Transcript Highlights:

• to have the reply, which could be the end of that next 14 days.
• Next, we're going to go tab 14, CS for SB 1288. favorably.
• I have a 12- and 14-year-old child, and I absolutely advocate for my kids.
• Within the last six months, I have cared for a 14-year-old pregnant by another 14-year-old.
• Walton County did not have their ordinance in place until October of 2016.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:00.800> So,<00:14:00.959> we<00:14:01.120> wanted<00:14:01.279> to
• So, again,<00:14:06.560> you<00:14:06.800> see<00:14:06.880> those<00:14:07.120>
• > page<00:14:10.800> six<00:14:11.360> we<00:14:11.600> add<00:14:11.760>
• Again<00:14:17.839> it's<00:14:18.079> not<00:14:18.240> changing<00:14:18.639><
• <00:14:36.959> 14.

Bills: SF0021, SF0022, SF0054, SF0055

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Transcript Highlights:

• > currently<00:14:40.639> have<00:14:40.839> a<00:14:41.160> water<00:14:41.440
• :42.560> and<00:14:42.680> it<00:14:42.800> did<00:14:43.000> not<00:14:43.320
• guidelines<00:14:51.120> to<00:14:51.279> Magan<00:14:51.839> and<00:14:52.000>
• <01:14:34.960> just<01:14:35.239> the<01:14:35.520> residents<01:14:36.159><
• 14:50.280> up<01:14:50.520> with<01:14:50.880> um<01:14:51.440> Ryan<01:14

Bills: HF201, HF217, HF314, HF315, HF406, HF408, HF425, HF426, HF730, HF731, HF652, HF761, HF1079, HF928, HF1017, HF1056, HF1081

Keywords: HF201, Minnesota income tax, tax subtraction, tax deduction, volunteer firefighter, volunteer fire and rescue, emergency responder, ambulance service personnel, EMR, EMS, search and rescue, canine search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, paid-on-call, part-time volunteer, tax relief, state tax law, section 290.0132, drivers license, identification card

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:14:01.519> I<00:14:02.079> am<00:14:02.320> looking<00:14:02.560> at
• c><00:14:03.440> um<00:14:03.600> the<00:14:03.839> budget<00:14:04.240> pages
• double<00:14:25.199> what<00:14:25.519> you<00:14:25.760> had<00:14:26.079><
• Did we<00:14:29.680> apply<00:14:30.000> for<00:14:30.240> these<00:14:30.560>
• <00:14:55.199> So<00:14:55.279> it<00:14:55.519> was<00:14:55.600> an

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:14:23.199> recognize<00:14:23.680> the<00:14:23.920> author<00:14:24.240
• <00:14:29.920> Members,<00:14:30.320> this<00:14:30.560> amendment<00:14:31.040>
• <00:14:34.560> bringing<00:14:34.880> it<00:14:35.040> forward<00:14:35.519>
• 14:44.480> of<00:14:44.560> you,<00:14:44.720> the<00:14:44.880> A1, the
• the<00:14:48.720> greatest<00:14:49.199> change<00:14:49.440> is<00:14:49.760

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• All<00:14:08.560> right.
• <00:14:08.880> Thank<00:14:08.959> you<00:14:09.120> for<00:14:09.279> your
• <00:14:09.440> testimony.
• >> Is<00:14:12.000> there<00:14:12.240> any<00:14:12.399> further<00:14:12.880
• > public<00:14:13.839> testimony<00:14:14.560> on >> Is there any further

Bills: SF0018, SF0036, SF0047

Keywords: K-12 education, part-time attendance, public schools, student enrollment, education funding, scholarship, Hathaway, academic eligibility, financial aid, Hathaway scholarship, education, state funding, college access, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:11.279> next<00:14:11.519> is<00:14:11.759> PR<00:14:12.519> 4487
• > for<00:14:26.880> chfs<00:14:27.759> is<00:14:28.040> pr5<00:14:29.079>
• cents<00:14:37.959> annually<00:14:38.839> through<00:14:39.120> June<00:14:
• ><00:14:42.519> final<00:14:42.839> one<00:14:43.040> today<00:14:43.399> is<
• division<00:14:48.199> of<00:14:48.399> Probation<00:14:48.800> and<00:14:49.000

Keywords: 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:00 Election of Co-Chairs 03:38 Approval of Minutes 04:09 Information Items 05:55 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab 12:13 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab 17:48 Ky Infrastructure Authority 28:50 Economic Development - EDF Grants 32:50 Ofc of Financial Mgmt 36:30 SFCC Debt Issues 40:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first reorganized by electing new co-chairs for the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee: Senator Fanny Fromom? as Senate co-chair and Representative McPherson as House co-chair, both by acclamation. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting and received quarterly capital project status reports from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Finance and Administration Cabinet, and postsecondary institutions. Those reports noted University of Kentucky equipment purchases, several school districts planning general obligation and revenue bond issues, a notification of non-approval for PR 3567, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System asset preservation projects. Kevin Cardwell of the Finance and Administration Cabinet reported two action items: a $5,100 federal-funded Transportation Cabinet renovation of the Rowan County east and westbound rest areas, and a $1 million federal fund increase for the Capitol City Airport terminal building project, bringing the total federal support to $10 million and reducing the need for restricted funds. The committee also received a no-action report on a $1,363,000 Kentucky State University exterior repairs project funded through the 2024 asset preservation pool. Both action items were approved unanimously after roll call votes. The committee approved four lease renewals presented by Natalie Bronner for Cabinet for Health and Family Services locations in Bell, Lee, and Clay counties, plus a parking lease for the Department of Corrections in Jefferson County. Members asked about lease pricing and were told renewals must remain at existing terms and conditions. The committee then approved a $57,000 Kentucky WATS emergency grant for Wood Creek Water District to cover part of arrears tied to the City of Livingston; members discussed the city’s audit delinquency, possible regional water/sewer solutions, and concerns about rates and private involvement, but the grant was approved. Finally, the committee approved a $1 million line-item water grant to the City of Williamsburg with no action required, three Economic Development Fund grants for Bell, Franklin, and Shelby counties totaling $8 million in state support for site acquisition and infrastructure work, and five SFCC-supported school debt issues for Elizabethtown Independent, Erlanger Independent, Boyd County, Henderson County, and Union County. The school projects included middle school, high school, and vocational school renovations or new construction, and members requested a breakdown of the space funded by the debt. All action items were approved, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• currently, so that's a little bit down from the original information that we provided to you all back in October
• So, we have sat down and filled out All of the projects to make that building whole come to $14 million
• I came to work in October. She hired her in November.
• All I can tell you is from my experience, you know, I came From Leet to Abbel in October 2022, they had
• We're up over $200,000 a year, and it will go up again in October.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want us to be aware that we're driving towards October 27, October of 2027, but the thing that keeps
• say this to each other all the time, well, of course, we want to drive towards these realities of October
• If you recall, prior to the ACA, we were about a 14% uninsured rate, and today we're about 4.8%.
• There are some changes in October that will end coverage for our lawfully present non-citizens.

Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who introduced herself and described her background in public service, federal and state legislative work, and health and human services leadership. Members emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with her and noted her focus on protecting services, using strategic approaches in a tight budget environment, and improving partnerships with the Legislature. Ramirez said she wanted to keep communication open and that her priorities would be shaped by what she learns from lawmakers and agency partners. The next work session focused on the West Coast Health Alliance and the broader Governor’s Public Health Alliance. Department of Health and governor’s office staff said the West Coast alliance, involving Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, was formed to coordinate science-based public health guidance, especially around vaccines, return-to-work guidance, and responses to federal changes. They said the alliance is intended to reduce confusion, counter misinformation, and preserve access to evidence-based recommendations, with early actions including vaccine guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, a statement rejecting any vaccine-autism link, and preparation for possible ACIP changes. Members asked about workload and coordination with other regional alliances, and staff said there is informal coordination but no formal regular meetings. The committee then heard from the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange about open enrollment and the effects of federal policy changes. Exchange leaders said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, HR1 provisions, and immigration-related eligibility changes are affecting affordability and enrollment, with some customers facing large premium increases and some counties becoming harder to serve. They reported early open-enrollment traffic increases, nearly 10,000 new sign-ups, and nearly 12,000 active coverage drops so far, while noting that many more people may disenroll later if subsidies are not extended. They also described mitigation efforts such as silver loading, Cascade Care Savings, outreach through navigators and community partners, and planning for future HR1 requirements like ending auto-renewal and adding verification steps. In the final work session, staff from the Health Care Authority and Insurance Commissioner’s office reviewed Washington’s health reform history and the state’s current affordability and access efforts. They highlighted past ACA-related coverage gains, continued work on prescription drug affordability, PBM oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, and a pending legislative proposal to preserve access to preventive services. They also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and the exchange, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, and the need to coordinate across agencies to implement new rules. Members raised concerns about network adequacy, provider access, and the complexity of the health care system, while staff said they are trying to mitigate harm, simplify administration, and keep coverage and access as stable as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• > tuition<04:14:02.720> if<04:14:02.880> they<04:14:03.040> wanted<04:14:
• we<04:14:09.479> would<04:14:09.760> number<04:14:10.040> one<04:14:10.319>
• 12.000> number<04:14:12.279> two<04:14:12.520> be<04:14:12.680> con<04:14
• :14:19.080> is<04:14:19.239> checking<04:14:19.600> in<04:14:19.720> the
• > is<04:14:20.720> as<04:14:20.840> you've<04:14:21.080> notice<04:14:21.479

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• and<01:14:40.880> and<01:14:41.120> this<01:14:41.360> would<01:14:41.520><
• State workers who<01:14:44.719> are<01:14:44.800> doing<01:14:44.960> this<01:14
• that<01:14:46.560> the<01:14:46.719> guidance<01:14:47.040> they<01:14:47.280
• longer<01:14:54.800> up<01:14:54.960> to<01:14:55.120> date<01:14:55.760> and
• <01:14:56.000> then<01:14:56.320> mostly<01:14:56.960> on<01:14:57.199> the

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kirkpatrick, affectionately known as K., was born in Jennings, Louisiana, on July 14, 1946, to her parents
• July 14, 1946, to her parents Claude and Edith Kirkpatrick.
• built with her beloved husband, Tom Bidick, whom she met at a Christmas party in 1990 and married on October
• Members, this provision was only applicable to municipalities incorporated after October 1, 2019.

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, HB75, HB1222, SB121, SB312, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HCR32, HB944, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB410, HB750, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784, HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• We have shifted from Quarter 3, or at the very beginning of Quarter 4, so October through December.
• Moving through, finally, to page 14, this is our strategic plan.
• I see 14 of the standards-based projects are in the top 50.
• She starts on October 14th next week. We have a new deputy director of capital operations, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:01.720> who<00:14:01.839> shouldn't<00:14:02.160> have<00:14:02.279> it
• <00:14:27.639> 29<00:14:28.120> guns<00:14:29.199> and<00:14:29.399> the<
• > the<00:14:35.600> ATF<00:14:36.040> asked<00:14:36.240> me<00:14:36.360
• :14:38.000> permit<00:14:38.320> to<00:14:38.480> carry<00:14:38.759> from
• your agency<00:14:39.600> and<00:14:39.759> I<00:14:40.120> pulled<00:14:40.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And just a reminder that the agency's other divisions and P codes were covered in October and November
• On slide 14, just a reminder that the Health Care Authority optimizes federal funds for New Mexico's
• Chairman and Madam Secretary, page 14, when we talk about guardianship services midway down...
• We had a status conference held on October 7th and another status conference held on December 1st.
• I mean, I guess it was consensual because they're over 14—that we now have a pregnant young lady?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that from my perspective, as in my experience, as a 14-year veteran of the Hillsborough County
• had this conversation yesterday, I remember going in my district and seeing a program they had in October
• had this conversation yesterday, I remember going in my district and seeing a program they had in October

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. CS/HB 1145 on workforce education clarified that public charter schools may receive CAP grant funds, expanded the number of college system money-back programs from three to six, and standardized eligibility rules while allowing institutions some flexibility. Supporters said it would help students access career training without adding new funding in the bill. The committee also heard CS/HB 1079, which expands dropout retrieval program eligibility to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and is not engaged in education, while resolving statutory conflicts about program structure; some members raised concerns about FERPA, student privacy, and third-party funding, but the bill was reported favorably despite one no vote from Rep. Valdes. The committee then considered HB 251, which would designate January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a response to rising antisemitism and emphasized education, remembrance, and opposition to hate. Testimony came from a Miami-Dade school board member, a student, and other supporters, and members spoke strongly in favor of the measure. The bill was reported favorably with no opposition. Finally, the committee heard CS/HB 261 on middle and high school start times. The bill revises the earlier mandated later-start-time law by allowing districts to comply through a report to DOE detailing start times, planning efforts, public input, and impacts, rather than requiring immediate uniform implementation. Supporters from small school districts, Miami-Dade, PTA, and other organizations said the change preserves the health goal while giving districts flexibility to address transportation, dual enrollment, athletics, and staffing constraints. Members debated the need for parental involvement and detailed reporting, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:09.519> top<00:14:09.680> of<00:14:09.760> the<00:14:10.000> debt<
• <00:14:10.880> debt<00:14:11.600> quicker<00:14:12.000> than<00:14:12.160> we
• >> First<00:14:17.199> tolling<00:14:17.600> is<00:14:17.839> going<00:14:
• <00:14:22.560> I<00:14:22.720> think<00:14:22.880> tolling<00:14:23.279>
• 00:14:25.199> little<00:14:25.360> more<00:14:25.519> than<00:14:25.760> $300

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its June 3 meeting and received an opening update on transportation revenues. Leadership noted that the gas tax formula dropped 4.1 cents on July 1, reducing road fund revenue by about $125 million, and warned that city, county, rural, and secondary road funding will be affected. The chair said the committee would likely have to be selective about transportation project requests given the reduced revenue outlook. The main presentation was an update on the I-69 bridge project. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the project is the missing link in the Henderson-Evansville corridor and is being delivered in three sections, with Kentucky leading section two. They said section two is a $933 million project, with Kentucky’s share described as $58 million and the balance Indiana’s, and that toll revenue will be used to finance the project through a TIFIA loan and Garvey bonds. Officials said Kentucky and Indiana have executed an agreement under House Bill 546 to use tolls, are working on a broader bi-state development agreement, and will ask the General Assembly next session to carry forward $150 million in general funds without conditions and to ratify the agreement. Members asked about the timeline, toll sharing, whether tolls would sunset, and whether US 41 bridges would remain open for local traffic; officials said construction is planned for 2027, tolling would begin in 2031, toll revenue would be shared 50/50, and at least one US 41 bridge would remain open for local use. The committee then heard a combined update from the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing on implementation of several recent changes. Officials reported that the new registration category for special-purpose vehicles is fully operational statewide, with all counties enrolled and 292 vehicles processed so far; they also said counties received at least five plates each and that the program is permissive, not mandatory. They described implementation of Senate Bill 43’s medical review board reforms and third-party driver’s license issuance framework, saying the medical review process has been updated and that third-party partners may eventually handle easier transactions such as renewals, name changes, and address changes, while initial issuances would remain at KYTC regional offices. They also reported that the sheriff’s inspection process has been integrated into CAVIS, reducing paperwork and fraud and improving tracking. Members asked about communication to counties and cities with differing local rules, the number of counties participating, and how to coordinate multiple policy changes; officials said all counties are enrolled, though not all have submitted applications, and that they are still finalizing the scope of third-party services.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:17.120> the<01:14:17.360> bill<01:14:18.080> or<01:14:18.400> how<
• districts<01:14:31.040> have<01:14:31.360> this<01:14:31.600> this<01:14:32.000
• and ability,<01:14:32.800> but<01:14:33.120> not<01:14:33.360> not<01:14:33.760
• 01:14:36.560> if<01:14:36.719> you<01:14:36.880> if<01:14:37.199> you<01:
• :14:40.800> I<01:14:41.199> it's<01:14:41.800> possible,<01:14:42.800> but

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• works<00:14:19.320> for<00:14:19.519> all<00:14:19.680> those<00:14:19.839
• policy thank you<00:14:33.120> thank<00:14:33.320> you<00:14:33.920> and<00:14:
• > room<00:14:36.040> and<00:14:36.160> see<00:14:36.279> if<00:14:36.399>
• <00:14:44.399> right<00:14:44.600> seeing<00:14:45.079> none<00:14:45.399>
• :48.639> I<00:14:48.800> have<00:14:48.959> one<00:14:49.240> to<00:14:49.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:14:17.640> do<00:14:17.760> not<00:14:17.920> believe<00:14:18.200> we
• I<00:14:20.160> would<00:14:20.280> also<00:14:20.560> like<00:14:20.760> to<
• One<00:14:34.760> child<00:14:35.080> losing<00:14:35.320> vision<00:14:35.880><
• <00:14:37.800> But<00:14:37.920> ultimately,<00:14:38.480> we<00:14:38.600><
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Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.