Transcript Highlights:

• Did<00:14:01.519> you<00:14:01.600> want<00:14:01.760> to<00:14:01.839> speak
• /c><00:14:06.720> bill<00:14:06.959> is<00:14:07.120> one<00:14:07.279> worth
• > it<00:14:14.240> and<00:14:14.399> see<00:14:14.480> where<00:14:14.639
• All those<00:14:34.639> in<00:14:34.720> favor<00:14:35.040> of<00:14:35.199>
• You eyes have it.<00:14:40.399> And<00:14:40.800> I'll<00:14:41.199> take<00:14:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:07.199> know,<00:14:07.360> for<00:14:07.760> verification<00:14:08.480
• c><00:14:49.680> you<00:14:49.839> know<00:14:50.000> I<00:14:50.240> can't
• we<00:14:52.399> want<00:14:52.560> to<00:14:52.720> know<00:14:52.880> that
• or if<00:14:53.920> they<00:14:54.160> have<00:14:54.399> moved<00:14:54.720>
• > within<00:14:56.399> the<00:14:56.760> state<00:14:57.760> then<00:14:57.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why we don't allow them to start any new projects as of October.
• What job do we want our 14- and 15-year-olds to do overnight?
• No 14- or 15-year-old should be working overnight.
• Thirteen—I'm sorry, 14-, 15-, 16-, 17-year-olds who cannot take breaks?
• Florida law already designates the first two weeks of October as disability...

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that does go to that 1:14 alert.
• So a lot of talk about that 1:14 flash flood warning has been about.
• However, that warning came in at 1:14 a.m.
• And if I recall correctly, they moved canoes after 1:14 a.m.
• Confirmation that the Eastlands received a flood warning at 1:14 a.m.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:38.520> I<00:14:38.560> mean,<00:14:38.760> which<00:14:39.440> there's
• How<00:14:42.880> how<00:14:43.160> is<00:14:43.400> it<00:14:44.120> different
• <00:14:44.959> in<00:14:45.200> terms<00:14:45.839> of<00:14:46.760> um
• <00:14:49.680> Is<00:14:49.800> it<00:14:49.920> simply<00:14:50.320> because
• Or<00:14:54.760> um<00:14:55.640> or<00:14:55.839> how<00:14:55.959> is<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions for Mr.<00:13:59.800> Wold<00:14:00.320> or<00:14:01.120> Mr.
• <00:14:01.400> Keenley?
• Mr.<00:14:04.600> Chair,<00:14:04.839> I<00:14:04.880> have<00:14:05.000>
• > a<00:14:05.040> question.
• Go<00:14:07.240> ahead,<00:14:07.760> Senator<00:14:08.120> Omar<00:14:08.360>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Joint House and Senate Subcommittee on Claims convened on April 30, first without quorum and then with quorum, at which point the committee corrected and approved the prior minutes. Members then reviewed several claims held over for informational purposes, including injury claims for Fraser, Larson, Schmidt, Stuart, and Washington, and property claims for Lidberg, Robecky, and Young, with no action taken on those items. The committee dismissed a claim by Ms. Prevally seeking reimbursement for funds liquidated from irrevocable trusts after hearing that the matter had already been litigated in court and that subcommittee rules bar claims for public assistance compensation. The panel then approved two exoneration claims: James Jovan Davis, whose murder conviction was vacated after postconviction proceedings and who settled for $250,000, and Clayton Douglas Groves, whose sexual-conduct convictions were vacated after evidence of prior false accusations was admitted and who settled for $350,000. Testimony from counsel for both claimants emphasized wrongful conviction, the length of incarceration, and negotiated settlement amounts, with members asking about the basis for the compensation and attorney-fee allocations. The final exoneration claim, Marvin Haynes, was also approved. The committee heard that Haynes was convicted as a teenager, later exonerated after new evidence showed false evidence and suggestive eyewitness identification, and that the state and claimant had reached a $4.5 million settlement. The committee then turned to Department of Corrections injury claims, denying Arnold Baker’s claim for lack of evidence of a compensable permanent injury, and approving Mark Carroll’s claim for a $4,570.40 award after he suffered a compensable ankle fracture while working. In property claims, the committee discussed Anthony Edwards’s claim for food, a JPay tablet, and shoes. After testimony from Department of Corrections counsel about property inventory procedures and the lack of a current replacement tablet program, members agreed to compensate Edwards $70 for the missing shoes, deny the food claim, and deny the tablet claim because the tablet had been returned and any malfunction was reported outside the department’s reporting window.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> what<01:14:00.080> what<01:14:01.199> can<01:14:01.360> we<01:14
• :14:02.640> and<01:14:02.800> you<01:14:03.040> can<01:14:03.120> follow<
• > also<01:14:12.800> take<01:14:13.040> them<01:14:13.199> by<01:14:13.440><
• um that<01:14:20.000> way<01:14:20.239> as<01:14:20.480> well<01:14:21.199>
• c> we<01:14:23.120> just<01:14:23.360> get<01:14:23.600> a<01:14:23.840>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.720> in<00:14:51.040> committee<00:14:52.240> if<00:14:52.560> there<
• if there is any intent<00:14:53.760> by<00:14:54.079> our<00:14:54.399> committee
• c> intent by our committee intent by our committee I<00:14:56.320> wanted<00:14:56.560> to<
• /c><00:14:56.720> say<00:14:56.880> is<00:14:57.040> there<00:14:57.199> any<
• to say is there any intent by the<00:14:58.000> legislature<00:14:58.639> but<00:14:58.959

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence honoring four former members who had recently died: Avis Jarvis, Ernie Shan Jr., Ernest Earl, and Malcolm F. Severance. Members then introduced 12 bills for first reading and referral, covering topics including voyeurism and disclosure of sexually explicit images, crime victims’ rights in forensic cases, domestic abuse orders of protection, family court judgments, connected-device security standards, energy storage goals, environmental amendments, municipal votes on cannabis retail, cannabis consumption in prohibited places, elimination of Department of Corrections supervisory fees, an independent monitoring board for body-worn camera footage, and operating under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Each bill was read and referred to the appropriate committee. During announcements, members noted an upcoming Vermont National Guard and Veterans Affairs Caucus meeting, recognized a representative’s birthday, observed a moment of silence for former doorkeeper Cornelius L. Reed, and welcomed a new child in the gallery. The chamber then moved to the orders of the day. The House considered H.28, which would add explicit affirmation language to oath requirements in titles 1 through 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated and make related technical and gender-neutral wording changes. The Judiciary Committee recommended amendment, and the House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading. The House also took up H.409, a strike-all amendment concerning bail revocation procedures. The bill would correct bail-cap language for now-sealable misdemeanors and create a clearer process for prosecutors to appeal denied motions for bail revocation; witnesses from legislative counsel, public safety, prosecutors, defense, and the judiciary supported it. The committee vote was reported as 10-1 after a correction from the floor, the House adopted the amendment, and third reading was ordered. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be back here in October to present on the Office of Broadband in general.
• Again, I will be back here in October.
• number two, you will see that we are planning to be in front of the STTC in August, September, and October
• Quickly going over Number 14, which is the state and local cybersecurity grant.
• Slide 14: What is the state-sponsored policy template library development project?

Transcript Highlights:

• than we were even expecting, and so we're very pleased to be able to bring it back this year, in October
• The other thing that I want to refer you to is Article IX, Section 14, the so-called anti-donation clause
• On page 14, the Municipal Advisor, when I started in the business in...
• Okay, if we're going to target October 15.
• So, for example, the 2025 C bonds that we're going to be selling around October 1st, we'll have rating

Transcript Highlights:

• I have 14 nieces and nephews, four of whom will be current students as of this fall.
• Yeah, I believe that it was in October of 23 that the D. I. Office in unity was disbanded.
• In October 2022, Governor Abbott appointed me as the chief of school safety and security during the 88
• Since October of 2022, we have worked hard to implement the security measures contained in legislation
• Starting October, excuse me, August 1st, those behavior threat assessments will be transferred.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:14:00.880> Paul<00:14:01.120> loses<00:14:01.520> educators<00:14:02.360>
• We<00:14:04.800> are<00:14:04.960> the<00:14:05.080> soul<00:14:05.520> of
• <00:14:13.800> teachers<00:14:14.160> can<00:14:14.320> build<00:14:14.520> a
• It's<00:14:20.560> something<00:14:21.000> I<00:14:21.079> followed<00:14:21.360
• There's<00:14:26.839> a<00:14:26.920> quote<00:14:27.200> that<00:14:27.360>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 14, 2026 meeting minutes without objection. It then took up Senate File 4860 / House File 4812, the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association bill, which would reduce the employee contribution rate for coordinated members from 9% to 8% starting after June 30, 2026, raise the retiree COLA from 1% to 1.5% beginning January 1, 2027, and increase the state-funded employer contribution by 2.7%. Staff said the bill’s cost is just over $12 million per year over 15 years. Representative Lilly said the bill was intended to bring parity to St. Paul teachers after prior work in this area left some behind. Several St. Paul teachers testified in support, describing financial strain, burnout, and the difficulty of balancing teaching with family responsibilities. Hannah Geimer said the 1% contribution change would make a meaningful difference in her budget as a single parent. Eric Erickson said he and his wife have spent decades working extra hours and coaching, and argued that St. Paul educators pay more and receive less in retirement than other teachers. Arzoo Faroozan Yazdani, a Central High teacher, said the higher contribution rate and lower COLA make it hard to stay in the district and raise a family. Lisa Hodek said teachers are undercompensated for the demands of the job and that the pension disparity has created frustration and a sense of betrayal. Phil Tensic, the SPTRFA director, summarized the request as seeking an 8% contribution and 1.5% COLA to match TRA, and noted that the plan’s members are spread across legislative districts, not just in St. Paul. Members discussed the history behind the pension disparity. Senator Nelson questioned whether “parity” was the right term given the plan’s funding problems and the legacy of the “big red box,” referring to past underfunding. Tensic and Senator Pappas explained that the state had previously allowed St. Paul schools not to contribute for a period of years, that supplemental district and state aid began in 2018, and that the plan is projected to be amortized by 2039 and must be paid off by 2048. Members also noted that the bill and related pension proposals depend on available funding; Representative O’Driscoll and others said no final financing agreement had been reached, though leadership was continuing discussions. The committee received letters of support from Education Minnesota, the St. Paul Federation of Educators, and 40 individual supporters. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:09.679> the<01:14:09.840> most<01:14:10.120> frequent<01:14:10.880>
• that<01:14:11.560> they<01:14:11.679> wish<01:14:11.880> to<01:14:12.040
• <01:14:19.320> students<01:14:20.239> this<01:14:20.440> is<01:14:20.679>
• 01:14:24.280> ever<01:14:24.600> we've<01:14:24.760> had<01:14:24.880> an
• > majors<01:14:49.960> and<01:14:50.120> offer<01:14:50.639> almost<01:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the other key activities for Phase 2 include, in October of 2024, we implemented Motor Vehicle
• We have a cloud strategy document that I think is required to submit to the Legislature every October
• October 15th.
• In October 2020, APD implemented EVV for providers of personal care supports and respite and personal
• In October 2021, providers of supported living services were given access to I-Connect.

Summary: The subcommittee heard updates on several state technology modernization efforts, beginning with the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Enterprise Business Solution (DEMS). FDEM said DEMS is about 50% complete, with some grants and finance functions already live, and is intended to replace manual disaster and grants processing with a cloud-based system. Officials described faster reimbursement timelines after recent storms, major return-on-investment claims, and a planned final phase focused on design, testing, communications, data governance, and additional functionality. Members asked about the total cost, the role of Florida Digital Service, deliverables-based contracting, and how much of the system is live; FDEM said the project is expected to cost about $16 million to $16.8 million and finish by June 2027, with some follow-up information to be provided. The Department of Legal Affairs presented its Office of Attorney General Modernization Program, a follow-up to an earlier effort that failed after spending about $26 million. Acting Attorney General John Gard said the department has now moved to an off-the-shelf case management product, LawBase, and is in development and testing, with the Office of Statewide Prosecution already live and full implementation expected by the end of the fiscal year. The request includes funding for staff augmentation, cloud storage, the LawBase license, redundancy through a backup site in Orlando, and OnBase support. Members questioned the prior failure, the use of Florida Digital Service standards, data location and cloud migration, and the redundancy plan; Gard said lessons learned included better scoping and that the current effort is on track. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then updated the committee on Motorist Modernization, including the Orion system and the MyDMV portal. Officials said Phase 1 and Phase 2 have modernized driver license and motor vehicle services, with Phase 2 statewide rollout scheduled to begin in April 2025 and Phase 3 proposed at $16.5 million for dealer services, data warehouse improvements, and call center modernization. Members asked about payment options, organ donor questions, staffing, cybersecurity, cloud strategy, and the digital driver license program. The agency said the portal already allows some sanctions to be cleared online, an ACH option is being developed, the digital driver license vendor has changed with a fall go-live anticipated, and the department is using security testing and a managed security service provider. Officials also said the system is currently on an on-prem private cloud, with future workloads expected to move to public cloud where appropriate. Finally, Florida Commerce presented on the Reemployment Assistance modernization system, Reconnect, and the FLWINS workforce system. Commerce said Reconnect is hosted in the Azure Government Cloud, has reduced claim filing time, improved fraud detection, and increased appeals capacity, and now needs $4.9 million in recurring funding to cover ongoing operations, cloud hosting, licenses, and staff augmentation. Members asked about adjudication issues, wait times, fraud prevention, and whether the system stores caller identifiers; Commerce said the average wait to speak to a representative is about 18 minutes and claims are generally processed in four to six weeks. The committee then began hearing about FLWINS, which is intended to create a “no wrong door” workforce portal under the REACH Act, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:14:03.760> had<00:14:03.880> the<00:14:03.920> most<00:14:04.200> from<
• /c><00:14:04.320> 20<00:14:04.560> to<00:14:04.680> 22<00:14:05.200> during
• our last<00:14:06.160> audit<00:14:06.480> period<00:14:07.040> as<00:14:07.160
• <00:14:15.440> continued<00:14:15.959> to<00:14:16.120> outpace<00:14:16.640>
• You<00:14:27.160> look<00:14:27.320> at<00:14:27.400> our<00:14:27.520> fraud

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• He had met her late husband while they were classmates, and they married in October of 1981 after graduation
• year, an assailant carried out a devastating truck attack against pedestrians in New Orleans, killing 14
• KILLING 14 VICTIMS PLUS THE PERPETRATOR AND INJURING AT LEAST 57 OTHERS.
• 2025, our Nation was shaken by a horrific ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans that took the lives of 14
• Whereas on October 27, 2025, Representative Chuy Garcia of Illinois filed nominations to be on the ballot

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, November 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The paper says 10.8, but I'm hearing 14 million is the number now.
• We focused on selected processes and activities mostly during the period October 2022 through February
• For example, in the October 12, 2021 meeting, the town council discussed sending a $100 check to all
• For example, in the October 12th, 2021 meeting, the town council discussed sending $100 check to all
• We're predominantly looking at the period October 2022 through February 2024, but we had to go back a

Summary: The committee first took up a long-running audit finding involving the City of Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit fund balance, which has exceeded the statutory cap for several years and was reported at $10.8 million in the latest audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city had analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees, used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation, and is pursuing a $9.4 million City Hall expansion that they say is allowed under a November 2024 Attorney General opinion permitting construction of a building to house the building code enforcement function. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, whether the proposed uses were truly lawful, why the balance kept growing despite fee waivers, and where the interest earnings were going. The mayor and deputy city manager said the city’s growth and staffing needs justified the plan, but several members expressed frustration and skepticism. A public commenter also urged accountability and raised concerns about the city’s spending plans and the size of the remaining balance. The committee then received an Auditor General presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 operational audit findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings included election paperwork problems that left a council seat vacant, conflicts of interest, late financial disclosure filings, related-party transactions, inadequate meeting notices and minutes, quorum and voting documentation problems, council members’ involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget adoption and monitoring deficiencies, inaccurate accounting records and bank reconciliations, utility billing and rate issues, grant compliance problems tied to an unfinished grocery store project, weak personnel and contracting controls, improper severance and compensation issues, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control weaknesses, poor public records access, and IT access and fraud-policy gaps. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit largely reflected the prior administration and that the current council and staff are taking corrective action. They said the town terminated the former manager, adopted seven new policies since the audit began, and is working with the Auditor General to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics compliance. The town attorney said he had alerted federal authorities earlier about concerns, and committee members noted that FDLE has received a criminal referral and is investigating. Several members praised the new leadership’s cooperation but also suggested the town consider consolidation or dissolution if problems persist.

Transcript Highlights:

• PARENT ORGANIZATION LEVEL RANGING FROM 700,000 FROM TAMPA FAMILY HEALTH WITH HUNDRED 46 STUDENTS ACROSS 14
• UPDATING ON THE RULEMAKING PROCESS IT WILL BE FINALIZED IN OCTOBER THE RULES ARE ADOPTED AND WILL BE
• EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 26.
• THE COUNCIL ORIENTATION WAS HELD IN OCTOBER OF 2024 AND TWO FULL COUNCIL MEETINGS HAVE TAKEN ONE IN NOVEMBER
• IT WAS SUBMITTED OCTOBER 1st. SO WE CAN SHOW MORE OF A BREAKDOWN THERE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:14:04.480> this<00:14:04.800> has<00:14:04.959> not<00:14:05.120> been<
• Um,<00:14:07.279> I<00:14:07.600> think<00:14:07.760> this<00:14:08.720> uh
• uh<00:14:14.240> far<00:14:14.720> far<00:14:14.720> far<00:14:15.440> worse
• <00:14:15.839> than<00:14:17.040> uh<00:14:17.519> what<00:14:17.839> any
• Uh you'll see many<00:14:24.000> of<00:14:24.160> the<00:14:24.320> people<00:14

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:26.399> We<00:14:26.480> may<00:14:26.639> have<00:14:26.720> made
• >> We<00:14:30.399> have<00:14:30.639> been<00:14:30.880> replacing<00:14:
• <00:14:43.839> Um,<00:14:44.880> can<00:14:45.120> you<00:14:46.399> can<
• > in<00:14:48.720> terms<00:14:48.959> of<00:14:49.199> your<00:14:49.519
• then<00:14:56.800> I've<00:14:57.040> got<00:14:57.120> some<00:14:57.360>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Discussion of the KentuckyWired Network 00:00:55 Discussion of the Water Resource Information System 00:35.40 Discussion of Geographic Information Systems 00:52:30 Discussion of Committee Report to LRC 01:15:05, 958, all

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a presentation from Leadcore representatives Jimmy Bird, Mike Murray, and Rebecca Moss on the Kentucky Wired network. Leadcore described its role as the design-builder and service provider under the KCNA contract, saying the network was built with roughly 13,200 feet of fiber, mostly aerial, and that the use of non-armored cable was a Kentucky-side decision made to reduce cost. They also said aerial construction and non-armored cable increase maintenance challenges, including storm damage and squirrel-related damage, and reported FY25 service activity of 104 break-fix events, 30 maintenance replacements, 64 storm-damage events, and nearly 13,000 feet of fiber replaced to date. Committee members questioned whether the original project anticipated this level of replacement and whether any forecast existed for maintenance under non-armored cable. Leadcore said it did not do a formal forecast and could not say whether the replacement rate was above or below norms, though it acknowledged the decision not to use armored cable came from the Kentucky side of the contract. Members also asked about whether replacements caused network degradation; Leadcore said it tries to replace cable at existing splice points to avoid degradation and, where needed, uses armored cable for replacement sections going forward. The committee then explored Leadcore’s relationship with Excel and KCNA. Leadcore said it has a service-level agreement for KCNA-related fibers but not for dark fibers used by Excel, and that Kentucky Wired fibers get priority on service requests. It said outages are reported through a 1-800 number and that it was not aware of any access problems to the huts. On the tech refresh, Leadcore said its understanding is that maintaining the network is its responsibility, but the technology refresh is not; it said only a very limited amount of refresh has occurred and that this did not match the original contract intent. Leadcore also said it had not been asked to defer maintenance. The chair closed by saying the testimony would inform a committee report and that he intended to recommend clawing back or withholding some previously authorized Kentucky Wired and refresh funding until an audit is complete, with the committee to vote on a report later.