Transcript Highlights:

• Many of the things you need to do to rebuild your life in these types of situations require reliable
• has access to that data in line with the California Public Records Act in a way that is useful, reliable
• public has access to that data in line with the California Records Act in a way that is useful, reliable
• coalition of advocates who represent consumers who are asking for the same thing: affordable and reliable
• coalition of advocates who represent consumers who are asking for the same thing: affordable and reliable

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met to adopt its 2025-2026 rules and hear three bills. The committee first adopted the rules on a roll call vote, then heard AB 1303 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would clarify that a Social Security number is not required to apply for California Lifeline and would restrict sharing subscriber information with immigration enforcement absent a court warrant or subpoena. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable Californians, including undocumented residents, domestic violence survivors, unhoused people, and identity theft victims, access essential communications services; there was no opposition. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Judiciary. The committee next heard AB 1271 by Assemblymember Bonta, which would require broadband providers to report pricing and speed-performance data to the Department of Consumer Affairs and make the information publicly available, with privacy protections and a standardized reporting template. Supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and help consumers, local governments, and the state understand what broadband service Californians are actually receiving; testimony highlighted disparities in speed and pricing in low-income communities. The bill was amended in committee and passed on a due pass as amended motion to the Committee on Business and Professions. Finally, the committee heard AB 693 by the chair, Assemblymember Boerner, which would consolidate broadband and digital equity functions into a new Department of Broadband and Digital Equity and create an 11-member commission with decision-making authority. Supporters said the current split between agencies creates delays and coordination problems, while members discussed governance, geographic representation, and whether the proposal would require follow-up constitutional or statutory changes. The bill passed 9-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Afterward, the committee added AB 1303 and AB 1271 as later add-ons, both of which were also reported out, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, there's a statistical modeling that's been in place to. that to have this done for years.
• Yes, it's part of the, it's part of the. part of the way that the study has been modeled.
• So in other words, you created a model and it estimated value.
• Then we're going to develop a model we're going to develop a cost model and a depreciation model that
• Then we're going to test that model based off of sales information that we have available. available.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's actually, can we build reliable systems where teacher voice is elevated into that decision-making
• It's actually, can we build reliable systems where teacher voice is elevated into that decision-making
• It's actually, can we build reliable systems where teacher voice is elevated into that decision-making
• <01:20:42.240> systems actually can we build reliable systems actually can we build reliable
• So, we're taking the model that we're doing in schools and we're bringing it to their workforce, and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And states are now newly required to collect enrollee addresses using reliable data sources, and also
• 41.919> enrolly<00:07:42.479> addresses<00:07:43.039> using<00:07:43.520> reliable
• collect enrolly addresses using reliable collect enrolly addresses using reliable data<00:07:44.479
• information sources they have reliable information sources they have available<00:12:05.279> to
• Georgia's model was implemented during the Biden administration as a result of holdover litigation.

Bills: HF3439, HF3763

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MNsure, MinnesotaCare, disability determination, expedited eligibility, state medical review team, compassionate allowance, rare disease, home and community-based services, long-term care, managed care, county-based purchasing, eligibility redetermination, periodic data matching, death master file, Social Security Administration, program integrity, income eligibility, asset test

Summary: The House Health Finance and Policy Committee met on March 4, 2026, approved the minutes from its February 25 and March 2 meetings, and then heard a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Medicaid eligibility changes in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OB3). The presentation focused on provisions affecting Medicaid expansion adults ages 19 to 64, including new work and community engagement requirements, changes to retroactive eligibility, quarterly death master file checks, address verification requirements, six-month redeterminations for expansion enrollees, and new limits on some lawful permanent residents and other immigrant groups. Castanza also discussed state implementation issues, including the need for new data-sharing systems, system modernization, outreach, and options for helping people transition to other coverage if they lose eligibility. She said the work and community engagement rules take effect January 1, 2027, with states given flexibility on look-back periods, consecutive versus nonconsecutive months, and optional hardship exemptions, and noted that CMS guidance is not expected until June 2026. She also described federal support for implementation, including $200 million in grants and a 90% federal match for eligibility system work, while warning that the fast timeline could lead to coverage losses, churn, and challenges for special populations such as caregivers, people with behavioral health conditions, incarcerated individuals, and rural residents. She further explained that an erroneous payment provision could expose states to federal recoupment later if eligibility errors increase. During member questions, Representative Beerman asked about the overall size of the Medicaid cuts and the cumulative national impact; Castanza said estimates vary by state and cited KFF analysis suggesting states could lose 4% to 19% of federal Medicaid revenue, with a newer RAND analysis recently released. Beerman also asked about the history and effectiveness of state work requirements, but that discussion was not completed in the excerpt. Representative Elkins noted the presentation was not initially posted on the committee website, and the chair said it had since been posted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of the courts intend to use their treatment courts, their collaborative court models to help with
• know exactly what these expenses are going to be because as she's articulated the general fund reliability
• We are a strong supporter of drug court models, but want to make it clear that if similar models are
• As mentioned today, probation is a key element of the success of the collaborative court models.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 3069 offers another tool to help ensure long-term cost savings for consumers, improved grid reliability
• Another tool to help ensure long-term cost savings for consumers, improved grid reliability, and support
• IRS code, reinforcing Texas's commitment to energy innovation and national leadership in clean, reliable
• The bottleneck for both of these massive opportunities is power, exactly the kind of reliable power that
• For decades, the nation's nuclear fleet has been providing reliable baseload power, supporting the economic

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of pending House bills, most of them on motions by Senator King or Senator Campbell. The committee adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported numerous bills, including HB 252, HB 700, HB 1500, HB 1545, HB 1562, HB 1732, HB 267, HB 2213, HB 2221, HB 2520, HB 2818, HB 3016, HB 3214, HB 3250, HB 3512, HB 3623, HB 3689, HB 3833, HB 4063, HB 4395, HB 4690, HB 4751, HB 5331, HB 3824, HB 4464, HB 4468, and HB 5247. Most of these were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while some, including sunset and other significant measures, were reported to the full Senate. HB 146 was the only bill reported out on a divided vote, passing 6 ayes to 4 nays. Several bills received brief explanation of committee substitute changes. HB 3016, dealing with rental car collision damage waivers and stolen vehicles, was amended to change a cooperation standard from “fully cooperate” to simply “cooperate.” HB 3689, a major ESF/TWA financing bill, was described as making technical changes to align terminology with the Comptroller’s authority and to avoid creating state debt or new liability. HB 5247, a capital cost recovery bill for transmission in the Permian Basin, was revised to clarify how the new mechanism fits with existing Utilities Code provisions and to add a 2035 expiration date. HB 3824, the battery fire safety bill, also received technical changes to align terminology with industry usage. The committee heard public testimony on several pending measures. HB 3069, which would direct the PUC to develop supplemental multi-decade planning criteria for transmission certificates in ERCOT, drew support from industry, environmental, and manufacturing witnesses who said it would help address congestion costs while balancing consumer protections; the bill was left pending. HB 5196, requiring state agencies to adopt and post telework policies and use written telework agreements, received both support and concern: supporters said it would preserve productivity and retention, while a senator raised concerns about notice and family logistics; it was left pending after testimony. HB 3112, allowing closed deliberations on cybersecurity policy details, was laid out and left pending after brief discussion. HCR 102, supporting federal nuclear tax credits, drew testimony from nuclear industry and energy advocates, who argued the credits are essential for existing plants, new nuclear development, grid reliability, and U.S. competitiveness; the resolution was left pending, with discussion about whether the language should focus more exclusively on nuclear. HB 705, creating a cosmetology licensure compact, was supported by industry, employers, and compact experts as a mobility tool that preserves state authority; HB 3516, expanding a public information exemption for Railroad Commission administrative law judges and technical examiners, and HB 3388, authorizing group property and casualty coverage for personal lines, were also heard and left pending. At the end of the meeting, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• But first, let's go ahead and wait for that test for reliability for hand counts.
• But first, let's go ahead and wait for that test for reliability for hand counts.
• let's wait for that actually reliable let's wait for that but<01:48:39.520> if<01:48:39.920><
• Citizens Elections Bill of Rights and the principles in their model election laws handbook.
• <02:07:15.199> provisions for additional model provisions for additional model provisions

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He wasn’t just a coach; he was a role model, a guiding force, and a source of strength for so many in
• he<00:24:49.240> was<00:24:49.360> a<00:24:49.480> role<00:24:49.720> model
• <00:24:50.320> A<00:24:50.480> guiding coach he was a role model A guiding coach he
• was a role model A guiding force<00:24:51.200> and<00:24:51.360> a<00:24:51.480> source
• we want to have, with the resolution in 42, the ability for families and businesses to purchase reliable

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jimmy's loyalty to his family and devotion to his city made him a model leader, one whom all Buffalonians
• Devotion to his City made him a model Devotion to his City made him a model leader<00:10:35.839>
• Reliable Emergency Medical Services are not just a luxury but an absolute necessity.
• matters in rural communities reliable matters in rural communities reliable Emergency<07:36:10.200
• This ensures high reliability of our power systems at the lowest possible cost to customers.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The automatic and reliable refill process provided through mail order supports better adherence, reduces
• The automatic and reliable refill process provided through mail order supports better adherence, reduces
• that's<00:30:32.399> being We embrace this model that's being We embrace this model that's
• This is modeled after a uniform law that apparently has only been adopted in two states.
• This is modeled after a uniform law that apparently has only been adopted in two states.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They talk about an all-payer model.
• model all-payer models for an all-payer model all-payer models for healthcare<03:47:00.640> reimbursement
• consideration of their business model consideration of their business model and<04:38:11.199>
• Has this model been implemented in any other state? This particular model?
• change the model change the model soon<05:14:53.160> ambulance<05:14:53.600> agencies<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight. Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mutualink's licensing costs were less expensive because they had a per-seat or a licensed system user model
• Seat or a license-per-system-user model revenue model, whereas maybe the licensing cost for the other
• We don't have reliable internet. We are working on getting reliable internet.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee opened with remarks about moving JLAC to a more frequent monthly schedule and spending more time on each audit. Members also recognized Melanie Chesney of the Auditor General’s office for 32 years of service, with several members praising her work and her role in school safety and other audits. The meeting then turned to the JLAC-directed Arizona School Safety Special Audit on interoperable communication systems, with the Auditor General’s office presenting the December 2025 report. The audit found that the state had allocated nearly $26 million to interoperable communication efforts, but implementation varied widely. Auditors said all 14 law enforcement agencies used the money for interoperable systems, yet four agencies allowed private or tribal schools to participate contrary to statute, and several agencies failed to submit required expenditure reports. The report also found procurement problems: nine of 14 agencies did not follow procurement requirements or lacked documentation, many contracts lacked accountability provisions, and some agencies had not planned for ongoing costs. The audit estimated ongoing annual costs for an average rural county could range from about $16,000 to $382,000, and recommended that agencies document costs, follow procurement rules, monitor vendors, and plan for future funding. It also recommended the legislature clarify whether non-public schools may participate and revisit statutory system requirements that were vague or inconsistently interpreted. Members questioned the Auditor General about vendor licensing, whether systems could be built in-house, why some functions were not configured, and whether the systems were truly usable in emergencies. The presentation explained that some systems met requirements only in part, that Mutualink had a per-user licensing model affecting access to secure text and file sharing, and that some schools were unwilling or unable to install apps or keep devices logged in. The committee also discussed the difference between the separate school safety grant program administered by ADE and this interoperability fund, and several members expressed frustration with sole-source contracting and weak documentation. In the final portion of the presentation, auditors said only two of eight observed systems demonstrated all five critical emergency functions, while four agency systems could not be tested because they were reportedly not functioning. The committee then began hearing responses from county sheriffs, starting with the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association president, who emphasized county commitment to school safety and noted that some counties had implemented systems across multiple districts, including tribal and rural schools. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• A plan can choose to do a spread pricing model, or they can choose to do a pass-through model.
• And we think that this bill uh model.
• Uh, this is one modeled on Tennessee law.
• Uh this is uh one modeled file the bill.
• <04:36:14.639> child that without affordable, reliable child that without affordable, reliable

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Social Work, and she provided Information about the use of data analytics and predictive risk modeling
• How risk modeling Can assist case workers reduce fatalities and near fatalities and can actually reduce
• That's what we modeled the rate on: that a working family needs at least 10 hours, if not 10 and a half
• Broken down there is from our cost model.
• I know the title of our presentation today was also about cost modeling and financing of childcare.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• two meetings, I think this puts New Hampshire in an awkward position because if we're not getting reliable
• two meetings, I think this puts New Hampshire in an awkward position because if we're not getting reliable
• The risk for overall cancers was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, and data
• Cox models were adjusted for age, gender, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and selected comorbidities.
• Current reliable epidemiologic data is lacking to provide evidence that vaccination does not increase

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met as a special House committee on COVID response efficacy, noted absences, and restated its mission to review New Hampshire’s pandemic response, including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID treatment, patient bill of rights implementation, and vaccination policies. The main business was discussion of a proposed letter or report language concerning current COVID vaccine recommendations for young children, especially those under age two, and how to support any conclusions with cited scientific and state sources. Representative Polozov argued that the committee should ask the governor or agencies to reconsider current recommendations, saying the committee should focus on whether vaccination is needed for that age group, whether it is effective, and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. He said he had distributed articles and wanted the committee to pair its conclusions with scientific and statistical data. Other members asked him to identify the specific New Hampshire DHHS and American Academy of Pediatrics sources for the recommendation, clarify the age range being discussed, and separate any evidence about adverse effects in other age groups from the infant/toddler demographic so the letter would be transparent and not misleading. Members generally agreed the letter should be carefully sourced and refined, with citations for each claim. The chair said the committee would treat the request as urgent and try to finalize a version by the next meeting, noting that some members would be traveling. The committee also discussed scheduling additional testimony in September and October, possibly with extra meetings, to continue gathering evidence and to hear from witnesses. The chair then began reviewing supporting articles, including studies he said were new since the 2024 report, and introduced a 2025 South Korea cohort study and another 2025 Italian cohort study as examples of the evidence he wanted to incorporate into an updated 2026 report.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the Michigan plan is a model of which the Texas plan can be implemented. the model.
• So there are parts of that model, not as comprehensive, but.
• The ACE model was a precursor to the NES model, which is a, uh, the NES model was I guess is the reformed
• model in Houston, and ACE is the one we started in Dallas.
• The instructional model. different from those two things I just mentioned.

Bills: SB451, SB762, SB1490, SB1262, SB1459, SB1750, SB1962, SB2252, SB2253, SB2365

Keywords: instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• The school uses a student-centered model with close collaboration between teachers, parents, and students
• The school uses a student-centered model with close collaboration between teachers, parents, and students
• model we currently have, but will also save taxpayers money in the long run.
• model we currently have, but will also save taxpayers money in the long run.
• model we currently have, but will also save taxpayers money in the long run.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 16, 2026, and then moved to announcements and introductions. Representative Woodro welcomed fifth grade students from Denver Academy and recognized his son Ari on his 12th birthday, leading the chamber in singing happy birthday. The House then agreed to take up a memorial out of order. Senate Joint Memorial 1, honoring the late Senator Faith Winter, was read at length and supported with remarks describing her legislative work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, women’s leadership, and bipartisan efforts. Representative Wilford and others spoke emotionally about her public service and personal impact. The memorial was adopted on a 50-10 vote, with 15 excused, and Representatives Rutinel and Lindsay were listed as co-sponsors. The chamber then considered committee reports and special orders. The Appropriations Committee reported several bills favorably, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order. House Bill 1317, creating a unified system of post-secondary talent development and a transition plan for workforce development programs, was amended in committee to remove travel reimbursements, clarify adult learners’ inclusion, adjust advisory committee membership, and preserve type one status for affected departments; it passed the House. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, also passed after Judiciary Committee amendments clarifying law enforcement database checks. Senate Bill 95, supporting victim survivors of certain crimes, passed Judiciary but drew floor opposition from several members who argued the bill’s jury-related provisions conflicted with confrontation rights and due process; despite those concerns, the bill advanced after further debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are very reliable.
• He knew that for Latinos and working-class families, reliable public transit is the difference between
• This bill is a way to privatize wildlife, and contrary to our model of wildlife management, which holds
• Voting for this bill is saying you don't believe in a North American model of wildlife management and
• I didn't have anyone to model to me about who I could be.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and a series of guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March as International Women’s Celebration Month. Members also recognized guests from several school districts and the Arizona Future Farmers of America. The chamber then moved through first readings and procedural motions, including reconsideration of HB 2169 and referral of bills to additional Committee of the Whole sessions. In the first Committee of the Whole, the House considered HB 2100 and HB 2103, both receiving technical floor amendments and due-pass recommendations. The chamber then took up HB 2048, HB 2364, HB 2415, HB 2775, HB 2833, HB 2862, HB 2870, HB 2995, and HB 4067. HB 2775 drew extended debate over whether Arizona should prohibit state and local enforcement of policies from international organizations such as the WHO, UN, ICC, IMF, WEF, and NATO; supporters framed it as a sovereignty measure, while opponents warned it was overly broad and could cut off useful best practices. HB 2833 focused on private-school student safety and mandatory reporting, with some members urging broader Title 15 coverage for private schools and others warning against regulating private schools further. HB 2862, which addressed law-enforcement facial coverings, was amended after debate and a division vote on a substitute amendment; the substitute passed 29-20, and the bill then received a due-pass recommendation. HB 2995, the “Alex and Lydia Act,” addressed domestic violence and coercive control in family-court-related contexts and also received a due-pass recommendation. HB 4067, requested by county recorders, added voter-status categories to electronic poll books; supporters said it would help election administration, while opponents argued it could create an unfunded mandate and burden or confuse voters. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, with one later motion to alter the HB 2862 report failing 20-30. In the Education Committee portion, HB 2040 passed easily, while HB 2093 sparked substantial debate over whether to repeal statutory requirements for mental health instruction in K-12 health education. Supporters said schools should focus on academics and that mental health care belongs with licensed professionals and parents; opponents argued the bill would remove life-saving instruction and support for students. HB 2313, dealing with educator work stoppages and political protests, also passed after debate over whether it would unfairly punish teachers and chill advocacy. HB 2423 passed with an amendment that trimmed reporting requirements, and HB 2478 advanced after a substitute amendment was defeated, the committee amendment was adopted, and an appropriations amendment was withdrawn. The session ended with the House continuing through the calendar after these due-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Known for her grace, laughter, and wisdom, she remains a positive role model for all of us and a beacon
• remained a grace laughter and wisdom she remained a positive<00:18:59.600> role<00:18:59.880> model
• > of<00:19:00.880> us<00:19:01.360> she<00:19:01.520> is positive role model
• for all of us she is positive role model for all of us she is a<00:19:01.799> beacon<00:19:02.159
• <07:05:46.760> and testament to his reliability and testament to his reliability and Leadership

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• community airstrips to larger airports, ensuring that every part of Kentucky has access to safe, reliable
• So, also included in this document is a model bill.
• And so, Representative Callaway will talk about the model bill that he has introduced.
• Also included in this document is a model bill.
• And so, Representative Calloway will talk about the model bill that he has introduced.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.