Transcript Highlights:

• </c> $450,000 each fiscal year for the grain $450,000 each fiscal year for the grain license<00:27:09.760
• That also goes with the grain inspection as we look at that piece, too.
• That also goes with the grain inspection as we look at that piece, too.
• That also goes with the grain inspection as we look at that piece, too.
• That also goes with the grain inspection as we look at that piece, too.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Agriculture Conference Committee met for an initial organizational and comparison session on House File 2446, the agriculture broadband and rural development bill. Members introduced themselves, noted that no conference target had yet been set, and agreed to begin with a side-by-side review of House and Senate positions. No oral testimony was taken; instead, the chair listed written testimony submitted by a wide range of agricultural, environmental, local government, food bank, and industry groups. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through the major funding differences. Both bills included some shared items such as operating adjustments, wolf and elk damage compensation, and certain technical changes, but they differed on several major appropriations. The House generally proposed larger increases for meat inspection, local food purchasing, and the Board of Animal Health, and added items such as county inspector grants, biofertilizer innovation, a biosolids/PFAS-related study, a soil health study, broadband installation study funding, an Agri Works program, an Agri Support program, a milk grant program, and several House-only transfers and grants. The Senate included items such as a climate coordinator position, biofuel-related reductions and policy changes, livestock processing funding, farm-to-school and urban agriculture changes, MARL funding, cottage foods licensing updates, and several Senate-only pass-through grants and transfers. Staff also noted differences in the agriculture emergency account transfer approach and in how the two bodies handled the Second Harvest Heartland and related food distribution provisions. House Research then reviewed the policy language differences in the bill. The House language included provisions allowing more flexible use of grant administration funds, unpaid prior-year claims, county inspector grants, and updates tied to its own policy article, while the Senate language included the climate coordinator, PFAS-related commercialization language, cooperative development grant permissive language, and other Senate policy changes. The committee did not take any votes or final actions at this meeting; the session was informational and focused on identifying differences for later negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• They recently removed an unused conveyor for grain on their secondary dock.
• So, the hopper surge tank will allow the grain to continue to be unloaded from truck and stored until
• conveyor to allow to upgrade their grain conveyor to allow for<00:21:09.679><c> the</c><00:21:09.840
• Currently, when grain trucks are tank.
• </c><00:21:18.640><c> to</c> surge tank will allow the grain to surge tank will allow the grain to continue

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Approval of Minutes 01:07 Airport Projects 12:17 Riverport Projects 38:27 Electric Vehicle Charging Program 54:10 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do not believe that this would prevent the Grain Belt Express.
• The Grain Belt Express is transmission, not generation. Right.
• However, I will say I have personal gripes about Grain Belt Express.
• We've had Grain Belt come in.
• Grain Belt, honestly, it's been weird. It's been kind of hit or miss.

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues heard House Bill 3375, sponsored by Rep. Mike Koslow, which would overhaul Missouri eminent domain law. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to protect farmers, ranchers, and other landowners by increasing compensation, adding protections for beginning farmers and heritage properties, requiring more notice before surveyors enter land and before condemnation proceedings move forward, and tightening standards for restoration of disturbed property. The bill also would bar eminent domain for wind and solar generation projects, require compensation for tax liability, allow separate actions for individual landowners, and provide attorney’s fees when a landowner wins a higher award than the condemning authority offered. Several members and witnesses also discussed the bill’s provisions on blight, alternative routing, and whether the measure should be broadened or narrowed to address other energy sources as well. Support came from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and landowner witnesses, who argued that eminent domain often leaves rural families with the burden of infrastructure while utilities and developers retain flexibility. They described the bill as a matter of transparency, due process, and “common courtesy,” and said it would help landowners negotiate on more equal footing. One attorney witness, Brent Hayden, said current law gives landowners little leverage over route selection and cleanup standards, and that the bill would codify protections landowners often cannot obtain in negotiations. A landowner and banker also testified about past condemnations on his family farm and said utilities had rejected alternative locations. Opposition came from the Missouri Energy Development Association, MoDOT, and municipal utilities. They said some provisions could increase costs, delay projects, and create litigation risk that would ultimately be passed on to customers and taxpayers. Opponents also urged the committee to tighten language on the solar and wind prohibition and attorney-fee provisions to avoid conflicts with existing law. During questioning, members raised concerns about whether the bill unfairly targets wind and solar, whether it could affect transmission projects like Grain Belt Express, how notice would be verified, and whether the bill would create practical problems for utilities and public infrastructure providers. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This practice further helps important research on grain hops, which are both part of the Minnesota agricultural
• This practice further helps important research on grain hops, which are both part of the Minnesota agricultural
• further important practice helps further important research<00:25:07.600><c> on</c><00:25:07.919><c> grain
• hops</c><00:25:09.840><c> which</c><00:25:10.080><c> are</c><00:25:10.240><c> both</c> research on grain
• hops which are both research on grain hops which are both part<00:25:11.120><c> of</c><00:25:11.279>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• "Now, what they said is that because this gentleman is growing a certain amount of grain on his farm
• And because that grain would now not be purchased on the marketplace, and because that marketplace is
• </c> that a gentleman who was growing grain that a gentleman who was growing grain on<00:29:56.559><c
• </c><00:30:22.799><c> would</c> animals, that same amount of grain would animals, that same amount of
• You understand their argument that it'll have a ripple effect, the tiny thing just like the grain.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a grain facility in Kirsy in Callaway County. Anybody been through Kirsy?
• safety and grain rescue.
• </c> my backyard at Christian County Grain my backyard at Christian County Grain there<00:51:09.839><
• I think there was five grain bin emergencies last year or in the last couple years.
• Um, but in those last couple years, because of the grain bin rescue apparatuses and turtle tubes and

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:18 KOAP Report 00:58 Approval of Minutes 53:58, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met on June 11 but did not have a quorum, so it could not approve the prior minutes. The committee then received a compliance and program update from Brandon Reed and Bill McClowski of the agricultural development board, who said the office is fully staffed, has digitized most records, and has added a Facebook page to share board actions, projects, and compliance work. They also reported that the board and finance corporation continue to operate with strong county-council participation and that the office had completed numerous site visits, program reviews, and project closeouts over the reporting period. The presenters reviewed monthly funding actions from December through May, including board approvals ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, with a December finance meeting delayed by a snowstorm. They highlighted that the Kentucky Agriculture Finance Corporation now has 57 loans generating more than $2 million per month in payments, and that the revolving loan program has grown to support more than $24 million annually in repayments available for relending. They also noted that 75% of the portfolio is in beginning farmer loans and that the office had recently surpassed 1,000 active loans. Several projects were discussed in detail. These included a grain facility in Callaway County supporting organic corn production for expanding egg-layer operations, a Union County cattle business expansion, a West Liberty Veterinary Clinic project to build a working cattle facility, a Grayson County farmers market project, a Casey County veterinary services project, and a packing warehouse for the Kanye family to support specialty crops. The presenters emphasized that county and state tobacco settlement funds are often combined, sometimes with participation loans, to leverage local investment. They also stressed the importance of supporting greenhouses, farmers markets, specialty crops, and large-animal veterinary services as key agricultural priorities. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the lack of quorum and the informational presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• People are seeing people come to my facility and they're loading grain out of my bin, and they're like
• Luckily, I can hang on to this product because I was dumb enough to spend $100,000 on a grain bin to
• Everybody's like, "I bet you got a government grant to build that grain bin, didn't you?"
• Multiply that times 25,000 bushels, and all of a sudden you've paid for half of your grain bin.
• operations to have points on our grain operations to have opportunities<00:10:37.720><c> for</c><00:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think already, if I've looked at, which I did, the federal government tracks the grains.
• by the federal government, and they either need to have the grains or the alcohol or the receipt.
• At a federal level, our grain is tracked, our production is tracked, and during... Nothing.
• Where do we get our grain? All of my grain comes from Missouri.
• Where do we get our grain? All of my grain comes from Missouri.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Winter, also Senators Pelton, B., and Roberts, concerning using money in the diseased livestock indemnity

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal from February 17, 2026, and then moved into third reading. Members passed several bills on final passage: HB 1013, concerning landlord use of ratio utility billing systems; HB 1064, modifying the youthful offender system; HB 1076, making transportation-related statutory changes; HB 1067, allowing use of the diseased livestock indemnity fund to address livestock health threats; HB 1042, concerning dry needling by occupational therapists; and HB 1025, exempting auctioneers from certain requirements of the Colorado Charitable Solicitations Act. Vote totals were recorded for each, with HB 1042 and HB 1025 passing unanimously and the others passing by varying margins, including HB 1067 at 58-1 and HB 1076 at 40-19. Co-sponsors were then invited to add their names to the adopted bills. During announcements, members highlighted upcoming committee hearings and events. Judiciary, Education, Health and Human Services, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Finance, Statutory Revision, and Capital Development committees all announced meetings and bill agendas. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups, including Adams 12 Stargate, Emily Griffith Technical College, and Slavens Elementary fourth graders, as well as a Chaparral High School AP government class. There were also announcements about the Aerospace and Defense Caucus, Aerospace Day at the Capitol, and a Colorado Housing Coalition reception. Several members made brief remarks honoring people and observances, including a detailed tribute to Barbara Shannon Banister for her civil rights and community leadership in Aurora, and a statement marking the first day of Ramadan and encouraging members to visit local mosques and participate in iftar events. At the end of the session, the majority leader moved to lay over the balance of the calendar until February 19, 2026, and the House agreed without objection. The House then stood in recess until later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the agency is projecting a base increase of $4.5 million for indemnity payments. payments

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do not believe that this would prevent the Grain Belt Express.
• The Grain Belt Express is transmission, not generation. Right.
• However, I will say I have personal gripes about Grain Belt Express.
• We've had Grain Belt come in.
• Grain Belt, honestly, it's been weird. It's been kind of hit or miss.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this is adjacent to the Red Wing grain this is adjacent to the Red Wing grain facility<00:31:58.120
• Our top exports include soybeans, corn, wheat, grain, and recycled materials.
• Our top exports include soybeans, corn, wheat, grain, and recycled materials.
• Our top exports include soybeans, corn, wheat, grain, and recycled materials.
• </c><00:43:23.640><c> elevator,</c> unused of an unused grain elevator, unused of an unused grain elevator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the agency is projecting a base increase of $4.5 million for indemnity payments due to
• Additionally, the agency is projecting a base increase of $4.5 million for indemnity payments due to
• Additionally, the agency is projecting a base increase of $4.5 million for indemnity payments due to

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The real-world problem is, I've got an adjuster in Oklahoma, right, and the indemnity check is coming
• The real-world problem is, I've got an adjuster in Oklahoma, right, and the check, the indemnity check

Summary: The Labor and Industrial Relations Committee first took up House Bill 680 by Rep. Weibel, which proposes a major overhaul of Louisiana’s workforce development system. The bill and a large amendment package were described as modernizing workforce planning, consolidating some state-level strategy and administration, and strengthening coordination with local workforce partners, employers, and regional stakeholders. A transition advisory team with an 18-month sunset was added to help implement the changes, and members repeatedly raised concerns about preserving local input for different regions, parishes, and cities. Rep. Weibel, the secretary of Louisiana Works, parish officials, and other supporters said the goal is to shift more resources from overhead to training and direct services while keeping local boards and parish involvement in place. Testimony from a Utah official and from local government and business representatives emphasized that similar consolidations can create efficiencies without eliminating local responsiveness. The committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 680 with amendments. The committee then heard House Bill 780 by Rep. Furman on workers’ compensation. The bill seeks to streamline disputes over compensation and medical benefits, reduce litigation, and lower costs by restoring an expedited preliminary determination process and changing the standard for penalties and attorney fees to an arbitrary-and-capricious standard. Supporters, including lobbyists and defense attorneys, argued that the current process is outdated, overly technical, and too litigious, especially because adjusters now often work remotely and the statute still relies on fax and certified-mail procedures. They said the bill would speed up decisions, reduce unnecessary attorney-fee claims, and help employers and injured workers alike. Opponents, including attorneys for injured workers, argued the bill would make it harder for workers to recover penalties when benefits are delayed, shift the burden in favor of insurers, and fail to address understaffing and defense costs. Members debated whether the bill’s new standard should replace the current “reasonably controverted” language; an amendment to restore that language was offered but opposed by the author and other members and was not adopted. The committee adopted technical amendments and other committee amendments, heard additional testimony, and continued debating the bill’s substantive changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an extended crop rotation growing corn, soybeans, small grains, and alfalfa.
• We have an extended crop rotation growing corn, soybeans, small grains, and alfalfa.
• We have an extended crop rotation growing corn, soybeans, small grains, and alfalfa.
• /c><01:03:29.079><c> harvested</c><01:03:30.079><c> the</c> grains after that grain is harvested the
• grains after that grain is harvested the cover<01:03:30.599><c> crop</c><01:03:30.799><c> mix</c><01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• France forced Haiti to pay a massive indemnity, essentially charging the newly freed nation for its own

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up debate on the FY2026 general appropriations bill, with several members speaking in support of the Ways and Means budget. Senators Comerford, O’Connor, Feeney, and DiDomenico emphasized the budget as a values-driven response to federal uncertainty, highlighting investments in MassHealth, education, housing, food security, local aid, libraries, transit, mental and behavioral health, and support for vulnerable residents. They also praised the budget’s lack of new taxes and its focus on spending within available revenues, while noting major cost pressures from health care and federal policy instability. Specific programs and items repeatedly cited included universal free community college, expanded financial aid, rural and minimum school aid, TAFDC/EAEDC increases, the Healthy Incentives Program, universal school meals, housing supports, Home and Healthy for Good, and funding for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital. Speakers framed these investments as both fiscally responsible and morally necessary, and several noted that amendments would be considered during the debate. No votes on the budget itself were taken in the excerpt. After the budget remarks, Senator Miranda spoke in recognition of Haitian Flag Day and the history of Haiti, including foreign interference and the importance of protecting Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts. Another senator then honored Malcolm X on the 100th anniversary of his birth, connecting his legacy to the budget process and calling for investments in equity, education, housing, and health care. The Senate then adopted an order to meet the next day at 10 a.m. with the general appropriations bill as the only item on the calendar, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, we're just increasing this is for an action indemnity fund.

Bills: SB3, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB259, SB1191, SB1246, SB1314, SB1439, SB1613, SB1930, SB1976, SB330, SB2069, SB2095, SB3, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB259, SB1191, SB1246, SB1314, SB1439, SB1613, SB1930, SB1976, SB330, SB2069, SB2095

Keywords: industrial hemp, program licensing, agriculture, cannabinoids, state regulation, water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield

Transcript Highlights:

• We've talked about grain bin safety, where farmers can get sucked into a moving grain bin of grain, and
• We've talked about grain bin safety, where farmers can get sucked into a moving grain bin of grain, and
• <01:12:41.480><c> bin</c><01:12:41.880><c> of</c><01:12:42.000><c> grain</c><01:12:42.400><c> and</c>
• bin of grain and and uh that can grain bin of grain and and uh that can be<01:12:44.199><c> deadly</
• As you can see, there's a grain bin right next to the barn, which does block the laser.

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• writing just to verify, as I believe there is one small provision at 21-I that dictates ongoing indemnity
• c> I</c><03:27:42.279><c> believe</c> There is one small provision at 21-I that dictates ongoing indemnity
• 03:54:01.199><c> Kangaroo</c><03:54:01.760><c> pelts</c><03:54:02.520><c> or</c><03:54:02.880><c> grains
• ><03:54:03.239><c> of</c><03:54:03.439><c> sand</c><03:54:03.800><c> or</c> for Kangaroo pelts or grains
• of sand or for Kangaroo pelts or grains of sand or whatever<03:54:04.399><c> the</c><03:54:05.040><c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The storm blew a grain bin over and crushed him, not knowing that there's actually severe strength of
• The storm blew a grain bin over and crushed him, not knowing that there's actually severe strength of
• The storm blew a grain bin over and crushed him, not knowing that there's actually severe strength of
• The storm blew a grain bin over and crushed him, not knowing that there's actually severe strength of
• </c><01:09:56.199><c> Bend</c> strong enough to see that a grain Bend strong enough to see that a grain

Keywords: 1187, senate, all