The Committee on Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations advanced a package of bills addressing the new Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, professional licensure and workforce rules and sent each measure to the full House for consideration. The committee took votes on multiple bills; roll-call tallies were not specified in the transcript.

The committee’s most detailed debate centered on House Bill 566, the implementing bill for the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Representative Matt Cook (70th District), who presented the bill, said the committee and stakeholders spent “7, 8 months” drafting implementing language after last year’s Senate Bill 299 created the corporation. Cook said the bill locks charitable-gaming fees into statute at a lower rate than prior practice (he cited approximately 0.545), increases charitable representation on the corporation’s board, and permits local school districts to apply for an annual charitable-gaming license so booster clubs and similar groups may operate under the district-level license.

Why it matters: HB 566 sets the corporation’s funding and governance structure, directs where several legacy funds and uncashed pari-mutuel vouchers will go, and establishes early incentives for Quarter Horse racing.

Key provisions and clarifications in HB 566
- Fee/tax: The presenter said the charitable-gaming fee was locked into statute at a lower rate (Cook referred to about 0.545); committee members requested the precise statutory text be consulted for the exact figure.
- Board and terms: The bill sets a 17-member board (an odd number), added a quarter-horse representative and a charitable-gaming representative, and staggers four-year terms so the full board is not replaced at once.
- Self-funding: The corporation’s administration may be paid from the corporation’s funds—up to 10% of each fund may be used for administration, Cook said; the remaining funds remain for breeders and related programs.
- Uncashed vouchers: The bill designates how uncashed vouchers at racetracks will be allocated: 10% to problem-gambling programs, 65% to backside (track) improvements, and 25% for administration and regulation of live racing (as described in committee discussion).
- Investigations: The bill allows flexibility for investigators—some may be POP-certified peace officers while others may not, and the proposal envisions a cross-trained investigative unit serving racing, sports wagering and charitable gaming.
- Quarter-horse incentives: The bill includes a three-year incentive that allows breeders to import quarter-horse broodmares from out of state with conditions on breeding of the next two foals; Cook said the incentive will sunset after three years and that the account already contains “over $4,000,000.”

Committee discussion and concerns: Representative Gentry said she had previously opposed aspects of the structure in the earlier Senate bill but thanked Cook for working with stakeholders and said many charitable-gaming stakeholders were pleased to see fees locked into statute. Members asked for clarification about removal of 18A protections for employees; presenters said employees retain state benefits (health, retirement and deferred compensation) but that employment will be at-will rather than under KRS Chapter 18A. The transcript records that the committee adopted a committee sub-amendment to correct voucher language and to authorize the district-level school license; Representative Pfister was recorded as seconding the subcommittee motion.

Other bills advanced
- House Bill 70 (interstate compact for dietitians): Representative Amy Neighbors (21st District) and Derek Lewis presented a bill to join an interstate compact allowing licensure reciprocity for dietitians. Whitney Duddy of the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics said the Department of Defense had sent a letter of support and that the compact would aid military families and expand telehealth and workforce flexibility.

- House Bill 72 (medical diagnostic imaging / limited X-ray machine operators): Representative DJ Johnson presented the bill, supported by Tom Underwood of the Kentucky Podiatric Medical Association and clinical operators, to allow limited X-ray machine operators (LXMO) to work in the same facility as more advanced imaging equipment. Presenters and committee members emphasized the bill does not expand an LXMO’s scope of practice; it only permits both license levels to operate in the same building. Supporters said the change addresses a statewide shortage of X-ray technologists and reduces reliance on expensive contract staff. Representative Meredith asked for and received confirmation that the bill does not extend LXMO scope: “Nothing in this bill will extend the scope of what a limited X-ray machine operator is allowed to do,” she said.

- House Bill 79 (licensure workforce data): Representative Kim Moser presented a short bill authorizing licensure boards to collect and report data showing whether licensees are actively working in their licensed profession. Moser said the change is intended to help the Council on Postsecondary Education and state agencies understand workforce capacity and shortages in licensed professions.

- Dental hygienist / FQHC bill (bill number not specified in the transcript): Representative Derek Lewis introduced a short measure to allow dental hygienists to work for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and provide school-based dental services. Supporters said the change would improve access in rural communities and FQHCs; Representative Ault explained his roll-call vote and praised the bill as a way to expand access.

Votes at a glance (committee actions recorded in transcript)
- HB 566 (implementing Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation): committee sub adopted; bill passed favorably and advanced to the floor. Motion/second on the sub recorded; roll-call tally: not specified in transcript.
- HB 70 (interstate compact for dietitians): passed committee and advanced to the floor. Motion by Representative Banta and second recorded; roll-call tally: not specified in transcript.
- HB 72 (limited X-ray machine operator facility rules): passed committee and advanced to the floor. Motion and second recorded (motions by committee members noted in transcript); roll-call tally: not specified in transcript.
- HB 79 (licensure workforce data): passed committee and advanced to the floor. Motion recorded; roll-call tally: not specified in transcript.
- Dental hygienist / FQHC bill (bill number not specified): passed committee and advanced to the floor. Motion and second recorded; roll-call tally: not specified in transcript.

What the committee did not decide: The committee debated but did not change the core authorities cited in bills beyond technical fixes and the committee sub for HB 566; several members asked for review of statutory text for precise figures (for example, the charitable-gaming fee rate referenced in committee discussion).

Speakers who appear in the committee record include presenters, stakeholder representatives and committee members who asked questions or explained votes; the transcript shows multiple roll-call “yes” responses but does not supply a complete tally for each bill in the debate record.

Ending: The committee adjourned after advancing the measures to the House floor. Several members and presenters thanked committee staff for drafting assistance and the meeting concluded with the committee chair stating the bills will appear on the House floor for further consideration.