Transcript Highlights:

• This just defines insurance premium taxes and municipal license tax imposed on insurers based on premiums
• prohibits the city of Baton Rouge or East Baton Rouge Parish from levying or collecting insurance premium
• And despite these low payouts, these high premiums and these low payouts, the doctors are key...
• They're high premiums, low payouts. This is a summary of what we're dealing with.
• How would that impact premiums for the physicians? Well, I think you're going to cut down on cost.

Bills: SR116, SR117, SR118, SR119, SCR68, SCR69, SCR12, HB682, HB766, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB824, HB926, HB1186, HB1201, HB1223, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1258, HB221, HCR53, HCR62, HCR72, HCR58, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1194, HB1198, HB1246, HB1250, SB29, SB30, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB43, SB47, SB84, SB93, SB113, SB192, SB199, SB219, SB220, SB221, SB222, SB241, SB253, SB255, SB289, SB292, SB306, SB314, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB14, SB102, SB133, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB200, SB217, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB330, SB449, SB489, SB521, SB424, SCR9, SB25, SB250, SB348, SB405, SB444, SB485, SB35, SB65, SB132, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR26, HCR45, HCR61, HCR77, HCR31, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1239, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB210, HB220, HB228, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB750, HB813, HB815, HB826, HB870, HB949, HB953, HB1045, HB1092, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1177, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB36, HB73, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB166, HB211, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB354, HB399, HB677, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB728, HB759, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, HB1036, SB149, SB382, SB441, HB258, HB842

Keywords: SR116, Senate Resolution 116, Louisiana Senate, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, Tyler Marie Grezaffi, law enforcement, corrections officer, deputy sheriff, master sergeant, investigator, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Pointe Coupee Parish, Iberville Parish, public service, bereavement, sympathy, SR117, Senate Resolution 117

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long calendar of House and Senate measures. Early business included adoption of a large batch of Bureau reports and numerous committee reports, along with several personal privilege recognitions for guests and observances, including Aviation Day at the Capitol, Safe Boating Week, and recognition of a student’s educational achievements. The chamber also received messages from the House on several Senate concurrent resolutions and conference committee reports, including House Bill 842, the omnibus election bill, which was taken up and adopted after discussion of changes to Louisiana election procedures, congressional primary timing, ballot order, and related qualifying and public-records provisions. The Senate also adopted or concurred in several resolutions, including measures on community action, early education, condolences, and a blockchain and digital innovation task force. A major portion of the meeting focused on floor debate and final passage of several bills. Senate Bill 250, dealing with comprehensive weight management services through the Office of Group Benefits, was amended to remove GLP-1 and compounded-therapy provisions and then passed. Senate Bill 348 authorizing local law enforcement to contract for administrative and logistical support for motor vehicle regulatory enforcement passed, as did Senate Bill 405 creating a statewide quality oversight initiative for nursing facilities. Senate Bill 444 and Senate Bill 485, both relating to the new city of St. George’s expropriation and taxing authority, passed after amendments and questions about their local impact. Senate Bill 25, on compensation for registrars of voters and staff, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 132, requiring exterior master key boxes and school mapping integration for public schools, passed as a school safety measure. The Senate then considered a series of House bills, many of them local or regulatory in nature. These included HB 649 on dual enrollment, HB 665 on hoop nets in North Pass and Manchac Pass, HB 681 on the Lakeview Crime Prevention District, HB 721 on night shrimping in parts of Vermilion Bay, HB 746 on statewide oversized vehicle permits, HB 781 on fleet vehicle registration, HB 835 on charter guide wildlife management area access permits, HB 857 on commingled seafood labeling, HB 872 and HB 886 on menhaden fishing radios and harvest reporting, HB 889 on bulk oyster tagging, HB 892 creating the West End Economic Development District, HB 982 naming memorial highways, HB 987 consolidating LSU energy-related programs, HB 1037 and HB 1072 on DOTD operational reforms, HB 1068 on garbage collection contracting authority, HB 1078 on tuition and fees for distance education, HB 1085 repealing private vehicle inspection sticker requirements, HB 1132 on lab school funding under the University of Louisiana system, HB 1137 limiting adverse employment action against state employees over pronoun use, HB 1167 naming memorial roadways, and HB 1174 recreating DOTD through 2031. Most of these measures passed, often after brief debate and occasional amendments; HB 1085 drew opposition over the loss of inspection-related jobs and concerns about unsafe vehicles, but it still passed. One notable bill, Senate Bill 500 on medical malpractice and the Patient Compensation Fund, was not brought to a vote; after extensive debate about the medical review panel system, claims costs, and proposed certificate-of-merit changes, the author said he would turn it into a study resolution instead.

Transcript Highlights:

• They sometimes have low or no premiums.
• They sometimes have low or no<00:10:23.800> premiums.
• <00:10:24.800> They<00:10:25.120> sometimes<00:10:25.680> offer no premiums.
• They sometimes offer no premiums.
• The insurance companies justify being able to deny this coverage by claiming that premiums will skyrocket

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought our insurance premiums were going to go down."
• So if I have a $100 loss today and I have 100 premium owners or payers, They're going to put a dollar
• witnesses, is the myth that lawsuits and runaway juries are the cause of skyrocketing insurance premiums
• Everybody in this room is dealing with rising insurance premiums. It has nothing to do with law.
• So the insurance companies are making massive profits, but insurance premiums are not going down.

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722, SB 39

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Transcript Highlights:

• that, if that went away, not to say it would, but if it did, what would be the difference then in premiums
• difference it did, um what would be the difference then<00:57:20.160> in<00:57:20.400> premiums
• c> they<00:57:21.119> would<00:57:21.280> pay<00:57:21.839> and then in premiums
• that they would pay and then in premiums that they would pay and also<00:57:22.480> coverages
• You have paid your Social Security premiums.

Bills: HR1

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Originally, the way that premiums are calculated was via the 2023 law, had a formula in it.
• Originally, the way that premiums are calculated was via the 2023 law, had a formula in it.
• updated originally the way that premiums updated originally the way that premiums are<00:37:23.480
• for the purposes of of setting premium for the purposes of of setting premium so<00:37:35.839>
• necessary to make place the premiums necessary to make sure<00:59:33.359> the<00:59:33.559>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• issued $300 million in. revenue bonds, meaning that, of course, that the revenue from the insurance premium
• Efficiently because our premiums that we charge are the same as other companies.
• We don't charge higher premium We're competitive on the raw premium and then in addition to that we provide

Bills: HB406

Keywords: local economic development, notification, workforce development, municipal agreements, county contracts, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you please decide that you're going to care for the individuals who've been paying premiums in
• :13:37.800> who've<00:13:38.000> been<00:13:38.120> paying<00:13:38.440> premiums
• individuals who've been paying premiums individuals who've been paying premiums in<00:13:39.480>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > use<00:18:06.720> of stability, and responsible use of stability, and responsible use
• stability, our family safety.<01:23:33.199> Um safety.
• , and the fiscal stability of small towns.
• , and the fiscal stability of small towns.
• increasing, so too will the um premium increasing, so too will the um premium amounts.<04:15:43.359

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• also codifies a list of enhanced covered services, including the reimbursement of health insurance premiums
• The Florida domestic insurers must report at least 6.5 percent of the bond amount as premium, even though
• They can report lower premiums, pay less in taxes, show stronger financials, and offer rates under 6.5

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. HB 1311, relating to legal tender, ratified DFS/OFR rules to implement last year’s gold-and-silver legal tender law, repealed a prior repeal provision, and clarified the definition of custodian for electronically transferable gold and silver. The sponsor said the bill was a technical follow-up to ensure the law could take effect; members asked about the need for the bill, consumer awareness, and banking industry input. A technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1343 would create an optional high school elective on property and casualty insurance that could satisfy pre-licensure education for a 440 insurance license after graduation. The sponsor said it would help students enter the insurance workforce or gain consumer literacy. An amendment directing DOE and DFS to develop the curriculum was adopted. Testimony from insurance groups and others supported the bill, and members spoke in favor of the workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 1291 addressed the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), aiming to strengthen its long-term solvency by creating clearer triggers for funding remedies and expanding covered services. Public testimony focused heavily on families affected by birth injuries, with a parent and NICA board member describing the lifelong care needs of medically fragile children and the importance of stable funding. Members expressed sympathy and support, and the sponsor said the bill increases access to reserve funds, authorizes casualty insurer assessments, and preserves benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 271 would cap bail bond rates at 6.5 percent for foreign and alien bail bond insurers as well as domestic insurers, to create a more even competitive and tax treatment across carriers. The sponsor explained that out-of-state corporations had an advantage under current reporting and premium rules. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• economics in our contracts related to a prescription. and our contracts related to a prescribed fire premium
• , wildfire rest and recreation premium, and paid wildfire disaster leave premium.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met for work sessions on supplemental bargaining for Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) agreements in general government and higher education, followed by an overview of the collective bargaining process. OFM staff explained that bargaining for the 2025-27 biennium began in 2024, reached tentative agreements, was not ratified in time for the October 1 deadline, resumed, and ultimately produced ratified agreements in August 2025 that were submitted for financial feasibility review under RCW 41.80.010. Staff outlined the tentative agreements’ costs and covered employee counts, including roughly 2,500 FTEs in general government and 2,100 in higher education, with estimated 2025-27 total fund costs of about $22.25 million and $13.5 million respectively. Staff then gave a broader briefing on how state collective bargaining works, including the bargaining calendar, the role of class and compensation review, the June revenue forecast, interest arbitration, and the October 1 submission deadline. They described the groups OFM bargains for, including general government, higher education, health care coalitions, and certain non-state provider groups such as adult family home providers, child care providers, and language access providers. In response to a question from Senator King, staff said the legislature requires bargaining for those non-state provider groups and has also provided interest arbitration for them. Staff also discussed bargaining priorities such as general wage increases, targeted classification adjustments, recruitment and retention, low-wage worker increases, and maintaining the health care premium split. In executive session, the committee voted to keep the current co-chairs, Senator Robinson and Representative Couture, through 2026. Members also voted to recognize that the committee met twice in 2025 and to set the 2026 meeting schedule at two meetings. The motions passed without opposition, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Department of Insurance, or Division of Insurance, needing to look at premiums within these
• of Insurance needing to look at premiums of Insurance needing to look at premiums uh<03:27:48.560
• The premium wraps, the support for folks buying health care on the exchange has gone away.
• We can't keep putting more fees on insurance premiums and thinking those aren't getting passed on to
• Not just additional premiums.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That assessment is done by, uh, goes out to each company based on the per capita written premium that
• being taxed at 1.25% and certain premium being taxed at 1.25% and some<02:43:57.040> at some
• isn’t applied to them because there’s no premium.
• your insurance premium tax revenues? your insurance premium tax revenues?
• there's no premium. It's kind of unique. there's no premium. It's kind of unique.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Do you think that the medical insurance premium might be a barrier?
• Like, what is the premium now for an employee?
• I think we're paying about 95% of that premium. So I believe it's very affordable if you're single.
• This change<01:44:00.800> will<01:44:01.040> ensure<01:44:01.440> stability<01:44
• :02.000> and change will ensure stability and change will ensure stability and critical<01:44:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota always used to be able to claim a premium for living in the state.
• in per capita GDP over the premium in per capita GDP over the United<00:43:09.680> States<00:
• for living in the state um GDP premium for living in the state um GDP per<00:43:20.240> capita
• So that premium in 2023 was down to just $435 per Minnesotan.
• If you look at the quarterly data, that premium disappeared completely in 2024.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee began with member and staff introductions, including several new members and committee staff. Representative Zach Stevenson, the DFL lead, objected to the day’s presentation, saying he was disappointed the committee was starting with a group he viewed as aligned with Republicans rather than a nonpartisan budget presentation. The chair responded that the committee had a bipartisan agreement and that hearing a different perspective was appropriate. The committee then proceeded to a presentation from economists with the Center of the American Experiment, with questions held until the end. The presentation focused on Minnesota’s budget outlook, arguing that the state faces a structural imbalance and a projected $5.14 billion deficit in the 2028-29 biennium. The presenters said spending has outpaced revenues, highlighted a large increase in general fund spending since 2023, and argued that inflation-adjusted per-capita spending remains above pre-2024 levels through the forecast period. They said the biggest growth areas are E-12 education and especially Health and Human Services, with HHS projected to become the largest budget category and much of its growth tied to Medicaid and long-term care waivers. The presenters also argued Minnesota spends more than most states on welfare and Medicaid, citing comparisons showing the state near the top nationally in spending per person in poverty and in several Medicaid categories. They said some of the HHS growth reflects policy changes from the 2023 session, while other pressures come from enrollment growth, health care prices, federal debt, and an aging population. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• suddenly incurring these premiums. suddenly incurring these premiums.
• This year the company will pay about $300 in premiums for me.
• Um, Minnesota has a small employer premium rate that is a reduced premium rate.
• There may be differences in premium rates for small employers as there is here in Minnesota.
• Um, Minnesota has a small employer premium rate that is a reduced premium rate.

Bills: HF4110, HF2113, HF4569, HF4414

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, paid leave, small employers, employment law, Minnesota Statutes, workforce development, HF4569, Minnesota Paid Leave Law, protected leave, seasonal employee, seasonal worker, hospitality, hospitality industry, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer certification

Transcript Highlights:

• be reflected in premium payments by insureds. insureds. insureds.
• five largest companies, and 86% of the premium by the 10 largest companies.
• <00:39:34.480> beyond skyrocketing insurance premiums beyond skyrocketing insurance premiums
• I'd like for them to be able to collect all the benefits that they pay premiums for. Okay.
• I'd like for them to be able to collect all the benefits that they pay premiums for. Okay.

Bills: SB2960, SB2347, SB2272, SB3137, SB3132, SB2271, SB2804, SB2175, SB2487

Keywords: homeowners insurance, disaster recovery, replacement cost value, state of emergency, policyholder rights, insurance extensions, tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, SB2272, Act 105, home health licensing, home health agency, home health services, Department of Health, DOH, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions and one bill focused on energy reliability, utility infrastructure, insurance, tenant rights, and home health licensing. On the energy side, members heard HCR 203/HR 193 on a status update for the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, HCR 204/HR 194 on a comprehensive PUC analysis of cost reduction and risk, and HCR 202/HR 192 creating a legislative task force on future energy pathways. Testimony on the energy measures was generally supportive from the PUC, DCCA’s Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with OHA urging that equity, native Hawaiian impacts, and public trust resources be considered alongside cost savings. The committee also heard HCR 125/HR 117 on coordinating with utilities to address aging utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors; Hawaiian Electric supported the measure, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum said much of the work is already underway and questioned whether the resolution was necessary, and committee questioning focused on existing double-pole tracking and the role of DOT and the PUC. The committee then took up HCR 137/HR 129 on timely reimbursement of health care claims under the clean claims statute. The DCCA Insurance Division and the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the measure as drafted, saying it could be read to require payment beyond policy limits and could raise premiums or reduce market participation. United Policyholders supported the measure, arguing it would simply give policyholders more time to collect benefits they already purchased, and clarified that it was not intended to increase coverage beyond policy limits. The committee later amended the resolution to direct the DCCA Insurance Division to prioritize investigation and enforcement of clean claims complaints. In the decision meeting, the committee recommended and adopted passage of HCR 203/HR 193 as is, HCR 204/HR 194 with an amendment removing the eighth whereas clause, HCR 202/HR 192 with an amendment adding a committee representative to the task force, HCR 125/HR 117 as is, and HCR 137/HR 129 with amendments. The committee also heard SB 2960 SC1 on property insurance, which would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to document replacement-cost claims. The Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurers Council opposed it, warning it could force coverage beyond policy limits and increase premiums, while United Policyholders supported it and said it would help disaster survivors recover benefits they already paid for; members questioned whether similar laws in other states had caused premium spikes and clarified that the bill was not intended to exceed policy limits. The committee also heard SB 2347 SD1 on multilingual tenant-rights notices, with OHA, Hawaii Appleseed, and others supporting the bill but urging restoration of language requiring landlords to directly provide the notice at lease signing. Finally, SB 2272 SD1 HD1 on home health licensing drew support from the Department of Health, SHPDA, and the Health Care Association of Hawaii, with the association requesting an effective date amendment; testimony explained that the bill would allow state licensing compliance to be demonstrated through CMS-approved accreditation or certification surveys, potentially reducing duplication and freeing state resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:53.200> Lake<00:33:53.519> View<00:33:53.960> campsites designs premium
• Lake View campsites designs premium Lake View campsites camper<00:33:55.399> cabin<00:33:55.919
• Lake State Resort Park that include major renovations to existing campground sites, as well as new premium
• 08.160> View<00:35:08.440> sites<00:35:08.839> with<00:35:09.040> full premium
• Lake View sites with full premium Lake View sites with full service<00:35:10.079> connections

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:14 Approval of Minutes 01:40 Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 27:44 Department of Parks 59:23 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are for—they bring in premium revenue, which can change from their forecast on how many people
• are going to be paying the premiums.
• Many people are going to be paying the premiums.
• State health benefits, just like retiree and NIMASIA, if the premiums come in higher and the costs are
• If the premiums come in higher and the costs are higher, they can adjust their budget accordingly.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The request included almost $225,000 or 8.5% to increase personnel to fund the health insurance premiums
• Moreover, the healthcare premium changes, the longevity pay, we're an organization of mostly attorneys
• requested a general fund increase of $19,000, or 5%, primarily for increased property insurance premiums
• for expanding contracts and for small personnel increases to the agencies, likely related to health premium
• They asked for an $18,000 increase, primarily related to, again, the health insurance premium increases

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where I'm selling it all at, and I'm getting a premium for selling it to them because they have
• have business locate to Kentucky that have to have these products so that they're paying for it in a premium
• they're paying for it products so that they're paying for it in<00:10:33.440> a<00:10:33.600> premium
• to<00:10:34.360> increase<00:10:34.720> the<00:10:34.839> basis in a premium
• way to increase the basis in a premium way to increase the basis points<00:10:35.399> on<00:10

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.