Transcript Highlights:

• These<00:12:08.959> absence<00:12:09.440> leaves<00:12:09.760> of<00:12:09.839><
• Joe<00:12:29.760> Yana,<00:12:30.240> guest<00:12:30.480> of<00:12:30.639> Representative
• Tom<00:12:32.480> Alborne<00:12:33.040> Sue<00:12:33.519> and<00:12:33.839> Alan
• They are with<00:12:41.760> us<00:12:41.839> in<00:12:42.000> the<00:12:42.160><
• The<04:12:02.800> real<04:12:03.040> question,<04:12:03.439> my<04:12:03.600>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the overall leverage ratio is 12 to 1 versus a 3 to 1.
• And we believe that we could expend this money within 12 to 15 months.
• Fund to the Interstate Stream Commission.
• So, the Interstate Stream Commission oversees the New Mexico Unit Fund.
• Go to slide 12. New Mexico True Certified.

Transcript Highlights:

• It<01:12:01.199> doesn't<01:12:01.440> matter<01:12:02.480> if<01:12:02.800>
• It is killing our<01:12:14.000> raptors<01:12:14.800> and<01:12:15.120> it<01:12
• a a reasonable approach to think this is a a reasonable approach to the<04:12:29.760> interstate<
• <04:12:30.880> I<04:12:31.040> think the interstate commerce clause.
• :12:58.080> re<04:12:58.239> from<04:12:58.479> my<04:12:58.720> research.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas New Mexico may enter into an interstate medical licensing compact.
• this proclamation and call the 57th Legislature of the State of New Mexico into a special session at 12
• Appropriating funds to study and prepare for the implementation of any interstate medical licensing compact
• The Regulation and Licensing Department for a supplemental request and implementation of an interstate

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas New Mexico may enter into an interstate medical licensing compact during the next legislative
• Appropriating funds to study and prepare for the implementation of any Interstate Medical Licensing Compact
• ; 12.
• We know that children, 12-year-olds, are being hired by the cartel to commit violent crimes, because
• We won't hold 12-year-olds accountable, because they're 12. So we need to address that.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:21.560> it<00:12:21.639> would<00:12:21.760> only<00:12:21.920> be
• an option<00:12:22.560> to<00:12:22.720> those<00:12:22.880> communities<00:12:
• <00:12:25.519> there<00:12:26.519> according<00:12:26.839> to<00:12:27.040><
• :12:29.199> B<00:12:29.399> to<00:12:29.639> have<00:12:29.959> other RSA
• > communities<00:12:32.480> form<00:12:32.800> a<00:12:33.079> district<00:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 332, a bill to add protection and remediation of surface waters as a new authorized purpose for New Hampshire village districts. Prime sponsor Rep. Rosemary Rung said the bill is intended to give local voters in lake communities a voluntary tool to address cyanobacteria blooms and other water-quality problems through village districts, including the ability to raise revenue, adopt ordinances, and pursue treatments or watershed management measures. She emphasized that the proposal is meant to complement, not replace, state law and that any district action would still need to comply with existing permitting and environmental requirements. Supporters, including Andrea Laro of New Hampshire Lakes and Elizabeth Harper of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, said the bill would help municipalities collaborate on lake protection when state resources are limited. They argued that local districts could bring subject-matter expertise, access grants and technical assistance, and respond more quickly to problems such as septic impacts, runoff, culvert repairs, and in-lake treatments. They also suggested clarifying the bill’s wording around “protection and remediation” to better define the scope of authorized activities. Opponents, including Steve Wolf and Chris Norwood of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, argued that village districts can already be overly broad and sometimes expand beyond their original purposes. Wolf said existing town and state agencies already handle shoreline protection and warned that village districts can impose ongoing taxes and create governance problems. Norwood urged a study bill instead, citing concerns about the scope of village districts and examples where some districts have taken on planning and zoning powers beyond their original mission. No vote or final action on HB 332 was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go to page 12 of your handout, which is really small print. But this is another required report.
• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• And then on slide 12, I just want... ...take a look at that or get a hold of us.
• Regarding the 3% cap and how it ties to our K-12 funding formula.
• However, the K-12 funding formula still assumed that 60-mill contribution, However, the K-12 funding

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education will now come to order.
• minors who were verified as victims of commercial sexual exploitation were enrolled in a Florida K-12
• John's Forest, and some of whom must traverse the walkway next to the 9B interstate ramp off I-95.
• The Interstate Compact is a multi-state agreement designed to ease school transitions for children of
• Today, and in Pre-K through 12 previously, this bill is really important to me.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met and considered a wide range of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved CS/SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funding, CS/SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School updates, and CS/SB 430 requiring public schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans, train students and staff in CPR/AED use, and maintain accessible AEDs. Testimony on the cardiac bill came from the American Heart Association and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology in support, and the chair noted a survey suggesting many districts already have AEDs in schools. The committee also approved CS/SB 1528 on educational opportunities for military children, which expands coordination and training under the interstate compact, and CS/SB 364, which would move the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys from the Department of Legal Affairs to Florida Memorial University for research and administrative support. The committee then adopted amendments and favorably reported CS/SB 1590 on educator preparation, which modernizes teacher standards and certification pathways, including updates to FEAPs, a revised teacher exam, and an alternative certification program. The SPLC testified in opposition to part of the bill, arguing that language on historical instruction and systemic racism was contradictory and could limit accurate teaching of history. The committee also approved CS/SB 1702 on education, incorporating a wireless-device-in-schools pilot and other education provisions, with support from the Florida Charter School Alliance and others. CS/SB 444 on human trafficking awareness was amended to require no-cost training for school employees and charter schools; FSU law students testified in support, emphasizing the need for school personnel to recognize trafficking indicators. The committee also approved CS/SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions, expanding transportation eligibility for students walking near limited-access facilities, though members noted the bill carried an indeterminate fiscal impact and no dedicated funding. Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1102 on school readiness, which expands how disabilities can be identified for early learning services and ties additional funding to training on early identification of delays. It also approved SB 1382 on access to school readiness programs for economically disadvantaged households, revising eligibility and priority tiers to use state median income rather than federal poverty level and refining the waitlist and forecasting process. Several members recorded votes on bills they had missed during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after reporting all of the above measures favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you try to route us off of the interstate, around the state highway, numerous miles, we're probably
• We have a hub in each location, fairly adjacent to the interstate, where we drive from one hub to the
• Page 12, the final sheet of the presentation, but it's kind of what it shows here is our equipment needs
• So there's actually no interstates in District 2.
• One of the major challenges for District 2 is, although we don't have interstates, we do have the most

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• And then on slide 12, I just want to take a look at that or get a hold of us.
• Regarding the 3% cap and how it ties to our K-12 funding formula.
• However, the K-12 funding formula still assumed that 60-mill contribution, However, the K-12 funding
• Those months probably tend to get to $12 million or $13 million from an expense perspective.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations Committee on Pre K 12 education will now come to order and please call the roll. >> Chair
• who are verified as victims of commercial sexual exploitation were enrolled in a Florida K through 12
• Despite the same training being required for hospitality workers, health care workers and even K through 12
• The interstate compacts multi-state agreement designed to ease school transitions for children of active
• you to Chair Simon and Chair Burgess for hearing this bill at in this committee today and in PRE K to 12

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Go to page 12 of your handout, which is really small print. But this is another required report.
• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• Regarding the 3% cap and how it ties to our K-12 funding formula.
• However, the K-12 funding formula still assumed that 60-mill contribution, However, the K-12 funding
• Those months probably tend to get to $12 million or $13 million from an expense perspective.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll tell you, I already knew that there was something coming 12 years ago.
• Now, a wholesale sales. interstate transmission grid and is engaging in wholesale sales.
• They oversee the transmission of electricity through the interstate electricity grid.
• They oversee the transmission of electricity through the interstate electricity grid.
• Interstate transmission rates are a federally jurisdictional activity.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a $12 million transfer from the Teacher Academy Scholarship Set-Aside.
• So, uh, 12. Senator Johnson, you're recognized? So, 12, it has Chico Insights LLC.
• Grants 2 through 12 are all for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.
• Number 12, DHS, EGA Associates.
• Number 12 is DHS, UHS of Springwoods ALC.

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of appropriation, transfer, contract, and other review items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests in Sections B through F, including funding for prosecuting attorneys, education-related adjustments, school operating needs, labor licensing divisions, ARPA fund returns from Workforce Services, IIJA grants for state police CDL implementation and a forestry-related county grant, reserve fund transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic development, and a Commerce reallocation tied to organizational realignment. Cash fund requests in Section G and budget classification transfers in Section H were also reviewed, along with pay plan requests in Section I, overtime requests in Section J, and multiple methods of finance in Section K. The committee also reviewed discretionary grants in Section L, including agriculture promotion board grants and DHS aging/adult behavioral health grants, plus RFQs, construction contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and out-of-state contracts in Sections M1 through M5. Several items drew questions from members. Workforce Services explained that $225,000 in TANF-related funds would be returned to the federal government because the two-year hold period for uncashed or moved checks had expired. Commerce officials described the $25 million site infrastructure grant program, saying it supports site development, due diligence, and infrastructure build-out at eligible sites of 30 acres or more, including rural communities, with grant agreements and matching requirements providing accountability. DHS and Education officials answered questions about the Care Solace mental health referral contract, saying it is a statewide concierge/referral service that helps schools connect students to Arkansas providers and follow up so students do not fall through the cracks; members asked for more information on provider selection, school-day scheduling, and Arkansas vendor participation. The committee held one item over: the DHS discretionary grant item for the RSVP retired senior volunteer program in L2, after concerns were raised about whether state general revenue was being used effectively and how much administrative overhead the providers retain. Members also questioned several contracts, including a DHS sole-source contract with EMSLink for document management software and a DHS bridge contract with Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care for Medicaid inspections of care reviews; in both cases, agency staff explained the need to avoid service disruption and said follow-up information would be provided. A Department of Corrections reentry center contract was discussed for its recidivism results, and ARDOT retirement-system investment contracts were briefly explained. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion of the Medicaid Trust Fund balance, with DFA and DHS officials saying the state is expected to finish the fiscal year without exhausting the fund, that a restricted reserve of $100 million is available as a backstop, and that the larger question is what minimum balance should be maintained going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh<00:12:48.959> thank<00:12:49.040> you,<00:12:49.279> Madam<00:12:49.600
• <00:12:49.839> So<00:12:50.079> I<00:12:50.240> I'm<00:12:50.480> just
• So have<00:12:53.200> you<00:12:53.440> listed<00:12:53.839> them<00:12:54.560><
• Do we have that<00:12:58.959> in<00:12:59.200> front<00:12:59.279> of<00:12:59.440
• <01:12:36.000> Thank<01:12:36.080> you<01:12:36.239> very<01:12:36.560> much

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a 9-, 10-, 12-month launch, because we get the best of both worlds.
• The drug does cross interstate lines, so it would be federal jurisdiction.
• So if there's an interstate component to that, we will be the lead.
• The Food and Drug Administration administers interstate commerce.
• But almost everything that's done involves interstate commerce.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so all this interstate travel, tourism, people coming through would probably be less affected by
• transponder, you're paying the $27.50 for the annual renewal, but you're also paying, I believe it's like $12
• So it wouldn't be the $12 or $13 for the transponder. So the savings would go to the people.
• , lost revenue when they do toll-by-plate, because for those of you who don't know, there is no interstate
• commerce, interstate agreement, interstate cooperation agreement, for us to enforce tolls when they

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Infrastructure Committee took up several bills involving the West Virginia Parkways Authority and work-zone safety. On House Bill 4563, which would allow E-ZPass single-fee transponders to be used with multiple vehicles, members debated amendments that would have limited or codified restrictions on transferring transponders between vehicles. Testimony from Parkways Authority CFO Samuel indicated the current agreement already ties a transponder to one vehicle but allows users to update vehicle information online, and that the authority is considering a sticker-based system in the future. Delegate Daniel Linville also testified in support of the bill’s broader intent, arguing the revenue risk was limited and that the authority’s existing practices and bond obligations would not be harmed. The committee rejected the Wetzel amendment and then voted to report House Bill 4563 to the full Senate. The committee then considered House Bill 4419, which would require public hearings and notice before the Parkways Authority could raise tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would subject related revenues and sinking funds to audit. Counsel noted possible constitutional and fiscal concerns, and Senator Randolph moved to send the bill to the Finance Committee for further review. That motion passed, and the committee then reported the bill to the Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for speeding and other violations in highway construction work zones and adds penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Jason Pizzatella of the Contractors Association testified in support, saying the bill was a safety measure in response to recent work-zone fatalities. Senators from Fayette, the 13th district, and Randolph also spoke in favor, emphasizing worker safety and the dangers of speeding through active construction areas. The committee reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now,<00:12:03.680> other<00:12:04.000> examples,<00:12:05.040> um,<00:12:06.000>
• And, uh, he opined<00:12:15.760> that,<00:12:16.240> well,<00:12:16.399> if<00:12
• <00:12:17.760> take<00:12:17.920> a<00:12:18.000> look<00:12:18.079> at<00
• <00:12:19.680> Every<00:12:19.920> person<00:12:20.160> that<00:12:20.320>
• Thought<00:12:23.040> he<00:12:23.279> was<00:12:23.360> being<00:12:23.600>

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:12:26.800> it<00:12:26.959> just<00:12:27.120> gives<00:12:27.279> the
• > far<00:12:29.279> as<00:12:29.519> investigating<00:12:30.800> uh<00:12
• versus cases<00:12:34.959> that<00:12:35.279> may<00:12:35.519> just<00:12:35.760
• therapist<00:12:37.839> is<00:12:38.000> rude<00:12:38.320> to<00:12:38.480>
• Uh right<00:12:49.839> now<00:12:50.000> we<00:12:50.240> have<00:12:50.399>

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 00:05 Roll Call 1:00 HB 357 Discussion 4:53 HB 357 Vote 6:40 HB 45 Discussion 8:00 HB 45 Vote 9:29 HB 48 Discussion 15:00 HB 48 Vote 16:25 HB 212 Discussion 20:17 HB 212 Vote 21:50 HB 49 Discussion 25:55 HB 49 Vote 27:16 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with House Bill 387. The bill was presented as a measure to ensure veterinarians are not subject to controlled-substance reporting requirements through regulation or other means, while also revising the controlled substance council to remove an emergency medicine physician and an acute care nurse and add two veterinarians. Supporters said the change was needed because veterinary reporting would be overly complicated, especially in rural Kentucky and for large-animal practices. The committee adopted the committee substitute, approved a committee amendment, and passed the bill unanimously, including the title amendment and emergency clause. The committee then heard House Bill 45, which would modernize Kentucky CPA licensure. The sponsor and the State Board of Accountancy said the bill updates outdated rules, supports workforce mobility and remote practice, reduces barriers to interstate commerce, and adds a new licensing option to address time and cost concerns for candidates. The committee passed the bill unanimously. House Bill 48 followed, a long-updated physical therapy practice act revision. Testimony said it would clarify and streamline the statute, add definitions for physical therapist assistants, change certification language to licensure, allow expungement of minor non-patient-harm violations, clarify sexual misconduct language, adjust disciplinary and fee-setting provisions, and ease requirements for some internationally trained practitioners. The committee again passed the bill unanimously. House Bill 212 was next and would allow licensed veterinary technicians, under direct veterinarian supervision, to administer rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, and ferrets. The sponsor and Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association said the change would help shelters, humane societies, and mass vaccination clinics, improve recordkeeping, and address rising rabies concerns in Kentucky. The committee approved the bill unanimously. Finally, House Bill 49 was presented by Representative Matt Cook and the Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors as a scholarship program funded by $5 from each annual license renewal plus fines and penalties, aimed at encouraging Kentucky students to enter engineering and surveying and remain in the state for six years after graduation/licensure. Members asked about the service commitment and funding source; the sponsor said the program would use existing funds and not raise renewal rates. The committee passed the bill unanimously, with the chair noting it as a positive example of board modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:12:03.680> have<00:12:03.760> a<00:12:04.000> substitute<00:12:04.720>
• Would you<00:12:06.320> like<00:12:06.480> me<00:12:06.639> to<00:12:06.800>
• go<00:12:06.959> ahead<00:12:07.200> and<00:12:07.440> adopt<00:12:07.680>
• <00:12:09.279> Do<00:12:09.519> I<00:12:09.600> have<00:12:09.680> a<
• <00:12:11.200> I<00:12:11.440> have<00:12:11.519> a<00:12:11.760> motion.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 0:22 Roll Call 1:05 SB 65 Discussion 9:30 SB 65 Vote 11:55 SB 177 Discussion 26:34 SB 177 Vote 30:05 SB 245 Discussion 33:07 SB 245 Vote 33:48 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 3, 2026, with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator Steve West. The bill would nullify administrative regulations found deficient by the Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee. West said the committee had found three deficient regulations this year, including one related to vaping rollout problems and one involving GLP-1 coverage expansion for Medicaid. Senator Berg raised concerns that striking the GLP-1 regulation could limit Kentucky’s ability to use these drugs for weight loss and other health benefits, but the sponsor and others said the action would only block the specific regulation and that doctors could still prescribe GLP-1s under existing Medicaid authority. The committee passed SB 65 with favorable expression, 8-2. The committee then considered Senate Bill 177, sponsored by Senator Rick Girdler, and first adopted a substitute. The bill concerns speech-language pathologist licensure. Testimony from Kate Wood Hall and Ann Blandford of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association explained that the substitute would remove the mandatory post-professional graduate experience as a requirement for full licensure, while keeping an interim pathway and preserving an optional compact-related pathway. They said the change responds to updated graduate training standards and federal billing issues, including CMS guidance that had temporarily disrupted reimbursement and access, especially in rural areas. Members asked whether the change would weaken standards or affect compact participation; witnesses said it would not, and that the compact option remained available. The committee also noted that pages two and three of the substitute were missing and staff would restore them. Several senators spoke in favor while explaining reservations. Senator Berg supported the bill and shared a personal story about speech therapy in her family. Senator Douglas also voted aye but expressed concern about reducing requirements for trained professionals and about incentives in professional education. Senator Chambers Armstrong asked whether the opt-in structure would create barriers or affect compact participation, and witnesses said it would not increase costs and that other states, including Virginia and Oregon, were pursuing similar approaches. SB 177, as amended by the substitute, passed with favorable expression.