly billing structure, and whether there are safeguards to prevent unnecessary costs or reimbursement issues if a patient later has resources. UK said the increase reflects shifting work from a prior firm, anticipated new cases, a move from a monthly fee to hourly billing, and the need for a second firm because one prior attorney died and another firm has had difficulty appearing in court promptly. The committee ultimately approved the contract, while Senator Thomas said he would vote aye but urged future review of attorney fee limits and broader guardianship statutes, which he described as outdated and inconsistent. The committee then deferred three Office of Energy Policy memorandum of agreement items to the November 2025 meeting without objection. After that, it approved the remaining agenda items, including the contract lists and deferred items not separately selected for review. The final major item was a University of Kentucky personal services contract related to fundraising and philanthropic outreach. UK representatives said the contract supports marketing and donor engagement efforts to grow the university’s endowment pipeline and philanthropic support. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its questions or took final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:02:30.280><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Senator<00:16:17.200><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Senator<00:20:02.360><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Senator<00:27:50.320><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Senator<00:35:53.760><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all