Transcript Highlights:

• And all it does is it clarifies when they need to report on the highway priority program.
• They enforce federal law, our state police, on our highways.
• And so this is something that federal highway allows; other DOTs have taken advantage of it.
• That would be laid out in the policy that Federal Highway approves.
• In 3266, we changed Office of Highway Construction. It's different.

Bills: HB345, HB503, HB511, HB590, HB655, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB748, HB776, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB896, HB999, HB1000, HB1086, HB1233

Keywords: rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, HB 503, Act 554, Golden Meadow, utility terrain vehicle, UTV, recreational off-highway vehicle, ROV, golf cart, low-speed vehicle, road shoulder travel, local ordinance, municipal traffic regulation, vehicle registration decal, municipal general fund, insurance requirement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works met with five members present and approved the April 29, 2026 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several bills, including HB 1233, which lowers the contract threshold for hospital service districts to use the Seymours program for certain hospital construction projects, and HB 715, which requires aerial applicators operating from public airports to have a transponder and radio; an amendment removing language about airport use of ADS-B data for fees was adopted after sponsors said the issue would be handled in another bill. HB 999 was reported favorably to allow impoundment of out-of-state vehicles operated in Louisiana without liability insurance, and HB 692 was amended to let parishes and municipalities use group purchasing organizations, with a narrowing amendment limiting one-source procurements and assurances that local bidders would not be disadvantaged. The committee also advanced HB 511, creating a grant program for pursuit intervention technology in response to officer safety concerns, and HB 590, which would let OMV issue specialized envelopes or notices for drivers with autism or other disabilities so officers are alerted during traffic stops. HB 503 was reported favorably after a local cleanup change to a golf cart bill for Golden Meadow, and HB 655 was approved to let DOTD use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state-owned ferries. HB 748 clarified that school board-owned or leased vehicles are exempt from tolls, and HB 860 would allow fillable electronic bids for local government procurement. Later, the committee approved HB 896, a major tolling-related cleanup bill for Plaquemines Parish that addresses customer service center access, administrative fees, and exemptions, with members and local officials criticizing the toll structure and its impact on the parish. HB 1000 was reported favorably as a cleanup measure tied to highway priority program reporting and local district contract limits. HB 887 established a more consistent scoring and ranking process for Seymour projects, with an amendment to avoid conflict with changing FAA grant rules. HB 888, a cleanup bill on temporary tags, was amended with added security features and then reported favorably. HB 1086, a broad electronic title and registration modernization bill, received a lengthy amendment set but was voluntarily held over for a week so members could review the new language. The committee also advanced HB 776 to expand the Port Priority Program to larger projects, with amendments clarifying flexibility and removing private projects from the bill. HB 707 was reported favorably to let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry handle promotional activities for the liquefied petroleum gas commission through a cooperative endeavor agreement. HB 868, a farm safety bill requiring safety chains or other manufacturer-specified equipment on trailers, was reported favorably after testimony about a fatal accident and assurances it would not change engineering standards beyond existing manufacturer requirements. Finally, HB 856 was amended to authorize indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting for DOTD maintenance and construction work, then reported favorably, and the committee later corrected the record on HB 856 by reconsidering and withdrawing one technical amendment set so further floor cleanup could be made. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And all it does is it clarifies when they need to report on the highway priority program.
• I had 21 amendments from the time it left the committee to whenever it finished the House.
• They enforce federal law, our state police, on our highways.
• And that would be laid out in the policy that Federal Highway approves.
• In 3266, we changed office of the office of highway construction. It's different.

Bills: HB345, HB503, HB511, HB590, HB655, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB748, HB776, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB896, HB999, HB1000, HB1086, HB1233

Keywords: rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, HB 503, Act 554, Golden Meadow, utility terrain vehicle, UTV, recreational off-highway vehicle, ROV, golf cart, low-speed vehicle, road shoulder travel, local ordinance, municipal traffic regulation, vehicle registration decal, municipal general fund, insurance requirement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works met with five members present and approved the April 29, 2026 minutes. The committee then heard and reported a series of bills, including HB 1233, which lowers the contract threshold for hospital service districts using the Seymours program; HB 715, requiring aerial applicators operating from public airports to have transponders and radios and removing proposed ADS-B fee restrictions in favor of separate legislation; and HB 999, allowing impoundment of uninsured out-of-state vehicles. It also advanced HB 692 to let parishes and municipalities use group purchasing organizations, with an added sole-source procurement amendment for certain repairs and parts, and HB 511 to create a pursuit-intervention technology grant program, using a technical amendment to establish the fund structure. The committee also reported HB 590, creating a program to help law enforcement identify drivers with autism or other mental/physical disabilities through special envelopes and related notice technology; HB 503, a local bill cleaning up golf cart and utility terrain vehicle definitions in Golden Meadow; HB 655, authorizing DOTD cost-plus contracts for state-owned ferries; HB 748, clarifying that school board-owned or leased vehicles are exempt from tolls; HB 860, allowing fillable electronic bids; HB 896, addressing tolling rules and fees in Plaquemines Parish and requiring a nearby customer service center; and HB 1000, a cleanup bill on highway priority program reporting and local district contract limits. Later, the committee reported HB 887, which establishes a more consistent scoring and ranking framework for certain procurement processes, and HB 888, a cleanup bill on temporary tags and temporary license plates with added anti-counterfeiting and safety features. HB 1086, a major overhaul moving Louisiana toward a fully electronic vehicle title and lien system, was amended but voluntarily held for a week so members could review the extensive new language. The committee also reported HB 776, expanding port priority funding to larger projects and allowing flexibility in annual amounts, HB 707, shifting LPG commission promotional work to Agriculture and Forestry, HB 868, requiring safety chains or other manufacturer-specified safety equipment on farm trailers, HB 856, authorizing indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting for DOTD maintenance and construction work, HB 345, adding rail infrastructure at ports to the rail improvement program, and HB 685, allowing transit agencies to use FAST Act cooperative procurement for buses and other rolling stock. At the end, the committee corrected its action on HB 856 by reconsidering and withdrawing the technical amendment set 2332 for later floor work, while leaving the bill reported with the department’s substantive amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with two state highways running through our community, he was always willing to come to the town
• Bill 2979 enables the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways
• I just took the normal common Definition of the run the highway running right beside the school.

Bills: HB2053, HB2123, HB2603, HB2979, HB2997, HB3148, HB3982, HB4058, HB4108, HB4143, HB4266

Keywords: outdoor advertising, transportation, state law, commercial activities, sign regulations, urban areas, turnpike, infrastructure, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, construction, bridges, motor carriers, public safety, enforcement, Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, transition period, roadside investigation, motor vehicle laws, HB2979

Transcript Highlights:

• before I came into the legislature from the city council, the mayor perspective, with two state highways
• Bill 2979 enables the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways
• I just took the normal common definition of the highway running right beside the school.

Bills: HB2053, HB2123, HB2603, HB2979, HB2997, HB3148, HB3982, HB4058, HB4108, HB4143, HB4266

Keywords: outdoor advertising, transportation, state law, commercial activities, sign regulations, urban areas, turnpike, infrastructure, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, construction, bridges, motor carriers, public safety, enforcement, Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, transition period, roadside investigation, motor vehicle laws, HB2979

Summary: The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee heard two executive nominations first and advanced both unanimously. Tim Gatz was nominated to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Transportation, with supportive remarks from Senator Paxton and Senator Guthrie about his responsiveness and long service; the committee voted 12-0 to advance him. Justin Blake Wilson was nominated to the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission, introduced by Senator Howard as a banker and entrepreneur interested in public service; he also advanced 12-0. The committee then considered several transportation and motor vehicle bills. House Bill 3982 would give certain commercial fleets a 90-day temporary tag and allow nonresidents 60 days to title and license vehicles in another state; it advanced 12-0. House Bill 2123, a backup measure related to a Tulsa/Jenks/Bixby Arkansas River bridge project aimed at easing congestion and improving safety, also advanced 12-0. House Bill 2979 would allow ODOT to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request, with ODOT identifying 14 qualifying locations and an estimated cost of $266,000; it passed 12-0. House Bill 2997, a consumer protection bill targeting bait-and-switch practices in retail motor vehicle sales and increasing enforcement staffing, advanced on a 10-2 vote after discussion of raising the maximum fine from $1,000 to $10,000. Other measures approved included House Bill 3148, allowing licensed new and used motor vehicle dealers to perform their own VIN inspections, which passed 12-0; House Bill 4108, adding airport operational areas to the list of critical infrastructure and prohibiting trespass there, which passed 12-0; House Bill 4143, raising the damage threshold for a required written collision report from $300 to $3,000 and allowing no report when parties exchange information, which passed 11-1 amid concerns about fault and insurance verification; House Bill 4266, the omnibus license plate bill, which passed 12-0 with a zero fiscal impact noted; House Bill 2053, clarifying outdoor advertising rules for playgrounds and planned unit developments, which passed 12-0; and House Bill 4058, allowing optional blood type information on driver licenses and ID cards to aid first responders and blood supply efforts, which passed 11-0. The chair closed by thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the committee’s final meeting and his last as chair.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CKA4tSWs7g, 2026-07-02T01:23:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:34 - HB 949, HD2 07:53 - DM HB 949, HD2 08:51 - CPN 9:55 AM 09:55 - HB 259, HD1 35:10 - SCR 131 39:24 - SCR 124 46:13 - SCR 147 / SR 143 50:30 - DM CPN 9:55 AM 54:00 - CPN DEFER 10:15 AM Hearing Notices: EET-CPN 9:45 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET-CPN_03-21-23_.pdf CPN 9:55 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_03-21-23_.pdf CPN DEFER 10:15 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_03-21-23_DEFER_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeP-g8ylX00, 2026-07-02T01:22:39+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDN-WAL_03-17-22_.pdf 9:08 - Introduction (EDN/WAL) 10:11 - SB2186 SD2 21:54 - Decision Making (SB2186 SD2) 23:23 - SB3209 SD2 28:37 - SB2819 SD2 41:43 - SB2820 SD2 47:18 - SB1347 SD1 55:05 - SB2823 SD2 1:00:26 - Decision Making (SB3209 thru SB2823) 1:08:01 - SB2821 SD2 1:21:40 - SB2184 SD1 1:23:26 - SB2214 SD2 1:27:56 - SB2826 SD2 1:31:25 - SB2081 SD2 1:31:56 - SB2183 SD2 1:32:21 - SB2817 SD1 1:40:46 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvLFPCnIkQA, 2026-07-02T01:23:16+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - start 00:15 - DM WAM 9:29 AM 01:44 - SB 582, SD1 59:26 - SB 3068 Hearing Notices: WAM 9:29 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_02-21-24-1_.pdf WAM 9:30 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_02-21-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:08 Attendance Roll Call 00:25 SB 39 Discussion 01:21 SB 39 Roll Call Vote 12:49, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:21:47.360><c> session</c><00:21:47.679><c> of</c><00:21:47.840><c> 2022,</c><00:21:49.280><c> the<
• <00:21:50.080><c> you</c><00:21:50.320><c> see</c><00:21:50.960><c> largely</c><00:21:51.679><c> in</
• ><c> of</c><00:21:53.760><c> Senate</c><00:21:54.000><c> Bill</c><00:21:54.240><c> One</c><00:21:54.400
• ><c> we</c><00:21:54.880><c> have</c><00:21:54.960><c> before</c><00:21:55.200><c> us</c><00:21:55.360
• This body,<00:21:57.919><c> this</c><00:21:58.240><c> committee,</c><00:21:58.960><c> and</c><00:21:59.360

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:08 26RS SB 3: 0:02:50 26RS SB 1: 0:21:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the highway fund.
• flow primarily from the State Highway Fund. ... 27% of the State Highway Fund is reserved for highways
• HJR63 would allow voters to decide whether we should shift from about 3% to about 21% of the Texas Highway
• Over $24 billion from all state highway revenue sources are spent on highways in our state.
• It is absolute highway robbery.

Bills: HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access

Transcript Highlights:

• He served with the highway patrol for 10 years and was a member of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association
• I know that there's great pride among the highway patrol when they say 'trooper' and this says 'patrolman
• Before they can enter the roadway to do this highway remediation work, but there is no specification
• Simply talking with the industry and making sure that we have players That enter on the highways, which
• Members, Senate Bill 1966 is simply a highway memorial highway and bridge naming, a designation for that

Bills: SB1772, SB1958, SB2010, SB1595, SB1687, SB1684, SB2049, SB1966

Keywords: motor vehicle safety, headlamps, headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, auxiliary driving lamps, spot lamps, off-road lamps, bicycle lights, bicycle reflectors, vehicle lighting, roadway visibility, low visibility, rain, snow, wipers, night driving, traffic safety, Oklahoma Title 47, vehicle code

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that there's great pride among the Highway Patrol when they say trooper, and this says patrolman
• This bill simply attempts to require any companies that are entering the roadway to do highway remediation
• Simply talking with the industry and making sure that we have players that enter the highways, which
• Members, Senate Bill 1996 is simply a highway memorial highway and bridge naming, or a designation for
• Memorial Highway and Bridge naming, or a designation for that.

Bills: SB1772, SB1958, SB2010, SB1595, SB1687, SB1684, SB2049, SB1966

Keywords: motor vehicle safety, headlamps, headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, auxiliary driving lamps, spot lamps, off-road lamps, bicycle lights, bicycle reflectors, vehicle lighting, roadway visibility, low visibility, rain, snow, wipers, night driving, traffic safety, Oklahoma Title 47, vehicle code

Summary: The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee met and heard several transportation- and licensing-related bills. Senate Bill 1772, by Senator Peterson, would require headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever windshield wipers are in use; after brief discussion about automatic headlights and enforcement, it advanced 8-4. Senate Bill 1958, by Senator Standridge, designated the I-35/Flood Avenue interchange as the Patrolman Mark Harris Memorial Interchange; after a question about the wording on the sign, it advanced unanimously 12-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2010, which would require non-citizen applicants to provide proof of lawful presence, mark limited-term Real IDs, and require an annual report. Members raised concerns about definitions, proof requirements, and whether the language matched the stated intent; the author agreed to strike the title and work on the language, and the bill advanced 11-1. Senate Bill 1595, described as a consumer protection/accountability measure for CDL training schools and grant administration, drew questions about steering students, agency recommendations, and whether lists of schools would still be allowed; it also advanced 11-1. Senate Bill 1687 would allow commercial driver training entities to proctor the written exam, and it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1684, which requires companies doing highway remediation to carry liability insurance, was amended to set the minimum coverage at $3 million and to specify liability insurance; after discussion about subcontractors and safety, it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1996, a memorial highway and bridge naming bill, was laid over after a question about whether the honoree was law enforcement, first responder, or military. The committee also announced that SB 1950 and SB 2052 would be laid over, and that it would meet again the following week to finish remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• . 2,000-plus semi-trucks off of the highway.
• The other one is on. on Highway 1017.
• Border Patrol rarely patrols north of Highway 285.
• That's a highway that runs from Hebbronville to Falfurrias.
• To the state highway fund.

Bills: HB1589, HB2208, HB2297, HB2560, HB2725, HB3080, HB4417, HB4473, HB4520, HB4662, HB4888, HB4905, HB4906

Keywords: HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• So the state highway, the state highway that's inner city? Yes, ma'am. Okay. Thank you. Yes, ma'am.
• That would fall within that highway fund.
• Keep in mind, this highway is heavily traveled in Scott.
• highway, we see an officer or trooper that's named on a road.
• It's a portion of Louisiana Highway 133 and 134. A portion of Louisiana Highway 133 and 134.

Bills: HB506, HB590, HB647, HB685, HB692, HB839, HB860, HB873, HB887, HB965, HB972, HB982, HB1072, HB1157

Keywords: license plates, prestige plates, Fraternal Order of Police, charitable donations, high school representation, waterway projects, application timeline, government funding, semi-annual submissions, Louisiana waterways, public procurement, motor vehicles, rolling stock, FAST Act, Louisiana bid law, hospital service district, construction management, public works, contract limit, bidding process

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1157, which would create a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank to provide a new funding mechanism for transportation projects, including roads, bridges, rail, ports, and airports. The chairman and DOTD Secretary Glenn LaDoux said the bank would help leverage state, federal, local, and private dollars, modelled in part on programs in Florida and other states, and would be used for gap funding and faster project delivery. Members asked extensive questions about board makeup, oversight, seed funding, application priorities, and how the program would differ from capital outlay and other existing funding tools. Support testimony came from Greater New Orleans, Inc. and other groups, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved several mostly technical or local bills, including HB 860 allowing fillable electronic public bid forms; HB 972 naming a portion of Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish the Desert Shield Desert Storm Memorial Highway; HB 965 naming a portion of Highway 163 for Sergeant William Billy Earl Collins Jr.; HB 692 allowing local governments to use group purchasing organizations, as amended; HB 685 allowing cooperative procurement for public motor vehicles and rolling stock under FAST Act procedures, which passed after a roll call vote with one no vote; HB 982 designating portions of highways in Morehouse Parish, as amended; HB 506 creating specialty license plates, as amended; HB 839 lowering the CMAR threshold for hospital service districts from $2 million to $1 million via substitute bill; HB 647 revising the waterway assistance program and application timelines via substitute bill; and HB 887 revising construction management-at-risk procedures, as amended. Most of these measures were reported favorably or favorably as amended, with little or no opposition. The committee also received an update on the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction from Representative Chesson, who said the office will assume control of about 4,000 miles of roadway and 2,000 bridges and has been moving projects quickly using internal procurement procedures. HB 1072, which reforms the office’s powers and emergency authority, was amended to narrow emergency provisions and clarify funding and reporting language, then reported favorably as amended. The final major item was HB 873, which would fund pursuit-intervention technology and training for law enforcement through a $2 fee on driver’s licenses; the bill was presented alongside emotional testimony from the widow and daughter of Sergeant Grant Candies and from a St. John the Baptist Parish captain, who argued the fee would help agencies buy safer equipment and obtain grant support. The transcript ends during questioning on HB 873, before any final committee action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second piece of that is the interstate highways, the commerce, and the straight federal projects
• projects in districts, including the gas and Eastern Connector, State Route 167 in C County, and Highway

Bills: HB606, SB271

Keywords: HB606, Alabama, Department of Transportation, DOT, public highways, utility relocation, right-of-way, state right-of-way, road construction, bridge, tunnel, toll road, interstate highway, defense highway, utility facilities, broadband, telecommunications, cable, electricity, gas

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvlUOY9et3w, 2026-07-02T01:23:18+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 0:30 - CPN-EET DEFER 10:30 AM 6:50 - CPN DEFER 10:30 AM Hearing Notices: CPN DEFER 10:30 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_03-21-24_DEFER_.pdf CPN-EET DEFER 10:30 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN-EET_03-21-24_DEFER_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• If their<00:21:26.720><c> taxes,</c><00:21:27.200><c> and</c><00:21:27.360><c> this</c><00:21:27.600>
• <c> the</c><00:21:33.679><c> pass</c><00:21:33.919><c> through</c><00:21:34.080><c> entity</c><00:21:
• from<00:21:37.520><c> the</c><00:21:38.240><c> quote</c><00:21:38.559><c> unquote</c><00:21:39.440><
• ><c> Um</c><00:21:41.840><c> and</c><00:21:42.080><c> then</c><00:21:42.480><c> the</c><00:21:42.799>
• bracket.<00:21:57.600><c> So</c><00:21:57.840><c> this</c><00:21:58.000><c> limit</c><00:21:58.799><

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Major Tax Provisions in H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) 00:02:45 Kentucky’s Workforce 00:33:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and heard a brief member introduction before taking up an overview of major tax provisions in HR1, referred to by the presenters as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Representatives from the Kentucky Society of CPAs explained new federal deductions for tips, overtime, and car loan interest; a new tax-favored “Trump account” for children; expanded bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing for businesses; changes to R&D expensing; and a new limit on wagering loss deductions. Members asked several clarifying questions about the duration of the provisions, W-2 and 1099 reporting changes, and how overtime deductions would work. The presenters emphasized that tips and overtime remain subject to payroll taxes and that many of the business provisions are permanent, while the individual deductions are temporary through 2028 or otherwise phased in over time. The discussion then shifted to individual and nonprofit provisions, including the increase in the state and local tax itemized deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 with income-based phaseouts, the temporary senior deduction, and a new deduction for car loan interest with income limits and vehicle qualifications. On charitable giving, the presenters described a permanent nonitemizer deduction, new floors for individual and corporate charitable deductions, and a new scholarship-granting organization credit that would allow donors to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal credit up to $1,700, beginning in 2027. Members focused heavily on the SGO provision, asking about state implementation, oversight, whether churches would qualify, and whether the credit could support both public and private education. The presenters said the state would need to establish the mechanism and that additional federal guidance is still pending. After the tax presentation, the committee heard from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on workforce issues, with a focus on child care and housing as barriers to labor force participation. Chamber representatives said they were not proposing large new government programs, but rather targeted policy recommendations for the 2026 session. They described Kentucky’s long-term decline in workforce participation since 2000, attributing much of it to demographic change, an aging population, and fewer younger workers entering the labor force. The presentation continued into a broader discussion of workforce trends and the need for practical policy responses, but no votes or formal actions were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, 133<00:21:00.559><c> overall</c><00:21:01.679><c> prosecutors</c><00:21:02.320><c> were</c><00:21
• :02.960><c> again</c><00:21:03.360><c> pre</c><00:21:03.679><c> July</c><00:21:04.080><c> 1</c><00:21
• Here's<00:21:08.240><c> the</c><00:21:08.400><c> effect</c><00:21:08.559><c> it</c><00:21:08.799><c>
• attorneys.<00:21:13.360><c> I</c><00:21:13.600><c> include</c><00:21:13.840><c> our</c><00:21:14.080
• of</c><00:21:15.600><c> as</c><00:21:15.840><c> a</c><00:21:16.000><c> control</c><00:21:16.320><c>

Keywords: 0:00:04 Call to Order 0:00:50 Dept for Public Advocacy 0:51:31 Life Learning Center 1:21:06 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary heard testimony from the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) on attorney compensation and alternatives to incarceration. Because the committee lacked a quorum, the chair skipped formal roll call and minutes approval, then invited DPA Public Advocate Damon Preston, Deputy Public Advocate Melanie Lowe, and alternative sentencing worker Cena/Tina Mills to present. Preston said DPA is fully state-funded, has 698 funded positions, and was near full staffing with 673 filled positions and 42 new law graduates expected to join in August. He argued that DPA’s resources lag behind those of prosecutors, noting that local prosecutorial offices receive substantially more total funding and have additional revenue sources beyond the state budget. Preston focused on salary disparities and turnover. He said DPA trial-office attorneys total about $26 million in salaries, compared with about $41.9 million for prosecutors on publicly listed state funding, and estimated that more than 100 additional prosecutors are paid through other sources, bringing total prosecutor compensation to a little over $50 million versus DPA’s $26 million. He said starting DPA attorney pay is $58,200, experienced attorney pay averages about $73,000, and that these levels are too low given law school debt and the state’s constitutional obligation to provide defense counsel. He also said DPA attorney turnover is about 20%, median service time before separation was 15 months in 2024, and exit interviews often cite salary as the main reason for leaving. He gave examples of former DPA attorneys moving to prosecutor offices for raises ranging from 12% to 50%. Committee members asked about how often defendants are represented by private counsel versus DPA and how that affects workload. Preston said a 2017 study found about 50% of misdemeanor cases and about 75% of circuit court cases were handled by DPA, with DPA handling most of the most labor-intensive cases. He said DPA will step aside when a defendant hires private counsel or is found ineligible, and he acknowledged the system historically erred by denying counsel in some cases, though he said the current concern is whether DPA is now appointed too broadly. Members requested updated trend data on appointments over the past decade. Preston also described DPA’s pay scale and said the agency’s compensation structure makes retention difficult. Mills then described DPA’s alternative sentencing worker program, which she said has operated for about 20 years and has received national recognition. She shared a case example involving a client named Patrick, who faced a prison sentence on a possession charge and was referred to a horse-based treatment and certification program in Shelbyville. She said the client wanted treatment and a fresh start, a bed became available, and she and the client’s attorney presented an alternative sentencing plan to the court. The presentation was interrupted briefly by a technical issue, but the testimony continued.

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnO8DpswllQ, 2026-07-02T01:22:52+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_EEP_03-21-24_.PDF Followed by 9:31 AM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_EEP_03-21-24_2_.PDF Then followed by EEP/TRN 10:00 AM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_EEP-TRN_03-21-24_.PDF Timestamps: 10:28 - Introduction 10:45 - SB 2122 ----------- 13:41 - HCR 212/HR 192 15:15 - HCR 213/HR 193 19:43 - HCR 120/HR 101 20:47 - HCR 35/HR 24 24:37 - HCR 197/HR 177 25:52 - HCR 153/HR 132 ------------- 43:26 - HCR 51/HR 40 48:13 - Decision Making for EEP 9:30AM, EEP 9:31AM, and EEP/TRN 10:00AM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY5mIueHQ-w, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:01:48 Future Health Professionals presentation: 00:02:34 SJR 98 Discussion: 00:09:44 SJR 98 Roll Call Vote: 00:21:13 SB 138 Discussion: 00:22:01 SB 138 Roll Call Vote: 00:23:53 SB 145 Discussion: 00:24:34 SB 145 Roll Call Vote: 00:37:25 SB 156 Discussion: 00:40:21 SB 156 Roll Call Vote: 00:45:56 SB 202 Discussion: 00:47:03 SB 202 Roll Call Vote: 00:56:14 SB 247 Discussion: 00:57:21 SB 247 Roll Call Vote: 01:02:29, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47