Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.440> impact<00:11:03.000> so<00:11:03.440> and<00:11:03.560> I<
• <00:11:04.440> uh<00:11:04.680> if<00:11:05.200> in<00:11:05.320> one
• got a<00:11:11.680> collection<00:11:12.000> of<00:11:12.160> old<00:11:12.600>
• 11:24.519> order<00:11:24.760> to<00:11:24.880> bring<00:11:25.079> it<00
• :11:48.800> be<00:11:48.920> open<00:11:49.160> to<00:11:49.279> the<00:11

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:17.800> yes<00:11:17.959> for<00:11:18.120> sure<00:11:18.279> the<
• 11:22.560> we<00:11:22.680> do<00:11:22.880> have<00:11:23.000> some<00:11
• there and<00:11:25.880> when<00:11:26.000> they<00:11:26.160> can't<00:11:26.399
• when we are not able<00:11:33.839> to<00:11:34.200> to<00:11:34.720> cont<00:11
• <00:11:42.839> on<00:11:43.000> the<00:11:43.160> order<00:11:43.680> of<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> Health<02:11:01.679> Institute<02:11:02.000> at<02:11:02.159> Foot<02:11:
• Nine<02:11:06.639> services,<02:11:07.199> consent,<02:11:07.520> decree,<02:11:
• 8-44-1127 CRS<03:11:04.880> and<03:11:05.200> $624,000<03:11:06.479> shall<03:11
• This<03:11:32.240> amount<03:11:32.399> shall<03:11:32.640> be<03:11:32.720>
• . 33-10-11. 33-10-11.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and heard several brief recognitions before moving to business. Members welcomed foster care advocates for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Girl Scouts visiting the Capitol, and participants in Black Maternal Health Week, with remarks emphasizing foster youth voice, leadership development, and the need for culturally competent maternal health care and doula/midwife support. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1026, honoring former Governor Roy Romer and designating a portion of I-25 as the Governor Roy Romer Memorial Highway. Supporters highlighted Romer’s long public service, his work on education and infrastructure, and his role in major state projects. A proposed amendment to strike the word “memorial” was withdrawn, the House suspended the rules to allow Romer to speak from the well, and Romer offered remarks about legislative collegiality and the importance of democracy and listening to opposing views. House Joint Resolution 1026 was adopted on a 60-0 vote, with four excused and one absent. After a brief recess, the House returned to special orders and resumed reading House Bill 1410 at length, continuing through extensive appropriations language for the Department of Human Services, including child welfare, youth services, Medicaid-related transfers, SNAP and benefits administration, and other funding line items. No final action on House Bill 1410 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:31.560> On<00:11:31.720> behalf<00:11:32.120> of<00:11:32.200> the
• On behalf of the Senate,<00:11:32.840> myself<00:11:33.320> as<00:11:33.560> chair,<
• <00:11:35.120> as<00:11:35.280> co-chair,<00:11:36.160> member<00:11:36.640>
• <00:11:38.520> On<00:11:38.640> behalf<00:11:38.880> of<00:11:38.960> the
• I<00:11:48.920> believe<00:11:49.280> we<00:11:49.480> have<00:11:50.040> agreement

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we<00:11:17.440> have<00:11:17.600> some<00:11:17.760> newer<00:11:18.160
• Uh<00:11:20.160> being<00:11:20.399> around<00:11:20.640> pensions<00:11:21.040>
• They're good<00:11:26.720> or<00:11:27.040> bad<00:11:27.279> or<00:11:27.519>
• And certainly<00:11:29.680> one<00:11:29.920> of<00:11:29.920> the<00:11:30.079>
• And ultimately<00:11:33.200> at<00:11:33.360> the<00:11:33.440> end<00:11:33.519

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 01:02 Approval of Minutes: 02:03 Annual Investment Review: 04:10 Adjournment: 37:34, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, welcomed new staff member Sean Parks, and announced that it would not meet in November. The next meeting was scheduled for December 8 at 10:00 a.m., with the chair noting that pension bills would be heard then and emphasizing that all pension bills must go through the full process and include actuarial analysis. Brad Gross of the Public Pension Oversight Board presented a detailed review of Kentucky retirement systems’ investments and funding. He said fiscal year 2025 ended with about $50.5 billion in pension assets and $12.52 billion in retiree health assets, both up from the prior year. He reported strong investment performance across the systems, with all Kentucky public pension funds exceeding their policy benchmarks and the median peer return of 10.4%. He also discussed long-term return trends, asset allocation differences among the systems, fee levels, and cash flow, noting that cash flow remains a key monitoring issue and that supplemental appropriations have improved the cash position of some funds, especially the Kentucky State Police and TRS systems. Gross also explained that assumed rates of return have generally fallen over time, which increases unfunded liabilities and required contributions, and said the systems’ current assumptions range from 5.25% to 7.1%. He noted that the committee’s materials included peer comparisons and historical charts, and that all asset classes were within target ranges. In response to a question from Senator Funky From, Gross was asked about pension spiking and whether supplemental general fund contributions could create a false sense of security in cash flow analysis; the question was raised but not resolved in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:11:08.400> governor<00:11:08.720> is<00:11:08.800> charged<00:11:09.120><
• And<00:11:13.320> Kentucky<00:11:13.839> courts<00:11:14.160> have<00:11:14.400>
• > issues<00:11:25.280> are<00:11:25.360> still<00:11:25.640> being<00:11:
• Restructuring<00:11:38.280> it<00:11:38.520> in<00:11:38.680> this<00:11:38.960>
• For<00:11:51.120> those<00:11:51.320> reasons,<00:11:52.080> urge<00:11:52.360><

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:05.120> of<01:11:05.200> privacy<01:11:05.560> laws<01:11:05.840> that
• ><01:11:18.040> that<01:11:18.200> they<01:11:18.320> are<01:11:18.480> in.
• <01:11:27.640> The<01:11:27.760> more<01:11:28.000> we<01:11:28.160> talk
• <01:11:30.960> information<01:11:31.880> to<01:11:32.040> the<01:11:32.160><
• are<01:11:36.320> in<01:11:36.400> this<01:11:36.560> room<01:11:36.720>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program. Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties. Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:03.920> up<00:11:04.120> a<00:11:04.240> little<00:11:04.519> bit<
• /c><00:11:09.279> the<00:11:09.519> time<00:11:10.519> we<00:11:10.720> had
• had I think<00:11:11.200> the<00:11:11.399> distinction<00:11:11.880> of<00:11:
• :11:18.720> top<00:11:19.240> 10<00:11:19.560> of<00:11:20.240> communities
• and they<00:11:21.560> said<00:11:22.120> and<00:11:22.320> by<00:11:22.440>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability. After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:08.480> here<00:11:08.720> to<00:11:08.959> be<00:11:09.120> able<
• > over<00:11:13.120> time<00:11:13.360> to<00:11:13.600> get<00:11:13.760
• get all of the<00:11:14.320> agency<00:11:14.880> onto<00:11:15.360> the<00:11:
• :11:17.279> onto,<00:11:18.079> but<00:11:18.800> the<00:11:19.120> capacity<
• that we<00:11:19.839> have<00:11:20.000> now<00:11:20.079> is<00:11:20.320>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 74, which would require agencies issuing certain real-property-related permits to track and report how many permits they issue and how long the process takes. Representative Carol McGuire introduced the bill and said the goal is to gather data on permit timing and fees, especially for DES and DOT permits involving wetlands, alteration of terrain, driveway permits, and similar approvals. Supporters argued the state needs better visibility into permitting delays and whether statutory deadlines are realistic; they also noted the bill had passed the House on a voice vote with no debate. Adam Crapo of the Department of Environmental Services said DES is generally supportive of the reporting concept but warned that the agency’s data are spread across many separate, partly manual databases. He said DES can already do this for some land resources permits through its new system, but not across all of its more than 90 permit types without additional help. DES estimated it would need two part-time positions to compile the reports, especially for waste management and water programs, and said otherwise existing permitting staff would have to do the work, potentially slowing permit processing. He also said the agency is already working to simplify rules and move more permits onto a new online platform, but could not meet the bill’s 2026 reporting deadline with current staffing and systems. Committee members questioned whether delays are often caused by incomplete applications rather than agency inaction, and Crapo said that is frequently the case. He said DES already tracks timelines to some extent for management and statutory compliance, but not at the individual-permit detail the bill would require. He also said some letters and records are captured in One Stop, but not all are. Members expressed support for the bill’s transparency goals while also worrying about added workload and possible slowdowns. The discussion then moved to DOT, where Susan Clawson said DOT is neutral on the bill because it recently implemented Salesforce and now has good data for reporting; DOT’s fiscal note reflects software-related costs, but the agency can already track the required information in its system.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> make<00:11:31.279> the<00:11:31.600> IG<00:11:32.000> different<00:11:32.240
• Um,<00:11:43.360> while<00:11:43.519> the<00:11:43.680> OA<00:11:44.240> has<
• /c><00:11:44.399> some<00:11:44.560> of<00:11:44.640> the<00:11:44.880> same<
• same uh powers<00:11:46.160> and<00:11:46.320> duties,<00:11:46.720> for<00:11:
• > a<00:11:51.000> subpoena,<00:11:52.000> this<00:11:52.240> takes<00:11:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:27.440> Um,<00:11:27.839> but<00:11:28.240> they<00:11:28.480> are
• <00:11:30.160> that<00:11:30.399> they<00:11:30.959> had<00:11:31.360> an
• <00:11:37.839> And<00:11:38.240> if<00:11:38.560> they<00:11:38.959> did<
• <00:11:46.160> If<00:11:46.399> they<00:11:46.800> did<00:11:47.040> not<
• they<00:11:50.320> can<00:11:50.399> make<00:11:50.560> the<00:11:50.720>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:11:00.440> it<00:11:00.680> doesn't<00:11:01.560> have<00:11:02.000> a<
• > type<00:11:05.360> of<00:11:05.480> liability<00:11:05.960> that<00:11:
• <00:11:07.360> Uh<00:11:07.600> so<00:11:08.240> on<00:11:08.360> the
• <00:11:18.000> one<00:11:18.200> hand<00:11:18.800> and<00:11:18.960> on<
• /c><00:11:19.040> the<00:11:19.160> other<00:11:19.400> hand<00:11:19.680> we

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence and handled several bill referrals and procedural matters. House Bill 957, relating to amendments to the charter of the town of Williston, received first reading and was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. Senate Bill 255, establishing a pilot law enforcement government’s council in Windham County, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because it materially affects municipal revenue. The House also noted that Senate Bill 198, on regulation of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, had been reported favorably with amendment by Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber then suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 198 and committed it to the Committee on Human Services pending its entry on the notice calendar. The House also adopted in concurrence Joint Senate Resolution 49, setting weekend adjournment so that when the two houses adjourn on Friday, April 17, 2026, they must reconvene no later than Tuesday, April 21, 2026. During consideration of Senate Bill 218, relating to reducing chloride contamination of state waters, Representative Boutin offered a floor amendment aimed at strengthening municipal liability protections for towns participating in salt-reduction efforts. Supporters said the existing affirmative defense was too weak and could leave municipalities exposed to negligence claims despite their efforts to reduce salt use. Opponents, including members speaking for Judiciary and House Environment, argued the issue was legally complex, involved tort and insurance questions, and needed more vetting than a floor amendment; they also said the current bill already supports municipalities through certification and best-management-practices provisions. Both committees reported the amendment unfavorable, with Judiciary citing a 7-3-1 vote and House Environment a 10-1-0 vote. The session ended with announcements recognizing guests in the gallery and a notice that House Democrats would caucus in Room 11, while Republicans and Progressives would not, followed by a recess until the gavel fell again.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> All<00:11:06.560> in<00:11:06.720> favor<00:11:07.040> say<00:11:07.279
• Travis<00:11:14.640> recognizing<00:11:15.440> March<00:11:15.920> 17,<00:11:16.640
• Day in<00:11:22.399> the<00:11:22.640> state<00:11:22.880> of<00:11:23.200>
• >> All<00:11:34.240> in<00:11:34.480> favor<00:11:34.880> say<00:11:35.120
• >> All<00:11:47.200> those<00:11:47.360> in<00:11:47.519> favor<00:11:47.839

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:25.120> is<00:11:25.279> the<00:11:25.519> same<00:11:25.760> provision
• Um,<00:11:29.040> I<00:11:29.279> will<00:11:29.519> point<00:11:29.680> out<
• > a<00:11:32.160> bill,<00:11:32.800> Senate<00:11:33.120> File,<00:11:34.079
• <01:11:06.960> I<01:11:07.199> will<01:11:07.360> note<01:11:07.520> that
• , Senate<01:11:20.080> File<01:11:20.320> 1994<01:11:21.120> for<01:11:21.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :05.240> being<00:11:05.639> 66<00:11:06.440> eyes<00:11:06.880> and<00:11
• > first<00:11:21.200> of<00:11:21.320> all<00:11:21.519> I<00:11:21.680><
• roll<00:11:25.800> call<00:11:26.040> has<00:11:26.200> been<00:11:26.519>
• > are<00:11:38.680> seeking<00:11:39.200> services<00:11:39.920> at<00:11
• life they<00:11:43.360> go<00:11:43.560> in<00:11:43.839> with<00:11:43.959>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• us closer<00:11:04.200> to<00:11:04.360> that<00:11:04.519> vision<00:11:05.120>
• <00:11:06.320> at<00:11:06.440> the<00:11:06.560> helm<00:11:07.079> the<
• <00:11:23.560> that<00:11:23.680> shows<00:11:24.079> others<00:11:24.399>
• <00:11:30.279> dth<00:11:30.600> to<00:11:30.720> be<00:11:30.839> the
• > balance<00:11:36.920> that<00:11:37.040> all<00:11:37.279> motans<00:11

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then proceeded to elect a Speaker. Republicans nominated Lisa Demuth and Democrats nominated Melissa Hortman, with multiple members seconding each nomination and praising the candidates’ leadership, bipartisanship, and ability to guide a closely divided chamber. After roll call, Representative Demuth received 67 votes to Representative Hortman’s 65 and was declared duly elected Speaker of the Minnesota House for the 2025-2026 session. After taking the oath of office from Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing gratitude, integrity, respect, accountability, and a commitment to real results, safer communities, strong schools, economic opportunity, and open collaboration with all members. She said her door would remain open to both parties and urged the House to focus on shared purpose and Minnesota’s future. The House then took up a resolution adopting temporary rules for the 94th session, based on the prior session’s rules and modified by the House organization agreement dated February 6, 2025. Members speaking in support said the agreement reflected bipartisan negotiation, preserved power sharing, protected committee and conference committee balance, and would help the House address issues such as affordable housing, health care, and child care. The temporary rules were adopted by a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 2 nays. Finally, the House began the election of the chief clerk. Representative Robbins nominated Patrick Duffy Murphy, highlighting his long service to the House, his role as parliamentary adviser, and his work supporting continuity and remote proceedings during the pandemic. The transcript cuts off during the nomination and does not include the final vote on chief clerk.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:03.920> and<00:11:04.160> Access<00:11:04.560> Board<00:11:04.880> DAB
• <00:11:09.440> and<00:11:09.680> he<00:11:10.079> is<00:11:10.240> the
• Would<00:11:15.360> you<00:11:15.519> like<00:11:15.680> to<00:11:15.839> say
• And<00:11:35.200> so<00:11:35.440> it<00:11:35.680> happens<00:11:36.000>
• > in<00:11:36.240> the<00:11:36.399> case<00:11:36.560> of<00:11:36.720>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations. The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.

Transcript Highlights:

• His<00:11:04.640> message<00:11:05.040> was<00:11:05.360> also<00:11:06.000>
• His message<00:11:11.120> of<00:11:11.519> keep<00:11:12.000> hope<00:11:12.560>
• 11:25.279> qualified<00:11:25.920> to<00:11:26.160> run<00:11:26.480> for
• Those<00:11:30.560> messages<00:11:31.120> gave<00:11:31.519> me<00:11:31.760>
• 11:23.199> want<01:11:23.360> it<01:11:23.520> to<01:11:23.679> do<01:11:

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group. During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child. The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

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• /c><00:11:33.600> on<00:11:33.760> the<00:11:33.920> ground,<00:11:34.800> uh
• > have<00:11:37.040> to<00:11:37.200> be<00:11:37.279> able<00:11:37.600>
• <00:11:42.000> or<00:11:42.320> returning<00:11:42.800> to<00:11:42.880>
• > 2<00:11:43.600> retirement<00:11:44.079> system<00:11:44.320> is<00:11:

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:42 Department of Corrections 04:14 Department of Juvenile Justice 16:22 Kentucky Law Enforcement Council 28:01 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard budget-related testimony from the Department of Corrections on a request for additional funding to take over operations of the Lee Adjustment Center, including $2.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028. The witness said the governor’s budget did not recommend the request. Members asked about the cost savings of private operation versus state operation, the facility’s role in the department’s long-term goals, and whether the state intends to move toward operating all adult correctional facilities directly. The Department of Juvenile Justice then presented on staffing, recruitment, retention, and facility planning. Officials described recent pay increases and other investments, including a 10% security pay raise in 2021, an 8% state employee raise in 2022, higher youth worker starting salaries, and $4.8 million in 2023 funding to sustain salary increases. They said DJJ has also expanded mental health and medical staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and seen an upward trend in hiring. In response to questions, the commissioner said barriers to recruitment and retention include the Tier 3 retirement system, the structured and restrictive nature of detention work, and competition from other employers. He also said the department wants to move toward a regional model for female facilities under SB 162 and believes those facilities can be staffed. DJJ provided staffing figures showing 1,339 funded positions, with 157 filled and 182 vacant at a January benchmark, and 524 detention positions with 450 filled and 74 vacant. Officials said 30 correctional officers were in basic training and expected to join posts soon. Members also asked about the feasibility of staffing additional facilities and the department’s vacancy trends. Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council testified on a funding request for one attorney, one paralegal, one additional monitor, higher costs for existing monitor positions, and Lexington office rent. Officials said the request is needed to handle a growing decertification caseload and expanded oversight responsibilities as the number of academies has increased to about eight, with more than 2,100 instructors requiring biennial review. They said KLEC currently has one attorney and about 15 total staff, with roughly 180 cases pending, more than 50 complaints left to file, and another 30 cases expected soon. Members asked about current staffing, attorney salary, the number of academies, and the move to a separate Lexington office. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum for approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

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• to<00:11:06.720> the<00:11:06.839> other<00:11:07.079> one<00:11:07.839>
• tied<00:11:09.560> up<00:11:09.839> it<00:11:09.959> will<00:11:10.200><
• > to<00:11:11.800> a<00:11:12.519> uh<00:11:12.800> another<00:11:13.320>
• :11:15.040> answer<00:11:15.440> that<00:11:15.639> call<00:11:15.920> so

Keywords: 1189, house, all