Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:01:17.320> sign<00:01:17.520> of<00:01:17.920> I second all those
• more of like<00:15:13.360> a<00:15:14.079> hey<00:15:14.279> please<00:15:14.519
• but I here's an example of<00:15:27.480> how<00:15:27.680> this<00:15:27.839> can
• > several<00:15:30.720> of<00:15:30.839> us<00:15:31.160> so familiar with I
• c> and<00:15:44.600> a<00:15:44.680> lot<00:15:44.800> of<00:15:45.079> times

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:44 Introduction of Guests 01:21 HB 137 Discussion 02:11 HB 137 Roll Call Vote 25:35 HB 346 Discussion 26:15 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 27:24, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee met with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior minutes, and recognized visiting guests, including representatives from Nucor Steel and students from Eastern Kentucky University. The main business was House Bill 137, which would require air-pollution enforcement actions by the Energy and Environment Cabinet and Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District to rely on EPA-approved monitoring methods or scientifically defensible, quality-assured data. The sponsor and industry supporters argued the bill would ensure reliable evidence and protect manufacturers from enforcement based on questionable data. Opponents, including the Kentucky Resources Council, the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, and a former cabinet employee, argued the bill would conflict with the Clean Air Act’s allowance for “any credible evidence,” could exclude community air-monitoring data and citizen complaints, and might weaken enforcement by limiting the use of lower-cost sensors, photos, video, and other nontraditional evidence. Committee members questioned how credible evidence and the Daubert standard would apply, and supporters and opponents debated whether the bill would simply set evidentiary rules or improperly narrow enforcement authority. One member also raised concerns that the bill’s title and scope could be read as affecting the broader air program. House Bill 137 was ultimately approved favorably by roll call vote, with Senator Webb’s aye vote later clarified for the record. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a subcommittee. The bill was described as helping about 708 companies and carving out emergency generators used for safety purposes in distilleries, with support from the Kentucky Chamber. The subcommittee amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably by roll call vote. The meeting ended with an attempted adjournment and a brief record correction on the vote for House Bill 137.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I'd like to call the meeting to order and ask the clerk to call the roll, please.
• <00:01:49.399> all<00:01:49.560> right<00:01:49.719> thank<00:01:49.880> you<
• yours<00:01:51.439> for<00:01:51.680> House<00:01:51.920> Bill<00:01:52.200
• is a a meeting this at<00:15:46.480> today<00:15:46.800> at<00:15:46.959> 10:15
• be a meeting day I know<00:16:17.399> some<00:16:17.560> of<00:16:17.680> the<00

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 Introduction of Guests 00:54 HB 640 Discussion 01:15 HB 640 Roll Call Vote 05:16 HB 641 Discussion 06:11 HB 641 Roll Call Vote 11:49 HB 790 Discussion 12:47 HB 790 Roll Call Vote 14:23 Chair Comments regarding SB 89 16:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bills 640, 641, and 790. HB 640 would authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to adopt regulations to control invasive non-native plant species, with testimony focusing on the threat posed by species such as callery pear/Bradford pear to native plants, forest health, and the economy. Members asked whether the bill itself would ban Bradford pears; the sponsor clarified that it would not directly ban them, but would give the cabinet regulatory authority. The bill received a favorable expression by roll call. HB 641 addressed coal combustion byproducts, explaining that the bill would help preserve landfill space by allowing these materials to be reused as special waste in places such as abandoned strip mines or underground mines, and would clarify that reclaimed land could qualify for agricultural use such as pasture, hay, or crop production. Members raised concerns about groundwater and runoff; the sponsor and another member argued that placing the material under cover would reduce exposure compared with open piles currently sitting at power plants. After discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression, with a few members passing on the vote. HB 790, as amended by committee substitute, was described as substantially narrowed from its original form. The substitute removed setback requirements and instead required construction certificate holders for solar merchant electric generating facilities to report federal and state incentives used for siting, construction, and operation, with the cabinet compiling and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly. The committee approved the substitute and the bill passed with favorable expression. At the end of the meeting, members were also reminded of a later TVA energy update meeting and the chair noted ongoing work on Senate Bill 89, with possible future action and a special meeting if revised language is ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:02:10.479> roll<00:02:10.720> call<00:02:10.879> in 24-hour rule.
• So if you ever held a phone where<00:15:02.320> it<00:15:02.480> starts<00:15:02.720>
• > heating<00:15:03.199> and<00:15:03.519> gets<00:15:03.760> very where it starts
• heating and gets very where it starts heating and gets very hot<00:15:04.160> or<00:15:04.320
• > a<00:15:04.480> battery<00:15:04.720> that<00:15:04.959> starts<00:15:05.199

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:15 Member Comments 01:43 SB 29 Discussion 05:18 SB 29 Roll Call Vote 09:44 SB 49 Discussion 11:29 SB 49 Roll Call Vote 22:29, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate Natural Resources Committee held its first meeting of 2026, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several housekeeping reminders from the chair. The chair emphasized a 24-hour filing rule for amendments and other items, asked members to use “present” during roll call, and reminded members to route questions through the chair rather than cross-examining witnesses. The committee also welcomed a student guest, Madison Dus, and several interns, and noted that Senator Neal was attending the committee for the first time. The committee then heard Senate Bill 29 from Senator Greg Elkins, which would prohibit solid waste management facilities from being charged an assessment or fee by the county or solid waste district where the waste was generated. Supporters described the bill as a response to counties attempting to impose “designation fees” on waste generated locally, and said the measure would close a loophole and prevent a growing practice. After discussion about similar practices in other states and the value of waste as a commodity, the committee voted favorably to pass SB 29. The committee next considered Senate Bill 49, also by Senator Elkins, which would create a voluntary statewide program to increase awareness, education, and recycling of lithium and other rechargeable batteries. Testimony focused on the fire and explosion risks batteries pose in collection vehicles and landfills, the value of rare earth metals in batteries, and the need to keep them out of the waste stream. Members asked about whether larger batteries, such as those from electric vehicles or solar facilities, were covered under existing law; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at smaller consumer batteries and that larger batteries were likely already addressed under existing universal waste or hazardous waste rules. The committee also discussed how to promote the voluntary program through retailers, local governments, recyclers, and the Energy and Environment Cabinet. SB 49 was then approved favorably by committee vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:21.000> northern<00:01:21.360> part<00:01:21.479> of<00:01:21.600>
• the northern part of the state so welcome<00:01:22.680> to<00:01:22.840> the<00:01:22.960
• > committee<00:01:24.119> uh<00:01:25.119> couple<00:01:25.320> of welcome
• start<00:01:33.320> there<00:01:33.640> has<00:01:33.920> been<00:01:34.399>
• a<00:01:34.600> committee<00:01:35.000> sub start there has been a committee sub start

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:30 Introduction of New Members 00:53 SB 69 Discussion 01:24, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met for its first session and took up Senate Bill 69, as amended by a committee substitute. The substitute was adopted by motion and vote, and the chair noted that a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received, so the bill would proceed and the fiscal note would be trailed. The bill concerns equine dental care and related chiropractic services, creating a licensing and regulatory framework for equine dental providers and allied animal health practitioners. Senator Robin Webb, the bill sponsor, said the substitute made technical corrections requested by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and the chiropractors association. She described the measure as a compromise intended to clarify scopes of practice, establish a credentialing/licensing board, and provide a legal pathway for people who have long provided equine dental services, especially in rural areas where veterinary access can be limited. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, allow providers to obtain liability insurance, and preserve referrals to veterinarians for issues outside the defined scope. Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and Board of Veterinary Examiners representatives said the bill was developed through a working group, modeled in part on Texas, and would include continuing education, grievance procedures, and due process protections. Justin Tallup, an equine dental provider, testified in favor, saying the bill would not change day-to-day practice but would legalize and formalize it. He said the scope would be limited to floating and balancing molars and incisors and removing caps and wolf teeth, with anything beyond that referred to veterinarians. He also said certification requires formal training, case submissions, testing, and annual continuing education. Senator Deneen asked about sedation, and witnesses said sedatives would still be prescribed and dispensed by a veterinarian under a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, with the owner administering them. Michelle Shane of the Board of Veterinary Examiners said the board supported the bill’s disciplinary framework and would defer to federal law on controlled substances. Dr. William Rainbow, a veterinarian, testified against the bill, arguing that equine dentistry is veterinary medicine and that the proposal would allow undertrained practitioners to work without sufficient standards, including a grandfathering provision. He said practitioners should have training comparable to licensed veterinary technicians and warned that the bill could leave horses vulnerable to poor care. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the chair indicated time was running short and that a vote would be needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:15:15.680> our<00:15:15.920> daily<00:15:16.240> lives.
• of the bill transportation is the topic of the bill and<00:15:20.480> and<00:15:20.880> in<
• This<00:15:46.399> was<00:15:46.800> a<00:15:47.040> request<00:15:47.440> of
• of the dairy industry This was a request of the dairy industry to<00:15:49.120> the<00:15:49.279
• of to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.<00:15:51.120> Uh<00:15:51.360> and<00:15:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01 Legislator Comments 00:42 HB 56 Discussion 02:27 HB 56 Roll Call Vote 12:52 HB 258 Discussion 14:03 HB 258 Roll Call Vote 26:15 HB 281 Discussion 27:41 HB 281 Roll Call Vote 30:14, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled opening business, including attendance, guest introductions, and a reminder about the 24-hour rule for bill substitutes. Guests were introduced by members, including an intern from California, a county judge-executive, and the committee’s session intern. The committee then took up House Bill 56, presented by Rep. Dan Fister and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which would update and clarify several agriculture-related regulatory provisions. HB 56 would require annual inspections and annual inspection tags for amusement rides, exempt certain private-property amusement ride itineraries from the 14-day advance notice requirement, clarify grain program dispute procedures, adjust egg license renewal dates and assessment-fee rules for small producers, and repeal obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board statutes. Members asked about the definition of amusement rides, whether inflatables are covered, and how licensing and inspection work for commercial operators versus private owners. The bill sponsor and agency representative explained that businesses must still register and obtain licenses and permits, while the bill mainly clarifies annual inspection requirements and reduces unnecessary notice burdens. The committee approved HB 56 with favorable expression. The committee next heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Rep. J.T. Payne, which would raise the weight limit for milk transportation on state highways to 90,000 pounds. Supporters, including a dairy farmer and Kentucky Department of Agriculture counsel, said the change would let haulers carry fuller loads, reduce trips, improve efficiency, and help a shrinking dairy industry. Members discussed the current 80,000-pound limit, the 10% variance, possible effects on other industries, and whether the bill sets a precedent; the sponsor said other carveouts already exist in statute. Several members spoke in support, citing the importance of dairy farming and transportation efficiency. HB 258 also received favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. Robert Duvall, to streamline food service rules for churches and nonprofits that provide meals to homeless shelters and disaster-displaced people. The sponsor said current rules can require industrial-grade kitchens and restaurant-level plumbing for simple food service, and the bill would exempt churches and nonprofits from those requirements while keeping food safety standards in place. The bill had support from groups serving shelters and disaster relief. HB 281 passed with favorable expression as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:36.799> have<00:01:36.920> a<00:01:37.200> quorum<00:01:38.200> we
• we're<00:01:39.720> deily<00:01:40.240> constituted<00:01:40.840> to<00:01:41.000
• :01:42.399> uh<00:01:42.680> want<00:01:42.799> to<00:01:43.240> begin<00
• uh<00:15:09.440> comes<00:15:09.639> to<00:15:09.800> us<00:15:09.959>
• :15:18.680> the<00:15:19.120> uh<00:15:19.199> sale<00:15:19.519> of<00:15

Keywords: 00:00 Meeting Start 00:45 Attendance Roll Call 01:50 Introduction of New Members 07:10 Discussion of HB 24 09:36 Roll Call Vote 12:20 Discussion of HB 216 19:25 Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first meeting of the 2025 session, with the new chair opening the meeting, confirming a quorum, announcing the House’s 24-hour rule for committee substitutes and amendments, and welcoming several guests and new committee members. The chair also emphasized agriculture’s importance to Kentucky’s economy, citing crop revenue and the broader economic impact of the sector. The committee first considered House Bill 24, which would raise the audit threshold for conservation districts from $750,000 to $1 million. Supporters said the bill updates an outdated threshold and helps reduce the burden of costly audits amid inflation. The bill received a motion and second, no opposition was raised, and it passed by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 216, presented by the vice chair and Brandon Reed of the Kentucky Office of Policy. The bill would allow certain Department of Agriculture employees to apply for grants or loans while preserving the existing prohibition for employees who oversee those programs. Testimony explained that the office’s funding comes from tobacco master settlement dollars, with a formula that directs money to agriculture and other purposes, and members discussed the importance of keeping those funds in Kentucky. The bill passed with favorable expression by roll call vote. Before adjournment, members made additional welcoming remarks for local officials and guests, and the chair noted the National Farm Machinery Show and tractor pull as a major event for Kentucky agriculture. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• a part of rolling out that knew that as a part of rolling out that supply<00:09:07.600> gap<00
• > of<00:15:05.600> us<00:15:05.760> want<00:15:05.920> them the direction
• The National Association of<00:15:22.000> Homebuilders<00:15:23.120> put<00:15:23.360><
• The blue is all housing starts,<00:15:30.720> the<00:15:31.040> orange<00:15:31.360>
• is by far the<01:00:50.079> safest<01:00:50.720> type<01:00:51.359> of<01:00:51.599

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:15 Roll Call 00:00:45 Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:33 Adjournment 01:17:15, 958, all

Summary: The Housing Task Force 2.0 reconvened with several new members and heard a presentation from Kentucky Housing Corporation Executive Director Winston Miller and Deputy Executive Director Wendy Smith. They framed the task force’s work as a practical effort to address Kentucky’s housing shortage, update members on the current housing landscape, summarize existing state and federal resources, and suggest areas for the task force to focus on over the coming year. KHC said its 2024 housing supply gap analysis found Kentucky is short about 206,000 housing units, split roughly evenly between rental and homeownership, and projected the gap could grow to 287,000 units by 2029 if current trends continue. They emphasized that every county in Kentucky needs more housing, that the 2008 housing crisis and loss of construction capacity remain major causes of the shortage, and that current pressures include high interest rates, rising insurance and tax costs, construction cost inflation, and housing prices and rents growing faster than incomes. KHC also said homelessness has risen in Kentucky, with point-in-time counts showing double-digit increases in recent years. The presenters reviewed existing resources, including federal programs, the Kentucky Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the rural housing trust fund, KHC mortgage and down payment assistance programs, and the state mortgage interest deduction. They said these resources are important but insufficient to close the gap, and noted that a proposed federal FY2026 budget would cut HUD programs by 44%, potentially removing about $286 million from Kentucky housing resources, though no action has been taken yet. They urged the task force to consider stronger, more flexible tools such as a revolving loan fund, a state affordable housing tax credit, and economic development and employer-assisted housing incentives, and pointed to Indiana’s housing infrastructure and regional development funds as examples. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 53.840> summary<00:01:54.640> of<00:01:54.799> the<00:01:54.960> board's
• um as discussed at our August meeting<00:04:54.000> um<00:04:54.479> we<00:04:54.720><
• c> discussed<00:04:55.199> updating<00:04:55.840> the meeting um we discussed updating
• <00:08:47.120> meeting<00:08:47.440> of<00:08:47.600> the And this being our
• final meeting of the And this being our final meeting of the year,<00:08:48.399> I<00:08:48.640

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Approval of Minutes 00:01:40 2026-2032 Statewide Capital Improvements Plan 00:02:15, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the prior meeting minutes. The board then reviewed the 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, including project recommendations across maintenance, renovation, IT, and new construction categories. Staff explained that 15 projects were selected in each category and described how the board’s tiebreaker process was used to finalize the recommendations. Members asked about the asset preservation pool, specifically whether institutions receive a blanket appropriation or must identify projects. Staff explained that the Council on Postsecondary Education serves as the gatekeeper after appropriation, reviewing institution-submitted uses to ensure they meet criteria for maintaining and improving existing facilities rather than new construction. Staff also outlined revisions to the draft plan, including updated summary data, revised wording for clarity, an updated maintenance pool policy recommendation based on Pew research, and a change to cross-reference major state-funded construction project status information rather than listing it directly. During discussion, one member praised the work on the plan and commented on the budget reserve trust fund, noting disagreement with Pew’s suggestion that the process should be in statute because Kentucky has long used the budget bill to govern deposits and uses. The board then moved to final action and unanimously adopted the draft 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, with authority for staff to make final technical and editorial revisions and insert the comprehensive project list before publication. The chair thanked members for their work, noting it was the final meeting of the year, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this<00:15:32.240> is<00:15:32.399> one<00:15:32.560> of<00:15:32.639> the
• is one of the more interesting calls<00:15:33.760> I've<00:15:34.079> gotten<00:15:34.320
• > over<00:15:34.480> the<00:15:34.720> years<00:15:35.279> uh calls I've
• When you get a call<00:15:37.839> out<00:15:38.000> of<00:15:38.079> the<00:15:38.240
• I am a teacher and<00:15:53.040> I'm<00:15:53.360> I<00:15:53.600> started<00:15

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:00:48 KOAP Report 00:01:09 Update from CHFS 00:20:27, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared. The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site. The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:01:47.920> do<00:01:48.120> have<00:01:48.280> a<00:01:48.360> quorum.
• <00:01:49.120> We<00:01:49.200> do<00:01:49.320> constitute<00:01:49.920>
• All right, with that uh I want to get<00:01:55.720> started.
• /c><00:01:56.760> of<00:01:57.280> long get started.
• We do have kind of long agenda,<00:01:58.320> but<00:01:58.520> we're<00:01:58.640>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:00 SB 100 Discussion 02:09 SB 100 Roll Call Vote 10:50 SB 8 Discussion 11:46 SB 8 Roll Call Vote 15:44 SB 49 Discussion 16:32 SB 49 Roll Call Vote 25:43 SB 222 Discussion 28:23 SB 222 Roll Call Vote 29:48, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:04.799> and<00:01:04.920> chair<00:01:05.239> gu<00:01:06.000> here<00
• :15:29.880> proposed<00:15:30.319> and<00:15:30.600> and<00:15:30.720> of
• <00:15:30.880> course was proposed and and of course was proposed and and of course um<00:15:34.120
• 00:15:38.000> of understand uh the purpose of understand uh the purpose of administrative<00:15
• start at 9:00 if meeting so uh I try to start at 9:00 if we<00:25:08.200> can<00:25:08.320>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:12 Introduction of Guests 01:09 HB 88 Discussion 01:46 HB 88 Roll Call Vote 03:24 HB 346 Discussion 04:20 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 21:58 Chair Comments 24:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 88, which was described as a short bill to clarify procedures for Waste Management boards, including term limits, appointments, and making sure consolidated governments actively recruit community members and make openings easier to find. The sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve confusion about members staying on after terms expire. The bill received no opposition, passed the committee unanimously, and was reported favorably for the floor. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a committee substitute. The sponsor explained that the bill responds to a dispute over air emission fees, especially for emergency generators and backup generators used for worker safety and limited non-emergency testing. The bill would exempt emergency generators and backup generators operating 100 hours or less for maintenance/testing from fees, while also removing an existing 4,000-ton cap so the per-ton fee would drop for most permitted sources. Members discussed the possible impact on utilities and ratepayers, with concerns raised that costs could be passed through to consumers and affect coal-dependent areas. The sponsor and another member argued the change would generally reduce fees for most sources and incentivize emissions reductions; the cabinet was described as neutral, and the affected utilities were identified as TVA, LG&E, East Kentucky Power, and Big Rivers, with only TVA having raised comments. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation, though one member voted no and several members explained yes votes while expressing ongoing concerns about future rate impacts. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed broader concerns about utility surcharges and the need to monitor the effects of legislation on ratepayers, but those comments were not part of the bill under consideration. The chair noted that future meetings may include more bills and could start earlier if needed, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02.760> of<00:15:02.880> closing<00:15:03.280> it.
• the overall<00:15:11.360> cost<00:15:11.720> of<00:15:11.800> the<00:15:11.920>
• :15:24.240> of<00:15:24.320> background<00:15:24.720> on<00:15:24.840> Mitchell
• > own<00:15:35.880> half<00:15:36.200> of<00:15:36.320> the<00:15:36.440>
• But I I call for roll uh roll about it. But I I call for roll uh roll call,<01:07:49.440> please.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:28 Introduction of Guests 00:02:08 American Electric Power and Kentucky Power Presentation 00:03:31 SB 89 Discussion 00:53:55 SB 89 Roll Call Vote 01:07:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky. Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky. Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIlZdumOu3E, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 HCR 68 Discussion 00:02:12 HCR Roll Call Vote 00:21:32 HB 323 Discussion 00:22.42 HB 323 Roll Call Vote 00:23:48 HB 388 Discussion 00:25:15 HB 388 Roll Call Vote 01:11:01, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:36.959> the<00:15:37.199> people<00:15:37.360> of passed was to allow
• I believe the next meeting will<01:15:22.000> be<01:15:22.239> August<01:15:22.560>
• It'll be August 26th at<01:15:31.199> 9:00<01:15:31.520> a.m.
• <01:15:32.640> in<01:15:32.960> room<01:15:33.520> 149<01:15:34.000> of
• <01:15:38.239> This<01:15:38.400> meeting<01:15:38.640> is<01:15:38.800>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call 00:00:12 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:03:12 Discussion of Housing and Land Use 00:21:58 Discussion of Short Term Rental Policies 01:03:17 Adjournment 01:15:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 4, 2025 meeting and then heard a series of presentations focused largely on housing and land-use policy. Senator Robbie Mills and Representative Josh Bray discussed two 2025 housing measures: Senate Bill 50, which would create residential infrastructure development districts to help local governments finance infrastructure for new housing developments through special assessments and local debt, and House Bill 7, which would let local governments identify development areas and rebate new property tax revenue to developers as an incentive for housing growth. They said Kentucky faces a statewide housing shortage of roughly 210,000 units, projected to grow if building patterns do not change, and argued that regulatory relief and financing tools are needed to increase supply. Representative Rebecca Rymer presented House Bill 371, which would require local permitting when an industry’s residual waste landfill is located in a different county from the industry itself. She said current law lets such landfills bypass local review, leaving host counties with no say despite road impacts and other local burdens. She said the bill would preserve the existing exemption when the landfill and industry are co-located, and noted support from KLC and KO. Representative Steve Doan also described House Bill 806, a statewide backyard chicken bill that would allow domesticated hens, prohibit roosters, set a minimum of six hens that local governments could not go below, and preserve local authority over setbacks, sanitation, maintenance standards, and egg sales. He said it would override outright local bans but not HOA restrictions, and cited a current Northern Kentucky dispute and ADA litigation as reasons for the proposal. The committee then heard a broader discussion on housing and land use from Charlie Gardner of the Mercatus Center and Nolan Gray of California YIMBY and the Bluegrass Institute. They outlined categories of land-use regulation, described the recent growth of state-level housing reforms nationwide, and cited examples such as ADU legalization, smaller lot sizes, reduced parking minimums, streamlined permitting, and single-stair or other building-code reforms. They argued that housing shortages are a statewide concern, that localities often have incentives to block growth, and that state intervention can reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising health and safety. Members asked about the housing shortage estimate, the effect of red tape on safety and local authority, and how state reforms could be phased in; the presenters said reforms often include lead time, can be targeted to larger jurisdictions, and should focus on reducing time and cost while maintaining basic standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• of just building<00:15:17.520> a<00:15:17.640> generating<00:15:18.360> capacity
• <00:15:22.840> way<00:15:23.080> of<00:15:23.160> providing and a cheaper way
• of providing and a cheaper way of providing electricity<00:15:24.240> to<00:15:24.400> the
• the<00:15:54.280> poorest the poorest the poorest areas<00:15:56.280> of<00:15:56.520>
• Uh the fire alarm kind of<01:00:31.920> messed<01:00:32.120> with<01:00:32.200> my

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:38 SB 213 Discussion 00:01:23 SB 213 Roll Call Vote 00:20:45 SB 8 Discussion 00:26:23 SB 8 Roll Call Vote 00:58:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and first heard Senate Bill 213 from Senator Phillip Wheeler. He described the bill as a response to rising electric bills, especially in Eastern Kentucky, and said it would give the Public Service Commission more tools to push utilities toward least-cost planning, require stronger integrated resource plans, and address utility service territories, utility sales, and generation contracts. He argued that monopoly service territories are privileges granted by the Commonwealth, not irrevocable rights, and said the bill would help prevent ratepayers from bearing the cost of poor utility decisions or sale premiums. He also said the bill would allow large new loads, such as data centers, to choose alternative power sources in certain areas to encourage economic development. Members asked questions about how the bill would work, especially the section stating that service territory rights belong to the Commonwealth and the provision dealing with utility sale premiums. Senator Wheeler explained that if a utility is sold at a premium, that premium should not simply be passed on to customers, and he said the bill aims to reduce costs for ratepayers and create more competition. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s goals while noting the complexity of utility regulation. Senator West said some companies had not been responsive to concerns about rates, Senator Williams said he would pass but wanted utilities to have enough generation to serve Kentucky users, and Chair Smith said the bill was a smart approach within the legislature’s limited authority. The committee then voted to report Senate Bill 213 favorably with the expression that the same shall pass. The committee then took up Senate Bill 8 from Senator Brandon Smith, which would modernize the Public Service Commission. He said the bill and committee substitute were intended to help the PSC handle increasingly complex utility regulation, infrastructure investment, and rate cases by expanding the commission from three to five members, with three gubernatorial appointees and two appointed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. He also said the bill would adjust the threshold for PSC review of electric transmission construction from one mile to five miles, to reduce delays while preserving oversight of major projects, and would update appointment terms and other language in the substitute. Smith said the changes were meant to improve staffing and expertise at the PSC and speed transmission buildout. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final vote on Senate Bill 8 appears in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :51.960> those<00:01:52.119> in<00:01:52.280> favor<00:01:52.520> to<00:01
• :52.600> sign<00:01:52.759> of<00:01:52.960> I<00:01:53.920> oppose all those
• ><00:01:55.719> Motions<00:01:56.039> are<00:01:56.640> approved<00:01:57.640>
• > and<00:01:58.600> call<00:01:58.799> our this time we'll go ahead and call our
• this time we'll go ahead and call our first<00:01:59.560> an<00:02:00.079> bill<00:02:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:25 HCR 22 Discussion 01:57 HCR 22 Roll Call Vote 07:55, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard ACR 22, sponsored by Representatives Randy Bridges and Steven Rudy. The resolution declares nuclear generation to be a clean, dispatchable baseload energy source for Kentucky. The sponsors argued that Kentucky and the broader energy market are facing growing demand and reliability challenges, and said the resolution recognizes prior legislative steps on nuclear power, including lifting the nuclear moratorium, creating a nuclear study working group, and establishing the Kentucky Nuclear Development Authority. The sponsors also emphasized nuclear power as part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy and highlighted small modular reactors and spent fuel processing as important future technologies. They referenced Paducah’s former uranium enrichment site and potential laser enrichment work as part of a recycling approach that could reduce waste and support new fuel production. No outside testimony was presented in the excerpt. Members expressed support for the resolution, with several noting its importance for economic development, reliable power, and keeping coal relevant through new energy partnerships. The committee voted favorably on the measure, with all members present voting aye, and the chair stated that the resolution would pass with favorable expression. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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• If I think that the cost of taking<00:15:08.480> down<00:15:08.720> the<00:15:09.040>
• But it constantly adjusts over the full<00:15:17.279> life<00:15:17.440> of<00:15:17.600
• <00:15:18.240> and<00:15:18.399> and<00:15:18.639> most<00:15:18.880> of<
• extremely<00:15:24.240> long<00:15:24.480> period<00:15:24.720> of cost

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:02 HB 398 Discussion 01:01 HB 398 Roll Call Vote 16:09 Chair Comments 18:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 398, sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams, with testimony from David Samford of East Kentucky Power Cooperative. The bill would amend KRS 278.264, the Senate Bill 4 statute, to clarify that it governs retirement of fossil fuel plants and not the recovery of associated decommissioning costs. Supporters said the measure would restore the Public Service Commission’s discretion to spread decommissioning costs over the life of a plant, consistent with traditional ratemaking, and avoid large rate spikes when plants are retired. Testimony focused on ratemaking principles such as cost causation and matching, with the witnesses arguing that customers should pay costs as they are incurred rather than face a large “sticker shock” charge at the end of a plant’s life. Members asked about possible double charges, environmental surcharges, fuel adjustment clauses, and what happens if a planned retirement is delayed or canceled. The witnesses said the bill is intended to prevent double exposure and that rates would be revisited in future base rate cases as assumptions change. During roll call, most members voted yes, while Rep. Fugate passed and explained concern about high electric bills and prior lump-sum charges in his area, and Rep. Watkins voted no, saying he needed more information on long-term affordability. The committee reported the bill out favorably, with the chair stating it should pass on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh it allows the Kentucky Department<00:15:10.520> of<00:15:10.720> Agriculture<00:15:11.440
• > to<00:15:11.680> be<00:15:11.800> able<00:15:12.040> to Department of Agriculture
• to be able to Department of Agriculture to be able to accept<00:15:13.120> and<00:15:13.240><
• called special there could be a possible called special meeting<00:18:02.760> of<00:18:02.880>
• > other meeting of the committee, but uh other meeting of the committee, but uh other than<00:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:10 SB 37 Discussion 6:56 SB 37 Roll Call Vote 12:31 SB 214 Discussion 14:27 SB 214 Roll Call 15:35, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• Are<00:15:41.920> we<00:15:42.079> starting<00:15:42.320> to<00:15:42.480> see
• <00:15:42.639> an<00:15:42.959> increase<00:15:43.199> in Are we starting to
• I think it's<00:15:49.440> more<00:15:49.759> of<00:15:50.079> trying<00:15:50.399
• <01:00:03.760> Next<01:00:04.160> meeting<01:00:04.480> is<01:00:04.799>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:50 Approval of Minutes 00:01:21 KOAP Report 00:01:42 Community Farm Alliance and KY Double Dollars 00:20:25 Feeding Kentucky 00:40:55, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Oversight Committee received a monthly report from the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy and the A Development Board/Finance Corporation. Staff reviewed May activity, including county council visits, loan and grant approvals, farm safety funding, and support for beginning farmers, agricultural infrastructure, processing, and county/state projects. The committee also recognized an intern and thanked Tara Roberts for her service as she prepares to leave the agency. Members were reminded about a June 20 anniversary event marking 25 years of the office and related programs. A major topic was K-CARD, the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. Staff explained that the program is being expanded to provide more technical assistance for beginning farmers and farm families, including help with business plans and estate planning/farm transition discussions. Members asked how farmers would access the service and were told the extension office would be the front-line contact, with K-CARD providing the technical assistance and neutral-site consultations. The committee also discussed support for large food animal veterinarians. Staff said the incentive program has helped more than 33 veterinarians and is intended to support existing providers rather than quickly increase numbers; members raised concerns about the pipeline and selection process at Auburn University, and staff said discussions with the university were ongoing. The committee then heard from Community Farm Alliance on Kentucky Double Dollars, Fresh Rx for Moms, and farmers market support programs. CFA reported expansion to roadside stands, more retail onboarding, seven new counties, and estimated economic and farmgate impacts, emphasizing that state funding helps leverage federal and private dollars and stabilize local food access programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the May minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:08.799> Great<00:01:08.960> to<00:01:09.119> see<00:01:09.200> you,<00
• >> Senator,<00:01:10.960> I<00:01:11.119> think<00:01:11.200> you<00:01:11.360
• :01:31.759> to<00:01:31.840> give<00:01:32.000> me<00:01:32.159> that<00:
• 01:32.320> kind<00:01:32.400> of >> You don't want to give me that kind of >>
• <00:01:46.159> that<00:01:46.399> I've<00:01:46.640> kind<00:01:46.799> of

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:20 SB 37 Discussion: 01:37 SB 37 Roll Call Vote: 06:21 SB 214 Discussion: 07:48 SB 214 Roll Call Vote: 09:48, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 37, sponsored by Senator Robin Webb, which would designate the Treeing Walker Hound as Kentucky’s state dog. Webb described the breed as Kentucky-originated, a working and hunting dog, and a fitting symbol of the commonwealth. Several members voiced support, including comments about preserving full-bred dogs and recognizing the breed’s working-dog status, and the committee voted unanimously to pass the bill. The next item was Senate Bill 214, presented by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Dana Feldman and Mark Manley explained that the bill would allow the department to accept and distribute non-federal grant funding directly, without going through the usual loan procedure with finance. They said the measure was needed in part because an emergency clause would let Kentucky pursue time-sensitive grant funding tied to a food-is-medicine initiative before July 1. Members expressed support for the funding opportunity and the bill passed unanimously. The meeting ended after both bills were approved without opposition.