Many of my legislative updates are based on the work we do in our interim joint committees. In these meetings, we discuss topics that will likely become bills during the 2026 Regular Session, helping educate members of the General Assembly and our constituents on legislation we may vote on.
Of course, the legislative branch of government is responsible for creating laws. However, all three branches of government have the responsibility to hold each other accountable. This ensures that elected and appointed leaders remember who they work for and that our state’s priorities align with those of the people of the commonwealth.
In the legislature, our statutory committees handle a great deal of oversight, reviewing everything from state contracts to agency regulations. This week, I am using my update to share what was on the agendas of the statutory committees that met last week.
Government Contract Review: Members met to hear from several state agencies regarding contracts under review. The Department for Community Based Services discussed several, including one funding the SNAP Employment and Training program designed to support self-sufficiency. The Department of Education also testified about the need for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide critical support and enrichment opportunities for children in low performing schools. Members asked presenters about progress on other projects such as the Juvenile Detention Center in Louisville and the ongoing bid for capitol renovations.
Administrative Regulation Review: Lawmakers reviewed administrative regulations related to various professional boards across the commonwealth, as well as others concerning fish and wildlife, the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, and access and attachments to utility poles and facilities. Of the administrative regulations reviewed, the administrative regulations concerning the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program and access and attachments to utility poles and facilities generated the most discussion.
Information Technology Oversight: Members discussed the KentuckyWired network and received information from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts, and the legislature’s administrative arm. KentuckyWired is a private, for-profit LLC formed as a special-purpose entity dedicated solely to the design, construction, and management of a statewide fiber-optics network. Presenters from the legislative body discussed technology advancements in the wake of the Minnesota lawmaker shootings. Lastly, the courts discussed their support and maintenance of 280 Kentucky Court of Justice applications.
Capital Planning Advisory Board: Legislators first heard from the Council on Postsecondary Education for capital requests, including continued asset preservation, new construction projects, and upgrades to the Kentucky Regional Optical Network (KyRON) that increase capacity and utilize artificial intelligence (AI) services. The committee also heard testimony from several state agencies that included new information on the current Pension Administration System and the Economic Development Fund Program.
In addition to statutory committee meetings, the Artificial Intelligence Task Force also held a meeting to continue its comprehensive study of the use and impact of AI. The task force’s core mission is to foster innovation, enhance statewide competitiveness, and promote AI literacy among individuals, businesses, and public institutions.
Artificial Intelligence Task Force: Lawmakers discussed energy policy and economic development surrounding growth of AI data centers. Testimony from PPL Services Company outlined Kentucky’s current generation capacity and the state’s competitiveness as firms look for sites nationwide. Founders Fund discussed rising demand for electricity to power AI systems and how it is currently being met. Finally, the task force heard from General Matter on the latest information regarding their newly announced uranium enrichment plant in Paducah.
All legislative committee meetings, including these mentioned in this week’s update, are available to watch on YouTube @KY LRC Committee Meetings. Updates can also be found on YouTube @KYHouseGOP. All meeting materials, including agendas, minutes, and presentations, can be found on our website under the committee section.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield
