Transcript Highlights:

• :14:08.000> of<01:14:08.080> the<01:14:08.320> puzzle<01:14:08.560> here
• <01:14:09.040> we're<01:14:09.199> trying<01:14:09.360> to<01:14:09.520>
• You're only showing<01:14:10.800> us<01:14:10.960> the<01:14:11.199> tiff<01:14:
• <01:14:14.239> We<01:14:14.400> want<01:14:14.480> to<01:14:14.640> see
• >> But<01:14:20.640> you're<01:14:20.800> only<01:14:20.960> showing<01:14

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank<00:14:04.240> you<00:14:04.399> for<00:14:04.880> um<00:14:05.040
• So >> you<00:14:21.440> say<00:14:21.600> that<00:14:21.839> this<00:14:22.240
• <00:14:23.839> Are<00:14:24.079> you<00:14:24.160> saying<00:14:24.320> that
• It<00:14:31.440> was,<00:14:32.160> thank<00:14:32.320> you<00:14:32.480> for
• The council<00:14:34.560> was<00:14:34.880> created<00:14:35.360> to<00:14:35.760

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The limit is 14 days of protected absence.
• In 2023, it was 14 deaths related to heat-related illnesses.
• My name is Veronica Carrasco, and I've worked in construction, specifically remodeling, for 14 years.
• For those 14 years, there have been many times when I have felt it is impossible to do my job.
• Merchants workers from March onward. ...to late September, sometimes even October.

Bills: HB446, HB1609, HB4443, HB4464, HB4735, HB5476

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:16.880> So<00:14:17.600> um<00:14:17.760> could<00:14:17.920> be
• :14:19.279> very<00:14:19.519> short<00:14:19.760> order<00:14:20.000> there.
• <00:14:22.000> I<00:14:22.160> would<00:14:22.320> I<00:14:22.560> would<
• <00:14:23.279> Chairman,<00:14:23.839> is<00:14:25.040> um<00:14:25.360>
• so<00:14:34.320> many<00:14:34.720> entities<00:14:35.519> out<00:14:35.839

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They plan on being done September or October of this year.
• Our next meeting is October 1st.
• And I will see you in October. Thank you. Good luck getting done by 3:29.
• And I will see you in October then. Okay, October 1st. Okay, what's up next? Okay.
• So you've got 14 minutes. Oh, I'll... ...I'll make that. Mr.

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080> the<00:14:00.200> 938<00:14:00.920> will<00:14:01.040> go, committee
• of the 938 will go, committee of the 938 will go, um<00:14:02.400> but<00:14:02.960> the
• c><00:14:03.040> budget<00:14:03.480> will<00:14:03.960> also<00:14:04.280> have
• Okay.<00:14:06.400> Thank<00:14:06.600> you,<00:14:06.680> Mr.
• <00:14:06.920> President. Are you ready for the question?

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are slated to have this implemented in October of 2026.
• FNA is working through some technical challenges on their end, so we may see a delay in that October
• Now that will happen in September, and then our team will be fully moved in in October.
• Now that will happen in September, and then our team will be fully moved in in October.
• So targeting that October date would be probably where we're looking at.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.199> that<00:14:00.320> are<00:14:01.120> left<00:14:02.120> in<00:14
• :18.519> I'm<00:14:18.639> not<00:14:18.800> going<00:14:18.880> to<00:14
• <00:14:22.839> will<00:14:23.160> say<00:14:23.800> you<00:14:24.040> look
• of Human<00:14:26.320> Services<00:14:26.800> at<00:14:26.959> the<00:14:27.160
• largest<00:14:41.800> chunk<00:14:42.399> by<00:14:42.720> far<00:14:43.079>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and staff roles. Nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal staff explained that they draft bills and amendments, prepare bill summaries and background research, answer legal and fiscal questions, and help track revenue and budget effects. They also distributed a Budget Overview Brief intended to condense the larger budget materials into a more usable format for members. Staff then walked through the Human Services budget and the committee’s areas of responsibility. They described the department structure, noting that DHS oversees administration, compliance, rulemaking, and county support, and that the overall Human Services budget is large, with medical assistance as the dominant program. They also explained recent and upcoming reorganizations: many children and family-related functions are moving to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Direct Care and Treatment is becoming its own agency, and some homelessness-related functions remain at DHS. Staff reviewed how the budget is organized by program and budget activity, the difference between direct appropriations and standing appropriations, and how forecasted programs and “tails” work in the budget process. The presentation also covered Medicaid financing and long-term care. Staff explained the federal-state FMAP match, including Minnesota’s current 51.16% federal match for most Medicaid spending, the CHIP match, and the 90% federal share for the expansion population. For long-term care, they outlined Medical Assistance services for elderly and disabled people, state-funded long-term care supports, and Board on Aging programs. They highlighted the personal care assistance program’s phaseout and replacement by Community First Services and Supports, and reviewed the five home- and community-based waivers. Members asked one question about refugee resettlement funding, specifically whether it covers flights; staff said they would need to follow up on the exact use of the federal funds. No bills were heard, and no formal votes or other committee actions were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 14, end of section 14, end of bill. Senator Ellison. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Yeas are 14, nays are 7.
• Yeses are 14, the noes are 7.
• Order of Business 14.
• Order of Business 14.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:14:25.079> meant<02:14:25.360> for<02:14:25.639> if<02:14:25.760> a
• > an<02:14:34.440> option<02:14:34.920> for<02:14:35.599> that<02:14:35.840>
• that second town to<02:14:37.639> be<02:14:37.760> able<02:14:37.920> to<02:14:
• <02:14:39.639> made<02:14:39.960> available<02:14:40.400> to<02:14:40.599>
• don't<02:14:42.679> see<02:14:42.920> how<02:14:43.119> it<02:14:43.239>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :27.960> on<01:14:28.280> lines<01:14:28.840> 30<01:14:29.159> and<01:14:
• /c><01:14:38.639> is<01:14:38.840> there<01:14:39.120> I'm<01:14:39.320> I'm<
• the Mastery<01:14:42.159> of<01:14:42.440> a<01:14:42.679> goal<01:14:43.159>
• :14:45.840> obviously<01:14:46.320> a<01:14:46.520> goal<01:14:46.960> but
• sometimes those<01:14:47.800> are<01:14:48.000> in<01:14:48.280> progress<01:14:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on HB 222, which would repeal the requirement that a chartered public school and the resident school district sign a memorandum of understanding on how students with disabilities will receive special education services. The prime sponsor, Rep. Peggy Balboni, said the bill was requested by the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators and the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools. She argued that federal and state law already require districts to provide FAPE and that the MOU requirement has created extra work, legal costs, and delays without improving services. She said many MOUs remain unsigned, but students are still receiving services and complaint numbers have not changed. Rep. Mooney also supported repeal, calling the MOU duplicative and impractical because IEPs and 504 plans already govern services. Testimony from Jane B. Brulu of the special education administrators’ association and Beth McLure of the charter schools alliance echoed that view, saying the MOU has not helped students, has added hours of work and legal fees, and has mostly been a source of disputes over funding and service costs. McLure said her school has worked with more than 15 districts and has always been able to reach agreements, though the first year of the requirement took substantial time and money. Committee members asked about the original purpose of the law, unsigned MOUs, and whether disputes could be resolved without the requirement. A representative from the Department of Education said the MOU was originally proposed to address reports that some students were not getting services on time and to provide some oversight, but the department has no authority to order charter schools or districts to agree and no appeal process if they cannot. The department also said it does not currently audit charter school special education services because it lacks authority to monitor charter schools directly, and it urged the committee to consider some alternative oversight if the MOU requirement is repealed. The hearing on HB 222 was then closed, and the committee announced it would begin the hearing on HB 699 after a short break.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00.800> with<00:14:01.040> the<00:14:01.839> um<00:14:01.920> these<00:14
• <00:14:06.079> as<00:14:06.320> you<00:14:06.480> mentioned<00:14:06.800>
• > sure<00:14:07.199> that<00:14:07.360> we<00:14:07.600> are<00:14:07.760
• c> into<00:14:11.120> a<00:14:11.360> contract<00:14:11.920> we<00:14:12.160
• :14:16.399> partners<00:14:16.880> our<00:14:17.120> agency<00:14:17.760> and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OCTOBER 2025, ACTUALLY TODAY IS THE ROLL OUT DATE, THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR OF THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET
• COMMISSION WERE NOTIFIED AND HAVE UNTIL OCTOBER 15, 2025 TO OBJECT.
• THAT OCCURS THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR OF THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET COMMISSION OF THE FINAL REVIEW FOR A 14

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Jay Collins, Senate District 14. It's a large portion of Hillsborough County.
• I'm Senator Collins, Senate District 14. It's a large portion of Hillsborough County.
• Those time frames became effective October 1, 2024, so we're just in the infancy of those requirements
• Prior to the new law, the advocates had no less than 14 days to file the recommendations.
• investigative report and not the advocates' recommendation, the previous deadline of not less than 14

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections convened, established a quorum, and members introduced themselves and the committee staff. Chair Gaetz outlined the committee’s jurisdiction over election law, ethics law, executive appointments, and related confirmations, and described the committee’s process for handling gubernatorial nominations and member concerns about nominees. The committee then received a briefing from the Florida Commission on Ethics on its 2025 legislative priorities and on implementation of Senate Bill 7014 from the prior year. The commission recommended three changes: expanding the definition of “relative” in the gift law to include current and former foster parents and foster children; authorizing salary withholding to help collect civil penalties and restitution; and adding whistleblower-like protections for people who file ethics complaints. Commission staff also explained how SB 7014 changed complaint processing by requiring allegations to be based on personal knowledge or non-hearsay information and by imposing new deadlines for legal sufficiency review, investigations, and advocates’ recommendations. They said the commission has adapted its intake and review process and is currently meeting the new timelines, though the tighter deadlines may create staffing and scheduling challenges. Commission counsel also provided an update on two active lawsuits. One challenges the constitutional in-office lobbying ban, and the other challenges the requirement that elected municipal officers and mayors file Form 6 financial disclosure forms. The committee discussed the impact of the new complaint standards, the possibility of litigation if deadlines are missed, and whether local ethics boards are implementing SB 7014 similarly. Members expressed support for the commission’s work and asked for written legislative recommendations and proposed statutory language. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:01.840> believe<01:14:02.080> it<01:14:02.239> is<01:14:02.920> I<01:
• <01:14:06.880> I<01:14:06.960> think<01:14:07.080> it<01:14:07.199> was
• c><01:14:07.880> yes<01:14:08.880> I<01:14:08.960> believe<01:14:09.159> it
• c> U<01:14:10.199> unanimous<01:14:11.199> 18<01:14:11.520> to<01:14:11.719>
• Zer<01:14:12.199> in<01:14:12.400> favor<01:14:13.000> of<01:14:13.159><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the<00:14:36.880> unlikely<00:14:37.440> event<00:14:37.680> that<00:14:37.839
• :14:39.040> committee<00:14:39.279> will<00:14:39.440> reconvene cut short, the
• > February<00:14:43.519> 13th<00:14:44.079> at<00:14:44.320> 3:05<00:14:45.440
• 00:14:48.800> be<00:14:48.959> posted<00:14:49.519> on<00:14:49.680> the
• <00:14:56.320> And<00:14:56.480> we'll<00:14:56.720> have<00:14:56.800> a

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Triple C committee heard SB 2799, relating to the Kalopa settlement. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals and homestead organizations urging passage and asking that Hawaiian Homes Commission, HHCA beneficiaries, and community representatives be included in transition planning. The Department of Health opposed the added reporting requirement as unnecessary and argued its role is limited to patient care, while committee members pushed back and emphasized the need for broader community input and landowner participation, especially from DHHL and DLNR. The chair recommended passage of SB 2799 unamended, with a committee report noting that the required May report should include the interagency transition working group timeline, proposed budget, and proposed procedures. The recommendation was adopted unanimously by the committees present. The joint agenda also took up SB 2887, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include Hawaiian homelands used for subsistence or agricultural/pastoral purposes and broaden eligible costs to include orchard or fruit-bearing crops and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the concept but requested amendments; the Department of Taxation and Department of Agriculture provided comments and information on administration and existing claims. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but argued the bill should create a new tax credit in Chapter 235 rather than fold DHHL lands into the existing IAL credit. After discussion, the chair recommended passage with the Hawaii Farm Bureau’s amendments and technical changes, and both committees adopted that recommendation. The Hawaiian Affairs committee then acted on several bills. SB 1406, SB 521, and SB 1654 were deferred indefinitely because the chair said related work was already underway and the committee wanted to avoid duplicative paperwork. SB 3247, relating to Mona Ala/Royal Mausoleum, was amended to convert the proposal into a Royal Mausoleum Working Group with periodic reporting and stakeholder input, and it passed with amendments. SB 112, SB 131, and SB 2443 were advanced with amendments that primarily deferred effective dates to keep the measures moving while discussions continue. The committee also noted that some measures were being deferred or reshaped to align with ongoing administrative or companion-bill processes, and the amended recommendations were adopted by the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the number of encounters for us is up 14% over last year.
• We implemented a new licensing and inspection software in October 2025. It is our first ever.
• We launched in October, and the data coming over from our old system, which was already not very efficient
• From October to now, we have made a lot of progress in cleaning up the data and making sure it all looks
• You had talked a bit about the portal launched in October, and there has been some difficulty with the

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:35.520> about<01:14:35.760> in<01:14:35.960> this<01:14:36.159> bill<
• the<01:14:37.040> use<01:14:37.360> of<01:14:37.600> the<01:14:37.760> word<
• 14:43.400> you<01:14:43.800> but<01:14:44.280> uh<01:14:44.760> you um I
• :14:45.440> more<01:14:45.719> likely<01:14:46.080> than<01:14:46.239> not
• to<01:14:47.280> the<01:14:47.480> doctor<01:14:47.920> a<01:14:48.040>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:18.600> out<00:14:18.720> of<00:14:18.920> covid<00:14:19.839> uh<00:14
• > shifts<00:14:31.240> we've<00:14:31.440> seen<00:14:31.639> this<00:14:
• > very<00:14:41.600> tricky<00:14:41.959> one<00:14:42.320> almost<00:14:
• :14:44.279> flu<00:14:44.759> is<00:14:44.920> a<00:14:45.079> little to
• <00:14:45.720> year<00:14:46.199> and<00:14:46.519> and<00:14:46.800> if<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development received a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials on the final SEEK estimate for fiscal year 2025. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Matt Ross, and Chay Ritter explained that SEEK is developed through a consensus process with the Office of the State Budget Director using multiple models and district-level inputs, and that the estimate is a projection made well before actual data are available. They emphasized that the discussion was separate from the pending education-funding lawsuit and described SEEK as one part of a much larger K-12 budget picture. The presenters said the current SEEK estimate shows a statutory shortfall of about $14.7 million, or roughly 0.53% of the appropriation, with additional optional items that could bring the total to about $40.5 million if funds are available. They noted that prior years have sometimes produced excess funds, which are redirected according to budget language rather than automatically flowing back through SEEK. They also reviewed the main drivers of the estimate, including property assessments, average daily attendance, free lunch counts, exceptional child counts, home hospital, and limited English proficiency, and said property assessments have been especially volatile while exceptional child counts and ELL populations are difficult to predict. Members asked about why the estimate missed on some categories, especially special education and ELL, and whether district-level changes were being monitored closely enough. The presenters said KDE does monitor special education counts and will review larger districts and districts with unusual growth, and they acknowledged that exceptional child growth has been hard to forecast. Representative Bojanowski asked about the Cloverport virtual school, and staff said its growth was much larger than projected and accounted for a significant portion of the shortfall. Members also discussed the impact of property value growth, population shifts, illness, and legislative changes on SEEK projections. No vote or formal action was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:05.200> be<00:14:05.320> some<00:14:05.520> of<00:14:05.560> the
• :08.200> we<00:14:08.320> keep<00:14:08.600> you<00:14:08.680> from<00:14
• <00:14:10.680> A<00:14:10.760> lot<00:14:10.920> of<00:14:11.040> our
• <00:14:26.160> That's<00:14:26.400> the<00:14:26.520> goal<00:14:26.760>
• 00:14:39.560> need<00:14:39.800> or<00:14:39.880> make<00:14:40.080> sure

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:26 Approval of Minutes 00:02:27 LIHEAP Presentation and Public Hearing 00:02:42 Conservation Opportunities in Kentucky 00:29:52, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide. Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify. After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.