Transcript Highlights:

• security devices, organize, attend, and hold meetings with other residents, and communicate with and
• agreements and state and federal law.
• And sometime between year 10 and 15, they step away and leave their general partner.
• And I would point out to you that the discrimination in a 55-and-older community is voluntary.
• to no longer elect... ...then the logical thing for them to do will be to no longer elect to be 55-and-older

Bills: HB1542, HB2527

Keywords: senior housing, independent living, 55 and older, older adults, elderly, retirement housing, retirement community, resident rights, tenant protections, consumer protection act, unfair or deceptive practices, housing discrimination, assisted living distinction, Department of Commerce, Washington RCW, housing provider, community living, security cameras, resident meetings, anonymous complaints

Summary: The Housing Committee opened with scheduling updates, noting that House Bill 2266 may move from Thursday to Monday for executive action and that House Bill 2489 is being pushed to next week to allow more amendment work. The committee then heard House Bill 1542, which would create a bill of rights for residents of senior independent housing, define that housing category, allow enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act, and require a Commerce report. Sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves said the bill responds to seniors in her district who lack protections, and she suggested amendments to extend the reporting deadline and possibly add a registry to better identify covered communities. Supporters from the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP backed the bill as a needed consumer-protection measure for vulnerable older adults, while a representative from a manufactured-home community urged that such communities be included. LeadingAge Washington said the bill is a reasonable start but asked for more stakeholder work and a clarification related to CCRC statutes. The committee also heard House Bill 2527, which addresses eventual tenant ownership programs under the federal low-income housing tax credit program. Staff explained that the bill would require developers to set up reserve or escrow accounts, inform tenants and partners of their rights and responsibilities, and allow the Housing Finance Commission to investigate violations and bar noncompliant developers from future tax-credit participation for a period of time, with harsher penalties for willful violations. Rep. Alex Ybarra Pellett said the bill responds to a state audit and to Native families who were promised eventual ownership but have not received deeds or keys after years of renting. Indigenous rights attorney Gabe Galanda supported the bill, saying more than 500 families, mostly Indigenous and many in tribal communities, were affected by broken promises and inadequate oversight. The Washington State Housing Finance Commission opposed the punitive parts of HB 2527, saying the program is complex, that 17 of the 18 eventual tenant ownership projects involve tribal housing authorities, and that the commission has already adopted stronger policies after the audit. Commission staff said the bill’s penalties and retroactive enforcement could undermine collaborative work with tribes and that the ownership arrangements vary by project and are not simply “keys after 15 years.” Members asked extensive questions about accountability, ownership structures, escrow obligations, and the role of investors versus tribal housing authorities. The chair indicated the issue may be revisited in a future work session. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 2527, reopened HB 1542 for additional testimony, and adjourned after hearing all public testimony without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Ds are in 102, and the R's are in B-15. All right, 102 and B-15.
• rules and regulations and red tape.
• And we really want to make sure our seniors have housing. in the air and not help in this area and we
• And I think there's some space. We've done some work in this committee and others.
• I know it was complicated and lots of back and forth and discussions over the interim, as well as this

Bills: HB1542, HB2452, HB2664

Keywords: senior housing, independent living, 55 and older, older adults, elderly, retirement housing, retirement community, resident rights, tenant protections, consumer protection act, unfair or deceptive practices, housing discrimination, assisted living distinction, Department of Commerce, Washington RCW, housing provider, community living, security cameras, resident meetings, anonymous complaints

Summary: The Housing Committee met on January 29 and reviewed three bills. House Bill 1542 would establish minimum rights for senior independent housing residents and allow enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act. Staff described three proposed amendments: one to narrow the definition of senior independent housing, one to replace Consumer Protection Act enforcement with Attorney General enforcement and civil penalties, and one to remove a Commerce Department reporting requirement. The committee rejected the first two amendments, adopted the reporting-repeal amendment, and then passed a second substitute version of the bill out of committee on a 10-7 vote with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2664 would remove the certified mail requirement for unlawful detainer notices and other related notices, allowing first-class mail and other existing service methods instead. The bill sponsor said the prior certified-mail requirement had caused many notices to be returned undeliverable and created practical problems for housing providers and tenants. The committee passed the bill out of committee by voice vote with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2452 would change how rent increase notices are served. The committee adopted an amendment that removed the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act portion of the bill, leaving only changes under the Manufactured Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act. Members said this would restore the prior notice process for manufactured housing and align with stakeholder preferences. The committee then passed the substitute bill out of committee unanimously, with 17 ayes and a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Given these concerns, I propose we take a step further by raising the age limit for its sale to 21 and
• They have decided to restrict the sales of kratom to individuals 21 years and older.
• As far as I know, my members that sell kratom are already gating the product for consumers 21 plus and
• For background, Washington state law allows a person 21 years of age and older to possess limited amounts
• Turning to the bill, first, the bill authorizes a person 21 years of age or older to produce and possess

Bills: SB6196, SB6204, SB6195, SB5882, SB6134

Keywords: kratom, taxation, regulated substances, health safety, state revenue, cannabis, marijuana, home grow, home cultivation, personal cultivation, adult use cannabis, recreational marijuana, 21 and older, controlled substances, RCW 69.50, Liquor and Cannabis Board, LCB, plant limits, cannabis possession, cannabis concentrates

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5882 would extend workers’ compensation PTSD presumptions to local correctional facility workers after 90 days of employment; staff explained the current L&I rule, the bill’s rebuttable presumption, and estimated five-year claim costs of about $6.7 million to $15.3 million. The prime sponsor and supporters from labor, sheriffs/police chiefs, and injured-worker advocates said correctional work is highly traumatic and the bill would shift the burden of proof to employers. Opponents, including cities, retailers, and self-insurers, raised concerns about cost, system sustainability, and whether a presumption should be created without more study. L&I said the fund is currently healthy and clarified that PTSD can already be covered as a single-event injury, while occupational disease claims cover repeated exposure. The committee also heard SB 6196 on kratom taxation and regulation. The bill would impose a 95% tax starting in 2027, create licensing and labeling requirements, and direct revenue to youth harmful substance prevention. Supporters said kratom is unregulated, increasingly available to youth, and should be age-gated and more tightly controlled; some asked for a 21+ purchase age and stronger enforcement. Opponents from the food and retail industries argued the tax is too high and could hurt legitimate retailers, while the American Kratom Association said the bill goes beyond taxation and should instead focus on consumer-protection measures and banning concentrated synthetic products. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns about youth access and unregulated sales. SB 6204 would authorize adults to grow up to six cannabis plants in a housing unit, with no more than 15 plants per premises, while creating penalties for violations and excluding family daycare homes and foster family homes. Supporters said home grow should have been included in legalization, would help consumers understand the plant, and could support small growers and equity goals. Opponents, including law enforcement, cities, public health, and substance-misuse groups, warned about youth access, home safety, enforcement difficulties, and possible impacts on the regulated market and tax revenue. LCB clarified it would not enforce home-grow rules, while local law enforcement would handle violations. The committee briefly heard SB 6134, which would require ESD to notify striking workers applying for unemployment benefits that retroactive wages may create an overpayment they must repay. The sponsor said the bill is meant to ensure workers understand repayment obligations if a strike settlement includes back pay; a Washington Policy Center witness supported it as a safeguard for workers and the UI trust fund. Finally, SB 6195 would reduce cannabis producer canopy tiers based on reported gross sales, with exemptions for extenuating circumstances. Proponents from the cannabis industry said the bill responds to chronic oversupply and would help stabilize the market, while opponents and some other stakeholders urged more flexibility, better traceability data, and protections for social equity entrants. No votes were taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and 49 and Senate Senate Bills 29, 38, and 49 and Senate Concurrent<00:06:54.319><c> Resolution</c>
• ><00:21:26.640><c> of</c><00:21:26.720><c> new</c><00:21:26.960><c> bills</c><00:21:27.200><c> and</c
• > is the introduction of new bills and is the introduction of new bills and resolutions.<00:21:28.080
• relating to peer support specialists and<00:21:49.600><c> declaring</c><00:21:50.000><c> an</c><00:21
• </c><00:21:51.440><c> House</c><00:21:51.679><c> Bill</c> and declaring an emergency.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 06:30 Calendar/2nd Readings 07:18 Report of Committees 08:19 Orders of the Day 09:04 HB 96 09:16 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 15:21 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 21:24 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:35 ConC and Rules Report 31:06 Floor Amendments 32:42 Return to Rules Report 33:28 Adjournment 34:27, 958, all

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 10:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Givhan. Aye. All right, let's give the favorable report. Thank you much.

Bills: SB371

Keywords: SB371, Madison County, Alabama constitutional amendment, senior property tax exemption, property tax freeze, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, age 65 and older, owner-occupied housing, principal residence, residential property tax, local tax relief, property tax assessment, county tax exemption, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um and and not interrupt their treatment um and and not interrupt their working working working uh<00
• </c><00:21:19.280><c> Um</c><00:21:20.320><c> and</c><00:21:21.200><c> um</c><00:21:22.400><c> we</c>
• Um and um we are thankful<00:21:24.559><c> for</c><00:21:24.799><c> the</c><00:21:25.039><c> $15</c><
• </c> &gt;&gt; and and all that is still in place. &gt;&gt; and and all that is still in place.
• </c><00:54:11.920><c> making</c> &gt;&gt; and and and you've supported making &gt;&gt; and and and you've

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pray and seek my face and turn from the wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, I will forgive their
• Speaker, I move you, sir, that House Resolution 21 be taken from the committee on committees and brought
• </c> memory and honor of Bill Nickel. memory and honor of Bill Nickel.
• His cat would get in, and two or three days later he'd come and find me and say, "Have you seen my cat
• Committee on Committees has met and referred the following bills and resolutions to Banking and Insurance

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 05:54 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 12:03 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 16:14 CoC and Rules Report 18:21 Adjournment 18:57, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:01.360><c> So</c><00:21:01.600><c> it</c><00:21:01.760><c> it's</c> and access management
• </c> equally amongst the participating equally amongst the participating agencies<00:21:29.200><c> and
• and ultimately reduce their agencies and ultimately reduce their operational<00:21:31.520><c> cost</c
• </c><00:21:39.120><c> And</c><00:21:39.600><c> uh</c><00:21:39.919><c> I</c><00:21:40.159><c> appreciate
• </c> And we do have one more item and stuff. And we do have one more item and stuff.

Keywords: 1:00 Roll Call 2:38 Overview of Citizen Identity Security and Threat Reduction 9:36 Identity Solution and Casts 13:51 System Application and Discovery Issues 21:31 Staffing and Timelines 29:14 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance received a presentation from Jim Barnhard, CIO of the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and David Carter, deputy CIO/CISO, on the state’s citizen identity management project. They said the project is intended to streamline citizen logins across agencies, reduce duplicated identity-management costs, improve security by centralizing authentication, and provide a flexible system that can scale with demand. The presenters described major implementation challenges, including integrating with diverse and legacy applications, and said the chosen software-as-a-service vendor was selected because it can connect to many systems and maintain the service in a federally certified cloud environment. The presenters emphasized that the project scope is limited to login, authentication, identity management, and identity proofing, while leaving authorization decisions to the individual applications and agencies. They said the work is being done in phases, beginning with discovery sessions with agencies, then selecting representative applications for onboarding rather than attempting a “big bang” rollout. They also said the vendor agreement includes professional services and knowledge transfer to reduce long-term dependence on outside support, and that the state has already begun outreach to agencies, including initial work with the Finance Cabinet and the Department of Revenue. Members asked about staffing, current spending, future costs, and whether existing systems or contracts could be reduced. The presenters said the project is being supported with existing staff, with no expectation of a large increase in positions, and that the vendor will carry most of the operational load. They said they did not have statewide spending figures with them but could try to gather them, and explained that the negotiated pricing is intended to be all-inclusive, with fixed costs for the first five years and capped increases in years six and seven. They said centralizing identity services should eventually allow the Commonwealth to stand down some duplicated agency-level licensing and reduce overall operational costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• :21.600><c> get</c><00:21:21.760><c> that</c><00:21:22.000><c> gun</c><00:21:22.320><c> and</c><00:21
• that gun and and kill yourself.<00:21:23.919><c> And</c><00:21:24.159><c> most</c><00:21:24.320><c>
• /c><00:21:28.080><c> folks</c><00:21:28.480><c> and</c><00:21:28.720><c> young</c><00:21:29.039><c> men
• <00:21:36.880><c> and</c><00:21:37.120><c> friends</c><00:21:37.520><c> but</c><00:21:37.840><c> to</
• So thank you, Mr.<00:21:48.480><c> Speaker,</c><00:21:48.799><c> and</c><00:21:49.039><c> thank</c><00

Keywords: HB 312 continued 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 25:16 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 27:27 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 28:33 ConC/Rules Report 33:45 Adjournment 35:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is<00:21:31.200><c> Matt</c><00:21:31.600><c> Cole</c><00:21:32.799><c> and</c><00:21:33.200>
• ><c> record</c><00:21:44.159><c> and</c> Introduce yourselves for the record and Introduce yourselves
• for the record and then<00:21:44.559><c> you</c><00:21:44.720><c> may</c><00:21:44.880><c> proceed.
• &gt;&gt; And<00:34:27.760><c> and</c><00:34:28.480><c> Sarah,</c> &gt;&gt; And and Sarah, &gt;&gt; And
• Uh and and we concur. We'd like to &gt;&gt; Sure. Uh and and we concur.

Keywords: 0:00:15 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:01:15 Maintenance Update 0:21:07 Approval of Minutes 0:21:32 Regional Offices 0:43:47 SHIFT Scoring 1:04:24 Local Assistance Road Program 1:16:41 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• older system, and then operating off an older system, and then you<00:19:17.600><c> keep</c><00:19:17.919
• <00:21:01.520><c> questions</c><00:21:01.840><c> you</c> and uh I'm here for any questions you and uh
• :21:12.640><c> of</c><00:21:12.799><c> Budget</c><00:21:13.039><c> and</c> director of the Office of
• Budget and director of the Office of Budget and Fiscal<00:21:13.520><c> Management</c><00:21:14.000><
• And it facilitates<00:21:33.440><c> bid</c><00:21:33.760><c> package</c><00:21:34.240><c> preparation

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Maintenance 12:40 Approval of Minutes 12:55 Vehicle Regulation 21:08 General Admin and Highways 34:11 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the minutes once quorum was established. The committee heard presentations from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Jeremy Slinker, and Sean McCarnieran on maintenance, vehicle regulation, general administration, highways, and related capital projects. Hancock emphasized that maintenance is the cabinet’s most visible public service, especially for snow and ice removal and routine roadway upkeep, and said rising costs have outpaced funding. He cited a 61% increase in highway construction costs since 2020 and said maintenance spending was $488 million in FY 2024 and $511 million in FY 2025, while the FY 2026 baseline request was $483.3 million. The cabinet’s additional maintenance request would add $23.6 million in FY 2027 and $38.6 million in FY 2028, with expected impacts on litter pickup, mowing, vegetation management, and pothole repair if not funded. The cabinet also outlined five maintenance-related capital projects: additional funding for Ballard County maintenance/salt storage, Hopkins County maintenance/salt storage, Whitley County maintenance/salt structure, and the District 2 office and materials lab, plus reauthorization of the Breckinridge County maintenance and salt facility. Hancock also asked for budget language allowing the cabinet to use unexpected restricted and federal funds more quickly, similar to existing authority for federal earmarks. McCarnieran described the governor’s inclusion of funding for the ASHTOWare system, employee health exams, priority IT projects, and a District 7 office renovation request, noting that some items were not funded because they ranked low among competing projects. He also said the governor’s budget included a $7.5 million annual maintenance pool for the cabinet’s 1,200 facilities and requested additional restricted fund authority for Trimark and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. Slinker focused on the Department of Vehicle Regulation, saying recent investments in staffing and equipment had reduced wait times and improved customer service in driver licensing offices. He requested $535,600 to keep temporary contract workers in place for the rest of the year, warning that without it regional office operations would have to be reduced. He said the surge in demand was driven by new 15-year-old licensing requirements, vision testing, and Real ID implementation, but believed the volume was beginning to level out. He also outlined FY 2027 and FY 2028 plans totaling $20.38 million and $19.85 million, including six new regional offices and a shift away from temporary workers toward state positions. Additional requests included $106,000 for debt service on the new driver’s license modernization system and operating costs of $5 million in FY 2027 and $2.5 million in FY 2028 to support the transition from the old system. Members asked about the cabinet’s funding sources, and officials said the road fund is the primary source, supported by motor fuels tax, usage tax, driver-related receipts, and some restricted funds; they stressed that the requests were not for additional general fund dollars. Questions also covered employee health exam reimbursements, the annual Trimark/Cumberland Gap contract, and the District 7 renovation request. No votes were taken on the budget items during the meeting, beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution 21, a resolution adjourning the House of Representatives in honor and loving memory
• </c> staff and equipment and endeavored to staff and equipment and endeavored to put<00:19:18.720><c>
• </c> Mr.<00:21:40.640><c> Speaker,</c><00:21:41.039><c> I</c><00:21:41.200><c> have</c><00:21:41.360>
• To Banking and Insurance: House Bill 20, House Bill 21, House Bill 25, House Bill 32.
• 20, To banking and insurance, House Bill 20, House<00:29:55.600><c> Bill</c><00:29:55.919><c> 21,</c

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:55 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 11:09 Motion to Act on HR 21 15:13 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:52 ConC and Rules Report 29:29 Adjournment 31:04, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> for</c><01:21:12.800><c> Statistics</c><01:21:14.080><c> and</c><01:21:14.400><c> we</c> Kentucky
• Center for Statistics and we Kentucky Center for Statistics and we are<01:21:14.800><c> tracking</c>
• &gt;&gt; And<01:21:36.239><c> you</c><01:21:36.480><c> can</c><01:21:36.560><c> also</c><01:21:37.040
• ; And you can also um it's searchable by &gt;&gt; And you can also um it's searchable by county<01:21
• :38.719><c> and</c><01:21:39.040><c> by</c><01:21:39.199><c> regional</c><01:21:39.600><c> collaborative

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:07 Chair Comments 00:00:36 Approval of Minutes 00:04:01 Volunteers of America 00:04:21 Soil and Water Conservation/Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:14:52 Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy/Justice & Public Safety Cabinet 00:21:05 Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:26:01 Early Childhood Advisory Council 00:45:18, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations. Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources. The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• 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
• ><01:21:05.280><c> counsel</c><01:21:05.600><c> and</c> he needs input, he needs counsel and he needs
• input, he needs counsel and advice<01:21:06.000><c> from</c><01:21:06.159><c> the</c><01:21:06.239><
• district with the most largest school district with the most students<01:21:31.360><c> and</c><01:21
• /c> students and that's different but that students and that's different but that doesn't<01:21:33.440

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:

• </c> 5884 and one was for the justice and 5884 and one was for the justice and Public<00:02:04.920><c
• ><c> storage</c><00:03:25.200><c> and</c> ventilation and water storage and ventilation and water storage
• you</c><00:09:57.360><c> know</c> supplies and equipment and um you know supplies and equipment and
• and</c><00:21:30.600><c> grants</c><00:21:31.080><c> approved</c><00:21:31.960><c> under</c><00:21:32.279
• ><c> your</c> loans and grants approved under your loans and grants approved under your first<00:21:32.799

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw a death increase from 22 to 23 for Americans who are aged 55 and older after seeing an increase
• in the 65 and older age group in 2020.
• In 2023, more than 29,000 Americans aged 55 and older died from an opioid overdose.
• Older adults born between 1951 and 1970, particularly older black men.
• And substance abuse experts treating older adults who have addiction usually have little experience in

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:42.000><c> this</c> and older that would like this and older that would like this opportunity
• > for uh water and for uh water and Agriculture<00:21:07.720><c> and</c><00:21:07.880><c> then</c><00
• <00:21:14.320><c> director</c><00:21:14.720><c> and</c><00:21:14.840><c> then</c><00:21:15.000><c> we
• /c><01:21:19.600><c> an</c><01:21:19.760><c> adjustment</c> and so we have proposed an adjustment and
• </c><01:21:36.080><c> and</c><01:21:36.239><c> so</c> to minute or or to another agency and so to minute

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:29.919><c> and</c><00:21:30.159><c> it</c> strategic plan goes beyond um K12 and it strategic
• ><c> those</c><00:21:31.520><c> P20</c><00:21:32.080><c> supports</c><00:21:32.480><c> and</c> really
• KDE</c><01:21:22.880><c> and</c><01:21:23.280><c> they</c> that um oversees the KDE and they that um
• ><c> and</c><01:21:40.800><c> theirs</c><01:21:41.120><c> are</c><01:21:41.360><c> are</c><01:21:41.760
• innovation and advancing educational innovation and excellence,<01:21:49.520><c> and</c><01:21:49.760

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:13 Approval of Minutes - 4:07 Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing - 5:18 Math Improvement Committee Report - 21:02 ETS Praxis Exam - 41:47 KDE Performance Review Data - 1:15:04 Adjournment - 1:57:54, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from KDE on the revised Kentucky academic standards for reading and writing. KDE explained the statutory six-year review process, the public comment periods, and the main revisions, including updates tied to the science of reading, decodable text, encoding/decoding, and an updated vision statement. KDE said 308 responses were received on the initial public comment, most respondents favored keeping standards as-is, and about 12% of standards were revised. The department also said the document was streamlined by removing repeated graphics and reducing its size by about 24%, and that a later comment period drew more than 400 responses. No new standards were flagged for review. Members asked about alignment between standards, curriculum, assessments, and NAEP, and KDE said instructional resources should be aligned to standards, KSA assessments are aligned to the standards, and screeners/diagnostics help identify student needs. Representative Truett raised the idea of a textbook-to-standards crosswalk, and KDE said publishers and a future repository partner should provide such crosswalks for local districts. Representative Bojanowski asked why foundational reading skills are not directly assessed on the third-grade KSA; KDE responded that the assessment is designed to measure end-of-grade expectations, while screening and diagnostics are used earlier to identify decoding needs. Representative Gel asked about early childhood supports, and KDE said it is working with early learning and special education offices and promoting LETRS professional learning for both teachers and preschool educators. The committee then received the mathematics improvement committee report. KDE said the mathematics committee unanimously approved a new strategic plan for improving math achievement from pre-K through grade 20 and adult education. The plan centers on six priorities: student empowerment, effective mathematics teaching and learning, continuous educator development and growth, a continuum of learning, community and family partnerships, and teacher recruitment and retention. KDE said the plan is intended as a living document with goals, recommended actions, and evidence bases, and that it aligns with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act by supporting high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, and family resources. In response to Senator Thomas, KDE explained that the professional learning recommendation means districts should tailor teacher training to classroom needs and instructional materials so math teachers are better equipped to implement standards and support students.

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.200><c> and</c><00:21:41.440><c> ret</c><00:21:41.919><c> and</c><00:21:42.159><c> retain</c><00:
• 21:42.720><c> through</c><00:21:42.960><c> our</c> workforce and ret and retain through our workforce
• and ret and retain through our workforce<00:21:44.240><c> retain</c><00:21:44.559><c> our</c><00:21:
• <01:21:02.320><c> and</c><01:21:02.960><c> my</c><01:21:03.199><c> co-chairs</c><01:21:03.679><c> and
• </c><01:21:03.840><c> others</c><01:21:04.159><c> that</c> and and my co-chairs and others that and and

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes – 0:03:50 Robotics Education – 0:04:18 Canopy KY – 0:14:15 Comprehensive Support and Improvement – 0:23:20 Postsecondary Credit Alignment – 0:53:15 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Settings – 1:21:25 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 2:05:15 Adjournment 2:05:41, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a roll call, confirmed a quorum, approved the minutes by voice vote, and recognized a guest of Senator Hickden, retired judge Dan Kelly. The chair then moved through a tight agenda and limited public presentations and questions. The first presentation was on robotics education in Kentucky, led by Representative Chris Lewis, Kentucky FIRST Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen, and students from Whitfield Academy. They argued that robotics should be expanded in high schools as a workforce pipeline for engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology jobs. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, teacher development, and a proposed framework to fund robotics education programs statewide. Committee members were not allowed to ask questions because of time constraints. The second presentation was from Canopy Kentucky, led by Adam Watson and founder Scott Collins. They described Canopy’s business and entrepreneurship education programs for fifth graders and high school students, including the NextGen Good Biz initiative and an eight-classroom high school unit. Canopy requested a one-time $750,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026, matched by private funds, to expand into more schools and rural areas, train educators, and report outcomes. Members asked a brief question about how the programs fit into school schedules and the difference between the elementary and high school offerings. The final presentation, from KDE’s Kelly Foster and Todd Allen, reviewed the state’s school improvement classifications. Foster explained CSI, TSI, and ATSI status, the federal and state legal framework, and how House Bill 298 returned CSI identification to an annual cycle. She reported that Kentucky identified 50 CSI schools on the most recent release, with 53 CSI schools statewide, along with 39 TSI schools and 102 ATSI schools. She also outlined KDE’s support process, including education recovery staff, diagnostic reviews, turnaround plans, and required professional learning for CSI schools.