Transcript Highlights:

• That allows us to get those off of a storefront lease that we've had for several years.
• We bring them back onto state property, get out from under the lease.
• Additionally, a small solar array would help offset energy expenses and could be situated on the center's

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, House Bill 943 is an act relating to municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays
• H. 943, an act relating to municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays.
• And finally, House Bill 943 is an act relating to municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays
• H. 943, an act relating to municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays.
• </c> ground-mounted solar arrays. ground-mounted solar arrays.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• her after I heard of her passing, and I was particularly keen and interested that she was really a solar
• requires a small land subdivider, before offering land within a small land subdivision for sale or lease
• subjects a small land subdivider to a $5,000 civil penalty for each infraction relating to selling or leasing
• Anyway, I just wanted to make sure that if the equipment wasn't owned by the government but was being leased

Bills: HB2015 , HB2060 , HB2062 , HB2100 , HB2118 , HB2165 , HB2258 , HB2327 , HB2397 , HB2445 , HB2460 , HB2641 , HB2745 , HB2876 , HB2917 , HB4011 , HB4049 , HB4056 , HB4087 , HCR2013 , HCR2016 , HCR2040 , HCR2044 , HCR2048 , HCR2056

Committee: Senate Government

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, Buffalo Soldiers, monument, commemoration, Arizona, public funding, Wesley Bolin Plaza, military history, historical memorial, small land subdivision, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• Solar lets us get ahead of the problem instead of constantly chasing it.
• I'm not convinced that it's just solar.
• Even if you go to alternative sources, and even if you do solar, you've got to conduct it, you know,
• Solar streetlights are expensive.
• Unfortunately, there's not enough money to replace every copper wire with solar.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The energy density of nuclear is superior to solar and wind.
• one<00:15:22.079><c> would</c><00:15:22.320><c> think</c><00:15:22.480><c> that</c><00:15:23.760><c> solar
• ,</c><00:15:24.240><c> wind,</c> one would think that solar, wind, one would think that solar, wind,
• </c><00:40:52.320><c> Would</c><00:40:52.560><c> not</c> directly uh solar wind. Okay.
• Would not directly uh solar wind. Okay.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• measures to protect residents of New Hampshire from catastrophic electric failure caused by these solar
• Solar flares or geomagnetic storms and high-altitude electromagnetic pulses, which would come from a
• measures to protect residents of New Hampshire from catastrophic electric failure caused by these solar
• measures to protect residents of New Hampshire from catastrophic electric failure caused by these solar
• measures to protect residents of New Hampshire from catastrophic electric failure caused by these solar

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sunbear solar project.
• Sunbear<02:12:03.920><c> solar</c><02:12:04.480><c> project.</c> Sunbear solar project.
• Sunbear solar project.
• </c><02:12:28.639><c> The</c> state and the Sunbear solar project.
• The state and the Sunbear solar project.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly, it minimizes the depletion of our aquifers, and we are working with a solar thermal operational
• solar thermal desalination plant in Loving, and this provides a training opportunity as we develop the
• Secondly, it minimizes the depletion of our aquifers, and we are working with a solar thermal operational
• solar thermal desalinization plant in Loving, and this provides a training opportunity as we develop
• We have solar technologies.

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bill 207, as amended, which would direct the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt rules for permits allowing certain beneficial uses of treated produced water, including industrial, commercial, energy-related, infrastructure, pilot project, and other approved uses. Representative Brown presented the bill as a science-driven response to New Mexico’s water scarcity, citing the state’s 50-year water plan and research from the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the rules to be informed by credible scientific data and other evidence, including consortium research, before moving to public comment. Supporters argued the bill would create a regulated framework for reuse of treated produced water, preserve scarce freshwater, and support economic development, construction, and energy-related uses. Testimony in favor came from the bill sponsor, the consortium’s Dr. Zach Stoll, the chair of the Water Quality Control Commission, business and industry representatives, local economic development officials, and some residents. They emphasized recent peer-reviewed studies, pilot projects, and the need for the commission to act on updated science. State agencies, including the Environment Department, said the amended bill addressed some of their concerns and kept the focus on science-based rulemaking. Opponents said the bill would override the Water Quality Control Commission’s prior findings and force approval of uses that remain scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Many speakers from environmental groups, acequia and agricultural organizations, faith groups, and local residents warned about unknown contaminants, risks to groundwater, crops, roads, and human health, and the possibility of spills or long-term environmental damage. Several argued the bill would politicize a technical process and create liability or cleanup burdens for the public. No vote on final passage was taken in the portion provided; the committee recessed briefly after public comment and then returned to sponsor remarks and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Farmers are looking at solar panels because that is a solid income, and we would like for them to plant
• We haven't really talked much about solar farms...
• We haven't really talked much about solar farms and whatnot, but just remember, every corn and soybean
• and grass field is basically a solar collector.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Looks like you need solar panels. Can we talk about solar panels? You might need a generator.
• Looks like you need solar panels. Can we talk about solar panels? You might need a generator.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of land use, public records, infrastructure, and local-government bills. The most debated measures were CS for CS for HB 399 and CS for HB 979, both sponsored by Rep. Borrero, which sought to streamline development approvals and reduce local-government barriers. HB 399 would require simple-majority approval for certain land development applications, mandate local definitions of compatibility, and add provisions affecting destination resorts, manufactured housing, historic properties, and a study of urban development boundaries. HB 979 would allow administrative rezoning of environmentally damaged five-acre-or-larger parcels in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties for residential use if adjacent to neighborhoods. Supporters argued both bills would increase housing supply, encourage cleanup of contaminated land, and lower costs; opponents argued they preempt local decision-making, weaken voter-approved growth controls, and do not guarantee affordability. Both bills were amended and then reported favorably, with HB 399 passing 16-10 and HB 979 passing after debate. The committee also approved CS for HB 437, a public records bill by Rep. Andrade, on a 25-0 vote. The bill requires agencies to respond to public records requests within three days by producing the records, citing why they cannot, or giving a good-faith estimate of time and cost; it also limits agencies from later relying on exemptions not previously raised. Proponents said the measure addresses long delays and nonresponses by agencies, while school district representatives warned the timeline could be difficult for large, complex requests. The committee adopted the bill and sent it favorably. Several local and special district bills were also approved. CS for CS for HB 1103 would help local governments coordinate with FWC on derelict vessels and anchoring issues and passed unanimously. CS for HB 1245, dealing with biosolids regulation, also passed unanimously. CS for HB 4081 to expand the East Point Water and Sewer District passed 25-0. CS for HB 4103, creating a state special district for the Apalachicola water and sewer system, passed 25-1 after testimony from city officials who argued the city had improved its water system and should retain a role. CS for HB 4105, expanding the Port St. Joe Port Authority into a multi-county regional board, passed 23-3 despite opposition from residents concerned about infrastructure, environmental impacts, and local control. The committee also began consideration of PCS for CS for HB 433, an agriculture-related bill with changes to surplus lands and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are being trained to install solar arrays, power smart buildings, and work on a complex electrical
• We are being trained to install solar arrays, power smart buildings.
• We are being trained to install solar arrays, power smart buildings, and work on a complex electrical

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be basically the power for the green energy coming from solar energy and then their hydrogen
• they had total community support, for a family of four is about $65 to $75 a month for energy from solar-based
• changes in this legislation that would impact any projects, particularly in clean energy, geothermal, solar

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 382 relates to a smart solar permitting platform established for residential solar energy

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 3, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As technology has moved forward, we have heat pump power and all different types of solar to be able
• which provides meaningful guardrails and also prohibits Including golf courses, data centers, and solar

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 3568 by Harris Davila relating to the interconnection of wind or solar power facilities that use critical
• Abatement Act to be exempt from adviarium taxation of a portion of the value of the property on which a solar

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> eliminate low moderate income solar eliminate low moderate income solar projects projects projects
• It does not have to necessarily be funded toward wind or solar, but as you said, if wind or solar becomes
• It does not have to necessarily be funded toward wind or solar, but as you said, if wind or solar becomes
• It does not have to necessarily be funded toward wind or solar, but as you said, if wind or solar becomes
• It does not have to necessarily be funded toward wind or solar, but as you said, if wind or solar becomes

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Council District 1, millions of dollars are barely going into putting these solar lights.
• If I can just add, the city of Richmond is also installing solar lights, but they're very, very costly
• So while it's the solar, I love it, and it's a great step, it also doesn't fix when they cut the lines
• We don't have solar for that. It doesn't fix when the red lights go out.
• We don't have solar for that just yet.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Neither is solar. It's not enough. We have got to do something to help people.
• Neither is solar. It's not enough. We have got to do something to help people.
• Neither is solar. solar. solar. It's<00:52:13.280><c> not</c><00:52:13.760><c> enough.
• Two Boots Farm, Carroll County, thousands of dollars pulled from their solar project.
• Ten thousand households were pulled for community solar by this administration.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 6, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, as Senator Farnsworth has brought up, we have windmills, we have solar gardens everywhere where
• Now solar fields and then we have these monstrosities of power line structures that are bringing the
• Thank you. windmills we have solar Gardens windmills we have solar Gardens everywhere<02:01:17.480><c
• fields and then we have these now solar fields and then we have these monstrosity<02:01:30.560><c> of
• </c> testimony that that have opposed solar testimony that that have opposed solar uh<02:03:34.880><c

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• make more efficient use of the electric grid and particularly intermittent resources like wind and solar
• I'm the Midwest Regional Director at Vote Solar, an organization advocating for equitable solar as part
• Regional<00:56:25.079><c> director</c><00:56:25.400><c> at</c><00:56:25.559><c> vote</c><00:56:25.839><c> solar
• </c><00:56:26.599><c> an</c> Regional director at vote solar an Regional director at vote solar an organization
• 28.160><c> Equitable</c> organization advocating for Equitable organization advocating for Equitable solar

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all