Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:07.959> which $9.7 billion in direct spending which $9.7 billion in direct spending
• But those are the benchmarks for us. Go back to what I said earlier: we're the bullhorn.
• But those are the benchmarks for us. Go back to what I said earlier: we're the bullhorn.
• But those are the benchmarks for us. Go back to what I said earlier: we're the bullhorn.
• But those are the benchmarks for us. Go back to what I said earlier: we're the bullhorn.

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:14 Approval of Minutes 01:40 Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 27:44 Department of Parks 59:23 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2781, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 2, relating to procurement law with benchmarks and labor
• of when they have to go to a benchmarks of when they have to go to a certain<00:25:07.200> percentage
• <00:25:22.159> will because otherwise the benchmarks will because otherwise the benchmarks
• bill, this requires the maximum contribution and carryover amounts for a public service flexible spending
• bill, this requires the maximum contribution and carryover amounts for a public service flexible spending

Bills: HB2241, HB1163, HB1514, HB1696, HB2021, SB2135, SB2466, SB2727, SB3082, SB3097, SB2861, SCR100, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, SCR162, SB2614, SB3118, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, commercial driving, driver's license

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that... thank you for spending some time on that.
• and transparency on how plans are doing toward those benchmarks.
• Second, establishing transparency benchmarks.
• I want to just give you an opportunity to speak to anything related to transparency benchmarks.
• I think one of the... ...benchmarks.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on Kaiser Permanente’s behavioral health care system, focusing on Department of Managed Health Care enforcement actions, Kaiser’s corrective action work plan, and testimony from patients, advocates, and union representatives. DMHC officials reviewed a long history of complaints, surveys, fines, and settlements involving Kaiser’s access to behavioral health services, including deficiencies found in 2012 and 2016, a 2022 non-routine survey, and a 2023 settlement that imposed a $50 million penalty and required $150 million in community investments over five years. DMHC said it continues to monitor Kaiser through quarterly meetings, complaint review, follow-up surveys, and a reimbursement process for members who could not obtain timely in-network care. Committee members pressed DMHC on what “timely access” and continuity of care mean in practice, how virtual care and group therapy fit into the standards, and what triggers a non-routine survey. DMHC said initial behavioral health appointments generally should not take more than two weeks, urgent care should be within days, and follow-up care within 10 days, with out-of-network care required when plans cannot meet standards. Officials also said Kaiser’s initial corrective action work plan lacked detail, but the revised plan was accepted and will be tracked through quarterly reporting and possible additional enforcement if Kaiser fails to comply. The second panel featured testimony from a Kaiser enrollee, a behavioral health policy expert, a Kaiser therapist, and the NUHW president. The enrollee described serious delays and inadequate treatment for his daughter after a suicide attempt, while the therapist and union leader said Kaiser’s behavioral health system is understaffed, relies too heavily on short appointments, group therapy, and webinars, and treats behavioral health as less important than medical-surgical care. They argued Kaiser’s one-appointment-at-a-time scheduling rule and limited treatment time violate parity requirements and harm continuity of care. Several members criticized Kaiser for not appearing at the hearing and said the testimony underscored the need for stronger oversight, clearer metrics, and faster remedies for patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• That means just four out of 10 third graders are reading at benchmark at third grade.
• benchmark at third grade in a state that professes to be the number one state in education. 60%.
• Only two out of ten students are reading at benchmark at third grade. Why is this alarming?
• It's an outstanding improvement for our historic spending.
• This amendment makes a narrow The share of health care spending devoted to primary care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading. The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor. After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.

Transcript Highlights:

• Slide 30: State benchmarks.
• Our benchmark plan was last updated in 2023, and so we plan to create a new benchmark plan that is based
• defrayal pay payment our uh Benchmark defrayal pay payment our uh Benchmark plan<01:25:02.719>
• may The Benchmark would updated Benchmark<01:25:26.000> would<01:25:26.239> go<01:25:26.440
• > into<01:25:26.760> effect<01:25:27.080> in Benchmark would go into effect in Benchmark

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when we're already spending that amount of money, like, let's we should be incorporating all of
• $85,000 for a new bus stop in spend $85,000 for a new bus stop in order<00:09:36.720> to order
• <00:10:18.480> that And so when we're already spending that And so when we're already spending
• <00:20:16.520> on are still prohibited from spending on are still prohibited from spending
• um to to expand progressive benchmarks um to to expand convenient<00:26:39.000> transit,<00:26

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• positions and what I think we've done is, I think we've actually incentivized school districts to spend
• it just because they had to spend it?
• But as opposed to year to year, kind of being forced to spend additional dollars unnecessarily.
• When you just say, 'You're gonna either spend it or lose it,' we encourage bad spending.
• Has the report from OMES been distributed to the members that Say if we don't spend $16 million, we're

Bills: SB1627, SB227, SB366, SB1193, SB1433, SB1450, SB1481, SB1749, SB1810, SB1812, SB1921, SB1948, SB2044, SB2178, SB169, SB1877, HB1409, SB1266, SB1432

Keywords: criminal code cleanup, duplicate statutes, statutory consolidation, repealer bill, emergency clause, Title 21 crimes, Title 47 DUI, child abuse reporting, child neglect, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, sex offenses, rape, stalking, domestic abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, sex trafficking, gang-related offense, eluding police

Transcript Highlights:

• And both systems, both vendors, have a college readiness benchmark.
• So, what college readiness benchmark.
• Or maybe we need to spend more on transportation versus another area.
• :25.840> transportation to spend more on transportation to spend more on transportation versus
• This highlights readiness benchmark.

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there really is no one to benchmark against.
• So those health benchmarks look at chronic exposure.
• are based on health benchmarks. are based on health benchmarks.
• <02:23:12.840> to benchmarks to benchmarks to then,<02:23:14.520> you<02:23:14.600>
• <02:23:57.560> from safety and also health benchmarks from safety and also health benchmarks

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes no sense discarding this asset while spending millions building reservoirs to treat water through
• Manufacturers are selling to the nation's at these benchmark prices.
• Manufacturers are selling to the nation's at these benchmark prices.
• Manufacturers are selling to the nation's at these benchmark prices.
• Currently paying for a $500 drug, we'll spend $150.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/House Bill 981, which would restore the Ocklawaha River and related natural resources. Supporters, including environmental groups, Save the Manatee Club, business owners, and Reunite the Rivers advocates, argued the bill would improve manatee habitat, fish passage, flood protection, tourism, and long-term economic returns while reducing dam maintenance costs. Opponents and skeptics focused on concerns about water quality, nutrient loading in the St. Johns River, loss of the Rodman Reservoir’s habitat and water-supply value, and potential ecological and economic harms. Members in debate largely supported the restoration effort, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then heard HB 697, the PRICE Act, which would use international reference pricing to set a drug cost benchmark, address pharmacy benefit manager practices, and require health plans to keep drug prices stable for the year. The sponsor said the bill would lower costs and improve access, especially for uninsured Floridians. Supporters, including independent pharmacists, argued PBMs are squeezing pharmacies and that the bill could help lower prices. Opponents from BioFlorida and PhRMA warned the proposal could disrupt the national drug supply chain, fail to pass savings to patients, and lead to shortages, reduced access, and less innovation. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with Rep. Chambliss voting no. The committee also considered CS/HB 1081, which was amended to include private colleges and universities with NCA designation in the program. After brief discussion and support from United Way Miami, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, CS/HB 177 was introduced as a framework for Florida’s regional councils to cross-assign bills among regions; it received supportive testimony and was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , to the kind of care that people receive every day, but has caused state and local governments to spend
• You know the benchmark has never been met. You know why? You need a budget to meet a benchmark.
• But as you know, as usual, we blew through our benchmarks, and there's no end in sight.
• Massachusetts ranks third highest in health care spending per capita.
• We were lucky to even have the free time to spend doing hours and hours on the phone.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on 16 bills, with the chairs noting a busy legislative day and asking speakers to keep testimony brief. The committee first heard testimony on Senate 860/House 1405, the Medicare for All bill, with Sen. Jamie Eldridge and many advocates, clinicians, municipal officials, and patients arguing that a single-payer system would make care a right, reduce administrative waste, lower costs, and protect residents from rising premiums, medical debt, and hospital closures. Several speakers cited the Steward hospital crisis, affordability problems, and polling or ballot questions showing public support for single-payer coverage. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then took testimony on S. 863, a bill on non-opioid options for chronic pain. Pain specialists, patients, and advocates said the bill would improve care coordination for MassHealth members, expand access to non-opioid medications, require provider education, and collect data on chronic pain. Testifiers described long delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma toward pain patients, and the need for multidisciplinary care and transportation support. Again, the committee heard testimony only and took no action. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1360/S. 869, which would prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in health care. Disability advocates, clinicians, and patients described being denied or delayed care, pressured into DNR orders, or treated based on assumptions about quality of life rather than medical facts. Speakers referenced COVID-era crisis standards of care, discriminatory metrics, and personal stories involving canceled procedures, inadequate accommodations, and poor treatment in hospitals. Committee members thanked speakers for their testimony and said they would review the bill and its implications, but no vote was announced. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1399, an individual Medicare marketplace option for municipal retirees, where supporters said it would give cities and towns a lower-cost alternative for retiree health benefits through HRAs and individual Medicare plans. The hearing then returned to Medicare for All testimony, with additional supporters repeating arguments about cost, access, municipal budget pressure, and the need for global budgeting and universal coverage. The transcript ends with continued testimony and no recorded committee vote or final action on any bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• 31% of the medical spend.
• <00:07:34.960> today about 18% of the medical spend today about 18% of the medical spend today
• <00:07:38.199> you they're 31% of the medical spend you they're 31% of the medical spend you
• <00:31:23.799> half uncompensated care we could spend half uncompensated care we could spend
• <01:32:08.320> benchmarking<01:32:09.159> is<01:32:09.600> not benchmarking benchmarking

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh so, we asked spending their time.
• screen, how much time are they spending screen, how much time are they spending on<00:21:42.000>
• > somewhat<00:21:47.800> less spending much less time, somewhat less spending much less
• You should be spending of principals.
• listen, if there's a is benchmarking listen, if there's a is benchmarking that<00:43:36.600>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Supreme Court benchmark the interest rate to the Wall Street Journal Prime rate which today is 7.5%
• side bank stop the deposit size of banks had the create a rule and the rule is tied to the wrong benchmark
• The Wall Street Journal Prime rate which is a lending benchmark is not a savings benchmark.
• not have enough money to, you know, they had all this money, but they didn't have enough things to spend
• We have 40 to 50 and the 10 that don't that have some kind of benchmark, the basin on fed funds and also

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE DECEMBER MEETING THE SBA RECOMMENDED ELIMINATING CHINA AND HONG KONG FROM OUR GLOBAL EQUITY BENCHMARKS
• ARE FULLY DEVASTING FROM FOR CLOSING INVESTMENT IN, INSTEAD OF REMOVING CHINA FROM PUBLIC EQUITY BENCHMARK
• MARKET AND ELIMINATING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE THE FUND MANAGERS MAY HOLD BECAUSE OF ITS WEIGHT IN OUR BENCHMARK
• THE FLEX OF THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AS A CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO SPEND
• AD HOMINEM ATTACKS NO BEARING ON MY DECISION-MAKING IN THE RED HERRINGS ABOUT WHAT WE SPEND OUR TIME

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's just again a benchmark because, you know, we're a smaller group.
• And so it's just again a benchmark because, you know, we're a smaller group.
• > that benchmark right now is that benchmark right now is that uh<00:42:56.640> 50%<00:
• important metrics to to try to benchmark important metrics to to try to benchmark where<02:00:39.360
• The equation is also going to make sure that we're spending those dollars wisely?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not require new spending.
• The benchmarking did not meet good practice for benchmarking.
• You can't benchmark something against itself and call it benchmarking.
• You can't benchmark benchmarking.
• You have to benchmark it benchmarking.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• core spending in particular, which is in the lighter line.
• But by contrast, spending on core programs, so baseline spending or spending that essentially is not
• , which is budget spending. surplus.
• Where do we benchmark, essentially, our modeling to say?
• be justified on the spending side of the budget.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These statements establish objectives, risk constraints, and investment options and benchmarks to measure
• Instead, by removing China from our public equity benchmark, we are eliminating passive exposure to the
• To spend time and resources on a ban that is doomed to be overturned is reckless and irresponsible.
• And the red herrings about what we spend our time on don't resonate either.
• And the red herrings about what we spend our time on don't resonate either.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up two bills and one presentation. Senate Bill 108, on administrative procedures, was presented by Senator Burgess on behalf of Senator Grall. The bill would require agencies to systematically review rules over five years old, submit annual regulatory plans and reports, and take action on reviewed rules; it also would speed publication of proposed rules after new rulemaking authority and expand transparency for incorporated materials and rule histories. Americans for Prosperity appeared in support, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard a presentation from State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer on implementation of statutory investment restrictions affecting state funds. He reviewed the SBA’s structure and fiduciary duties, said the agency must maximize financial return using only pecuniary factors, and described the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions involving Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He noted recent changes, including expanded Iran restrictions after the October 7 attacks, the addition of China-related divestment requirements, and the SBA’s move to eliminate China and Hong Kong from its global equity benchmarks; he said the agency is ahead of schedule on required divestment and in compliance with the law. Senate Bill 100, on display of flags by governmental entities, was then presented by Chair Fine. The bill would prohibit political flags on government buildings and allow active-duty service members and veterans to use reasonable force to stop flag desecration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing government buildings should not display political messages and opponents raising First Amendment, vagueness, and enforcement concerns, especially regarding LGBTQ-related flags and school settings. Senators also questioned the bill’s definitions and the reasonable-force provision. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 100 favorably, with Senators Arrington and Polsky voting no and Senators Brodeur, McClain, Rodriguez, Fine, and Chair DeSiglie voting yes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Rodriguez was recorded as voting yes on SB 108, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:05:20.240> uh we have to meet certain spending uh we have to meet certain spending uh
• benchmarks<01:05:21.599> particularly<01:05:22.160> for<01:05:22.400> quality benchmarks
• within the categories and the benchmarks within the categories and the benchmarks can<01:12:56.239
• already in use to meet those benchmarks already in use to meet those benchmarks including<01:13:
• mean the house the state is not spending mean the house the state is not spending money.<02:00:07.119

Keywords: 1191, senate, all