Transcript Highlights:

• c> ac><00:03:46.599><c> bitc><00:03:46.720><c> ofc><00:03:46.879><c> ac><00:03:47.120><c> a
• a flavor for what can get a bit of a a flavor for what types<00:03:48.319><c> ofc><00:03:48.560><c>
• ><c> thec> types of projects are subject to the types of projects are subject to the guidelines<00:
• allc><01:07:56.839><c> typesc><01:07:57.039><c> ofc><01:07:57.160><c> usesc><01:07:57.480><c
• > inc> demand for all types of uses in demand for all types of uses in Alexandria<01:07:59.000><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Capital Investment Committee met on January 23 and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The main presentation was from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of Minnesota’s Sustainable Building guidelines, also referred to as B3. The auditors said the guidelines apply to certain new buildings and major renovations funded with general obligation bonds and are intended to improve energy efficiency, occupant health, and environmental quality. They described the program as involving the Departments of Administration and Commerce, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research, and project teams, but found widespread confusion over who is responsible for administering and enforcing the program. The auditors reported that oversight and accountability are limited, compliance is not clearly tracked, and there is no agency assigned to ensure projects follow the guidelines or to require compliance data. They said many projects in a review of 2020 bonding projects had not begun tracking compliance, and that up-to-date data were often missing. They also found the law’s stated program objectives are outdated because the referenced energy-code provision was repealed in 2009, and that measurable goals have not been established for most of the guideline categories. The office recommended that the legislature designate a responsible agency, clarify duties in statute, require compliance monitoring and data collection, update the program’s stated goals, and direct systematic evaluation of cost and sustainability outcomes. Members asked about consequences for noncompliance, funding, and whether cost impacts should be studied first. The auditor said the requirements are legal obligations, but no real enforcement consequences have been used so far, and any consequences discussed have been mostly theoretical. She said the Departments of Administration and Commerce were receiving about $1 million combined to support the contract with the Center for Sustainable Building Research, while other state agencies were not receiving dedicated funding for oversight. In response to questions about costs, she said the overall effect of the guidelines on project costs and sustainability is still unknown, but that the legislature could direct an analysis of cost impacts before taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• had some discussion about this type<00:11:54.040><c> ofc><00:11:54.360><c> thingc><00:11:55.360>
• ><c> thatc><00:16:49.399><c> thatc> types of vehicles um and again that that types of vehicles um
• ><c> ofc><00:16:58.079><c> vehiclesc><00:16:58.639><c> thatc> recognizing the types of vehicles
• > ofc> those types of those types of infractions<00:41:17.440><c> thankc><00:41:17.640><c> youc
• <c> comec><04:52:57.080><c> upc><04:52:57.280><c> thesec><04:52:57.440><c> typesc><04:52:57.638

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• review as well that type<00:31:09.559><c> ofc><00:31:09.679><c> ac><00:31:09.840><c> projectc><
• ><c> typec><00:36:42.079><c> ofc> equal priority to those uh type of equal priority to those uh type
• > thec><04:38:04.480><c> typec> long it would take depending on the type long it would take depending
• <c> typesc><05:05:40.280><c> ofc><05:05:40.958><c> uhc><05:05:41.080><c> uniquec><05:05:41.440
• ><c> casesc><05:05:41.798><c> thatc> different types of uh unique cases that different types of uh

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> knowc><00:20:22.240><c> allc><00:20:22.559><c> typesc><00:20:22.840><c> ofc><00:20:23.000
• ><c> vehiclesc><00:20:23.400><c> thatc><00:20:23.520><c> arec> you know all types of vehicles that
• are you know all types of vehicles that are using<00:20:24.000><c> gasc><00:20:24.200><c> andc><
• ><c> withc><00:48:31.359><c> smallc><00:48:31.720><c> Strategicc> types of projects with small
• :08:15.680><c> asphaltc><01:08:16.040><c> andc><01:08:16.159><c> concretec> pavement type uh asphalt

Bills: HF198, HF269, HF185, HF303, HF305, HF189

Keywords: HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:55:48.799><c> thisc><00:55:49.040><c> typec><00:55:49.200><c> ofc> jurisdictions requires
• um this type of jurisdictions requires um this type of service.<00:55:50.160><c> Um,c><00:55:50.480
• ><c> ofc><01:13:10.480><c> consultc><01:13:10.960><c> legalc> for that type of consult legal for
• c><01:21:28.960><c> typec><01:21:29.120><c> ofc><01:21:29.280><c> litigation,c> to have this
• 49.760><c> typec><01:23:50.080><c> ofc><01:23:50.480><c> jobc> Yes.

Keywords: This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there<00:34:47.760><c> anyc><00:34:48.040><c> typec><00:34:48.280><c> ofc><00:34:48.720><c>
• ><c> forc><00:39:27.000><c> anyc><00:39:27.160><c> typec> uh will the funds be used for any type
• Those are the type<00:45:04.960><c> ofc><00:45:05.120><c> things,c><00:45:05.800><c> reallyc><00
• ><c> withc><01:00:55.560><c> communityc> other types of providers, with community other types of
• And and<01:08:21.000><c> thec><01:08:21.120><c> typesc><01:08:21.520><c> ofc><01:08:22.080><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these type<00:38:11.640><c> ofc><00:38:11.880><c> costc><00:38:12.200><c> increasesc><00:38:12.960
• ><c> arec><00:38:13.160><c> notc><00:38:13.480><c> bornc><00:38:14.079><c> byc> type of cost
• typesc><00:42:43.480><c> full-timec><00:42:43.960><c> part-timec> employee types full-time part-time
• ><c> typesc><00:43:24.760><c> ofc><00:43:24.960><c> fearsc> I am feeling the same types of fears
• I am feeling the same types of fears that<00:43:26.119><c> didc><00:43:26.359><c> becomec><00:43

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> MCHc><00:11:09.720><c> typec><00:11:09.959><c> leveragec> this way through an MCH type leverage
• otherc><00:12:30.480><c> typesc><00:12:30.720><c> ofc><00:12:30.920><c> supportsc><00:12:31.440
• ><c> they'rec> and other types of supports they're and other types of supports they're getting<00:12
• this<00:46:43.839><c> typec><00:46:43.960><c> ofc><00:46:44.079><c> divinec><00:46:44.400><c>
• ><c> typesc><00:46:58.720><c> ofc> that they are looking at these types of that they are looking

Bills: HF837

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:09.040><c> toc><00:03:09.360><c> tryc><00:03:09.680><c> toc><00:03:11.040><c> umc> allow
• /c><00:03:49.120><c> whyc><00:03:49.360><c> didc><00:03:49.440><c> wec><00:03:49.599><c> doc>
• c> Ic><00:04:32.720><c> droppedc><00:04:32.960><c> thec><00:04:33.120><c> bill,c> do.
• c><00:05:13.039><c> Shec><00:05:13.199><c> andc><00:05:13.360><c> Ic><00:05:13.520><c> hadc
• c><00:05:14.960><c> Ic><00:05:15.199><c> alsoc><00:05:15.360><c> hadc><00:05:15.520><c> ac>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Seclusion Working Group approved the prior meeting minutes and then spent most of the meeting discussing draft recommendations and a Senate amendment, 007-7, related to seclusion in schools. The chair explained the history of the issue, including Minnesota’s 2023 ban on seclusion from birth through grade 3, and described 007-7 as a compromise developed with stakeholders that would extend the ban through grade 6 unless strict conditions are met. Those conditions include explicit written informed consent from all parents or guardians in their primary language, oral translation of safeguards, showing the seclusion room before consent, mandatory follow-up IEP meetings after repeated use, outreach and education for families, and data reporting on use of seclusion. The chair also said the amendment would prevent judges or other officials from ordering seclusion over a parent’s objection. Members then reviewed the draft recommendations line by line. They agreed to revise language to add “and fund” after “mandate” in the first section, and discussed changing references from “level three and level four” to “level three and higher,” though several members ultimately preferred keeping the focus on school settings and not expanding into medical or correctional settings. They also discussed replacing the word “subjected” with more neutral language such as “experience” or “whose IEP includes seclusion.” Another issue was whether the recommendations should distinguish between students whose IEP already includes seclusion and students who experience seclusion in an emergency but do not have it in their IEP; members suggested splitting that into separate recommendations and possibly adding a new item for the latter situation. A final discussion focused on whether the working group should recommend a mandated alternative-to-seclusion program and whether such a mandate should be tied to funding. School district representatives said many districts already use programs such as CPI, but others, especially outstate districts, charter schools, hospitals, and residential settings, may face significant costs if required to adopt new programs like Ukeru. Members generally agreed that if the legislature is asked to require implementation of new alternatives, funding should accompany the mandate. The chair also noted that existing law already requires an IEP team meeting after restrictive procedures are used twice in 30 days, and encouraged members to compare that with the 007-7 language before finalizing recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nisac><00:00:34.719><c> umc><00:00:35.399><c> thankc><00:00:35.559><c> youc><00:00:35.680><c
• /c><00:00:42.360><c> backc><00:00:43.200><c> andc><00:00:43.600><c> uhc><00:00:43.719><c> goc
• ><c> typec><00:36:49.760><c> languagec> deliberative process type language deliberative process type
• ><c> somec><01:04:16.119><c> typec><01:04:16.240><c> ofc> that it's going to cause some type of
• that it's going to cause some type of cost<01:04:16.640><c> Ic><01:04:16.760><c> wantc><01:04:16.839

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:40:00.800><c> hac><00:40:01.119><c> addc><00:40:01.520><c> somec><00:40:01.760><c> type<
• /c><00:40:02.000><c> ofc> ensuring that we ha add some type of ensuring that we ha add some type of
• in in this<01:05:21.520><c> typec><01:05:21.760><c> ofc><01:05:21.839><c> legislativec><01:05:
• 22.799><c> andc><01:05:23.119><c> people'sc> this type of legislative and people's this type of legislative
• Do<01:44:38.560><c> Ic><01:44:38.719><c> showc><01:44:38.960><c> thisc><01:44:39.280><c> type

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> andc><00:05:18.880><c> tryc><00:05:19.120><c> theirc><00:05:19.280><c> lunchesc> Could we
• ><c> I'mc><00:05:23.440><c> goingc><00:05:23.600><c> toc><00:05:23.680><c> quitc><00:05:23.919
• ><c> thisc><00:05:24.080><c> jobc><00:05:24.320><c> andc> >> Yeah.
• c><00:05:28.160><c> Thisc><00:05:28.320><c> isc><00:05:28.400><c> thec> No, that's my mistake
• c><00:05:33.199><c> Yeah,c><00:05:33.398><c> [laughter]c><00:05:33.600><c> thatc><00:05:33.840

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:24.160><c> ofc><00:02:24.640><c> ofc><00:02:24.879><c> himc><00:02:25.440><c> andc
• those kinds of things as<00:46:10.720><c> toc><00:46:10.960><c> whatc><00:46:11.160><c> typec>
• <00:46:12.119><c> thisc> as to what type of traffic is on this as to what type of traffic is on this
• ><c> umc><00:46:56.280><c> doc><00:46:56.440><c> thatc><00:46:56.559><c> typec> way that we're
• able to um do that type way that we're able to um do that type of<00:46:57.000><c> evaluationc><00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 07:50.840><c> typesc><00:07:51.120><c> ofc> can receive funding and other types of can receive funding
• and other types of assistance.<00:07:52.200><c> Soc><00:07:52.320><c> pleasec><00:07:52.600><c>
• be targeting these types<01:24:43.160><c> ofc><01:24:43.280><c> modularc><01:24:43.760><c> homes
• c><01:24:44.120><c> towardsc> types of modular homes towards types of modular homes towards affordable
• ><c> ofc><01:25:11.680><c> thesec><01:25:12.000><c> typesc><01:25:12.360><c> ofc><01:25:12.600

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously. For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously. The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> punchc><00:01:05.880><c> bowlc><00:01:06.360><c> papaac><00:01:07.080><c> andc><00:01:07.280
• <00:01:08.840><c> soc><00:01:09.040><c> wec><00:01:09.200><c> havec><00:01:09.320><c> ac><00:
• 01:09.479><c> lotc><00:01:09.600><c> ofc><00:01:09.840><c> concernsc><00:01:10.640><c> thatc>
• ><c> orc><00:33:28.679><c> otherc><00:33:29.200><c> typesc><00:33:29.440><c> ofc><00:33:29.679
• ><c> devicesc><00:33:30.159><c> arec> implants or other types of devices are implants or other types

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and reviewed several measures. SB 102 would restrict third-party restaurant reservation services from listing or selling reservations without a written agreement from the restaurant; the Attorney General recommended amendments to strengthen the bill against First Amendment and Contracts Clause challenges, and the Hawaii Restaurant Association strongly supported it, saying restaurants should control who represents them. The committee also heard SB 137 on electric utility mergers and acquisitions, with support from Ulupono Initiative and IBW Local 1260. Supporters said the bill would preserve state policy protections, including renewable energy and rate-making goals, and protect workers; IBW also suggested amendments, including a severability clause. The committee discussed a possible alternative approach from the PUC involving solicitation of bids from non-investor-owned utilities, and Ulupono said it would consider that idea but was concerned about preserving time for co-op formation. Members then heard SB 142, which would require insurers paying claims by check to send them by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt. The Insurance Division stood on its written testimony, while the Hawaiian Insurers Council, State Farm, NAMIC, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association opposed the bill. A senator questioned whether the measure was too prescriptive and could create problems for claimants displaced by disasters; the response was that insurers and claimants usually remain in contact and that other payment methods may already be available depending on the carrier. SB 157 would ban algorithmic price setting in Hawaii’s rental market and require a public education program; the committee noted written testimony in support and comment, but no oral testimony was taken before moving on. SB 158 would create a state-owned bank implementation board within DCCA; DCCA’s financial institutions division, the Budget and Finance Department, and the Legislative Reference Bureau submitted comments, while the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed and the Hawaii Credit Union League commented. The committee also heard SB 318, which would require DCCA to adopt privacy rules for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and specify whether genetic information may be used for investigative genetic genealogy. The Office of Consumer Protection and Andrew Crossland opposed the bill, saying federal law and existing state protections already cover much of the area and that rulemaking would be a better way to address it; members raised concerns about federal changes and the need for state protections, but OCP said the bill was not the best approach. SB 332 would prohibit bundling foreclosed homes at public sale and delay finality of sales; L. Strong and written testimony supported it, citing Lahaina’s post-fire foreclosure risks and warning of investors profiting from the disaster. The final measure, SB 525, would require written notice and consent before mortuaries, cemeteries, or pre-need funeral authorities sell or recycle precious metals recovered after cremation. DCCA’s consumer protection and licensing divisions offered comments, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association opposed the bill, saying it was surprised by the measure and was unaware of current consumer problems in the industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:34.800><c> Ic><00:02:35.120><c> Ic><00:02:35.319><c> failedc><00:02:35.680><c> toc>
• 28.319><c> typec><00:07:28.479><c> ofc><00:07:28.599><c> thec><00:07:28.720><c> unemploymentc
• > receiving any type of the unemployment receiving any type of the unemployment until<00:07:30.720><c
• possibly put<00:10:09.720><c> somec><00:10:10.040><c> typec><00:10:10.200><c> ofc><00:10:10.440
• type of time limit in there put some type of time limit in there that<00:10:11.720><c> youc><00:10:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:29 SB 162 Discussion 01:03 SB 162 Vote 13:48 SB 1 Discussion 14:49 SB 1 Vote 34:43 SB 25 Discussion 38:45 SB 25 Vote 40:31 SB 50 Discussion 41:09 SB 50 Vote 42:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, a measure on unemployment insurance fraud. The sponsor said the bill would create a clearer process for state unemployment staff to refer suspected fraud cases, especially smaller-dollar cases that may not draw federal attention, and would help protect employers and the integrity of the unemployment system. Testimony from Brian Sikma supported the bill as a common-sense anti-fraud proposal, but several senators raised concerns that suspending benefits during an investigation could unfairly burden claimants, especially if the claim later proves legitimate. The sponsor and witness said the bill was intended to allow quick adjudication and that benefits could be reinstated after review, and the sponsor noted the referral process would include identifying information and details about the suspected fraud. The committee then voted on the bill; it passed with favorable expression, 8-1, and was sent to the floor. The committee then returned to Senate Bill 1, which would create a Kentucky Film Office and Film Commission and fund the office with a portion of the state transit tax and production-related fees. Senator Wheeler and invited guests described the bill as an economic development and tourism measure meant to expand Kentucky’s film industry, attract productions statewide, and build on existing tax credits. Witnesses, including Mary K. Po... and Misty Wrigley Miller, said a state film office would help market locations, provide a searchable database for producers, and make it easier for rural communities to compete for productions. They cited an economic impact study showing about $200 million in film-related economic activity in 2022, with additional ripple effects and tax revenue, and argued the office would help create jobs and workforce opportunities for Kentuckians. Members generally praised the concept of Senate Bill 1 and compared Kentucky’s potential to Georgia’s film industry growth. Witnesses said Kentucky already has strong incentives but needs a dedicated office and commission to better promote the state and coordinate production activity. The discussion emphasized that the commission would help ensure a return on investment and that local crews and businesses would benefit from more productions. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the bill and questions from senators, with no final vote on Senate Bill 1 shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> orc><01:20:56.560><c> auditingc><01:20:57.440><c> uhc><01:20:57.679><c> typec><01:20:58.080
• ><c> typec><01:20:58.400><c> standardc> Carlo or auditing uh type type standard Carlo or auditing
• uh type type standard might<01:20:59.760><c> umc><01:21:00.239><c> umc><01:21:00.400><c> Ic><01
• c><01:30:35.120><c> workingc> type of policy.
• c><01:58:09.280><c> typec> >> and enterprise being a business type >> and enterprise

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• whoc><00:04:51.000><c> choosec><00:04:51.280><c> ac><00:04:51.440><c> skillc><00:04:51.759><c
• ><c> withc><00:05:15.080><c> thisc><00:05:15.240><c> billc><00:05:15.520><c> wec><00:05:16.000
• c> typec><00:42:29.160><c> ofc><00:42:29.559><c> thingsc><00:42:30.720><c> umc><00:42:31.720>
• <c> Ic><00:42:31.880><c> don'tc><00:42:32.160><c> thinkc> um those type of things um I don't think
• um those type of things um I don't think that<00:42:32.599><c> negativelyc><00:42:33.200><c> affects

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 68, which was presented by Kentucky Department of Education staff as a cleanup measure to reduce duplicative or outdated reporting requirements. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would streamline reporting on local wellness policies, school breakfast programs, school budgets, audits, and school nutrition assessments, while preserving existing requirements to adopt wellness and physical activity policies and maintain audit obligations. Members asked whether removing reporting on physical activity and related topics would weaken oversight; KDE responded that districts would still have to adopt the policies and be reviewed under federal nutrition monitoring, but the state reports were often incomplete, hard to compare, and not especially useful. The committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 68 unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Bill 207, the School Innovation Act, sponsored by Senator West. The bill would create an optional program allowing school districts to apply to the Kentucky Board of Education for waivers from certain administrative regulations and establish three-year “schools of innovation,” potentially with third-party partners, to give struggling schools more flexibility and a fresh start. Senator West said the model was inspired by a visit to a school of innovation in South Carolina and by examples from South Carolina and Indiana, and he argued that the bill would let districts try new approaches without mandating participation. He also said existing “district of innovation” language in statute is a relic and that the bill would replace it with a school-based model. Committee members asked about fiscal impact, eligibility, and whether the bill was limited to failing schools. Senator West said the fiscal note was indeterminate because participation is voluntary and could range from none to many districts, but he expected little direct budget change and possible outside philanthropic funding if a district chose to participate. He said the bill does not limit participation to the bottom 5% of schools and would be left to local district discretion. Members also raised whether high-performing or specialized schools could use the model; West said yes, if a district chose. Supportive testimony emphasized that the bill could reduce burdensome oversight and allow schools more flexibility to innovate. The discussion ended with continued questions and no final action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

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• against certain<02:37:33.720><c> typesc><02:37:33.960><c> ofc><02:37:34.040><c> violencec><02:
• types of violence and so on and certain types of violence and so on and so<02:37:35.160><c> forth,
• these that these type<02:53:52.160><c> billsc><02:53:52.480><c> arec><02:53:53.240><c> overwhelmingly
• c><02:53:54.040><c> notc> type bills are overwhelmingly not type bills are overwhelmingly not supported

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:06:45.440><c> It'sc><00:06:45.600><c> referredc><00:06:45.840><c> toc><00:06:46.000><c>
• typesc><00:14:05.600><c> ofc> federal level for these exact types of federal level for these exact
• types of arrests.<00:14:06.560><c> So,c><00:14:06.880><c> priorc><00:14:07.360><c> toc><00:14:
• c><00:15:29.760><c> typec><00:15:30.000><c> ofc><00:15:30.320><c> socialc> Guess I'm not sure
• what type of social Guess I'm not sure what type of social service<00:15:31.920><c> agenciesc><00:

Keywords: 927, senate, all