Transcript Highlights:

• I thank you for securing this opportunity for me through my representative Trey Wharton, who stands in
• For the Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.
• Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety. And Veterans Affairs.
• Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
• For the costs incurred in securing the southern border, I refer to the Committee on Homeland Security

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• security. Promises made, promises kept. security. Promises made, promises kept.
• products pose to our national security. products pose to our national security.
• <05:01:59.840> coverage exemption from social security coverage exemption from social security
• While this out of social security.
• <05:13:42.798> campus, officers secure the Capitol campus, officers secure the Capitol campus

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 2010s, through lax security and exploitation of weak protocol protocols in North Texas, senior
• From this tragedy led to advocacy with her founding of Secure Our Senior Safety, a group comprised of
• Uh, yes, my name is Cheryl Pangburn, um, and I am representing Secure Senior Safety and I am speaking
• Thank you, Shannon Dion, uh, secure our senior safety and self for the bill. Is that correct?
• In March of 2017, I posted a review on Google and Yelp discussing the security changes.

Bills: HB 660, HB 4845, HB 3902, HB 5396, HB 4615, HB 1825, HB 1403, HB 4336, HB 4585, HB 4371, HB 863, SB 1589, HB 5223, HB 3195, HB 2734

Keywords: child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, employee goals, call processing, child care, human resources, government accountability, Medicaid, provider enrollment, revalidation

Transcript Highlights:

• We're working with such entities as Homeland Security, ICE, and others to determine if in fact they are
• have someone here from the securities commission that can answer some of those technical questions.
• I'm with the Alabama Securities Commission.
• Uh, we regulate both money transmitters and the securities industry in the state of Alabama.
• Any other questions for the securities commission? securities commission? All right. Thank you.

Bills: HB297

Keywords: cash transactions, money transmission, regulatory compliance, criminal penalties, Alabama Securities Commission, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to secure steady jobs and secure housing and, for all intents and purposes, become productive
• It isn't about security.
• secure, doesn't mean it is.
• But that shows how safe and secure voting by mail is.
• Note: secured voters should not be included in this.

Bills: HB2109, HB2168, HB2198, HB2226, HB2415, HB2440, HB2665, HB2805, HB2811, HB2825, HB2857, HB2874, HB2966, HB4067, HB4117, HCR2001, HCR2016, HCR2051

Keywords: distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, public nuisance, nuisance abatement, abatement action, injunction, superior court, attorney general, county attorney, city attorney, board of supervisors, obscenity, obscene materials, adult materials, pornography, schools, parks

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and announced several bills would be held at the sponsors’ request, including HB 4117, HCR 2016, HCR 2051, and HB 2415. It then took up HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly interfering with a lawful arrest and make that conduct a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney representative, argued the bill closes a loophole and protects officers from third-party interference during arrests, while opponents from criminal justice and civil liberties groups said existing laws already cover the conduct and warned the bill could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The committee debated whether the bill duplicated resisting arrest and hindering prosecution statutes, then passed HB 2811 on a 3-2 vote with one member not voting. The committee next heard HB 2665, which would create a manslaughter offense for an adult who intentionally gives advice or encouragement through a directed communication to a minor to die by suicide, including via social media or text. Representative Carter and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to online encouragement and a way to hold people accountable when minors are clearly urged toward suicide. The committee then passed HB 2665 unanimously, 6-0 with one not voting. It also approved HB 2857, allowing the Department of Corrections to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, by a 5-1 vote. The committee then passed HB 2226, which requires courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans to services and possible treatment court referrals; an amendment shifted the service-notice duty from prosecutors to the court. Supporters said the bill helps identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and can reduce recidivism, and it passed 6-0. HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance action in superior court, drew sharp disagreement over the AG’s use of nuisance litigation against businesses such as dairies, industrial plants, and rail projects; supporters framed it as local control and opposition to overreach, while opponents said it would weaken accountability and protect corporate interests. The committee passed HB 2168 on a 3-2 vote with two not voting. Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters argued it would keep serious child offenders on supervision and protect victims, while opponents, including survivors and defense advocates, said DCAC is a sentencing enhancement rather than a standalone offense, that the bill removes judicial discretion, may raise ex post facto concerns, and could sweep in lower-level online conduct. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee then began hearing HCR 2001, a voter referral to end early voting the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and restrict mail ballot procedures; the sponsor said it would improve election integrity and speed results, while opponents argued it would burden voters and reduce access. The transcript cuts off during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• on page 12 remove and secure on page 12 remove and secure ballots<01:15:52.360> uh<01:15:
• <01:15:57.639> ballots or something that the secure ballots or something that the secure ballots
• and secure and secure ballots<01:16:21.920> Miss<01:16:22.159> Freeman<01:16:22.960
• But I'm happy to look at whether there's a good place for a reference there to define secure.
• But I'm happy to look at whether there's a good place for a reference there to define secure.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it deals with security Um, it deals with security deposits.<00:10:47.920> Aaron,<00:10
• prohibitive practices, and security prohibitive practices, and security deposits.<00:11:02.240><
• 47:37.119> deposit it's essentially the security deposit it's essentially the security deposit
• have to be locked from a secure it. have to be locked from a secure it.
• RSA 421B which is the securities act. RSA 421B which is the securities act.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Public Safety and Veterans Affairs, HB 2471 by Simmons, a relating to the security deposits collected
• certain aliens or foreign entities or creating a criminal offense for the Committee on Homeland Security
• Order of the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs, HB 2572 by Harrison
• Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
• For the Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the chief information security officer for the state of North Dakota.
• I'm the chief information security officer for the state of North Dakota.
• So what are the biggest security risks out there? What is the risk tolerance?
• So, from a security aspect, it has to be done, right?
• So, I mean, there's, but from a security aspect, it has to be done, right?

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, our border is secure. USA. Thank you. Today, our border is secure.
• <01:11:37.199> Everything a national security basis.
• Everything a national security basis.
• ,<01:33:47.120> homeland<01:33:47.679> security<01:33:48.639> of border security
• , homeland security of border security, homeland security of the<01:33:49.199> United<01:33:49.520

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• European Command currently holds as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europa Secure.
• The secure position was created in part to ensure... ...that our nuclear weapons, and hence our nuclear
• and global security.
• , are safe, secure, effective, and credible.
• And you'd have to put the security... system that we have in effect for nuclear weapons.

Keywords: military strategy, nuclear triad, deterrence, STRATCOM, SPACECOM, SLICOM, B-21, hypersonic defense, spectrum auction

Summary: The meeting focused on the strategic posture of U.S. military capabilities with an emphasis on deterrence amid growing global threats. General Cotton from STRATCOM and General Whiting from SPACECOM provided insights into the modernization efforts of the nuclear triad. Key discussions involved the importance of maintaining control over specific frequency spectrums critical for military operations and the implications of potential auctioning of these bands. Members expressed concerns regarding the evolving landscape with adversaries like China and Russia, emphasizing that swift action is needed to adapt and preserve U.S. national security. Various proposals and existing programs, including the B-21 bomber and the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLICOM), were debated, alongside the necessity of increasing military investment in hypersonic defense systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• in these systems, they are not secure. in these systems, they are not secure.
• 01:25:28.960> less vulnerabilities, less security, less vulnerabilities, less security, less transparency
• are a matter of national security. are a matter of national security.
• they are secure they are secure and<01:47:41.360> fair.
• source community and cyber security source community and cyber security experts<04:38:24.879>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports advancing or disposing of bills. Committee actions included favorable referrals for measures such as House Bills 1336, 1069, 1227, 1314, 1132, 1342, 1196, 1224, and Senate Bill 178, while Senate Bill 100 and House Bill 1308 were postponed indefinitely. The chamber also adopted a motion allowing current Joint Budget Committee members to leave while the Senate remained in session. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 134, a bill concerning fees imposed by payment card networks, after a close 18-17 vote. Supporters argued it would help restaurants and other small businesses by limiting swipe fees on sales tax, while opponents warned it would not lower consumer costs and could trigger litigation and broader conflicts among financial institutions, payment processors, and businesses. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 138 on reducing administrative burdens in the health care system, Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range passenger rail district, House Bill 105 on reducing barriers in the Labor Peace Act and eliminating Colorado’s second union-election requirement, House Bill 106 on designating higher education institutions as thriving institutions, and House Bill 1312 on peace officer participation and POST-related changes. The Senate then moved into committee of the whole for second-reading consent calendar bills and adopted House Bills 1235 and 1299. Later, House Bill 1113 on election law modifications was taken up in committee of the whole; amendments were adopted to update terminology, extend Secretary of State review time for petitions, and exempt special districts from a recording fee. The bill’s sponsor and supporters described it as a technical and security-focused update to election administration, emphasizing voter access, anti-intimidation protections, and data safeguards. The transcript ends while debate on House Bill 1113 continues.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN JANUARY, THE OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND SECURITY SENT US THEIR REPORT ON THE 2024 ELECTION.
• THE OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND SECURITY CONCLUDES THEIR LONG DETAILED REPORT BY SAYING THE CURRENT
• PETITION FORMS WILL INCLUDE DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER OR LAST FOUR DIGITS OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND
• WHICH IS WHY THE OFFICE OF ELECTION OF SECURITY WOULD BE THE ONES TO DO THE INVESTIGATION AS OPPOSED
• INSTEAD IN THAT COUNTY ALONE THE OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND SECURITY HAS A LOOK AT SEEING WHY THAT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• securely. There's no looking for papers. securely. There's no looking for papers.
• still this underconfidence of how secure still this underconfidence of how secure it<00:46:08.079
• is something a security or is it not. is something a security or is it not.
• backed up by something safe and secure. backed up by something safe and secure.
• giving them a false sense of security giving them a false sense of security just<01:41:20.880>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing on digital assets, blockchain, and related regulatory developments. Chair Jarrett Keohoko said the committee was focusing on national and state policy issues around digital assets, while leaving the separate issue of Bitcoin kiosks and fraud to the House Consumer Protection Committee, which had already noticed a similar briefing. No public testimony was taken; the session was for informational updates and member questions. Representatives from the Aptos Foundation, including JC Yun and Michael Cheng, gave a detailed presentation on blockchain basics and Aptos’s technology. They described blockchain as a tamper-resistant digital ledger, explained proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems, and argued that proof-of-stake networks are faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. They also emphasized smart contracts and potential uses beyond speculation, such as car titles, college transcripts, collectibles, digital IDs, real estate, and other tokenized assets. The presenters highlighted Aptos’s Hawaii connections and said the technology could help local residents and businesses participate in the digital economy. They cited adoption statistics, including billions of transactions on Aptos, tokenized money market funds from major financial firms, micro-lending applications, decentralized cloud infrastructure, and the rapid growth of stablecoins. They acknowledged concerns about scams and consumer protection, but argued that the answer is stronger regulation and education rather than avoiding the technology altogether.

Transcript Highlights:

• they differentiated between tokenized securities and tokenized synthetic securities.
• securities um on tokenized securities securities um on tokenized securities where<00:24:27.760><
• securities and tokenized synthetic<00:24:33.039> securities.
• And tokenized synthetic securities.
• ><00:24:36.480> that<00:24:36.720> again securities is that bucket that again securities

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, which passed unanimously. Members then introduced the day’s presentations, including one on the Canton network and another on tokenizing real-world assets, with a focus on how blockchain systems can support regulated financial institutions and asset tokenization. Julie, the director of policy and government affairs at Digital Asset, presented on the Canton network, describing it as a privacy-enabled public blockchain designed for regulated finance. She said tokenization should preserve the same legal and economic rights as the underlying asset, and argued that blockchain-based books and records can shorten settlement times, improve 24/7 trading, and reduce friction in capital markets. She identified three main barriers to institutional adoption of public blockchains: lack of privacy, limited throughput/scalability, and lack of control for compliance purposes such as freezing assets, pausing transactions, and meeting AML/sanctions obligations. She explained Canton’s structure as a public, permissionless network with application-level privacy controls, a global synchronizer, and super validators chosen by vote. She also highlighted current ecosystem participants and use cases, including Broadridge, Circle, and the DTCC’s planned tokenization of U.S. Treasuries on the network. Members and online participants asked about the relationship between tokenized assets and the Clarity Act, tokenized deposits, safeguards for faster settlement, and whether the platform could be used for municipal or property records. Julie said Digital Asset was not taking a position on rewards, but supported clearer statutory definitions because tokenized securities should carry the same rights as the underlying assets and investors need to know whether a token is a true tokenized security or a synthetic/reference token. She said the company is agnostic on whether the cash leg is stablecoins or tokenized deposits, though it expects both to develop. In response to concerns about rapid settlement, she pointed to institution-level permissions and SEC disclosure expectations as safeguards. She also said the technology could be used for other records, including potentially property-related records, if those assets can be tokenized.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida already has secure elections. This is not the issue.
• This bill is not a security measure. Thank you. Florida already has secure elections.
• This bill is not a security measure. Thank you. Thank you. Matt Tanner, waving against.
• Election security matters.
• Election security matters, but so does voter access.

Bills: S0174, S1342, S1334, S1362, S1602, S1604

Keywords: transportation, memorial, honorary designation, Miami-Dade, Charlie Kirk, transit-oriented development, housing affordability, mixed-use zoning, urban development, traffic congestion, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud, vertiports, aviation, airport infrastructure, economic development, veterans

Summary: The committee first heard CS for SB 1342 on transit-oriented development by Senator Rouson, which seeks to expand housing near fixed transit corridors by updating TOD definitions and applying Live Local-style land-use principles to those areas. An amendment narrowed definitions, limited the bill to land-use and development regulations, removed a private cause of action, and added exclusions for environmentally sensitive areas, historic properties, and military installations. Supporters said the bill would increase housing supply near existing infrastructure and maximize the state’s transit investments, while local government groups and city leagues opposed it as a sweeping preemption of local zoning authority that could force high-density development without public hearings or adequate infrastructure planning. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up CS for SB 1334 on elections by Senator Grall, which would require documentary proof of citizenship in voter registration and related election processes, update how citizenship is verified through REAL ID and the SAVE database, clarify that paper ballots are the primary voting method, and add other election-related changes such as candidate eligibility rules and timelines. Two technical amendments were adopted. During extended questioning, senators raised concerns about how documents would be submitted and stored, whether voters without Florida IDs or REAL IDs—especially students, disabled voters, seniors, and homeless Floridians—could be flagged or burdened, and what fiscal and workload impacts the bill would have on supervisors of elections and state agencies. Supporters argued the bill would streamline verification and reduce duplicate paperwork, while many public speakers and some senators said it would create barriers to voting, increase costs, and risk disenfranchising eligible voters. The transcript ends during debate on the bill, before a final vote is shown. Later, the committee considered CS for SB 1362 on advanced air mobility by Senator Harrell. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House version and added vertiports and charging systems as eligible projects for public-private partnership funding, with FDOT authorized to fund certain vertiport costs within available resources. The bill drew support from industry and local representatives, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 174, which designates a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and directs FDOT to install markers at an estimated cost of $2,400. The bill prompted significant debate over whether Kirk’s legacy warranted a state road designation, with opponents citing his controversial statements and arguing the honor was political and divisive, while supporters said the designation recognizes civic engagement near FIU and is symbolic rather than regulatory. The transcript ends during debate on SB 174, before any final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:51.360> So, of securities. Okay. Okay. Great. So, of securities. Okay. Okay.
• about what is and what isn't a security. about what is and what isn't a security.
• I'm here to Securities Regulation.
• and and this doesn't say just security. and and this doesn't say just security.
• himself on the security concern. himself on the security concern.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to be a Democrat because Democrats will stop the move to privatize Social Security.
• Democrats own Social Security. If we gave birth to it. I'm not gonna surrender Democrats.
• Uh, we're not going to surrender as Democrats and allow Social Security to be privatized.
• Social Security is needed. Our people need it. By the way, people of all hues need it.
• Democrats fight to protect Social Security.

Transcript Highlights:

• It repeals the Social Security tax for everybody.
• Social Security benefits? Yeah, A12.
• <01:28:19.800> um not paying taxes on Social Security um not paying taxes on Social Security
• of people who are on Social Security of people who are on Social Security thanks<01:28:43.920>
• <01:28:52.880> ta<01:28:53.199> tax<01:28:53.560> cuts security ta tax cuts security

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• they're incomparable in test security. they're incomparable in test security.
• This is realizing the security threats.
• Uh NBEO's use of our secured candidate.
• I um the challenges to test security.
• So, in of the security concerns.

Keywords: 0:22 – Roll Call 0:30 – Approval of minutes 1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs 2:06 – Board of Pharmacy 3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners 39:26 – Board of Nursing 40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration 45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services 49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.