Transcript Highlights:

• > Denine,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Denine, &gt;&gt; Senator Denine, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:02:22.400><c> Douglas
• ,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas, &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:02:24.879><c> Alkins,</
• hi. >> Senator Chambers Armstrong, hi. >> Senator Clemens, hi. >> Senator Denine, hi. >> Senator Douglas
• > Denine,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Denine, &gt;&gt; Senator Denine, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:09:34.000><c> Douglas
• ,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas, &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:09:36.080><c> Elkins,</

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with my colleague from Douglas County. with my colleague from Douglas County.
• /c><01:56:01.199><c> Douglas</c> Douglas County, we've got Douglas Douglas County, we've got Douglas
• /c><01:57:33.360><c> the</c><01:57:33.520><c> ID</c> Douglas County stands with the ID Douglas County
• </c> something about the water in Douglas something about the water in Douglas County,<02:01:08.800><
• </c> County, but thank you to the Douglas County, but thank you to the Douglas County<02:01:10.480><c

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas. Senator Elkins. Senator Funke Frommeyer. Senator Girdler. Senator Givens.
• Senator<00:22:44.040><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Elkins. Senator Funke Frommeyer.
• Senator<00:26:31.760><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Aye. >> Senator Douglas.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:32:15.800><c> Douglas.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas. &gt;&gt; Senator Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas. Senator Elkins. Senator Funke Frommeyer. Senator Girdler. Senator Givens.
• Senator Douglas. Senator Elkins. Senator Funke Frommeyer. Senator Girdler. Senator Givens.
• </c> Senator<00:31:42.840><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Senator<00:37:57.520><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Senator Douglas. Aye. Senator Elkins. Aye. Senator Funke Frommeyer. Aye. Senator Girdler.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Director Craig Douglas could be here today.
• Craig Douglas is not here today? Is there a reason why Mr. Craig Douglas is not here today?
• Douglas.” A couple of more things, Mr. Douglas.
• Douglas, what kind of maintenance is there on a trailer? Well...
• Douglas, if you could come. Thank you so much.”

Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Craig Douglas is not here today? Yes, Mr. Douglas, would you come up, please?
• Douglas, have you all... Mr. Chair, I want to ask one last question. Mr.
• Douglas.
• Douglas, what kind of maintenance is there on a trailer?
• Douglas, if you could come. Thank you so much."

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Alvarado requested Douglas McRican, who has been appointed to the Texas Tech... Thank you.
• Senator Alvarado requests that Douglas McRieken, who has been appointed to the Texas Tech University
• We will now vote on the severed nominee, Douglas McCreakin.
• We will now vote on the severed nominee, Douglas McRieken.
• The Senate Committee on Nominations recommends that the full Senate confirm Douglas MacReican.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met with a quorum and first took up pending nominations from an earlier agenda. Members severed Douglas McReecken, nominated to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, from the rest of the list and then voted to report the remaining nominees to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote. The committee then voted on the severed nomination itself and reported Douglas McReecken to the full Senate as well, by a 5-2 vote. The committee heard testimony from Brooke Pop, reappointed as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and later from Commissioner Katarina Gonzalez, also of TCEQ. Questions focused on whether TCEQ rules comply with state law, ex parte restrictions, public transparency, concrete batch plant permitting, MUD approvals, water availability, illegal dams, enforcement, and the agency’s role in local environmental disputes. Both nominees said they follow the law as written, described internal legal review of rules, and emphasized transparency, public outreach, and enforcement; Gonzalez said she had already sent back two rules she believed did not comply with legislation. Members also discussed TCEQ’s authority limits and the need for clearer public communication about what the agency can and cannot regulate. The committee also considered Alethea Sullivan, nominated to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. Questions centered on TSU’s status as an independent institution, the role of HBCUs amid DEI-related legal changes, and student outcomes. Sullivan said she would focus on ensuring taxpayer and student resources produce valuable credentials and noted concerns from her review of graduation and bar passage rates. The committee then heard from Benjamin Barkley, appointed chief executive and public counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel. Barkley said OPUC’s main need is additional funding to recruit and retain attorneys and expert witnesses, reduce turnover, and continue representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility rate cases; he said the office was involved in 73 contested cases and saved Texans $2.2 billion in FY 2024. No final action was taken on the later nominees, and the committee recessed with nominations left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Senator Simon moves to recommend confirmation of Douglas Broxton. Thank you.
• So Senator Simon moves to recommend the confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of
• By your vote, the confirmation of Douglas Broxton is recommended favorably.
• Senator Simon moves to recommend the confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of the
• By your vote, the confirmation of Douglas Broxton is recommended favorably.

Bills: S0176, S0372, S0720, S0816

Keywords: campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one confirmation. Senate Bill 720, relating to resident status for tuition purposes for previously incarcerated Floridians, was presented by Senator Osgood and supported by testimony from Eddie Fordham, who described his own reentry and college experience and the difficulty of proving residency after long incarceration. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, emphasizing rehabilitation and access to education. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 372, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis, with support noted from the Florida Sheriffs Association. Senate Bill 176, dealing with campus emergency management, conduct, and workplace violence policies, was also reported favorably after discussion focused on clearer reporting protocols, protective measures, and timely updates for students, faculty, and staff; several groups waved in support. Members also voted to recommend confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of the State University System. Finally, Senate Bill 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes, received supportive testimony from medical and university representatives and favorable comments from senators, including remarks about research, federal funding, and improved outcomes. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Douglas: Present. Dolan. Douglas: Present. Elliott. Falkner. Fountain Henderson: I'm present.
• Douglas: Aye. Elliott. Douglas: Aye. Elliott. Falkner. Fountain Henderson: Aye. Hovis.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Douglas: Present. Dolan. Douglas: Present. Elliott. Falkner. Fountain Henderson: I'm present.
• Douglas: Aye. Elliott. Yolonda Douglas: Aye. Elliott. Falkner. Fountain Henderson: Aye. Hovis.

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions came to order, established quorum, and then moved into executive session. A side note was made that Senate Bill 890 would not be taken up at this time and would instead be considered in executive session on Tuesday at 4:30. The committee then considered House Bill 1829. A motion was made that the bill be voted do pass, and there was no discussion. The roll call vote passed unanimously, 12 ayes and 0 noes, and the bill was reported do pass. With no further business before the committee, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Douglas: For what purpose do you rise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Douglas: I'm sorry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Seeing no further discussion, gentlemen from Douglas, I renew my motion.
• Gentlemen from Douglas. To comment on the bill. Proceed. Mr.
• May I inquire of, first, the gentleman from Douglas.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by roll call vote, and established a quorum. Members then offered personal privilege remarks recognizing Dr. Penelope Martin Knox for Black History Month and introducing guests, including Adeline Overcast, who was made a page for the day, and visitors connected to a rural hospital in Rolla. Several bills were read for the first time, including measures on blind pension tax levies, penalties for impeding first responders, and flag display in the state capitol, and committee reports recommended passage of multiple deferred measures. The chamber then took up several bills on third reading. House Committee Substitute for HB 2596, concerning multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed 145-0. HB 1644, dealing with franchise employment liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over worker rights and franchisor liability. HB 2423, which would increase funding for the Division of Finance through higher licensing fees, passed 146-0 despite concerns about costs being passed on indirectly. House Committee Substitute for HB 2641, which aligns state law with federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, drew extensive debate over hemp, beverages, and the impact on small businesses and consumers; it passed 109-34 with six present. Members also debated HB 2498 on juvenile justice reform, including changes to certification procedures and information sharing. Supporters argued it would improve accountability and public safety, while opponents warned it would politicize juvenile decisions, burden treatment facilities, and push more youth into the adult system. After a successful previous-question motion, the bill passed 100-44 with three present. House Committee Substitute for HB 2637 and 3155, described as a truth-in-sentencing measure that would make parole eligibility and time-served credit clearer, passed 102-45 with two present after debate over whether it effectively increased mandatory minimums. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for HJR 154, a proposed constitutional amendment tied to Medicaid expansion and work requirements. Supporters framed it as encouraging work and reducing dependency, while opponents called it an attack on Medicaid expansion that would increase administrative costs and risk coverage losses for vulnerable residents. The transcript ends during the motion for the previous question on that resolution, before the final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas. Senator Higdon. Senator Hale. Senator Bledsoe. Senator McDaniel. Senator Meredith.
• Senator Douglas. Senator Higdon, here. Senator Hale, here. Senator Bledsoe, here. Senator McDaniel.
• Senator Douglas, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator Douglas. I want to thank you for this bill.
• Senator Douglas, I'm going to have to decline, and I may explain my vote. Sure.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met with a quorum and first heard Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Matt Nunn, which would bar state agencies from adopting administrative regulations with implementation and compliance costs above $500,000 over a two-year period unless an exception applies. Nunn said the bill is intended to increase legislative oversight, reduce burdensome regulation, and preserve agency authority for routine rules, with exceptions for emergency actions, loss of federal funds, express legislative authorization, and health facility/service matters. Senators asked about the definition of “major economic impact,” whether broader societal costs were considered, and how the legislature could respond quickly to year-round agency rulemaking; Nunn said the bill is meant to force those larger policy choices into the legislative process. Several members voiced concern that the threshold was too low and could tie agencies’ hands, while others supported the bill as a check on regulation. The committee voted to report SB 20 favorably, with some members voting no or passing. The committee then took up Senate Bill 127, sponsored by Senator Shelley Frommeyer, concerning real estate license reciprocity. Frommeyer and representatives from Perry Real Estate College explained that the bill would codify Kentucky’s current education and licensing standards for out-of-state real estate licensees, rather than relying on bilateral agreements that can be terminated by other states. They said the measure was prompted by the end of reciprocal agreements with states such as Ohio and West Virginia, which left students and licensees uncertain, and argued that codifying the standards would provide stability, help military spouses, and support Kentucky’s real estate industry. Senators questioned whether a compact would be better, whether the bill would disadvantage Kentucky licensees seeking to practice elsewhere, and whether it would weaken Kentucky’s leverage in future negotiations. Supporters said the bill only fixes Kentucky’s side of the process and could encourage other states to adopt similar standards; opponents worried it was unilateral and might not produce reciprocity from other states. The committee ultimately reported SB 127 favorably, with several members explaining yes, no, or pass votes, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the House, ladies and gentlemen, we're honored to have with us from Ireland Senator Aubrey MacArthur

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, received and accepted multiple resignation notices from members representing Districts 37, 39, 60, 69, 97, and 100, and then recognized the election and qualification of the members-elect who filled those vacancies: Doyle Boudreau, Reese Broussard, Chasity Verrett-Martinez, and Edwin Murray. Each member-elect was sworn in, and the House also appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was ready to conduct business for the 2026 regular session. The chamber then handled a large number of procedural actions related to prefiled legislation. By motion and without objection, the House suspended rules to refer prefile bills to committee and introduced a broad slate of House bills and resolutions. Topics included the state budget and appropriations, retirement system changes, carbon capture and sequestration, criminal justice and bail, public safety, education, health care, local government matters, transportation, and several memorial or commemorative resolutions. Several resolutions and bills were noted as lying over, and some prefiled bills were withdrawn from the files. The House also received a Senate message that SCR 1 had been adopted, and the resolution was taken up without objection. The chamber then recessed for a joint session with the Senate to hear the governor’s address and a presentation honoring Technical Sergeant Adam W. Brister with the Distinguished Flying Cross. In his remarks, Governor Jeff Landry highlighted his administration’s priorities, including education, tax reform, workforce development, health and nutrition, insurance reform, transportation infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and criminal justice reform, while urging support for his agenda and several related bills and constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the House, ladies and gentlemen, we're honored to have with us from Ireland Senator Aubrey MacArthur

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received and processed multiple resignation notices and special-election proclamations for vacant seats. The chamber later recognized and swore in newly elected members Doyle Boudreaux, Reese Broussard, Chassity Verrett-Martinez, and Edwin Murray after no objections were raised to their qualifications. The House also appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was ready to conduct business for the 2026 regular session, and it adopted the proposed standing committee meeting schedule and referred prefiled bills to committee without objection. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the introduction and reading of a very large number of House bills and resolutions across many subject areas. Measures included the annual appropriations bill, a proposed constitutional convention, carbon dioxide sequestration and pipeline permitting, retirement-system changes, criminal justice and public safety proposals, education and workforce measures, local government and district creation bills, insurance and liability reforms, and numerous commemorative resolutions. Several prefiled bills were withdrawn, and many introduced measures were assigned to committees or allowed to lie over under the rules. The House then entered a joint session with the Senate for the governor’s address. Governor Jeff Landry outlined his administration’s priorities and praised recent legislative actions on taxes, insurance reform, transportation, education, and fiscal discipline. He urged support for Amendment 3 on teacher pay and retirement, called for further workforce and health initiatives, defended insurance and transportation reforms, and pressed for judicial reform, especially in Orleans Parish, citing the death of Jacob Carter and failures in electronic monitoring as examples. He also promoted replacing the vehicle inspection sticker with a QR code system and highlighted economic growth, lower taxes, and infrastructure investments. The joint session also included a presentation of the colors by the Louisiana National Guard and a Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony for Technical Sergeant Adam W. Brister, recognizing his 2018 rescue mission in Alaska. After the governor’s remarks and the military honor presentation, the joint session concluded and the House resumed introducing additional bills, continuing to file measures on topics such as health care, education, ethics, elections, local districts, and constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas. >> Present. Senator Higdon. Here. Senator Mays Bledsoe. Senator McDaniel.
• Senator Douglas. Aye. Senator Higdon. Aye. Senator Howell. Aye. Senator Mays Bledsoe.
• Senator<00:04:10.480><c> Douglas.</c><00:04:11.520><c> Aye.</c> Senator Douglas. Aye.
• Senator Douglas. Aye. Senator<00:04:13.640><c> Higdon.</c><00:04:14.320><c> Aye.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 0:18 Roll Call 0:53 HB 236 Discussion 4:02 HB 236 Vote Adjournment 5:59, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fatman and my own companion bills, which would raise a surcharge available to the town of Douglas
• from $1 to $5 for vehicles parking at Douglas State Forest.
• Douglas State Forest is a 6,000-square-foot natural resource that borders both Connecticut and Rhode
• But given its location and proximity, it's almost always Douglas emergency response first on the scene
• state police and environmental police but given its location and proximity it's it's almost always Douglas

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources opened its first hearing with introductory remarks, instructions on three-minute testimony limits, and notice that written testimony would be accepted. The committee then heard testimony on several local bills, beginning with H. 984, which would change water management for Silver Lake, Furnace Pond, Monponset Pond, and the Jones River system. Supporters said the 1964 water arrangement has harmed water levels, water quality, and habitat, and argued the bill would add needed environmental oversight without cutting Brockton off from water. Testimony emphasized impacts on alewife, freshwater mussels, drought conditions, and the need for more balanced management; no vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard H. 1069, a proposal to raise the parking surcharge at Douglas State Forest from $1 to $5 to help Douglas cover emergency response costs at the DCR park. Supporters said the town bears the burden for rescues, brush fires, and other incidents and has used the current surcharge for equipment like drones and ATVs. Another bill, H. 994, would let Orleans regulate fertilizer use locally; the town argued that nutrient pollution has worsened water quality in Cape Cod ponds and coastal waters, while opponents from the lawn care and landscape industries said Massachusetts already has a strong statewide nutrient-management system and warned against a patchwork of local rules. The committee also took testimony on H. 1073 concerning wastewater treatment and disposal options at Joint Base Cape Cod for the town of Sandwich. Supporters said the base could help meet Sandwich’s immediate and long-term wastewater needs and that the region has already invested in planning. In addition, Senator Driscoll testified in support of S. 575, to add transparency to the Blue Hills Reservation Trust Fund, and S. 574, to establish memorial markers honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He also supported related park-naming legislation, including a bill to rename Farragut Park and dedicate athletic fields there. Finally, a marine trades representative supported a bill to expand pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor, arguing that boating supports the local economy and that boaters are strong environmental stewards. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with no committee action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas. Present. Senator Elkins. Present. Senator Funke Frommeyer. Present.
• Senator Douglas. Senator Elkins. Senator Funky Froemeyer. Senator Girdler. Senator Givens.
• Senator<01:28:42.640><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.
• Senator Douglas: I. Senator Elkins: I. Senator Funke Frommeyer: I. Senator Girdler: I.
• Senator<01:58:24.800><c> Douglas.</c> Senator Douglas. Senator Douglas.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• here, Senator Nick Wilson, Vice Chair Douglas present, Chairman Higdon here.
• Senator Douglas, I'm going to say aye and explain my vote, please. I'll be very quickly.
• Senator Douglas, I'm going to say aye and explain my vote, please. I'll be very quickly.
• Senator Chambers Armstrong, Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, Senator Elkins, Senator
• Senator Douglas, thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with guest recognitions and a brief prayer for a colleague who had a medical episode. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force to study Advanced Air Mobility and related policy issues in Kentucky. The sponsor and witnesses described AAM as emerging eVTOL “flying car” technology, argued Kentucky has strong aviation and logistics assets to compete for the industry, and said the task force would include legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives. Senators asked about the technology and potential uses, including rapid transport of medical specialists. The resolution was reported favorably after roll call, with several members expressing support and at least one member noting a desire for more information while still voting yes. The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, as amended by committee substitute, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor cited survey data showing hundreds of illegal school-bus passings in Kentucky and argued the bill would help change driver behavior by allowing, but not requiring, school districts to use camera systems funded through violators rather than district budgets. Testimony emphasized that the measure is voluntary, vendor-neutral, provides an appeals process in district court, limits camera activation to when the stop arm is deployed, and keeps revenues within the school district and court system. Representative David Hale supported the bill, sharing a personal story about a near-miss involving a child crossing after a bus stop. The committee approved the committee substitute and then reported SB 38 favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and Backroads of Appalachia representatives said the bill would define and regulate these vehicles, while expressly excluding farm and agricultural vehicles from its requirements. They explained the bill would require inspection, registration, and a motorcycle plate for qualifying vehicles, set limits on where and how far they can be driven, and allow local or state restrictions where applicable. Supporters framed the bill as an economic development measure for Eastern Kentucky and the broader state, citing tourism, trail-system spending, and examples from other states. A committee member asked for clarification about farm-to-farm use, and the witness confirmed the bill would not affect agricultural use. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 63, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Douglas present. Senator Higden. Senator Hal Mae bedson here. Senator McDaniel.
• Senator Douglas, aye. Senator Higden, aye. Senator Hal Mae bedson, aye. Senator McDaniel, aye.
• Armstrong Armstrong Senator Senator Senator Berg<00:10:33.000><c> Senator</c><00:10:33.480><c> Douglas
• Senator Douglas? I have been explaining my vote. Please proceed. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Douglas? I have been explaining my vote. Please proceed. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 27, 2025, with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 255, relating to physical therapy. The bill sponsor and representatives of the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy and APTA Kentucky said the measure is mainly a cleanup and modernization bill that updates outdated statutory language, changes PTAs from “certified” to “licensed,” gives the board authority to purchase liability insurance, moves fee and fine caps into regulation without changing current fees, renames temporary permits as provisional licenses, and creates a pathway to more easily recognize some internationally trained physical therapists already practicing in other states. Senators asked whether the bill changed training, scope of practice, Medicaid, or supervised practice standards; witnesses said it did not, and that supervised practice requirements remain in place with out-of-state practice accepted only when equivalent or more stringent. The committee approved HB 255 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 618, an alcoholic beverages measure with a Senate committee substitute. The bill was described as having three parts: allowing restaurants to buy limited quantities of alcohol from retail outlets to meet customer demand while keeping the three-tier system intact and requiring quarterly reporting; creating a temporary auctioneer license to auction previously retail-sold alcohol in original packaging, such as estate or bourbon collections; and giving quota bar license holders the same opportunity restaurants already have to sell barrel picks by the bottle. Testimony supported the bill as a way to help restaurants, auctioneers, and bars, while a senator raised a question about sales tax on auction sales and another noted that nonprofit or church-related alcohol auctions already require permits under existing law. One senator suggested future guardrails to encourage local purchasing, but no amendment was adopted. The committee passed HB 618 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• Douglas, here. Farnan, here. Hausman, here. Hewkin, here. Hruza, here. Loy, here. Here. Hewkin?
• Douglas, aye. Cook, aye. Douglas, aye. Farnan, aye. Hausman, aye. Hewkin, aye. Hruza, aye.
• Douglas, aye. Farnan, aye. Hausman, aye. Hewkin, aye. Hruza, aye. Loy, no. Nolte, aye. Phelps, aye.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and went into executive session. It first took up House Bill 2957, a respiratory care practitioners measure that was combined into a House Committee Substitute with related respiratory care/compact language. After brief discussion about consolidating the bills to save floor time, the committee adopted the substitute and voted it do pass by a roll call of 20 yes and 1 no. The committee then considered House Bill 2897, the optometry bill. Members discussed ongoing concerns and the need for continued conversation about collaborative practice, the Board of Healing Arts, continuing education, and patient safety. One member opposed the bill as too broad and said it would effectively make optometrists more like ophthalmologists and surgeons, while another said he remained uncomfortable but would vote yes to keep the discussion moving forward. After roll call, House Bill 2897 was voted do pass by 19 yes and 2 no. With no further business, the committee adjourned.