Transcript Highlights:

• formula find extraordinary needs Grant formula find extraordinary needs Grant which<03:19:10.279
• Grant free introduced price lunch Grant Grant free introduced price lunch Grant I<03:22:48.960><
• Fiscal capacity disparity grant would basically start with a grant that would go to cities and towns
• speak to the extraordinary needs Grant speak to the extraordinary needs Grant oh<03:34:16.199>
• highest point be go the highest Grant highest point be go the highest Grant amount<03:34:45.880>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to review a large package of bills, with the first four—HB 717, 742, 773, and 603—focused on special education aid, formerly called catastrophic aid. Chair Ladin explained that the committee needed to move a special education bill forward by March 4 and was trying to determine which bill would serve as the vehicle. He described the current formula and the difficulty of estimating the fiscal impact of lowering the threshold from 3.5 times the statewide average cost per pupil to a lower level, noting that DOE did not have reliable data on how many students would fall into the lower-cost bands. The committee also noted that several other bills in the package addressed SWEP and adequacy issues, and that HB 510 dealt with due process rather than funding. Mark Mello of the Bureau of School Finance testified that the department only has reliable data for special education expenditures above $70,000 per student, since claims are submitted for reimbursement at that point. He said the bureau was trying to estimate how many students might fall between 2.5x and 3.5x or 3x and 3.5x the average cost, but that the basic answer was they did not know and that any estimate would be difficult. He explained that moving the threshold from 3.5x to 2.5x would create a minimum additional cost of about $13.6 million based on existing claims, not counting new students who would enter the range. Members discussed whether districts already had the underlying data, whether a survey should be required, and how districts know when to begin tracking costs for reimbursement. The committee also discussed proration and the state’s share of special education aid. Mello explained that the current 80% state share is modeled in the formula, but the actual payment has been prorated because appropriations have not matched the statutory liability; he said the state liability was about $50 million, while the budget had provided $34 million, resulting in a 68% payment rate. HB 742 was described as a bill that would eliminate proration by paying the liability directly from the education trust fund with an overflow mechanism. Members also discussed possible alternatives such as changing the state share, using a lower threshold in a transition period, or requiring districts to submit data. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the committee was still in discussion and considering which bills to advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• destination, and asked for support for the $5 million grant.
• because it's a mixture of formula grants because it's a mixture of formula grants that<01:07:16.240
• demolition grant demolition grant program<01:12:15.600> so<01:12:15.920> to<01:12:
• It's just a redevelopment grant program.
• <01:17:21.080> program in the base for a larger grant program in the base for a larger grant

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Preservation or KSLIP grant program. Preservation or KSLIP grant program.
• The KSLIP grant funding is actually providing an additional 1.5 miles of track over the federal grant
• track over the federal grant. track over the federal grant.
• These $7.5 million in federal grants.
• Now, to shift to the second rail grant Now, to shift to the second rail grant program,<00:51:30.079

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:20 Road Projects 46:30 Approval of Minutes 46:50 Railroads 57:26 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum, so it could not approve the minutes. The chair announced an Eastern Kentucky University health forum later that day and then proceeded with testimony on alternative delivery methods for road projects. Jason Sawala of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Chad Laroo of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors were sworn in and introduced themselves. Sawala explained KYTC’s use of alternative delivery tools, including design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CMGC), and public-private partnerships (P3s). He said the cabinet’s goal is to deliver the best value to taxpayers in terms of quality, cost, and time, and emphasized that alternative delivery is most useful on projects with special circumstances such as innovation needs, specialized technology, complex constructibility, schedule pressure, or early contractor input. He cited the cabinet’s wrong-way driving prevention project as an example where design-build helped evaluate technologies and coordinate with stakeholders such as EMS and first responders. He also outlined the main tradeoffs: alternative delivery can improve collaboration and sometimes accelerate schedules, but it also brings risks related to right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, changing scope, and the need for dedicated staff and compressed decision-making. He stressed that these methods are not a cure-all and are not appropriate for every project, while noting that traditional design-bid-build remains effective for most of KYTC’s work. Representative Branscum responded favorably, saying early contractor involvement is valuable and consistent with his experience in the vertical construction world. No votes or formal actions were taken because the committee lacked a quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call granted.
• Uh, anyone who requested a grant, as far as I understand, actually received a grant.
• Roll call granted. Uh Senator requested. Roll call granted.
• And my understanding is that grant.
• Roll call granted. Senator requested. Roll call granted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are not grants, but it is a very favorable loan program.
• It can be up to 49%. pretty close to being a grant. Uh pretty close to being a grant.
• <00:09:35.760> So water. uh and that was all grants.
• So water. uh and that was all grants.
• <00:16:08.959> to income tax credit um can be granted to income tax credit um can be granted

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 19 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony from Dr. Edney on the state revolving fund program for rural community water associations. He explained that the program has operated since 1997 using EPA grant funding and a state match, with low-interest loans, emergency funding, and loan forgiveness. He said the state match has risen in recent years because of increased federal infrastructure funding, but is expected to decline again as that enhanced funding ends. Members asked where repayment money goes, and he said it stays in the revolving fund rather than going to the general fund. He also discussed EPA pressure for consolidation of small water associations, minimum operational standards, and the possibility of using loan forgiveness incentives to encourage consolidation. No votes were taken on this presentation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2824, which extends the eligibility dates for certain energy projects to qualify for ad valorem tax exemptions, moving the relevant deadlines from 2026/2027 to 2031. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed it by voice vote. Next, Senate Bill 2867 revised an earlier employer child care tax credit program. Senator Boyd said the bill simplifies the program, allows a 50% income tax credit for employers providing dependent care during work hours or making at least $2,000 per child direct payments to licensed child care entities, and caps the credit at $3,000 per child per year. A committee substitute also placed a $1 million cap on the overall credit program. Members discussed the need for child care support, the role of federal and state funding, and whether the bill would increase employer participation. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill by voice vote. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 3109, a simple bill affecting Lafleur's Bluff State Park. Senator Blount explained that the park is managed under a lease with a nonprofit and that the bill would exempt the nonprofit from paying property taxes on the leased state park land. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by voice vote, then rose and reported the measure out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only about 15 individuals are granted this certificate per year.
• Only about 15 individuals are granted this certificate per year.
• So the Fast Track... ...grant was an option that came about.
• So just having some of those challenges to that Fast Track grant...
• But again, locally, we all have our decision on local salary grant.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to grant to.
• It says, for the purpose of providing a one-time grant.
• I support expanding this block grant authority to include the CCBHCs.
• So the next item is the grant to Altru for additional beds. Grant to Altru for additional beds.
• And I would rather turn it into a loan than a grant. ...loan and a grant, and into a low-interest loan

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met to work through amendments and budget items in House Bill 2012/HB 1004, focusing first on long-term care, disability services, and behavioral health. Members discussed competing approaches to a four-plex for medically complex individuals, a value-based care payment withhold for nursing facilities, accreditation requirements for providers, a study of developmental disability services, and funding for Family Voices and Ann Carlson-related services. Several amendments were accepted or set aside after discussion, including a study amendment for disability services and a Family Voices grant amendment that was adjusted to remove “one-time” language so it could continue as an ongoing grant. The committee also agreed to keep or defer some items for conference committee, including the youth crisis stabilization pilot and other long-term care proposals. A major discussion centered on the state hospital project. Members debated whether the $330 million project should remain in the DHS budget or be moved to the OMB budget for construction management. After discussion of costs, alternates, and the role of a steering committee and BND loan language, the committee agreed to remove the state hospital funding and related loan language from the DHS budget while leaving the steering committee language in place. The committee also considered a proposed Altru grant for additional beds and settled on a smaller planning-focused approach, with a $1 million grant and a line of credit concept to be refined later. The committee then turned to behavioral health items, including QRTP funding, nursing home behavioral health training, and a youth crisis stabilization pilot. Members generally supported keeping the QRTP funding level, but were divided on the nursing home behavioral health training and the crisis stabilization pilot, with some preferring to leave those issues for conference committee. The division also reviewed the HHS block grant and underfunding structure, with Donna Ackland explaining salary, vacancy, and flexibility calculations; the committee discussed adjusting the underfund and revenue assumptions but did not finalize every number before moving on. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1577 on wastewater treatment grants. Senator Davison moved to hoghouse the bill into a study-focused version using the proposed amendment language, and the motion passed. The committee then moved HB 1577 as amended with a do pass recommendation; the roll call passed with Senators Cleary, Davison, Dever, and Mathern voting yes, and Senator Magrum not recorded as voting. The meeting adjourned with plans to return later in the day to continue budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• by SGOs, or scholarship-granting organizations.
• donations to scholarship granting donations to scholarship granting organizations<00:08:27.440><
• granting organizations. granting organizations.
• The scholarship granting organizations The scholarship granting organizations must<00:15:51.360>
• <00:20:58.640> organization a scholarship granting organization a scholarship granting organization

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:03 Bills for Consideration: 3:10 Adjournment: 56:19, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 1, which would have Kentucky opt into a federal education freedom tax credit program allowing donations to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) for K-12 educational expenses. The bill sponsors said it would not use Kentucky general funds, would be administered through the Secretary of State, and would let donors claim up to a $1,700 federal tax credit for contributions to SGOs. They argued the program could support public, private, religious, and homeschool-related educational needs, including tutoring, transportation, technology, special needs services, and other school expenses. Several senators raised concerns about whether the bill would favor larger districts with more school-choice options over rural counties with only one public school, creating a two-tier system. The sponsors responded that public school districts could also create SGOs and that the federal rules limit eligibility to families at or below 300% of area median gross income. They also said the program would not reduce existing state or federal school funding, but would instead redirect federal tax credit dollars that Kentucky donors might otherwise send to other states or back to the federal government. Members asked about the structure and oversight of SGOs, including whether they must be nonprofits, how broad their missions could be, and whether funds could be earmarked for specific purposes. The sponsors said SGOs must be certified, serve at least two schools and 10 students, spend at least 90% of receipts on scholarships, and cannot be directed to a specific student, though they can be targeted to categories such as elementary students or special needs services. They also said homeschool families would need to organize through a co-op or existing approved SGO. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• through the block grant.
• the education resource block grant the education resource block grant model,<00:43:14.680> which
• There was a separate, you know, allocation of mental health grants.
• ; the LEA must provide a matching grant of equal amount.
• The grant either goes to a school The grant either goes to a school district or it goes to a law enforcement

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, for the discretionary—are you talking about the student block grant?
• And then lastly, I just wanted to uplift the Student Support Block Grant.
• and the SCFF having base, supplemental, and success grants.
• We know that from HSI grants, MSI grants, and APZ grants, so these are all focused on supporting certain
• We know that some of those grant opportunities are going away as well.

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the California Community Colleges budget proposal, including Proposition 98 funding, a 2.41% COLA for apportionments, enrollment growth funding, repayment of an apportionment deferral, and one-time investments for a student support block grant and deferred maintenance. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s package as providing significant new resources, while the LAO recommended prioritizing COLA and enrollment growth within available funds but raised concerns about some smaller proposals, including making the Healthy School Food Pathways Program ongoing and adding more funding for credit for prior learning before outcomes are known. The Chancellor’s Office supported the COLA, enrollment growth, and one-time investments, and said current projections suggest enrollment growth closer to 3%, with about $85 million to $90 million in ongoing costs if fully funded. Members focused heavily on enrollment growth, the 10% district cap, and whether the state should continue funding growth in the current year and budget year. The Chancellor’s Office said some districts, especially in the Inland Empire and Central Valley, are growing rapidly and that about seven districts are above the cap, with roughly 1,563 FTES and about $30 million in ongoing costs tied to that issue. Members also discussed hold-harmless districts and whether declining campuses should be required to produce turnaround or right-sizing plans. The Chancellor’s Office said districts are already having local conversations and that state funding provides time to adjust, but no formal plan requirement was proposed. The committee then took up common course numbering, where the Chancellor’s Office said all 115 community colleges have implemented the first phase and more than 550,000 students enrolled in the first six commonly numbered courses. The office argued that CCN improves clarity but does not yet guarantee that credits will transfer with full value across UC and CSU, because articulation is still handled campus by campus and can require more than 3,500 separate reviews. Members expressed concern that students can still be forced to retake courses such as calculus or ethnic studies even when they have the same common number, and urged the systems to develop a stronger statewide articulation mechanism tied to outcomes and transparency. The item was left open. Finally, the committee heard the Governor’s proposal to make Calbright College’s funding ongoing at $53.1 million. The LAO recommended instead transitioning Calbright to the student-centered funding formula, with one-time bridge funding in the meantime, arguing the Governor’s proposal lacks a clear enrollment-based rationale and performance expectations. Calbright’s leadership defended the college’s competency-based, flexible model for adult learners, citing more than 6,800 students served, over 2,200 certificates awarded, and wage gains for graduates; they said enrollment is expected to grow from about 7,000 students now to roughly 8,000 to 9,000 next year and around 10,000 over the next couple of years. Members pressed for clearer enrollment and funding data before deciding how Calbright should be funded going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:11.440> So support grants. So support grants.
• section 37 creates your support grants section 37 creates your support grants to<00:16:16.079>
• grant.
• /c><00:21:06.240> for have supplementary support grants for have supplementary support grants
• <00:30:53.440> model moving from a census block grant model moving from a census block grant

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a high-level walkthrough of Act 73, with staff from Legislative Council and the Joint Fiscal Office summarizing major education policy, governance, tax, and fiscal changes. The presentation covered class-size minimums and related enforcement, creation of a state aid for school construction program, narrowed tuition eligibility for approved independent schools, changes to State Board of Education appointments, special education reporting and staffing, and a new report on standards for schools deemed small or sparse by necessity. It also noted that some provisions take effect immediately or in 2025, while the major funding and tax changes are contingent on new school districts being operational and a foundation formula report being received, with most of those changes targeted for July 1, 2028. The central fiscal change described was a move from the current locally voted budget and varying homestead tax system to a foundation formula. Under that model, districts would receive an educational opportunity payment based on a base amount per pupil, adjusted by student weights for factors such as pre-K, economic disadvantage, English learner status, and special education, with small-school and sparsity weights replaced by support grants. Districts could still seek limited supplemental district spending above the foundation amount, subject to a cap and a uniform method for raising the funds, with excess collections recaptured at the state level. The presenters also described transition mechanisms to phase in the new system over several years. The tax section explained that Act 73 would replace the current property tax credit with a homestead exemption and create a new non-homestead residential classification intended for second homes and short-term rentals, though further statutory or regulatory work would still be needed to implement it. The JFO presentation emphasized that the act also creates regional assessment districts for reappraisals and includes a transition to smooth changes in education tax rates. No committee vote or formal action was taken during the presentation; it was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Schwartner, you talked a little bit about this grant program.
• The grant money is a rider in the budget and it's tied to the passage of this bill.
• In fact, cities with populations over a million are not going to receive any grant money.
• It simply removes the population cap. eligibility for the 20 million dollar grant program.
• There's a grant program you've got to apply for. No guarantee. No indemnification for lawsuits.

Keywords: HCR65, HCR19, Senate resolutions, memorial, community impact, legislative proceedings

Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Board of Pardons whether to Grant to the Board of Pardons whether to Grant or<00:12:56.880
• for noncompetitive grants and 10% of grant funds for competitive grants to make sure that we're able
• for noncompetitive grants and 10% of grant funds for competitive grants to make sure that we're able
• for noncompetitive grants and 10% of grant funds for competitive grants to make sure that we're able
• for noncompetitive grants and 10% of grant funds for competitive grants to make sure that we're able

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, so we have Mark Grant, Mark from the Minnesota State College or Faculty. Please join us.
• Next, so we have Mark Grant, Mark from the Minnesota State College or Faculty. Please join us.
• My name is Mark Grant, communication studies faculty member at Dakota County Technical College.
• My name is Mark Grant, communication studies faculty member at Dakota County Technical College.
• Grant. Are there any questions? Mr. Center will... Move in. Thank you, Mr. Grant.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in the year that this was done, it really, 2025 is when the grants went out.
• So the remaining $4 million is set to be dispersed in future grant cycles.
• Can they actually have an impact right away with the dollars they're granted?
• And my other question was about distribution to tribes, and I guess it's a competitive grant. So...
• The money is there for more grants.

Bills: SB38, SB46, SB18

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, SB46, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, compost feedstock, waste characterization study

Transcript Highlights:

• for competitive grants.
• We have agencies for grants because we also provide them funding to give grants to other organizations
• So the idea is to do grants.
• This bill is a community festival grant. This will establish community festival grants.
• Paul, where we have many festivals but lack opportunities and grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the grants for the public infrastructure? So, uh, there is continued need.
• those projects but also these grants those projects but also these grants come<01:13:49.880>
• It's a competitive grant process, and here are some examples of recent grant projects that were funded
• and local historic preservation grants and local historic preservation grants uh<01:29:42.760>
• that program it's a competitive Grant that program it's a competitive Grant process<01:29:58.159

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a year of them being granted.
• a year of them being granted.
• applies the law correctly, they're rarely granted.
• Supreme Court case, City of Grants v. Johnson.
• And once it’s granted, within 20 days, file an appeal.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions. Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record. The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Grant Bosi, deputy chief committee.
• Um, Chair Ward and Grant, Thank you.
• And thank you, Grant. So I can appreciate that.
• Um thank you, Grant. So if Warden. Um thank you, Grant.
• Um Grant noted when he was testifying.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• prosecutor training grant of 125,000. prosecutor training grant of 125,000.
• And on line 100 are just the grants.
• And as of now, of course, FEMA has put all grants on hold and has canceled one grant outright without
• One of the most successful grant programs we have at DPS is the ICPOET grant program in the Office of
• One of the most successful grant programs we have at DPS is the ICPOET grant program in the Office of

Keywords: 1183, house