Transcript Highlights:

• I want to end by saying, and I know that we all are aware of this, these are really unthinkable times
• That's a great question, and not that I'm aware of.
• It's important that opportunity, you know, it only comes when there's awareness of the program.
• You are aware of that. I think that staff have been engaged in that conversation.
• You are aware of that. I think that staff have been engaged in that conversation.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5917, which would change how the Department of Corrections and Department of Health distribute abortion medications from state stockpiles. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure would remove pricing restrictions, allow the medications to be donated or sold more flexibly to health care providers, and help avoid expiration of existing supplies. Supporters, including the Washington State Women’s Commission, the governor’s health policy advisor, DOH, physicians, and Pro-Choice Washington, said the bill would improve access to medication abortion and miscarriage care, especially for people facing barriers. Opponents argued it would expand state involvement in abortion, shift costs to taxpayers, and raise safety concerns. No vote was taken on the bill in the hearing portion shown. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6080, which would require written contracts before local jails accept people in federal custody and would prohibit some out-of-state transfers absent a valid judicial warrant. Senator Cleveland said the bill was prompted by a situation in Clark County and was intended to provide clarity, reimbursement, and accountability for local governments. Supporters from the Latino Community Fund, the Association of Counties, and the City of Vancouver said it would protect taxpayers and local discretion. The sheriffs’ association supported some of the bill’s goals but raised concerns about unintended consequences for routine federal arrests and wanted more clarification. The hearing on SB 6080 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6085, which would revise the Institutional Welfare Account, formerly the incarcerated individual betterment fund, to require more input from incarcerated people and their families on how the funds are spent and to change some allowable uses. The sponsor said the bill would ensure the account reflects current needs and supports family contact, reentry, and institutional safety. Testimony was mixed: the Washington State Reentry Council supported the concept but objected to requiring legislative appropriations and to using the funds for reentry services; a Department of Corrections representative supported the intent but raised concerns about removing law library funding without replacement. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and considered several bills and amendments, including SB 5940, SB 5945, SB 5957, and SB 5966. Multiple amendments were offered and mostly failed on SB 5940 and SB 5945, while one amendment on SB 5945 passed. The committee advanced SB 5940, SB 5957, and SB 5966 with due-pass recommendations, and the transcript ends with the committee adjourning after the final action on SB 5966.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the project was the actual integration of Reconnect and also the Department of Education's VR Aware
• So I'm aware, but some of the decisions were prior to my time at the department.
• now, our ReConnect system is accessible there, as is Florida DOE's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Aware
• If you think about, for example, the Department of Education's VR Aware system, that they're also using
• Like I mentioned a couple of examples, such as VR Aware.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I'm sure you're aware, that's a five-year rolling average of how that fund gets maxed out.
• As I'm sure you're aware, that's a five-year rolling average of how that fund gets maxed out.
• Moving into the Florida State Guard, as I'm sure this committee is aware, the Florida State Guard currently
• Moving into the Florida State Guard, as I'm sure this committee is aware, the Florida State Guard currently
• excited about this budget because there's a lot that we can do, as I think a lot of our folks here are aware

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize post-tax Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans, instead of limiting them to pre-tax contributions. After a brief presentation and one waived appearance in support, the bill was rolled and reported favorably. Later, members also recorded affirmative votes on SB 7010 before adjournment. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the Governor’s proposed “Floridians First” budget, presented by Lita Kelly of the Office of Policy and Budget. She outlined a $117.4 billion spending plan with $53.2 billion in general revenue, emphasizing reserves, debt reduction, trust fund sweeps, and targeted reductions in agency positions. Major priorities included K-12 and higher education funding, teacher salary support, school hardening, Everglades and water-quality projects, cancer and behavioral health initiatives, emergency preparedness, law enforcement, corrections staffing and facilities, cybersecurity, transportation, affordable housing, and economic development. Members asked extensive questions about teacher pay, corrections staffing, emergency response reserves, the proposed federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facility, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, the animal abuse hotline, and the absence of a specific Hope Florida line item. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV/AIDS drug assistance program, with public testimony warning that the changes could cut off access to medications for thousands of Floridians and alleging misuse of federal funds. Kelly said she would follow up on several details, including litigation costs, teacher pay comparisons, and ADAP funding questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so having said that and making you aware of what the document does and doesn't cover, I think the
• /c><00:02:11.200><c> and</c><00:02:11.520><c> making</c><00:02:11.760><c> you</c><00:02:11.920><c> aware
• </c> so having said that and making you aware so having said that and making you aware of<00:02:12.319
• And so, um, I was aware—I thought it was three of them, but if it's just two of them, um, I understand
• And so, um, I was aware—I thought it was three, um, I was aware I thought it was three of them, but if

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm keenly aware of that threat and I understand the need for ready air and space forces, well trained
• Lohmeier, are you aware that in the FY 25 NDAA, which was passed by the Congress and signed into law
• Are you aware of that? Yes, Senator. And if confirmed, will you commit to upholding this law?
• Russia justified in its invasion of Ukraine for context, which I'll of course, Senator, as you're aware
• If you became aware of someone sending threatening emails to currently serving officers, what would you

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• What about if a student creates an awareness campaign about mental health issues, anti-bullying?
• Are you aware of any of the school shooters in Texas having used a short barrel fire?
• Are you aware that one of the students in the same Santa Fe shooting basically barred the door of a closet
• I'm aware of them, but there's also facts like this that Now, a pistol, if you add a brace, a stabilizing
• We spoke in committee and we've had several conversations, and we're all aware of the fact.

Bills: SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to maintain a high standard. constant vigilance on this and a constant awareness of that force's
• Do you have an awareness of the Department of Justice's team that targeted and basically was able to
• Are you aware of that team, highly successful team that is being disbanded? Yes, ma'am.
• I am aware of that team.
• I'm readily aware of the fact that I'm fighting until help comes.

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization

Summary: The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislature, I authored House Bill 531, which provided notice to a tenant about whether a landlord is aware
• don't necessarily fall within the law's intent, which was really to ensure that long-term tenants are aware
• Given the additional federal money being added to claim payments, fraudsters became aware of unemployment
• Given the additional federal money being added to claim payments, fraudsters became aware of unemployment
• Also, there's legislation, as I'm sure you're all aware, moving through to make sure that the Texas

Bills: HB 112 , HB199 , HB621 , HB1349 , HB2214 , HB3466 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HCR9 , HB112 , HB199 , HCR9

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development met with a quorum and moved quickly through a long agenda, hearing testimony and taking recorded votes on several bills. Early in the meeting, HB 2214 was laid out to exempt certain short-term residential leases and leaseback arrangements from flood-disclosure requirements; Texas Realtors supported the change, and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out a series of pending measures, including HB 46, HB 186 (with a committee substitute), HB 431, HB 1147, HB 1154, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2788 (with a substitute), HB 2791 (with a substitute), HB 3260, and HCR 90, all reported favorably to the full House, with HB 1147 receiving two nays and the others passing unanimously or nearly so. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 112, which would create a Texas Science Park district and commission to support advanced manufacturing and innovation sites. The bill’s author and supporters, including Samsung Austin Semiconductor, the Texas Association of Business, and the Governor’s economic development office, argued it would strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support national security and workforce development. Testimony described interest from semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies and referenced the model of foreign science parks such as Sinshu in Taiwan. HB 112 was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 3698 and HB 3699, both related to unemployment insurance administration. HB 3698 would expand eligibility for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program using federal funds, while HB 3699 would tighten the definition of “last work” to help the Texas Workforce Commission investigate UI fraud. Both bills were discussed with TWC resource witnesses and left pending after the committee withdrew the substitutes. HB 1349, which would extend HOA transparency and property-rights provisions to condominiums and refine HOA rules, and HB 621, which would require HOA meeting spaces to be available for residents to reserve for qualified political candidates or elected officials, were also heard and left pending. Finally, the committee heard HCR 9 to designate the first Saturday of each month as Small Business Saturday, HB 199 to index unemployment benefit duration to the state unemployment rate, and HB 3466 to exempt certain cancelable service contracts from Texas’s in-home sales cooling-off law; each drew supportive and opposing testimony and was left pending before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you are aware, I mean... ...but just be reminded that we had an entire interim hearing, hearing all
• Were you aware? We were definitely not aware, sir. When did you guys become aware?
• So, are there any examples of other disruptions that we may not be aware of?
• But I'm aware. Yeah, I'm very, very aware. So, um, anybody else?

Bills: SB2037 , SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1759 , HB29

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Please be aware that the violations of any of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement
• Many students may not be aware of this current right. to opt out and often feel obligated to participate
• When I signed up for the class, I was not aware that dissection was involved, but when I learned of it
• My school was not aware of their responsibility to inform me of my right to opt out of dissection which
• Teachers should know their responsibilities, and parents and students should be aware of their rights

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• They may not even be aware.
• They may not even be aware.
• child may lose these accommodations that they have come to depend on, and parents may not be fully aware
• Are in, listed in the IEP, that parent should be aware of it. And this bill does that.
• of it. are in, listed in the IEP, that parent should be aware of it.

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Pre-K-12 Education Committee took up a series of education, school safety, health, and student access bills. SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funds was amended to clarify the theory of knowledge course and then reported favorably. SB 370 would allow routine non-invasive school health screenings, such as vision, hearing, and dental checks, to proceed with written notice and an opt-out process rather than active parental consent; supporters said it would improve participation and access, while opponents argued it was too broad and weakened parental rights. After debate over scope, funding, and consent, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 1070, which would require ECG screenings for student athletes under a phased rollout beginning in 2026, with religious and medical opt-outs. The bill was renamed the Second Chance Act in honor of Chance Gainer. Supporters described it as a life-saving measure to detect hidden cardiac conditions, while some members raised cost and implementation concerns. SB 508, the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill, would require private schools to disclose in writing what accommodations and services they will provide to students with IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans before enrollment; it was supported by parents, advocacy groups, and some school representatives and was reported favorably. School safety measures were also considered. SB 1470 would refine campus locking and supervision rules, create clearer exceptions, expand training and security options for school safety personnel, and allow district-employed law enforcement officers to use canines for threat detection. Witnesses from school safety and Parkland-related advocacy groups supported the bill but urged caution on exemptions and implementation details. SB 1472 would extend a public records exemption to certified school security guards, matching the protection already given to school guardians, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 248 would expand participation in FHSAA sports for private school and home education students at public schools when their own schools do not offer the sport, and SB 1618 made broad changes to VPK through grade 12 policy, including reading instruction, financial literacy, school funds restrictions, teacher certification, and advisory council rules; both bills were reported favorably. Several members later recorded votes in support of specific tabs before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you're aware, under existing law, a law enforcement officer is protected from tort liability arising
• The NAACP is aware of the immunity that police officers and peace officers enjoy. ...police officers
• get into legislation too, so like if... to get into legislation too, so like if you know, if I'm not aware
• Can you make me aware of anything else in any other legal standard that would have known?
• Elected officials with the cities... not that I'm aware of, and somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

Bills: SB156 , SB134 , SB108 , SB47 , SB88 , SB89 , SB106 , SB18 , SB9 , HB38 , HB54

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't know that I would say they're aware of it or concerned about it because they may lose.
• of and I don't know that I would not say they're aware of it or concerned about it because they may
• Are you aware of any counties that are using the rollback rate, and if there are, the only county I'm
• aware of was Citrus County and they had a nuclear power plant?
• Are you aware of anyone that has that or is utilizing that?

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So working very closely with our state partners to implement that and make sure people are aware.
• As you all are aware in Florida, we have led the nation in extended, you know, health care coverage for
• Thank you. >> So we're very much aware of the concern of duplications services between the health plan
• I know everybody on the committee is well aware of how to get a hold of you.
• This month happens to be substance use Disorder Awareness Month.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just want to make sure that you're aware that we want to certainly hear from you.
• As you're well aware, we're doing better there, but that's been a challenge.
• Those issues were being policed at local levels, and we've got a statewide roll-up now, so we're aware
• And we've got a statewide roll-up now, so we're aware every week of any deficiencies in the state, why
• But the turnaround time is relatively fast, and we have awareness now of any system, whether it be AC

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee met with Vice Chair Smith presiding in Chair Martin’s excused absence. After opening remarks from several senators, the committee heard a presentation from Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon on the state’s incentivized prisons program and related population-management efforts. Dixon said the department now operates eight incentivized prisons, which use enhanced privileges and programming for well-behaved inmates, and reported major reductions in disciplinary reports, staff assaults, inmate-on-inmate assaults, and uses of force compared with average institutions. He also described administrative management units for more disruptive inmates, short-sentence correctional institutions for those with less than a year to serve, and a reentry strategy that places inmates closer to home within 18 months of release. Dixon said Florida’s recidivism rate has fallen to about 21 percent, among the lowest in the nation, and emphasized that staffing, programming, and facility repairs remain ongoing needs. Committee members asked about access to education and workforce training, staffing levels, contraband, technology upgrades, heating and air-conditioning maintenance, and whether incentivized prisons could be expanded. Dixon said educational access is improving but remains limited by eligibility and staffing, that the incentivized facilities are at capacity, and that expansion depends on adding more administrative management unit beds. He also said the department is increasing use of technology, improving maintenance oversight, and continuing efforts to reduce contraband and improve staff recruitment and retention. Several senators praised the department’s work and urged more funding for prison infrastructure and officer pay. Public testimony largely supported the incentivized prisons model while calling for more seats, better staffing, and broader reforms. Family members of incarcerated people said the facilities were safer, more stable, and better for rehabilitation, though they asked for more programming, better treatment by staff, and clearer access to education and release-related opportunities. A Florida PBA representative emphasized that programs can only succeed with safe staffing levels and better pay and retention for correctional officers. No formal committee vote or bill action was taken, and the meeting ended after public testimony and closing remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do they still exist sort of in DHS world that you're aware of?
• </c> that you're aware of? that you're aware of?
• "Oh, they're aware. Absolutely." "Then why aren't they confiscating it?"
• </c> Oh, they're aware. Absolutely. Oh, they're aware. Absolutely.
• </c><01:15:23.680><c> of</c> specifically to money, I'm not aware of specifically to money, I'm not aware

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assuming you're aware that these same O-L-A-P dollars...
• Not that I'm aware of. For follow-up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• There is no riot being planned that he is aware of.
• Were you aware of that?
• No one is aware that we have one. Do we have one?

Bills: HB4319 , HB4317 , HB1225 , HB3076 , HB3081 , HB4226 , SCR17 , HB4432 , HB3304 , HB3411 , HB3435 , HB4339 , HB4331 , HB4341 , HB4342 , HB1770 , HB1016 , HB4113 , HB2950 , HB4141 , HB3277 , HB2988 , HB3029 , HB3338 , HB1889 , HB3834 , HB3831 , HB2939 , HB3045 , HB3657 , HB1739 , HB3759 , HB3755 , HB4484 , HB4486 , HB4108 , HB1250 , HB2961 , HB1219 , HB3025 , HB1782 , HB1907 , HB3718 , HB4459 , HB2976 , HB3548 , HB3545 , HB2952 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB2973 , HB3055 , HB3086 , HB3040 , HB3794 , HB4336 , HB3151 , HB1590 , HB3581 , HB3313 , HB3429 , HB3448 , HB1752 , HB2650 , HB3584 , HB4202 , HB3586 , HB4321 , HB4280 , HB3650 , HCR1020 , HB2116 , HB2206 , HB4301 , HB3625 , HB3147 , HB3403 , HB3498 , HB3970 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3980 , HB4265 , HB4266 , HB3638 , HB3880 , HB3930 , HB3942 , HB3944 , HB4191 , HB3242 , HB3678

Summary: The House began with a quorum call, then moved into a series of special presentations recognizing guests and champions, including the Talihina state football team, the Hodgson Bulldogs state basketball champions, Sooner Start families and advocates, the Edmond Republican Women’s Club, Leadership Miami, and other visitors in the galleries. Members also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, honoring the long friendship between Oklahoma and Ireland and welcoming Irish Senator Aubrey McCarthy to the Capitol. The chamber then considered and passed several bills on third reading. Among them were HB 4226, creating a formal recusal/disqualification process for judges with timelines; HB 4432, addressing itemized deductions and gambling-related tax treatment; HB 3304, requiring Service Oklahoma to check the methamphetamine user database before issuing a commercial driver’s license; HB 3411, requiring PFOS testing and related safeguards for biosolids land application; HB 3435, creating a single-subject rule for municipal bonds; HB 4339, updating probate publication requirements for rural Oklahoma; HB 4341 and HB 4342, both CASA-related measures; HB 1770, directing OSU Veterinary Medicine to study the elk population in the northwest zone; HB 1016, setting up trust protections for minors featured in monetized online content; and HB 413, clarifying that people with felony convictions may vote once they have fully completed incarceration, parole, supervision, and probation. The House also passed HB 2950, removing an ACT requirement tied to Oklahoma’s Promise for homeschool students; HB 4141, funding a statewide sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator if money becomes available; HB 3277, cleanup language for VIN inspections on salvage vehicles; HB 2988, expanding the Terry Peach Act; HB 3029, requiring a four-year planning process for the State Department of Education; HB 3338, regulating the pool industry after reports of consumer losses; HB 1889, restoring benefits for a small group of police and fire retirees; HB 3834, authorizing ibogaine clinical trials for PTSD, addiction, and related conditions; HB 3831, seeking state support for Oklahoma Task Force One urban search and rescue; HB 2939, removing fax-machine references from election law; HB 3045, extending response-fee limits to municipal fire departments; HB 3657, modernizing OESC reporting and data sharing; HB 1739, reinstating a half-pay provision for OHP members; HB 3759, setting a June 30 date for temporary school allocations; HB 3755, clarifying juvenile detention medication funding and custody language; HB 4484, allowing certain state vehicles to be used between residences and work sites; HB 4486, creating a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the Capitol; HB 4108, adding airports to the critical infrastructure trespass list; and HB 1250, creating a revolving fund for public safety technology tied to the Blue Jay app. Most bills passed with broad support, though a few drew significant debate, especially the homeschool/Oklahoma’s Promise bill and the pool regulation bill, which passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know, are you aware of this and the status of it?
• I I am aware that uh Motorola um has it?
• Nothing I'm aware of, sir. >> Not that you're aware of. Interesting. Okay. All right.
• Nothing I'm aware &gt;&gt; Not that you know of. Nothing I'm aware of,<01:06:15.760><c> sir.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Not that you're aware of. Interesting. &gt;&gt; Not that you're aware of.

Summary: The committee heard a staff report on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS), a multi-phase project intended to improve interoperable radio communications for first responders. Staff said Kentucky State Police did not appear to have violated statutes or regulations, but the project lacked an overall master plan, clear milestones, and consistent documentation, which contributed to delays, spending issues, and deployment problems. The report recommended updating the Kentucky Field Operations Guide to reflect SERVS and noted that the project has been funded in phases since 2018, with appropriations totaling roughly $216 million across 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, while about $109 million had been spent by the end of fiscal year 2025. The report raised concerns about project sequencing and oversight. Staff said most spending was concentrated in special mobile equipment, with Motorola accounting for about two-thirds of all SERVS expenditures and the top four vendors making up 81 percent of spending. They also said a sample of Motorola payments suggested possible late payments, though they could not confirm whether interest was paid. Staff criticized the use of master agreements for a project of this size, the lack of a centralized ledger, and the absence of a documented timeline or risk mitigation plan. They recommended stronger procurement and planning requirements, including possible legislative changes requiring approved master plans for large capital projects and additional funding conditions tied to SERVS master agreements. Land acquisition and deployment progress were identified as major bottlenecks, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Staff said the project began in western Kentucky using existing tower sites, but the remaining work is concentrated in harder-to-acquire areas, with more than 95 percent of new towers still incomplete. They said the Division of Real Properties did not begin formal contract work on acquisition until October 2024, despite earlier coordination, and recommended earlier consultation on future projects. Staff also noted that the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee had not been active in oversight, and survey results showed limited awareness and involvement among first responders. Committee members agreed that the lack of an initial implementation plan and the continuing need for funding reflected broader planning problems, and they discussed the need for a clearer end-to-end game plan rather than continuing to fund the project without a defined completion path.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but just awareness of our program is number one.
• Um, but just awareness of our program is number one.
• Um, but just awareness of our program is number one.
• Um, but just awareness of our program is number one.
• Um, but just awareness of our program is number one.

Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call and a reminder that Kentucky had 8,641 children in out-of-home care with active placements as of June 1, 2025. The first presentation was from the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK), a donor-funded camp in Scottsville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s history, its year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medical and accessibility supports, and its impact on campers’ confidence and independence. They said CCK has served more than 43,000 campers from 46 states and 13 countries, including 22,000 from Kentucky, and noted plans to reach all 120 Kentucky counties. CCK also outlined future capital needs: a new art barn and a medical lodge. The organization said the art barn project would cost $2.5 million, with a legislative request of $1.5 million, and the medical lodge would cost $2.875 million, with a legislative request of $1.75 million. Members responded very positively, with several praising the camp’s work and one member asking about operational challenges. CCK said its main challenges are awareness, staff and volunteer recruitment, and expanding medical and housing capacity; it also said it is accredited by the American Camp Association and receives health and safety visits and audits. The committee then moved to a presentation on adult protective services and state guardianship programs from Jessica Wayne and Cliff Bryant of DCBS. They explained the legal framework for guardianship, the difference between full and limited guardianship/conservatorship, emergency appointments, and the state’s role as a last-resort guardian when no family member or private entity is available. They reported 4,464 individuals under state guardianship as of June 1, with most cases involving dementia, developmental disability, intellectual disability, nursing home or long-term care placement, severe mental illness, or brain injury. They also said the division has 89 field workers across 14 regional offices, with an average caseload of 52 and a goal of reducing that into the mid-40s through additional hiring.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> So, as I'm sure many of you are aware, So, as I'm sure many of you are aware, my<00:01:44.240><
• </c> and uh follow or or kind of uh be aware and uh follow or or kind of uh be aware of<00:58:35.120>
• I have to be aware. I have to be alert.
• <01:26:02.800><c> while</c> underscore situational awareness while underscore situational awareness while
• </c> I have to be aware. I have to be alert. I have to be aware. I have to be alert.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy