Video & Transcript Research : 'Declaration of Independence'
Page 8 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- They are independent political subdivisions of the state government, entities that exercise less than
- of the League of elected by the members of the League of Cities<00:16:11.120>
in <00:16:11.440 - of the cost of city streets and roads. of the cost of city streets and roads.
- <00:35:14.560>
I terms of the number of applicants. I terms of the number of applicants. - can think of? can think of?
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:13
Roll Call 00:00:24
Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:02:10
Presentation of Special Purpose Governmental Entities Report 00:03:19
Presentation of Kentucky League of Cities Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session of the General Assembly 00:15:37
Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 00:37:05
Adjournment 00:55:53, 958, all
Summary:
The committee received reports on special purpose governmental entities from the Department for Local Government and the Fire Commission. DLG staff described SPGEs as limited-jurisdiction political subdivisions and reviewed the department’s registry, reporting portal, compliance monitoring, and planned system upgrades such as a two-way message center, automated noncompliance notices, and tracking for new entities and board expirations. They reported that, as of October 10, 2025, 69% of SPGEs were active and discussed compliance data by cycle, fiscal year, and district type. The Fire Commission reported that fire department mergers have reduced the number of departments by 16 since last year, largely because of volunteer staffing shortages, while financial disclosure compliance had risen to 94%. The commission also noted 509 compliance reviews, 19 in-house inquiries, seven referrals to outside agencies, and one recent federal prison sentence in a theft case.
Members asked whether DLG advises SPGEs on tax rates; staff said it only performs calculations and the entities set their own rates. Questions to the Fire Commission focused on whether department reductions meant station closures; officials explained that most changes were mergers that keep physical buildings in place while combining personnel and finances to meet minimum staffing requirements. They said the trend is spread across the state but is especially pronounced in rural areas.
The Kentucky League of Cities then presented its 2026 legislative agenda. Its priorities included modernizing city revenue options, increasing equity in road funding, fixing tax increment financing issues, addressing transient room tax collection from web-based platforms, strengthening emergency response coordination, clarifying massage parlor regulation preemption, correcting unintended consequences of House Bill 606, improving newspaper publication rules, and modernizing procurement statutes. KLC also said it supports allowing all cities to collect restaurant tax revenue, wants cities to receive a larger share of road funds and EV-related revenues, and seeks state collection and remittance of any future local sales tax to comply with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. Members asked about best-value bidding, road-fund equity, Airbnb tax litigation, EV prevalence, and disaster funding applications; KLC said cities currently must accept the lowest bid, the road split should better reflect city street costs, the Airbnb tax case remains pending, EV data by locality has not been studied, and allowing cities to apply directly for disaster funds would reduce reliance on county officials. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the September meeting minutes.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Grant us the wisdom of Solomon. The steadfastness of Nehemiah and the humility of Christ.
- Some of the six members of the football team.
- We should be very proud of this cornerstone in the central part of the state of Oklahoma.
- And whereas the Oklahoma Alliance of YMCAs amplifies the work of nine independent YMCAs. through a shared
- Many of us are very proud of our Council of Governments.
Bills:
HB3257, HB3176, HB3544, HB3619, HB3546, HB1782, HB2293, HB4358, HB3081, HB3983, HB3790, HJR1023, HB4139, HB3297, HB3041, HB3673, HB4105, HB3338, HB3048, SR33, SCR21, SCR20, HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4034, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4044, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4071, HB4065, HB4067, HB4072, HB2992, HB4338, HB4170
Keywords:
veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, artificial intelligence, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development, social AI companions, minors, emotional attachment, safety protocols, civil penalties, parental controls, geographic information
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-26-26)
State Government
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-19-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a couple of things real quickly.
- of the Commonwealth<00:04:20.400>
of <00:04:20.519>Kentucky. - of applause today for his work. of applause today for his work.
- with a piece of legislation. with a piece of legislation.
- the one of the positions the way we of the one of the positions the way we were<00:09:11.400>
allowing
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-19-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- All in favor of adoption of the committee substitute, please say aye.
- unpredictability of these types of events.
- die as a result of an act in the line of die as a result of an act in the line of duty<00:22:48.320
- >
these <00:22:57.280>type <00:22:57.440>of unpredictability of these type of unpredictability - members of the committee. members of the committee.
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 220 00:02:49
Consideration of HB 467 00:09:50
Consideration of HB 516 00:19:50
Consideration of HB 589 00:27:16, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 220, sponsored by Rep. John Blandon, addressed pension spiking for Kentucky Public Pension Authority systems by extending the effective date back to July 1, 2022. Blandon explained it was intended to correct a gap left by last year’s legislation affecting retirees who received across-the-board raises during the court period. A retired Kentucky State Police captain testified in favor but asked that the retroactive date be moved back to 2021. Members asked about fiscal impact, and Blandon said the bill would have only a very small percentage impact on CERS. The committee approved HB 220 unanimously, 17-0, with favorable expression.
House Bill 467, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson, dealt with the disposal of surplus or underutilized state-owned real property. A committee substitute was adopted first. Johnson said the bill would let local governments and private citizens identify abandoned or dormant state property earlier in the process, while preserving existing fair-market-value disposal procedures. Committee members clarified that the bill concerns real property, not personal property, and asked about pricing and the current disposition process. Johnson and others explained that the bill would not change fair-market-value requirements but would move local involvement to the front end. The committee approved HB 467 as amended by the substitute, 17-0.
House Bill 516, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, would allow probationary police officers and firefighters in certain retirement systems to purchase service credit for up to 12 months of probationary employment and would extend line-of-duty death and disability coverage to probationary employees. Lewis said the bill was developed with the FOP, Professional Firefighters, and input from the Kentucky League of Cities, and that any retirement cost would be offset because both employee and employer contributions would be paid. Committee members confirmed the bill had been heard in PPOB and discussed the cost structure and the six-month window for purchasing service credit. The committee passed HB 516 favorably, 18-0.
House Bill 589, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Deetsz, created a framework for cities and chapter 75 fire districts to rehire retired firefighters under strict conditions, similar to existing rules for retired police officers. A committee substitute was adopted that required minimum employer retirement contributions, required a CPAT retest after a one-year separation, and expanded eligibility to chapter 75 fire districts. Deetsz said the bill was aimed at staffing shortages and preserving experienced personnel while protecting the retirement system. A city official and a Kentucky League of Cities representative testified in support, describing labor shortages and the value of bringing back experienced firefighters to mentor younger staff. The committee approved HB 589 as amended by the substitute, 18-0, and then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- The first four pages of House Bill 73 is actually a list of those agencies, while one agency, We Lead
- of data as we lot of information a lot of data as we analyze<00:05:20.080>
our <00:05:20.280>< - of the breakdown of each individual employer's share of the actuarial accrued liability, as determined
- He said they can earn up to a maximum of 75% of the pay they had.
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 73 02:23
Consideration of HB 441 07:24
Consideration of HB 462 18:44, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. House Bill 73, as amended by committee substitute, added We Lead CS to the list of agencies participating in the Teachers’ Retirement System administrative provisions. The sponsor explained the bill corrects an oversight involving a computer science education service provider established in 2022. A question about fiscal impact was answered with no expected fiscal note or actuarial impact. The committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 73 19-0 with favorable expression.
House Bill 441 addressed teacher shortages by expanding the number of retired teachers and critical-shortage-area teachers school districts may hire. The sponsor said districts could hire retired teachers up to 10% of staff and critical shortage area teachers up to 10%, replacing lower current limits and a temporary COVID-era provision that had expired. Members asked about work limits, salary rules, and how often shortage areas are identified; the sponsor said retired teachers remain subject to existing earnings limits, critical shortage teachers are paid at least a rank-two, 10-year salary, and shortage areas are identified annually by the Commissioner of Education. Supportive comments noted the bill was a stopgap and that long-term solutions should include recruitment, retention, and pay. The committee passed HB 441 19-0 with favorable expression.
House Bill 462 would allow county clerks to correct marriage applications or licenses by affidavit, without requiring a lawsuit in circuit court, when there are obvious errors or omissions. The Kenton County clerk and another clerk testified that the change would help people who need corrected records for Social Security, Real ID, inheritance, and other legal purposes, while still preserving data needed by Vital Statistics. Members described the bill as a practical efficiency measure. The committee passed HB 462 19-0 with favorable expression, and the meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's part of the SPG laws.
- of of >> September.<00:03:54.239>
September. - The language, like I said, most of the language is pretty much identical on all of them.
- that's kind of confusing some people. that's kind of confusing some people.
- the gist of what I want to talk about. the gist of what I want to talk about.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:03
Roll Call 00:00:10
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:02:21
Discussion of the Restoration of Voting Rights 00:06:34
Discussion of the Application of NTI Days for Schools Designated by County Clerks as Polling Locations for Elections 00:25:20
Approval of Minutes from July 29, 2025 Meeting 00:32:22
Adjournment 00:32:49, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up two fire commission regulatory amendments. Bruce Roberts, director of the Fire Commission, explained that one amendment updates financial disclosure reporting rules to align with changes to KRS 95A.55, including revised definitions, reporting requirements, and moving compliance reviews from every four years to an annual basis. The second amendment changes the deadline for fire departments to submit state aid documentation from July 31 to September and adds flexibility for departments affected by natural disasters by allowing a waiver process for missing, lost, or damaged documents. The committee approved the agency amendment by motion, second, and voice vote with no opposition.
The main policy discussion centered on a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after they complete their sentence and probation/parole. Senators Hickden and Herren said the proposal would restore only voting rights, not citizenship or the right to run for office, and would still exclude certain offenses such as treason, bribery in an election, sex offenses, violent offenses, and offenses against a child. They argued that Kentucky is one of only three states without automatic restoration, that the current governor’s executive order is temporary, and that the issue should be settled by constitutional amendment. Members asked about the relationship to expungement, costs, and whether election-related crimes should be included among the exceptions; the sponsors said expungement is separate and that they were open to refining the language. Several members voiced support, and the sponsors said they hoped to continue working on the proposal before the next session.
The committee also discussed a practical issue involving schools used as polling places and conflicts with KDE testing days. The chair raised the possibility of adjusting testing schedules or using NI days at affected schools, while members noted that county clerks already have authority to use tax-funded buildings for elections and that schools have long been used because of ADA accessibility. Some members suggested a simpler fix would be to prevent KDE testing dates from overlapping with election dates, rather than changing NI-day rules or limiting clerks’ authority. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (11-10-25)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMvRlWpK6m0, 2026-06-21T07:17:12+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:01 – Call to order/roll call
0:43 – Approval of minutes
1:07 – Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
2:41 – Personnel Cabinet
5:03 – Board of Medical Licensure
31:23 – Vote for finding of deficiency for 201 KAR 009:270 (Board of Medical Licensure)
35:00 – Board of Landscape Architects
37:15 – Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
38:14 – Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
39:04 – Board of Respiratory Care
42:42 – Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources
46:05 – Department of Criminal Justice Training
46:59 – Board of Education
47:55 – Kentucky Fire Commission
48:28 – Department of Workplace Standards
49:25 – CHFS – Office of the Inspector General – 900 KAR 005:020 & 900 KAR 006:075
57:17 – CHFS – Office of the Inspector General – 902 KAR 055:015E
1:19:40 – CHFS – Department for Medicaid Services, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (1-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:41.599>
of <00:03:42.200>where high notes the bullet points of of where high - <00:05:09.560>
by twice the weight of U of those earned by twice the weight of U of those - copy of all leave policies and a copy of copy of all leave policies and a copy of all<00:25:48.960
- EMS Eddie slung Kentucky Board board of EMS Eddie slung Kentucky Board of of of EMS<00:35:34.800>
- I'm the assistant director of quality living with the Department for Aging and Independent Living.
Keywords:
0:01– Meeting start/roll call
0:34 – Approval of minutes
0:48 – Welcome of new committee members
1:34 – Council on Postsecondary Education
25:17 – Teachers’ Retirement System
27:00 – Kentucky Public Pension Authority
29:04 – Board of Veterinary Examiners
31:40 – Board of Nursing
34:01 – Board of Emergency Medical Services
36:15 – Fish & Wildlife Resources
40:34 – Department of Corrections
56:00 – Department of State Police
58:05 – Department of Criminal Justice Training
59:22 – Transportation Cabinet
1:00:18 – Department of Education
1:01:23 – Department of Employment Services
1:04:17 – Department of Workplace Standards
1:05:25 – Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction
1:06:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Sanitation)
1:13:50 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Trauma System)
1:17:46 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Radon)
1:18:30 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Medicaid Services
1:19:15 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. of Aging Services
1:20:36 – Other Business/Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and welcomed new members before taking up Council on Postsecondary Education regulations 13 KAR 2:120 and 13 KAR 2:130. The regulations, as amended by staff and agency amendments, update public university and KCTCS performance funding models to conform to 2024 Senate Bill 191 and the performance funding work group’s recommendations. Changes discussed included replacing the underrepresented minority metric with an underrepresented students metric defined as first-generation students, adding an adult learner metric, increasing the low-income degree premium, adjusting small-school and nonresident credit-hour weights, revising data aging and progression metrics, and adding STEM+H criteria in 13 KAR 2:120.
Travis Pal of the Council on Postsecondary Education explained that the changes reflect the work group’s three-year review process and that the work group ultimately voted to define underrepresented students as first-generation students and to apply half-weighting between research and comprehensive universities for the new metric. Michael Frasier of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition and Eastern Kentucky University student government opposed 13 KAR 2:120, arguing that the regulation improperly applies weights where the statute does not clearly authorize them and that the funding changes disadvantage comprehensive universities and vulnerable students. He asked the committee to find the regulation deficient or, alternatively, recommend legislative clarification and a revised fiscal analysis. Pal responded that weighting has been part of the model since 2017, that CPE was following the statute and work group recommendations, and that the model could be changed by future legislation.
Members asked about the timing of the broader performance funding review, and Pal said the full model is reviewed every three years, with the next work group cycle beginning in 2026. No motion to find the regulation deficient was made, and the committee allowed the regulations to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The committee then approved a staff amendment to Teachers’ Retirement System regulations 102 KAR 1:195 and 102 KAR 1:340, which require annual reporting of accumulated sick leave, leave policies, and salary schedules to TRS and make technical changes to the final average salary calculation and related definitions.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-6-25) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, all these activities that are going on statewide.
- of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, all these activities that are going on statewide.
- And it just also cascaded well into July 4th when we start to talk about the nation's Declaration of
- <00:08:36.959>
of <00:08:37.080>Independence nation's um Declaration of Independence - nation's um Declaration of Independence great<00:08:38.000>
that's <00:08:38.360>that's
Keywords:
Pledge of allegiance, roll call, welcome of new members 00:00:15
Consideration of HB 313 00:03:20, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee held its first meeting of the session, established a quorum, welcomed new members, and heard only one item of business: House Bill 313, sponsored by Representative Kim King. King said the bill would add a Kentucky History Month recognition and tied it to recent local anniversary celebrations, arguing it could support education, economic development, and tourism. Kentucky Historical Society Executive Director Scott Alvi testified in support, describing the proposal as part of a broader effort to create a legacy around the nation’s 250th anniversary, coordinate statewide history events, and promote heritage tourism.
Members asked why June was chosen and whether an emergency clause should be added so the measure could take effect in time for this June. King said June was selected because it aligns with Statehood Day and Boone Day and leads into July 4th, and she said she was open to the emergency-clause idea, though any amendment would need to be filed in writing later. The committee then voted on the bill and passed it 19-0, with no opposition. The chair noted the bill would next go to the House floor and closed by joking that the meeting was unusually short.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- /c> note the removal of nearly 3/4 of a note the removal of nearly 3/4 of a million<00:03:09.280>
- of some of the federal the spending of some of the federal incentive<00:17:58.720>
dollars <00 - of the Department of Agriculture."
- :30.480>
of is an employee of the department of is an employee of the department of agriculture - <00:36:00.880>
that to kind of kind of piggyback off of that to kind of kind of piggyback off
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a certain process they have to go through, independent of this approval, for capital projects
- Representative Griffey explained that House Bill 738 deals with allowing each of the independently elected
- of the volume of stay contains the half of the volume of the<00:31:04.320>
world <00:31:05.320 - 91% of government spending out of 91% of government spending out of Kentucky<00:38:20.599>
in - <00:40:37.839>
the of the Senate and the speaker of the of the Senate and the speaker of the
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 491 02:14
Consideration of HB 738 07:58
Guest presentation by Taiwan Consul General Elliott Wang 25:20
Consideration of HCR 50 36:37
Consideration of SB 19 49:29, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 491 by Representative Steve Riley. The committee adopted a proposed committee substitute, then heard that the bill would raise the threshold for certain capital project and equipment purchases from $200,000 to $500,000, remove a requirement for a special board meeting when replacing a board of regents member, allow certain employees or contractors to perform capital construction work up to $500,000, remove limits on retired police officers working at postsecondary institutions, and speed release of pension information to employers. Members asked about reporting and oversight of the higher threshold, and the witness said the records are maintained by institutions and available upon request. HB 491 passed on a 19-0 roll call vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 738 by Representative Griffey, relating to state personnel and the constitutional officers. The bill would give independently elected constitutional officers more flexibility to hire unclassified employees and set salaries for classified employees up to the midpoint without Personnel Cabinet approval, while leaving pay scales, appropriations, and funding limits unchanged. Representative Griffey and witnesses from the auditor’s office said the measure was intended to reduce red tape, address salary compression, improve pay equity, and help recruit and retain staff; they also said it would allow offices to fill policy roles needed for audits and other work. Members questioned the fiscal note, salary caps, and whether the bill would affect future budget requests. The bill passed 18-1, with one pass, and the chair noted it would move favorably to the House floor.
After those bills, the committee briefly welcomed Taiwan’s consul general, Elliot Wang, and Representative Adam Bowling spoke about Kentucky’s relationship with Taiwan, including trade, investment, and prior assistance during disasters. Wang described Taiwan’s economic ties with the United States, ongoing trade and investment developments, defense and education cooperation, and people-to-people exchange programs, noting Kentucky was the first state to sign an education cooperation MOU with Taiwan in 2021.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (6-9-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- of Kentucky Office of Regulatory Relief. of Kentucky Office of Regulatory Relief.
- <00:07:47.280>
from of the approval of certification from of the approval of certification - So the concept of Independence Plus even being recognized at the CMS level, it is no longer valid.
- , in need of some of those supports, in need of some of those supports, parents<00:42:03.040>
- So even if it’s not called Independence Plus program, even if it doesn’t have some of the provisions
Keywords:
0:06 - Roll Call
0:30 - Approval of Minutes
0:45 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
2:08 - FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET - OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
2:55 - BOARD OF DENTISTRY
5:30 - BOARD OF OPHTHALMIC DISPENSERS
7:30 - BOARD OF NURSING
8:32 - BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
9:30 - EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPPORT SERVICES
15:35 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
18:44 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES
23:39 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES
1:01:46 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, OFFICE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS
1:03:46 - Next meeting/adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute.
The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set.
The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students.
The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-12-26)
State Government
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-12-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- All in favor of the adoption of second.
- the incoming administration. ...out of the state government of about 30,000 people, about 800 of them
- happen event of of something bad happen event of of something bad happen happening.<00:13:26.720
- So, we would like, as part of our effort to expand awareness on unclaimed property, to declare the fourth
- <00:22:39.600>
September to declare the fourth week of September to declare the fourth week
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 10 -- 00:03:22
Consideration of HB 456 -- 00:20:47
Consideration of HB 480 -- 00:31:24, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met and first considered House Bill 10, sponsored by Rep. Hodgson, as amended by a committee substitute. The bill was described as a transition-period ethics and accountability measure for statewide executive offices. It would require preservation of certain records such as emails and texts related to appointments, permits, pardons, contracts, and settlements; create whistleblower immunity for people providing credible evidence of wrongdoing; add extra review for large settlements and certain no-bid contracts; and extend probation periods for some employees who move back into merit positions near an administration change. Members raised concerns about constitutional issues, the Attorney General’s role, the whistleblower immunity provision, and the impact on merit-system employees and subject-matter experts. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed the committee 16-0 with four members passing, and a title amendment was also adopted.
The committee then took up House Bill 456, sponsored by Rep. Freeland and presented with Deputy State Treasurer Russell Weber. The bill would designate the fourth week of September as Unclaimed Property Week, remove the requirement that the state treasurer live in Franklin County, allow mineral proceeds such as unpaid royalties to be reported as unclaimed property, and require more complete reporting information from holders. Supporters said the changes would help publicize unclaimed property and improve the return of funds to Kentuckians, noting that the office has returned about $88 million so far. Questions focused on why the residency requirement existed, whether the new week would limit claims, and whether the bill treated all constitutional officers consistently. The sponsor said the week was only promotional and claims could still be filed year-round.
During discussion of House Bill 456, the chair asked the sponsor to look into a past $250,000 embezzlement reference mentioned in debate. The bill was then put to a roll call vote and passed the committee with 16 yes votes and four pass votes, and the committee moved a title amendment as well.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It was a result of a lawsuit, and this funding formula sort of came out of that to help sort of equalize
- 00:03:51.360>
of this funding formula sort of came out of this funding formula sort of came out - and distribution of funds sort of. and distribution of funds sort of.
- Very proud of all of you understanding. Very proud of all of you all. all. all.
- on behalf of the university, of course. on behalf of the university, of course.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
History of SEEK 00:02:15
Summary of On-Behalf Payments 00:12:40
Discussion on Collection of University Debt
Department of Revenue 00:32:40
Northern Kentucky University 00:57:10, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the September 17 meeting, and heard a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education staff on SEEK school funding and KDE on-behalf payments. KDE explained recent SEEK changes, including the guaranteed base per-pupil amount, attendance-based calculations, second-month and January growth, the 2022 change funding kindergarten at 100% instead of 50%, and the existing add-ons for at-risk students, exceptional children, limited English learners, home/hospital instruction, and transportation. Staff also reviewed tier one funding, noting the 2024 increase from 15% to 17.5% and explaining that eligibility depends on local tax effort and property wealth. They also described Senate Bill 6 from the 2025 session as a reporting proposal to include on-behalf costs in education spending totals.
KDE staff then outlined on-behalf payments made for districts, including roughly $458 million for Teachers Retirement System contributions, $942 million for health insurance, about $12 million for technology costs, and additional SFCC debt service outside KDE’s appropriation, for a total of about $1.5 billion. Members asked how a future Senate Bill 6 would affect local contributions and whether folding on-behalf payments into SEEK would shift costs among districts. KDE and Senator Gibbons clarified that the bill was intended only as a reporting mechanism and would not change local contribution or district payments; it would simply present a broader total of state education investment. The discussion also noted that Kentucky’s reported SEEK amount alone does not capture all state education spending.
Members raised questions about home and hospital instruction data, saying local concerns suggest growth in some communities even if statewide numbers appear stable. KDE said the statewide figure has been relatively consistent but offered to provide district-level trend data. Co-Chair Petrie also asked about the accuracy of SEEK projections and on-behalf calculations, referencing prior concerns from the Office of Education Accountability. KDE responded that it works with the state budget director’s office in a consensus forecasting process and has been reviewing demographic and property-assessment data, including exceptional child counts, to improve forecast accuracy.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Dear Heavenly Father, as we come to the last day of our first week of session, thank you for what you
- May we remember we are stewards, not owners of this position as Mark 10:45 says, 'For even the Son of
- 250th anniversary of our nation.
- And so we have in front of us Just a remarkable group of men here, Mr. President.
- And whereas the actions of these officers contributed to the protection and rescue of civilians, the
Keywords:
water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- What Kind of what percentage of the monies might be spent on that instead of on building up infrastructure
- There's, you know, hundreds of thousands of wells, so it depends on their workload.
- Not in a lot of outliers.
- A lot of times, oil and gas production is out in the middle of the field.
- And you know, it's kind of one of those things that we just don't see very often.
Keywords:
SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (10-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh and we've had a lot of um of screen.
- of one of the you know that was part of one of the design<00:05:20.240>
constraints <00:05:21.120 - you kind of go into a little bit of you kind of go into a little bit of detail<00:14:48.480>
- of Technology. of Technology.
- ><01:09:43.440>
our now the chair of our of our of our now the chair of our of our of our infrastructure
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Discussion of the KentuckyWired Network 00:00:55
Discussion of the Water Resource Information System 00:35.40
Discussion of Geographic Information Systems 00:52:30
Discussion of Committee Report to LRC 01:15:05, 958, all
Summary:
The Information Technology Oversight Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a presentation from Leadcore representatives Jimmy Bird, Mike Murray, and Rebecca Moss on the Kentucky Wired network. Leadcore described its role as the design-builder and service provider under the KCNA contract, saying the network was built with roughly 13,200 feet of fiber, mostly aerial, and that the use of non-armored cable was a Kentucky-side decision made to reduce cost. They also said aerial construction and non-armored cable increase maintenance challenges, including storm damage and squirrel-related damage, and reported FY25 service activity of 104 break-fix events, 30 maintenance replacements, 64 storm-damage events, and nearly 13,000 feet of fiber replaced to date.
Committee members questioned whether the original project anticipated this level of replacement and whether any forecast existed for maintenance under non-armored cable. Leadcore said it did not do a formal forecast and could not say whether the replacement rate was above or below norms, though it acknowledged the decision not to use armored cable came from the Kentucky side of the contract. Members also asked about whether replacements caused network degradation; Leadcore said it tries to replace cable at existing splice points to avoid degradation and, where needed, uses armored cable for replacement sections going forward.
The committee then explored Leadcore’s relationship with Excel and KCNA. Leadcore said it has a service-level agreement for KCNA-related fibers but not for dark fibers used by Excel, and that Kentucky Wired fibers get priority on service requests. It said outages are reported through a 1-800 number and that it was not aware of any access problems to the huts. On the tech refresh, Leadcore said its understanding is that maintaining the network is its responsibility, but the technology refresh is not; it said only a very limited amount of refresh has occurred and that this did not match the original contract intent. Leadcore also said it had not been asked to defer maintenance. The chair closed by saying the testimony would inform a committee report and that he intended to recommend clawing back or withholding some previously authorized Kentucky Wired and refresh funding until an audit is complete, with the committee to vote on a report later.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on General Government (2-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- One of them got a lot of news, and I know you're aware of it; that was the Department of Juvenile Justice
- One of them got a lot of news, and I know you're aware of it; that was the Department of Juvenile Justice
- One of them got a lot of news, and I know you're aware of it; that was the Department of Juvenile Justice
- One of them got a lot of news, and I know you're aware of it; that was the Department of Juvenile Justice
Kentucky audit of the Commonwealth of Kentucky audit of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and<00:02
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19
Auditor of Public Accounts 00:01:07
Office of Secretary of State 00:10:22
Kentucky State Treasury 00:17:51
Office of Attorney General 00:28:50, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its first meeting and heard budget-related presentations from the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Secretary of State, with the Treasurer beginning a presentation at the end of the transcript. Auditor Allison Ball reviewed her office’s 2024 and early 2025 work, including hundreds of county and state audits, several special examinations, and ongoing reviews such as the kinship care funding issue, the Kentucky Department of Education audit, and the Jefferson County Public Schools audit. She said her office is focused on waste, fraud, abuse, and legal compliance, and asked the committee to consider future budget changes, including aligning her appropriation with restricted funding and restoring a stronger performance-audit function. She also highlighted audits that exposed serious problems, including the Department of Juvenile Justice review, and said those reports are intended to serve as models for other entities to avoid similar failures.
Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office is self-sustaining through fees and does not need tax dollars, but asked for greater access to its own revenues and more flexibility in using them. He highlighted the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, saying recent changes expanded protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and that the program has grown rapidly while remaining funded by offender fines. Adams also urged lawmakers to again adjust county election funding for inflation, noting the current per-voter and per-precinct amounts were set decades ago. In questioning, Representative Hart asked whether the Safe at Home program was self-funding; Adams replied that it covers only about 10% of its operating cost and said the best solution would be to let the office use more of the revenue it already collects rather than rely on tax dollars.
Treasurer Martin Medcafe, introduced with staff member Russell Weber, praised the General Assembly’s fiscal discipline and described the Treasury’s work in managing state funds. He reported strong results from the Unclaimed Property Fund, saying the office returned $35.5 million to Kentuckians in its first year and $3.8 million in the first month of the current year, and said the State Investments Commission generated $682 million in returns last year. He also highlighted financial literacy efforts through the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission and said the Treasury is helping manage opioid settlement funds, which are now earning up to $200,000 per month through investment. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.