The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection convened on February 18, 2025, for its second meeting of the session. The meeting began with a call to order by Chair McCool, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum was present. Members were reminded to silence their phones and to sign up if they wished to testify.

The meeting opened with a pledge of allegiance led by Representative Johnson, followed by a prayer that addressed the ongoing flooding issues affecting parts of Kentucky. The prayer emphasized the need for support and healing for those impacted by the floods, particularly in areas like Garrett County, where water levels were expected to rise significantly.

The first agenda item was House Bill 234, presented by Sean Butler, Executive Director of the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association. The bill aims to allow airport police departments to participate in grant funding when they turn in their weapons, a privilege currently not extended to them. Butler explained that this exclusion was an oversight, as other police departments in the state are eligible for such funding. The committee members discussed the bill briefly, and it was put to a vote, passing with favorable expressions from the committee.

Following the successful passage of House Bill 234, Chair McCool announced that the second bill on the agenda would not be addressed due to unresolved issues and would be revisited at a later date. The meeting concluded with an invitation for any additional questions or comments from the committee members.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's focus on legislative support for law enforcement and the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Kentucky due to natural disasters. The next steps will involve further discussions on the postponed bill and continued support for those affected by the flooding.