Transcript Highlights:

• Moore.
• Moore, of course.
• Zachary Moore. Zachary Moore. What was the cause of this?... Zachary Moore.
• Moore were violated in this instance?
• Moore were violated in this instance.

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve prior minutes and then focused on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, later clarified in discussion as the Warren facility. DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after a prolonged prone restraint followed by a delayed chemical restraint, and reported that 13 staff were terminated, the superintendent was replaced, a consultant was brought in, and the agency entered a settlement with the family for $725,000. Members pressed DHS on the cause of death, restraint policies, staff training, supervision, family notification, and why the family had not been kept informed; DHS said a family-notification procedure exists but that communications during litigation had been handled through counsel. The committee also heard that six staff had been criminally charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person, and that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide with cause of death tied to physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. DHS officials gave broader context on the five human development centers, their licensing and accreditation, resident population, mortality review process, and training programs. They said the centers serve highly medically and behaviorally complex residents, that annual restraint training and CPI-based instruction are required, and that the mortality review committee and Office of Long-Term Care review deaths and make recommendations. Members repeatedly criticized the agency for not having complete information at the meeting and for what they saw as gaps in oversight, staffing, and chain-of-command clarity during emergencies. DHS responded that the Warren facility had not been meeting the same standards as the others, that the consultant’s root-cause analysis identified multiple failures, and that new crisis-team and chain-of-command procedures were being drafted. A second major topic was staffing and recruitment. Members discussed low pay, turnover, use of float and on-call staff, rural staffing shortages, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based services. DHS said CNAs at the centers start at about $39,000 a year, that a broader retention and recruitment plan is being drafted for all five centers, and that a separate rate study for PASS services will be implemented in January 2027 but does not cover CNA pay. The meeting ended with testimony from Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money could not replace her son and urged stronger training, background checks, and supervision so other residents would be protected. The committee asked DHS to keep members and Stevens updated on consultant reports, recruitment efforts, and follow-up on the family communication issue, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the Harrison County 4-H program is here.
• <00:03:29.440> 4-H today to have the Larue County 4-H today to have the Larue County 4-H program
• County. County. Hello<00:04:24.840> everyone.
• > and<00:10:14.880> uh resident Garrard County and uh resident Garrard County and uh Commissioner
• Representative Moore. Yes. Representative Moore. Yes. Representative Payne. Yes.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:10 SB 37 Discussion 6:56 SB 37 Roll Call Vote 12:31 SB 214 Discussion 14:27 SB 214 Roll Call 15:35, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Moore, here. Representative Proctor, present. Representative Roberts, here.
• Representative Moore, here. Representative Proctor, present. Representative Roberts, here.
• Chairman, that it might crest Thursday on some places, and so, uh, in Garrett County they're reaching
• <00:05:39.720> they're<00:05:39.919> reaching so uh in Garett County they're reaching
• Representative Moore, I. Representative Proctor, yes. Representative Roberts, yes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, and briefly discussed the ongoing flooding in eastern Kentucky. Members and the chair asked for prayers for affected families, first responders, utility workers, and others dealing with the disaster. The chair also reminded members about Military Kids Day on Tuesday, February 25 at 9:00 a.m. The committee then took up House Bill 234. Sean Butler, executive director of the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, testified that the bill would fix an omission in current law so airport police departments can participate in grant funding when they turn in firearms for destruction or sale through the Kentucky State Police, as other departments already can. He said airport police are fully sworn and certified officers but were left out because they fall under a different statute. After questions, the committee voted on the bill and it passed with favorable expressions, advancing to the House floor. The chair said the second bill would not be considered that day because of unresolved issues and would be brought back later. A member also asked to register attendance before the meeting concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does is provide additional paths for counties and municipalities to obtain a critically
• Moore.
• Moore.
• We'll start with Travis Moore, waiving in support on behalf of the Florida Native Plant Society.
• Travis Moore, waiving in support on behalf of the Florida Native Plant Society.

Bills: S0544, S0636, S0848, S0546

Keywords: golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably. The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Means of anchoring, mooring, beaching, or grounding of vessels within Springs Protection Zones instead
• It also increases the distance within which anchoring is prohibited near a public mooring field.
• And then if we do, does that go to the counties if it's a fine, or does it come directly to FWC?
• Previously, it said any harm caused from vessel activities such as beaching, anchoring, mooring, and
• At this point, we're just saying that's caused for anchoring, mooring, beaching, and grounding, and we

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, Ripley County, Wayne, Stoddard, New Madrid, Dunklin, Pemiscot, Saline, and Cedar counties
• Charles City-County Library.
• Charles County. And for St. Charles County to be able—St.
• Charles County, for those not familiar with St. Charles County, is a fast-growing county.
• Charles County.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Local Government held a public hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Senator Justin Brown. The bill would expand the existing authority for certain public library districts to ask voters to approve a local sales tax, with county-specific provisions: St. Charles County would have to reduce property tax levies to offset sales tax revenue, and Cass and Johnson counties would be limited to a 0.33% rate and would eliminate property tax levies if the sales tax is adopted. The bill also includes a provision allowing circuit courts to collect a civil case filing surcharge of up to $15 for law library maintenance, and a Kansas City Public Library fiscal-year flexibility provision was also described. Supporters from several library systems and the Missouri Library Association testified that the bill would give libraries more flexibility to diversify revenue, reduce reliance on property taxes, and protect voter-approved library sales taxes from legal uncertainty tied to county reclassification. Witnesses from St. Charles County said the measure would let local voters decide whether to fund library services through sales tax, property tax, or a mix, while a Marshall Public Library representative said the bill would help preserve a voter-approved sales tax affected by unrelated litigation. A Kansas City Public Library representative said the fiscal-year change would improve budget timing. One committee member questioned the fairness of shifting library funding to sales tax, especially for nonresidents, while other members spoke in support of libraries and their community services. No one testified in opposition. The chair closed the public hearing and announced the committee plans to executive the bill on Monday at noon, with notice to be sent by email. A representative also criticized the tone of the senator’s response during questioning, but said he still supported the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pro Tem Moore votes aye. Pro Tem Moore votes aye. Thank you.
• Please recognize Pro Tem Moore to present Senate Bill 592. Clerk will read.
• Pro Tem Moore, to present Senate Bill 592. Clerk will read.
• Pro Tem Moore, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
• Representative Moore now moves final passage of the bill. Will there be debate?

Bills: SB1475, SB1447, HB2288, SB1521, SB592, SB1533, HB1276, SB201, SB1477, SB1232, SB1255, SB1327, SB1525, SB1721, SB667, SB1436, SB1317, SB604, SB1325, SB1496, SB2007, SB1567, SB2112, SB1980, SB1735, SB1558, SB1491, SB1287, SB1378, SB1369, SB1441, SB137, SB483, SB843, SB1433, SB1257, SB1365, SJR49, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Summary: The House met in quorum call and then took up a long series of Senate bills, most of them passing with little or no debate. Early action included SB 1475, renaming the I-35 bridge at Indian Hills in Norman as the Toby Keith Memorial Interchange, which passed 77-5. SB 1447, modifying the RFP process for the state employees’ prescription drug plan, passed 87-0. The chamber also adopted Senate amendments to HB 2288 on the Teacher Retirement System, shortening the return-to-work waiting period for teachers from three years to six months, and both the bill and its emergency clause passed 90-0. Other education-related measures included SB 1521 on conversational AI child protections, SB 1276 making the “bell-to-bell, no-cell” school cellphone restriction permanent, SB 201 raising the minimum teacher salary schedule by $2,000, and SB 1721 extending and restructuring the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education; all advanced, with SB 201 drawing the most debate over teacher pay, local control, and whether the increase was enough. The House also passed bills on veterans, public safety, and state operations. SB 1533 would allow the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to bury Oklahoma resident veterans who die out of state. SB 1232 updated penalties for copper theft, SB 1255 shifted medical pardon review from the DOC director to the medical director, SB 1327 restored more authority to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission board, and SB 1525 authorized up to $75,000 for the state’s annual tourism conference; the tourism bill also received emergency passage. Additional measures included SB 667 clarifying chiropractic education language, SB 1436 requiring hospitals to provide information after fetal death, SB 1317 allowing career teacher status to transfer to a new district with approval, SB 604 resolving motor vehicle statutory conflicts, SB 1325 protecting domestic abuse victims, SB 1496 updating OSBI authority, SB 2007 requiring PBMs to honor appealed reimbursement rates going forward, SB 1567 clarifying nursing language, SB 2112 cleaning up open pasture road law, SB 1980 creating gift card protections, SB 1735 aligning career tech oversight, SB 1558 clarifying child-care licensing rules for certain group homes, SB 1491 clarifying replacement presidential electors’ oath requirements, SB 1287 allowing the Abstractors Board to deny licenses to people not legally working in the U.S., and SB 1378 creating an Olympics in Oklahoma revolving fund. Most of these passed by wide margins, and several emergency clauses were adopted. The chamber also rejected a motion to vacate the temporary presiding officer, and later voted to reject Senate amendments to HB 3403 and request further conference, while also requesting a second conference committee report on HB 1851. The session included multiple gallery introductions, including visitors, ag students, and a large page presentation. The House adjourned until Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Walsh Moore. Is there any questions or comments? Representative Walsh Moore.
• And then Representative Voss wanted to kind of pull out Cape Girardeau County in regards to their library
• He said he believed the intent was to refer to part-time prosecuting attorneys in smaller counties that
• Representatives Walsh Moore: No. Barnes: Aye. Deal: Aye. Hales: Aye. Volkner: Aye. Bultner? Aye.

Summary: The House Committee on Local Government met in executive session and first approved House Bill 3143, Representative Parker’s bill, on a 12-0 roll call vote. The committee then took up Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, which had a committee substitute distributed in advance. The sponsor explained that the substitute combined several previously separate library-related provisions, changed the title to political subdivisions, and included a fix aimed at a Kansas City liquor-sales issue involving small bottles and beer sales; members also discussed other changes affecting library districts and county tax provisions. Several members raised concerns that the Kansas City liquor provision and other non-library items were too broad or preempted local control, while others said the language addressed carve-outs and could be improved. Representative Reedy noted a technical issue in the salary commission language and said it likely needed a floor amendment to change “assistant prosecuting attorneys” to “part-time prosecutors,” but did not think the bill should be held up. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the resulting House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023 do pass by an 8-4 roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That represents 57% of unsubsidized affordable homes in the county.
• Rural County Representatives of California.
• I also represent Calaveras County as well.
• Witnesses today are Madeline Moore, Deputy Executive Officer of L.A.
• Witnesses today are Madeline Moore, Deputy Executive Officer of Allie. are Madeline Moore, Deputy Executive

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills, with most of the discussion focused on streamlining housing production, preserving affordable housing, and reducing barriers to ADUs and EV charging in HOAs. SB 457 would direct HCD to develop statistical formulas based on historical development data to help cities complete housing element site inventories; supporters said it would replace costly parcel-by-parcel analysis with a more realistic, data-driven approach, while the California Building Industry Association raised concerns. SB 1091 would create a Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program to help acquire and preserve unsubsidized affordable rental housing; it drew broad support from housing nonprofits, local governments, and committee members who emphasized prevention and preservation, and it was advanced with a motion and second. SB 1117 would clarify that ADU impact fees above 750 square feet are charged only on the portion above that threshold; supporters said current practice creates a fee cliff that discourages ADUs, while cities, counties, special districts, and fire groups opposed it over infrastructure and service funding concerns. The committee members were split, but the bill ultimately advanced on a 10-0 vote with two not voting. The committee also considered SB 904, which would codify and expand reporting and coordination practices used after wildfire disasters to speed rebuilding and identify permitting or code barriers. The author and supporters argued that future wildfire recoveries should not depend on ad hoc executive orders, while some members questioned whether the bill was duplicative of existing streamlining laws; it passed on a roll call after discussion. SB 1267 would require EV charger installers in HOAs to indemnify associations during installation and make homeowners liable for costs arising from use of a privately owned charger; HOA representatives and EV advocates supported it, the California Association of Realtors said it would remove opposition once amendments were in print, and the bill advanced unanimously. SB 1361 would prevent local governments from taking actions to avoid SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements at existing or planned transit stops; L.A. Metro, labor groups, and housing advocates supported it as protecting transit investments and jobs, while the City of Burbank opposed it, and it was approved on a 9-0 vote. The committee also took up consent items SB 722 and SB 1426, which were approved without controversy.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the county and district clerk from Sherman County.
• that county.
• county has four county commissioners' precincts.
• Moore said is true, the election code got broken last session and counties over 1.2 million can't combo
• This is Hays County, Tarrant County, Harris County.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3709, which would change the partial manual audit process so early voting could be audited by voting location rather than by randomly selected precincts. The author and several supporters said the current precinct-based process is antiquated, labor-intensive, and especially difficult in countywide voting systems and large counties. Opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about whether the change would still allow an apples-to-apples audit against official precinct results, whether random selection procedures should be more clearly defined, and how ballot secrecy and mail ballots would be handled. The Secretary of State’s office said counties already use random selection methods and that the bill would largely standardize early voting audits with election-day procedures, while also noting ballot privacy issues can arise in public records requests. After testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee then took up House Bill 766, as substituted, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both, while making that contact information confidential. Supporters said the change would help parties and local officials contact applicants more efficiently. Opponents argued it could expose personal contact information to public records requests and harassment, and some suggested the information should instead be handled through party rules. The bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. House Bill 3775 followed and would set clearer timelines for when early voting ballot boards may begin opening carrier envelopes, with different start times based on county size. Supporters said the bill would address counties opening ballots too early and improve ballot security, while opponents warned it could delay defect notices and cure opportunities for mail voters and create problems in large counties that process high volumes of ballots. Testimony also focused on whether the bill referred to carrier envelopes or secrecy envelopes and on how counties like Harris County currently image and secure ballot materials. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4275, which would require countywide polling systems to have polling places in each election precinct, intended to address uneven distribution of polling locations across county commissioner precincts. Supporters said the bill would make polling place distribution fairer and more consistent, especially in Harris County, while opponents said it would undermine countywide voting, increase costs, require more equipment and staff, and reduce local flexibility. Several witnesses also raised concerns about ballot secrecy and the practical burden on large and rural counties. The bill remained under discussion as testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• General Assembly for his extraordinary service as the respected sheriff of Shelby County, Kentucky,
• , respected sheriff of Shelby County, respected sheriff of Shelby County, Kentucky,<00:13:58.000>
• <00:14:34.880> Sheriff<00:14:35.279> Mark<00:14:35.519> Moore<00:14:35.839><
• Sheriff Mark Moore is and commitment.
• It's an honor to be able to recognize Sheriff Moore. I actually grew up around him.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 37 members. The chamber approved the journal from Monday, January 12, 2026, and then moved through routine business including recessing briefly for the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees. The Committee on Committees reported referrals of Senate Bill 7, Senate Joint Resolution 11, and Senate Joint Resolution 27 to Transportation, and Senate Resolutions 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31 to the Senate floor. Several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on identity documents, youth vaping prevention, local occupational license fees and taxes, healthcare provider credentialing, constitutional amendments on voting and restoration of rights, substance use disorder medication regulations, forcible entry and detainer, coroner response times, special needs trusts, immigration enforcement collaboration, and a resolution recognizing Physician Anesthesiologist Week. The Senate also adopted Senate Citation 001 honoring Shelby County Sheriff Mark Moore as the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year, and adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring David Delvin Drake. A major floor discussion centered on Senate Resolution 10, which honored the victims of the UPS Flight 2976 crash and commended first responders. Senator Herron described the crash, named the victims, and thanked emergency responders and government partners; the resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. Another extended discussion came from the Senator from Marion regarding the I-69 bridge project, explaining the bipartisan effort behind the project, the push for a federal grant, and the state’s tolling requirements if no grant is secured. The Senate also heard announcements about committee meetings, upcoming receptions, and a film release, and several members requested co-sponsorships on various bills before the chamber adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Moore here. Representative Travis here. Representative Travis here.
• domain issue or just an easement that was provided for a state road or other state entity or local county
• Yeah, I wouldn't expect a county.
• Representative Moore, if it's the appropriate time, I'd like to make a motion to give the bill...
• Okay, we have a motion by Representative Moore and a second by Representative Holl to give Senate Bill

Bills: SB42, HB323

Keywords: abandoned roads, land ownership, government regulations, property rights, transportation, electric utility, oversize vehicles, transport permits, state highway system, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I remember going to Moore Air Base and seeing all, seeing the facility there.
• Walker County and a few counties in that region.
• Uh, we've been on the road, we've done numerous extension meetings up, um, county, and met with county
• It's been talk of putting at Moore Air Force Base in South Texas.
• in 1972 through 1974 out Brewster County and Pecos County in that area.

Transcript Highlights:

• would be to Benton County.
• And every one of my six counties has passed taxes, four county jails, and Boone County passed a sunset
• So, I mean, like I said, Pulaski County is different. Saline County is different.
• Arkansas County, for example, is much different than Carroll County. Thank you.
• I mean... ...in Carroll County, Boone County, we get our water from Beaver Lake.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Faulkner County Fair and Livestock is a nonprofit corporation that sponsors the annual Faulkner County
• Faulkner County Fair and Livestock is a nonprofit corporation that sponsors the annual Faulkner County
• Okay, continuing on page 15, Columbia County for the year ending December 31, 2024, under the county
• Next on page 22 is Prairie County.
• The other was County General. With the same type of findings? The other was County General. Okay.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Moore here. Representative Pollock here. Representative Rabourn here.
• Representative Moore, yes. Representative Pollock, yes. Representative Rabourn, yes.
• Representative Moore, yes. Representative Pollock, uh...
• Representative Moore, do you have a question? Oh, okay, perfect, thank you.
• Representative Moore, yes. Representative Pollock, I. Representative Rayburn, yes.

Keywords: 00:11 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:02 Discussion of 25RS SB 26 07:48 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 26 08:43 Discussion of 25RS SB 85 28:04 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 85 29:37 Discussion of 25RS HB 805 40:30 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 805 41:32 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 26, presented by Senator Brandon Storm, Family Court Judge Marcus Vanover, and Crystal Adams on behalf of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. The bill would ensure Kentucky complies with the ADA by prohibiting disability alone from being used to terminate adoption petitions, parental rights, or child-placement petitions. Testimony cited Kentucky Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases involving parents with intellectual or developmental disabilities and national data showing high removal rates for parents with psychiatric, intellectual, or physical disabilities. The committee approved the bill 15-0 with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 85 from Senator Steve Meredith and State Auditor Allison Ball, which continues the transition of the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Auditor’s office. Testimony focused on completing the transfer by clarifying access to the ITWIST database, ensuring complaints go directly to the Ombudsman, adding whistleblower protections, and making the office a separate office within the Auditor’s office for efficiency. Members asked about the prior conflict of interest when the Ombudsman was housed within CHFS, the database access dispute and lawsuit, and whether the office still remained independent. The bill passed with favorable expression after some members voted pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 805, with Representative Nick Wilson and Representative Sarah Stalker explaining a committee substitute and amendment. The bill would set timelines for the Cabinet to physically locate children reported at immediate safety risk and require annual kinship-care reporting to be automatically provided to the legislature and posted publicly. Wilson said the bill also cleans up language from last year’s House Bill 271, including changing “threats” to “risks” in the safety-plan definition and other terminology fixes. The committee adopted the substitute and amendment and advanced the bill with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a really big issue for a small county. I'm a fiscally constrained county. My today.
• This is a really big issue for a small county. I'm a fiscally constrained county.
• This has been passed now in about three or four counties.
• Was this created by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners based on experience, or how do we
• Sarah Powers of Martin County is waving in support.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard four bills. HB 37 by Rep. Nix addressed the removal, storage, and cleanup of damaged electric vehicles, allowing towing and storage operators to charge an administrative fee when EVs are stored under enhanced safety standards such as a 50-foot separation or protective barrier. The sponsor and towing industry witnesses described post-crash battery fire risks, while Tesla and Enterprise Mobility raised concerns that the bill was too broad and could lead to triple storage charges even when battery damage is not present. Members largely supported the concept, though some urged further narrowing; the bill was reported favorably after debate. HB 401 by Rep. Tant would cap inmate health care compensation at 110% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for Jefferson County, with the sponsor and Sheriff Matt McNeil saying the measure would help a fiscally constrained county control rising outside medical costs and encourage providers to contract in advance. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered HB 4003 by Rep. Benaroch, a local bill for Marco Island that creates a special-election process for council vacancies when the council fails to act; an amendment extended the election window to 130 days and required the governor to call the election if the council does not do so within 30 days. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, HB 407 by Rep. Snyder would modernize the Martin County Health Care Fund and define indigency criteria for county-funded indigent care, including residency, income, asset, and Medicaid eligibility limits. County and hospital representatives supported the measure, and one member suggested comparing the bill’s indigency definition with existing criminal indigency standards for consistency. The bill also was reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Jefferson County members, if you Uh Jefferson County members, if you Uh Jefferson County members,
• County. County.
• This will save each county a lot of money and is save each county a lot of money and is save each county
• County, the greatest city in the in the state and county in city in the in the state and county in city
• Henry County, you superintendents in Henry County, you superintendents in Henry County, you have certain

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I know in River River County, the county was delivering food to seniors that were homebound.
• Because I know in River River County, the county was delivering food to seniors that were homebound.
• My mom lives in Santa Fe County in... And that was in Santa Fe and Rio Arriba County.
• Jacob Smith, Sanneville County.
• Al-Galves, who is with the Soteria Las Cruces group, and also Vesper Moore. And also Vesper Moore.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Pavel M. Payano. Rebecca L. Rausch.
• Moore. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Yes. Pavel M. Payano. Yes. Yes. John C. Velis. Yes.
• Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor? Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Pavel M. Payano. No. Pavel M. Payano.
• Moore. Patrick M. O. O'Connor. Michael O. Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor? Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira.
• Moore. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Yes. Pavel M. Payano. Yes. Yes. John C. Velis. Yes. Yes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several bills and procedural matters. It adopted an emergency preamble and passed to be enacted a sick leave bank for Anisee Contreras of the Trial Court, and it also passed a bill reauthorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional on-premises liquor licenses. The chamber ordered several other bills to third reading, including a Wellesley bill on police and fire residency limits and a House bill on Commonwealth bond terms, along with multiple calendar items that were advanced without debate. The Senate then considered and passed the bill increasing access to disposable menstrual products in prisons, homeless shelters, and public schools. Senators Comerford and O'Connor spoke in strong support, describing the measure as a continuation of prior Senate action and a response to period poverty, with O'Connor highlighting community efforts by Free Period and related funding support. The bill was amended, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. The Senate also passed a bill on menstrual product ingredient disclosure after adopting a Ways and Means amendment; Comerford said the measure would require manufacturers to disclose ingredients and chemicals, citing concerns about PFAS and other harmful substances. That bill also passed to be engrossed by roll call. The chamber next took up a major public safety bill strengthening the move-over law. Senator Tarr described the bill as expanding protections to utility workers and disabled vehicles and adding escalating penalties, while Senator Feeney emphasized the dangers faced by workers on roadways and the need to protect them. Several proposed amendments were considered: one on municipally owned utility vehicles was adopted, while amendments on interior lights during stops, higher penalties, non-surchargeability, green lights for municipal emergency management vehicles, and public access to driving records were rejected or withdrawn. The amended bill was then ordered to a third reading and passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call. The Senate also paused to honor the late Senator Edward J. Kennedy of Lowell, adopting a motion to adjourn in his memory after a tribute to his public service and community advocacy. Earlier, the chamber recognized a guest, Rocco LaGrasso, during Italian-American Heritage Month. The session ended with the Senate adjourning to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.