Transcript Highlights:

• and so while you<00:12:09.680> see<00:12:09.959> all<00:12:10.160> seven<00:12:
• > going<00:12:13.240> to<00:12:13.519> focus<00:12:14.000> on<00:12:14.800
• <00:12:23.000> and<00:12:23.199> as<00:12:23.360> far<00:12:23.519> as
• <00:12:32.040> and<00:12:32.199> then<00:12:32.480> Jennifer<00:12:32.959> is
• > to<00:12:33.399> speak<00:12:33.800> to<00:12:34.160> the<00:12:34.279>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Safety presented an overview of highway fund and unrestricted revenue collections, focusing on the Division of Administration, the Road Toll Bureau, and the Division of Motor Vehicles. Amy Newbery explained that the main unrestricted funding sources are highway funds and general funds, with highway fund revenue of about $263 million in FY 2024 and a FY 2025 projection of $261.2 million. She said revenue growth has been modest and has not kept pace with costs, creating structural deficits that required general fund transfers of $50 million in FY 2022-23 and another $10 million in FY 2024-25 to balance the fund. Jennifer Hall described Road Toll operations, including motor fuel tax collection at the distributor level, compliance enforcement, and licensing for fuel distributors, transporters, IFTA carriers, and oil discharge/pollution control. Members asked about IFTA, dyed-fuel enforcement, the possibility of using the state forensic lab for dyed-fuel testing, and whether audit positions had been filled; the department said it recently hired a part-time fuel enforcement officer, still uses IRS testing, could explore lab testing, and had no audit vacancies. Hall also discussed factors affecting fuel-tax revenue, including gas prices, crude oil forecasts, weather, tourism, GDP, and inflation, and said FY 2024 road toll revenue was $127.5 million, above plan, with FY 2025 projected at $127.71 million. The committee then turned to DMV-related revenues. Newbery said motor vehicle registration revenue was $93.1 million in FY 2024 and is projected at $90.4 million in FY 2025, with the state share going directly to the highway fund. Members asked about the state/town fee split, the five-year registration cycle dip, the distribution of registration revenue by vehicle weight category, and the impact of electric-vehicle surcharges; the department said the five-year dip is still occurring and will fade over time, and it would follow up on the weight-category breakdown. The presentation also noted that driver-license revenues have stabilized, inspection revenues remain steady, plea-by-mail revenue was added to the highway fund in FY 2024, and general fund revenues tied to the department are relatively small and have declined as some functions moved to OPLC. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Bills: HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, medical parole, compassionate release, incarcerated, medical conditions, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation

Bills: HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, medical parole, compassionate release, incarcerated, medical conditions, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation

Transcript Highlights:

• It's grandfathered dated 12/31 and clarifies that a certificate coming into the state to do business.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and first took up pending business, voting out several bills. Senate Bills 1697, 1569, 1202 as substituted, 1029, 1364, 1185, 924, 1008 as substituted, 264, 1376, and 1358 as substituted were reported favorably, with some sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB 1202 and later corrected votes on several measures. SB 924 and SB 1376 drew some opposition, while the rest of the pending bills were reported without dissent or with limited nays. The committee then heard testimony on SB 1856, which would create an annual capacity-cost recovery rider for Entergy Texas customers in the MISO region. The author and Entergy argued the bill would better match rates to actual capacity costs and improve transparency, while the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Public Utility Commission raised concerns about the short 10-day review period, rider proliferation, and the preference for full rate cases over piecemeal adjustments. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 522 on CPA reciprocity, SB 1664 requiring TDUs to provide clearer, standalone rate-change disclosures, SB 1877 expanding OPUC’s access to market data, SB 1254 and SB 1255 as TDLR cleanup bills on professional employer organizations and mold assessors, SB 1341 updating manufactured housing rules, SB 1239 on sovereign debt and Texas governing law, and SB 1259 streamlining the surveyor-in-training licensing process. Additional bills discussed included SB 1977, which would cap recoverable legal expenses in electric, water, and sewer rate cases; OPUC and some consumer advocates supported the idea as a way to reduce ratepayer costs, while utility representatives warned it could discourage participation and increase rate shock. The committee also heard SB 1762 clarifying that geothermal energy conservation wells are not battery resources, and SB 783 allowing SECO to proceed with future energy-code rulemaking for state-funded buildings. Both drew supportive testimony from industry and environmental groups. All remaining bills heard during the meeting were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:12:31.840> don't<00:12:32.080> ex-<00:12:32.360> I<00:12:32.440> haven't
• <00:12:32.760> seen<00:12:33.000> the<00:12:33.120> bill,<00:12:33.480> so
• c> couldn't<00:12:34.120> tell<00:12:34.320> you<00:12:34.400> exactly<00:12
• :00.120> that<01:12:00.360> it<01:12:00.600> does<01:12:00.840> not<01:12
• Um,<01:12:59.120> I<01:12:59.240> don't<01:12:59.480> know<01:12:59.600> if

Bills: HF1606, HF3733, HF743, HF2627, HF4071

Keywords: nudification technology, image rights, privacy protection, sexual exploitation, cybersecurity, recreational camping, utility fees, electricity charges, consumer protection, energy policy, health insurance, insulin, step therapy, diabetes, patient care, prescription drugs, pet shops, animal welfare, dog sales, cat sales

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.680> What<00:12:03.880> that<00:12:04.040> would<00:12:04.160>
• What that would allow is<00:12:04.720> to<00:12:05.240> is<00:12:05.520> to<00:12
• :12:22.000> the<00:12:22.120> state<00:12:23.000> uh<00:12:23.320> producers<
• Right<00:12:31.040> now,<00:12:31.200> it's<00:12:31.360> still<00:12:31.960>
• Um<00:12:35.360> but Um but Um but if<00:12:37.520> the<00:12:37.760> the<00:12:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to hear from our witnesses today that this is a complex interstate and international problem
• retailers, our goods are first shipped from a point of origin to our distribution centers through an interstate
• To help clarify and facilitate interstate commerce and, okay, Senator Peters.
• enforcement agencies have the support of the federal government when dealing with crimes that pertain to interstate
• We don't know who these people are, have no idea if they even know what they're doing, and maybe 12 to

Keywords: Committee, Transportation, aviation safety, confirmation, Lieutenant Commander, Deputy Secretary, Bradbury, Hafensteiner, aircraft incidents

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened to consider the promotion of Coast Guard Lieutenant Samuel Hafensteiner to Lieutenant Commander and the nomination of Stephen Bradbury as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety, especially in light of recent aircraft incidents. Members discussed the critical need for knowledgeable leadership within the Department of Transportation to address these safety challenges effectively. Mr. Bradbury's background as a former General Counsel of the Department was presented as a strong asset for the role he seeks.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think back in the old days there wasn't a lot of lighting on the interstate.
• authorizes FDOT to issue a special blinking permit for mobile cranes and accessory motor vehicles up to 12
• feet wide, 14 foot 6 inches high, and 100 feet long to travel on and off the interstate highway at all
• It's going to basically state that you can drive for 12 months, all the local rules, as well as bridges

Summary: The Transportation Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, Rep. Owens presented HB 1165, which would allow FDOT to issue a special blinking permit for mobile cranes and accessory support vehicles to travel on and off interstate highways at all hours, subject to local curfews and FDOT conditions such as size limits, mapping, signage, and warning lights. Supporters argued the change would improve flexibility for infrastructure and emergency work and could be safer at night because of lighter traffic and required visibility measures. After one proponent testified, the bill passed favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee then heard CS for HB 1397, presented by Rep. Abbott, a broader transportation-related bill addressing the aggregate supply chain grant program, small business partnerships, airport and seaport transparency, maintenance priorities, the Florida Transportation Academy, and the Florida Transportation Research Institute. An amendment was adopted to clarify authority for transportation and parking authorities and to protect septic-to-sewer conversion projects from local rules when permits are issued by FDOT and FDEP. During debate, several members raised concerns that proposed repeals could reduce outreach and opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and rural businesses in DOT procurement, and the sponsor said he was willing to work on restoring or clarifying notification language. Despite those concerns, the committee reported the bill favorably, with some members voting no and others indicating support pending further changes before the next stop or floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
• Stephanie, Joshua, Jacob, Jordan, Lauren, Mason, and Rachel to his 12 great-grandchildren to his other
• Members, Texas joined the Interstate Mining Company.
• Senate Bill 1147 relating to the withdrawal of the state of Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact.
• There being 12 ayes and 18 nays, the The amendment fails. 1213 Chair recognizes Senator Paxton for a

Bills: SJR12, SJR81, SB22, SB32, SB241, SB393, SB414, SB458, SB464, SB568, SB583, SB609, SB660, SB664, SB693, SB731, SB732, SB746, SB779, SB783, SB785, SB868, SB897, SB921, SB955, SB1008, SB1029, SB1036, SB1057, SB1059, SB1120, SB1122, SB1147, SB1163, SB1188, SB1197, SB1209, SB1245, SB1321, SB1332, SB1365, SB1394, SB1396, SB1470, SB1484, SB1494, SB1537, SB1596, SB1598, SB1637, SB1644, SB1809, SB1814, SB1822, SB1841, SB1948, SB2064, SB2065, SB2112, SB2155, SB2226, SB2320, SB2406, SJR36, SJR81, SJR50, SJR4, SJR40, SJR27, SCR22, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR37, SB1396, SB1209, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB241, SB304, SB1023, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB955, SB957, SB541, SB266, SB1415, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB1062, SB711, SB746, SB1404, SB1448, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB667, SB1059, SB1567, SB310, SB311, SB505, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB1350, SB462, SB827, SB1585, SB1484, SB1273, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1841, SB1147, SB1008, SB2016, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB860, SB993, SB693, SB1537, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB984, SB619, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1877, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB660, SB731, SB921, SB268, SB1822, SB1589, SB397, SB1058, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB2155, SB508, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719, SB287, SB2143, SB1245, SB261, SB1247, SB1948, SB2406, SB2407, SB1882, SB1814, SB618, SB38, SB393, SB1371, SB1394, SB1365, SB2243, SB2226, SB2039, SB1919, SB1895, SB1598, SB1493, SB1810, SB1791, SB1706, SB1644, SB1238, SB783, SB458, SB22, SB651, SB897, SB1809, SB1080, SB745, SB826, SB989, SB1320, SB1437, SB2320, SB2289, SB1171, SB664, SB1637, SB2064, SB868, SB1079, SB1243, SB1504, SB1851, SB1879, SB2237, SB1257, SB2034, SB1522, SB883, SB249, SB1318, SB1151, SB596, SB1191, SB226, SB570, SB870, SB991, SB60, SB365, SB1067, SB1786, SB326, SB1401, SB1592, SB1728, SB1265, SB586, SB529, SB217, SB209, SB1923, SB1559, SB1839, SB387, SB1874, SB1872, SB1873, SB1921, SB1883, SB1677, SB95, SB1620, SB1838, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB2166, SB871, SB510, SB33, SB2420, SB1860, SB1541, SB1316, SB1314, SB1313, SB1426, SB1398, SB1869, SB1750, SB1871, SB36, SB855, SB1233, SB760, SB2425, SB2037, SB1758, SB1759, SB2365, SB1924, SB762, SB1271, SB1818, SB605, SB1405, SB1762, SB1968, SB1977, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB1967, SB1662, SB1663, SB2124, SB2204, SB1855, SB863, SB37, SB241, SB1147, SB1394, SB1814, SB1948, SB2155, SB1209, SB1396, SB609, SB660, SB921, SR373, SR374, SR376, SR377, SR379, SR381, SR386, SB2332, SB3040, SB3041, SB2332, SB3040, SB3041

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, ad valorem taxation, franchise tax credit, personal property, public camping

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the chair lays out House Bill 26-12 and recognizes Representative Zwiener to explain the bill
• A study of 12 counties in Texas estimated that carbon capture and sequestration projects could have a
• I've worked on CCS, uh, uh, for 18 years, uh, as part of a dedicated research group with about 12, uh
• And after reading the paper and then the data and following it with, you know, 12 years of, of, uh, effort
• In the 1970s when lignite coal production was on the rise, the State of Texas joined the Interstate Mining

Transcript Highlights:

• c> years<00:12:20.880> of<00:12:21.120> service<00:12:21.680> to<00:12:21.920
• > and<00:12:23.760> congratulate<00:12:24.440> you<00:12:25.440> on<00:12
• <00:12:30.760> Speaker,<00:12:31.760> thank<00:12:31.920> you<00:12:32.079><
• must do<01:12:02.960> the<01:12:03.120> right<01:12:03.280> thing<01:12:03.520>
• 02:12:40.719> and<02:12:40.960> send<02:12:41.119> my<02:12:41.280> remarks.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With 12 present and 6 absent, we will go into public hearing.
• If someone has that on their vehicle and, because of interstate commerce, is traveling through the state
• Representative Shields: That was on interstates and MoDOT-maintained roads, and I believe that these
• This Pilot, as soon as you get off the interstate, has an outer belt road.
• So, you know, they're probably, you know, 12 by 15 foot signs, big red letters, don't turn here, and

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is introduced to enact a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which has been enacted by five
• Legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in 12 other states in addition to West Virginia
• The bill is introduced an act as a respiratory care interstate compact which has been enacted.
• The bill is introduced to enact the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which has been enacted by five
• Legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in 12 other states in addition to West Virginia

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several health- and human-services-related bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs for covered caregivers, was explained as creating training and testimonial privilege protections; the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. House Bill 5004, an educational bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience and the importance of earlier diagnosis; it was reported to the Senate without amendment. House Bill 5327, which would require the Department of Human Services to create an ALS services program, also received supportive testimony from the sponsor and members, but the transcript reflects the bill being reported as House Bill 537; it was moved forward without amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 5096, which would remove personal care and intellectual/developmental disability waiver services from certificate-of-need review. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory burden and expand access, while a county aging-program director testified that certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and services and that eliminating the requirement would reduce important support for aging providers. After a division vote, the motion to report the bill failed 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative medically appropriate covered treatment without new prior authorization if it costs no more than the original treatment, was explained as carrying an estimated $13 million annual cost to PEIA and was reported to the Senate. The committee also advanced House Bill 5582, enacting the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, after discussion of a committee amendment removing a new-background-check-at-initial-licensure provision; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported. Another House Bill 5582, concerning the TANF drug screening program, was described as removing the sunset date and allowing oral fluid testing in addition to urine samples; it too was reported. Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery with an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide, and the bill was reported to the Senate. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :36.719> the<01:12:37.040> people<01:12:37.400> from<01:12:37.600> the<01
• :12:40.719> they<01:12:40.880> will<01:12:41.159> tell<01:12:41.719> you<
• 01:12:42.719> and<01:12:42.960> I've<01:12:43.520> my system they will tell you
• <01:12:44.560> from<01:12:44.719> a<01:12:44.840> year<01:12:45.000> or
• > towns<01:12:51.760> doesn't<01:12:52.199> even<01:12:52.520> relate<01:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Representative, the Interstate Stream Commission itself goes through an annual prioritization
• Um, I think it only applies to its interstate delivery of water or an endangered species.
• Well, um, so what I'm seeing here is that this is an expansion of the scope of work of the Interstate
• Chair, Representative, the Interstate Stream Commission prioritizes their current transactions based
• Chair, absolutely, a representative from the Interstate Stream Commission has been at this table for

Transcript Highlights:

• The second thing it does is it provides a deadline of July 1st, 2027 for the council and the Interstate
• This just tracks with the same language that it has for the Interstate Stream Commission being the one
• This just tracks with the same language that it has for the Interstate Stream Commission being the one
• that the Thank you. the same language that it has for the Interstate Stream Commission being the one
• On a similar note, House Bill 21 has the acequia bureau of the Interstate Stream Commission...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• an interstate agreement that is established to administer the payment or reporting of fuel taxes or
• An interstate agreement that is established for paying or reporting fuel taxes. I'm sorry, Mr.
• Okay, members, I think you meant 12. Excuse me, yes, line 12.
• There are 12 sets of people who...
• All right, members, page three, lines nine through 12.

Summary: The committee met to review and adopt Legislative Council ballot measure analyses, with members repeatedly reminded that the hearing was limited to the accuracy, clarity, and impartiality of the summaries and not the merits of the underlying proposals. Steve Premack explained the statutory role of the analyses in the publicity pamphlet, and staff presented draft language for several measures. The committee considered and voted on multiple amendments, often debating whether proposed wording was clearer or instead crossed into advocacy or added unnecessary legal detail. For SCR 1004, members debated amendments to more closely mirror the measure’s text and to add language about electric vehicles and mileage, but several proposed changes were rejected. The analysis was ultimately adopted by an 8-6 roll call. HCR 2021 was then adopted without amendment by the same 8-6 margin. For HCR 2055, members debated whether the summary should say the Department of Homeland Security must “do everything” or “use all lawful means available,” and whether to add language about cartels acting “individually or collectively”; both amendments were rejected and the analysis was adopted 8-6. The committee next took up SCR 1004 on photo enforcement systems, where members proposed amendments to clarify that the measure would apply to red light cameras, to add “thereafter” regarding recurring voter approval, and to specify that approval would occur at the general election; those amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. On SCR 1032, dealing with instructional expenses and classroom site fund reductions, members debated adding a definition of the Classroom Site Fund and spelling out the waiver process in more detail; both amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. Finally, on HCR 2001 regarding citizenship identification and early voting, members rejected amendments that would have added background on current law, clarified that mail voting would be affected, added severability and revenue-source language, and struck the measure’s short title; the discussion was lengthy and at times contentious, but the transcript ends before a final roll-call vote on that measure is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• peace officers to pay for up to 24 additional program counseling visits beyond the current authorized 12
• By your vote of 12 ayes, two absent, one nay, you've given HB 2270 a do-pass recommendation.
• They're changing the dynamics and the workflow or the flows of narcotics across the interstate system
• Well, Interstate 40 and Interstate 10 are the main thoroughfares that many of these drugs are leaving
• He explained that, based on an average seizure encountered along Interstate 40 in Navajo County, the

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3. HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4. HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed. The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• this<00:12:50.120> item<00:12:51.120> and<00:12:51.360> that<00:12:51.680
• /c><00:12:54.399> the<00:12:54.560> environmental<00:12:55.120> fund<00:12:55.360
• <02:12:21.040> Chair,<02:12:21.280> that's<02:12:21.520> the<02:12:21.679>
• <02:12:24.960> Next,<02:12:25.199> we<02:12:25.440> move<02:12:25.599> to
• <02:12:27.920> Uh<02:12:28.320> line<02:12:28.639> 589<02:12:29.360> is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<01:12:10.720> want<01:12:10.920> to<01:12:11.000> highlight<01:12:11.440
• > there<01:12:12.480> shouldn't<01:12:12.840> be<01:12:13.040> any<01:12:
• We're<01:12:37.840> looking<01:12:38.120> at<01:12:38.520> advancing<01:12:39.280
• 12:41.920> get<01:12:42.080> them<01:12:42.320> to<01:12:42.520> degree<01
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Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for its first summer interim meeting, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and took roll. The first presentation came from Jerry Gels, principal of Ignite Institute in Erlanger, who focused on the rising cost of dual credit. He said dual credit tuition has increased from about $150 to $290 for a three-credit course over roughly five years, which he argued is discouraging participation, especially for working-class and low-income students. He cited Ignite data and broader college outcomes to argue dual credit improves college persistence, shortens time to degree, and reduces student debt, noting that many of his students enter college with substantial credit and that low-income students at Ignite have increasingly participated after targeted efforts and scholarship use. He also said the instructional labor is largely paid by county school systems, so he questioned the size of the tuition increase and said the committee should examine how the costs are being set and whether college tuition should be stabilizing as more students arrive with credits already earned. Members asked about who pays for dual credit, the role of state scholarship support, and whether tuition varies by institution. Gels said students in his district generally pay the dual credit cost themselves, though some districts may cover it, and he noted the dual credit scholarship now covers fewer classes than before. He said the price appears to be set centrally rather than varying by university, and he emphasized that the higher cost is creating barriers even though the courses are taught largely by local teachers on school payrolls. He also described Ignite’s efforts to expand access for free- and reduced-lunch students, saying participation among that group rose from 27% with no dual credit to about 90-92% taking at least one dual credit class. The committee then heard from the Goldwater Institute, represented by Michael Frazier and Dr. Tim Minella by Zoom. They argued Kentucky’s public universities should face stronger accountability and transparency, citing declining public confidence in higher education, rising costs, and what they described as administrative growth and research spending that does not clearly benefit students or the Commonwealth. They proposed requiring a 10-year accounting of staffing growth by category, comparing it to enrollment and low-income Kentucky enrollment, and limiting non-STEM faculty teaching releases for research unless approved under a baseline consent process. They also criticized certain university-funded research projects as examples of misdirected spending and said public reporting should distinguish Kentucky residents from non-residents more clearly, pointing to a reported decline in low-income in-state undergraduate enrollment. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.