Transcript Highlights:

• That was the program that they've got. application fees that are charged to the application fees that
• <00:56:19.599> fees, their their license application fees, their their license application
• , services including online applications, services including online applications, renewals<01:03:
• It does not stop the application process. They can still proceed.
• It does not stop the application process. They can still proceed.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 8:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The hearing began with the State Board of Architecture’s budget presentation. The executive director described the board’s mission to regulate architecture, landscape architecture, and certified interior design to protect public health and safety. He highlighted the board’s consolidated structure, license totals, high reciprocity rate, recent rule changes to reduce barriers to practice, and a proposed FY 2027 budget of $368,123, which included a 5% staff salary increase and higher operating costs. He also noted a newly identified need to modernize the licensing system, estimated at at least $25,000, and asked that the board not be reduced below the requested level. A board member also praised the small staff’s responsiveness and effectiveness. The State Board of Public Accountancy then presented its budget and policy requests. The executive director said the board regulates CPAs and CPA firms, oversees the CPA exam process, and has about 3,600 active individual licensees and 800 firms. The board requested only a 3% compensation increase for staff, plus a special request to allow an audit supervisor to repay the cost of a Becker review course through payroll deduction as part of succession planning. She also described a board-approved waiver program that began January 1, eliminating application fees for CPA exam candidates and retakes; 42 candidates had used the waiver in the first two weeks. In response to questions, she said the board does not assist CPAs with IRS disputes, but it does investigate complaints from the IRS, SEC, PCAOB, or others. Finally, a representative presented for the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. She explained that the board regulates licensed counselors and psychotherapy providers, meets frequently, and has two staff members. The board’s main request was for additional investigative capacity: a full-time investigator and related funding, because complaints are currently handled by part-time investigators, contractors, and sometimes board members, which can require recusals from hearings. She said the state auditor had recently flagged complaint backlogs at regulatory agencies, supporting the request. The board also sought funding for a contractual administrative position, salary progressions, and a one-time technology increase to modify its new licensing system for the counseling compact and better search functions. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, which was reported at about $860,000, and whether it should provide fee relief or other benefits to members; the presenter said the board would look into that and noted that revenues had increased significantly in recent years, partly due to out-of-state and telehealth-related licensing demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, this is only applicable if his bill passes. If the bill passes.
• Well, this is only applicable if its bill passes. If the bill passes.
• Because one of the criteria here that they're to look at for an application is geological.
• And to reiterate, we talked about the applications that were approved.
• And to reiterate, we talked about the applications that were approved.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Three, app a software application or electronic a software application or electronic a software application
• Once that application has been processed by your application has been processed by your application has
• . application. application.
• . complete your application. complete your application.
• You must submit your application before submit your application before submit your application before

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are screened by staff, and then a faculty committee reviews the applications.
• In years where there are lots of applications, our median LSAT goes up.
• served on the admissions committee and there's an application, I have a question from an applicant where
• To interview all of the applicants who have applied.
• Do you hear, as a dean, any concerns expressed from your applicants? You may or may not.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• fact, we the number of applications fact, we the number of applications soared<00:12:25.680>
• <00:14:03.279> that increase in overall applications that increase in overall applications
• and most of up our November applications and most of the<00:14:17.279> applications<00:14:17.760
• resources and got over 700 applications resources and got over 700 applications in<00:14:31.600>
• So that's the software that applicants use to submit an application.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• first-time applicants, particularly in rural areas.
• And the application, the biggest application turned out to be for a heart pump.
• that was targeting a different application.
• Oftentimes the commercial application.
• other than just getting cash flow, I imagine, from the commercial applications.

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony all year has shown that the county has trouble getting the applications done in a timely manner
• They would have the room for them, but there’s a time lapse between when the application is done and
• <00:19:29.919> process<00:19:30.320> is waiver application process is waiver application
• member who is delaying the application member who is delaying the application process<00:20:07.280
• <00:20:32.240> is<00:20:33.120> grounds delaying their application is grounds delaying

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > a<00:18:33.520> public Applications must be from a public Applications must be from a
• We have 77 applications.
• We had one that was applications.
• And then we withdrew the application.
• level of review in these applications level of review in these applications before<00:24:00.880>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This application came together really quickly.
• The application was submitted on time.
• The application was submitted on time.
• We will be doing regional meetings by our application.
• We are doing what we agreed to do in our application.

Keywords: House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those or not, those are not applicable to Florida.
• Currently the agency intends to submit an application. Cms has noted up.
• process and focus on the initiatives that we would submit and the application.
• But, you know, states application bus has to focus on at least 3 of those those areas.
• What's our plan for the applications?

Transcript Highlights:

• I support applicable.
• I support applicable.
• I support applicable.
• I support applicable.
• I support applicable.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee worked through several election-related bills and conference committee compromises. On SB 221, members discussed a streamlined re-registration form for voters removed from the checklist, with the Secretary of State to develop the necessary form; one member opposed the bill as unnecessary and warned that more frequent purges can disenfranchise voters, but the committee ultimately accepted the compromise and prepared it for signatures. On SB 213, the committee reviewed technical language changes to the HB 340-related provisions, including changing “legislative body” to “governing body” and replacing “measure” with “warrant article.” Despite those edits, one member argued the bill could chill public employees’ participation in official duties and should be held to the Senate position; another said the bill was unnecessary in light of other voting restrictions already enacted. No position change was made, and the bill remained opposed by at least some members. On SB 218, the committee agreed to add the word “applicable” in two places, and to remove sections 5 and 6 from the Senate version so pre-processing language would be restored. The House also asked to strike a sentence giving the Secretary of State broad authority over errors identified in the process, preferring that such matters remain in statute. Members generally described these edits as improvements, though some still opposed the bill overall. The meeting ended after a final comment on SB 213 seeking to remove language requiring public employees’ factual information to be provided only in response to public requests, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Drivers license waiting times for applications and for renewals.
• Drivers license waiting times for applications and for renewals.
• We had a big influx of applications, and so in order to manage that influx of applications of businesses
• Anyway, what applications are actually left on the mainframe?
• So that the applicants are the Internet service providers, yes, ma'am.

Bills: SB 1, SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On page seven, subsection B is that applicability section specifying that Applicability section specifying
• We would likely decline your application because that is decline your application because that is not
• applicant.
• This would be to just strictly prohibit an applicant who receives a grant or a loan Applicant who receives
• So the page 10 applicability section is in section 3.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No long-term care application can be submitted without triggering an override error to complete the application
• . error to complete the application.
• We are all united as a top priority this session for this. application that's been processed at a application
• One of on every single application.
• status and, critically, are able to support them in their application process.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, we open the application in, I think it'll be early August this year.
• We review the applications and the requisitions the exact same way.
• But there's about $68 million of applications still pending from those 18 applicants that had not met
• Chairman, yes, I think relative to where they start their applications.
• The annual application process, as I said, starts in about July.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason was because they put in their applications at the right time.
• , legal applications for H-2B.
• So out of those limited numbers that are allowed, now there's more applications.
• , legal applications for H-2B.
• United States, then there's more applications, legal applications for H2B.

Bills: HCR77, HB81, HB512, HB663, HB717, HB1194

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2B program, H-2A program, labor shortage, temporary workers, Louisiana economy, HCR77, crawfish industry, H-2B visa, seasonal labor, agriculture, immigration, arborist, property disputes, tree trimming, neighborhood, landowner rights, Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District, board of commissioners

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this gives these applications.
• 45 days of receipt of the application. 45 days of receipt of the application.
• It's not for every welding application that's out there. It's really for a very minor few.
• It's not for every welding application that's out there. It's really for a very minor few.
• It's not for every welding application application application that's<00:09:16.800> out<00:09:

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:21 SB 145 Discussion 02:05 SB 145 Vote 04:06 SB 98 Discussion 06:25 SB 98 Vote 11:00 Adjournment 12:07, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 10, 2026, with a quorum present and welcomed student visitors from the University of Louisville and Graves County DECA. The committee first considered Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and declared an emergency. The bill was described as clarifying caterer licensing language, allowing catering services in certain venues, permitting advance storage of alcohol for multi-day events, and requiring ABC to act on applications within 45 days. Members discussed concerns about alcohol sales in conservative districts, while others praised ABC’s interpretation of the law and the need for practical regulatory fixes. SB 145 was approved by the committee and sent to the floor on a 10-1 vote, with Senator Donald Douglas voting no and explaining that he wanted more time to discuss the issue with constituents. The committee then heard Senate Bill 98 on welding safety, presented as a measure to require compliance with specified welding certifications and design plans on projects where such standards are called for, in order to improve structural safety and reduce liability. Supporters, including the sponsor, a representative, and a lobbyist, said the bill would apply only in limited cases and would help ensure welds are properly inspected and performed according to engineering specifications. SB 98 also received favorable action, passing 9-2 and advancing to the floor. Senators Christian McDaniel and Matt Nunn voted no, while supporters emphasized public safety, code compliance, and avoiding future damages by doing the work correctly upfront. After the two bills were considered, the committee had no further business and moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want the word "applicable" copies of the applicable documentation.
• Uh I want the<00:24:03.919> word<00:24:04.640> applicable the word applicable the word
• applicable copies<00:24:06.799> of<00:24:07.200> the<00:24:07.679> applicable<00
• copies of the applicable documentation. copies of the applicable documentation.
• So the word applicable in and age. Okay?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference first met on Senate Bill 221, which concerned annual voter roll verification and the lookback period for checking voter registration lists. The Senate favored looking back to presidential elections to reduce the number of voters removed, while the House argued for annual verification with a one-year lookback because the voter roll database now makes the process easier and because of population mobility and student turnover. Members discussed possible refinements to the 30-day letter process and agreed to recess and return Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. to continue negotiations. The committee then took up Senate Bill 213 and Senate Bill 218, both involving absentee voting and public employee electioneering restrictions. On SB 213, the discussion focused on clarifying identification/documentation requirements for absentee ballot-related applications and on a House amendment to preserve the ability of certain public employees to provide factual information to the public about official matters without violating the bill. On SB 218, the Senate wanted to remove outer envelopes from absentee voting materials, while the House supported keeping the bill but clarifying that only applicable documentation is required. Members raised concerns about voter access, clerks’ procedures, and whether the electioneering language was too broad; both bills were held over and recessed for further work. The committee also considered Senate Bill 287, which dealt with public employee electioneering and a related carve-out for factual responses by appointed public employees. The House and Senate discussed combining amendments, but the House member said the underlying bill was needed to curb partisan electioneering while still allowing factual public information. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 118, which would adjust a personal needs allowance for nursing home residents, address Hampstead Hospital employee bonuses, and create a maintenance fund for the hospital. The Senate objected to a House-added cannabis cultivation provision, saying it was unrelated to the bill and could jeopardize the measure because of the Senate’s and governor’s opposition to cannabis language; the committee recessed to revisit the issue later, with the House noting the base bill’s importance to nursing home residents and Hampstead Hospital.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes interested parties pursuing applications of SB 9, as well as SB 684 and the subsequent
• that's just with the applications that have been submitted.
• We actually voided all applications, because But SP1123 is a whole different issue.
• There's about 3,400 permits that have been applications that have gone through.
• Applications that are submitted before it is in place will have to be processed.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 996 by Senator Padilla would let manufactured homeowners opt to title their homes as real property, with supporters saying this would improve access to conventional mortgages, consumer protections, and lower-cost financing. SB 866 by Senator Blakespear would require cities and counties to include homelessness-related information in their annual housing element reports, with supporters saying the bill would improve transparency, regional coordination, and accountability around homelessness funding and services. The committee also heard SB 1090 by Senator Perez, which would impose a temporary moratorium in Altadena on certain state housing density laws after the Eaton Fire. Supporters, including Supervisor Catherine Barger and many Altadena residents, argued the bill would protect fire survivors from speculative investors and give families time to rebuild and return home. Opponents argued the bill could limit tools that homeowners need to finance rebuilding and could reduce future housing production. After extensive testimony, the committee passed SB 1090 to the Assembly Local Government Committee on a 10-0 vote. SB 1388 by Senator Durazo would create an Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program to help affordable housing providers reduce insurance costs through technical assistance and risk-mitigation support. Supporters said rising insurance premiums are threatening the viability of affordable housing developments and existing units. The committee also reconsidered and then voted on SB 1092, which was taken up only for reconsideration and final vote; after a split vote, the bill ultimately passed the committee. Final recorded votes showed SB 866 and SB 996 passing unanimously, SB 1388 passing with one no vote and one not voting, and SB 1092 passing 7-5 after reconsideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:06.400> was this change in the FAFSA application was this change in the FAFSA application
• If we increase the application cycle.
• So, um, thank the application was open.
• Um first time applicants for the FAFSA.
• expedited the process of the application expedited the process of the application prior<01:21:15.199

Keywords: The livestream event for this meeting failed before the meeting was finished. This copy was pulled from backups and is reposted in it's entirety., 958, all

Summary: The committee met to review KHEAA’s student aid programs ahead of the upcoming biennial budget. KHEAA officials outlined the agency’s role administering state grants and scholarships, emphasizing that net lottery proceeds are statutorily dedicated to student financial aid after a literacy appropriation. They focused on the College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES, and explained that the FAFSA simplification changes significantly expanded eligibility for Pell and CAP recipients. KHEAA said the General Assembly’s additional funding this biennium allowed CAP to be fully funded, and that FY25 spending for CAP reached about $232 million for roughly 72,000 students, up from about 55,000 recipients the prior year. Officials said they are watching current-year application trends closely and expect a clearer funding picture by late fall as awards are actually disbursed and enrollment data comes in. Members asked about how CAP eligibility works, the difference between applicants and recipients, and whether KTG is tied to Pell eligibility. KHEAA explained that CAP is essentially aligned with Pell eligibility, while KTG uses a different need formula and is limited to private colleges in Kentucky. They also noted that schools verify final eligibility after KHEAA’s initial review of application data. Questions about the FAFSA simplification act and federal changes led KHEAA to say they do not expect major effects on state grant and scholarship programs, though federal student loan changes may affect students, especially at the graduate level. The committee also discussed KEES, which KHEAA said has been fully funded since its creation, and dual credit/work-ready scholarships. KHEAA reported that dual credit participation continues to grow and that FY25 spending for dual credit and Work Ready Kentucky totaled about $26.4 million, compared with a $13.1 million appropriation, with transfers from Work Ready used to keep dual credit fully funded. Officials said they will seek growth funding for dual credit in the next budget because the program has expanded and now includes the work-ready component under one statute. Members asked about transferability of dual credit courses and whether students actually use the credits toward degrees; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit’s transfer, but it is seeing positive trends in bachelor’s completion and more high school graduates earning associate degrees. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes.