FRANKFORT, Ky. — Sharp questioning over KentuckyWired’s planned network refresh and a tense debate about how — or whether — to regulate artificial intelligence dominated a meeting of the Information Technology Oversight Committee on Monday, as lawmakers pressed state officials for documents and warned against rushing into costly decisions without clearer answers. The committee met Jan. 12 in the Capitol Annex to hear testimony from officials overseeing the KentuckyWired broadband network and from free-speech advocates urging caution on AI regulation. KentuckyWired refresh draws skepticism Much of the meeting focused on whether the state must move forward this year with a major refresh of KentuckyWired network equipment — a project that could carry significant financial and contractual consequences. Doug Hendrix, executive director of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, told lawmakers the project agreement requires the first system refresh to be completed by September 2026, roughly 11 years after the contract’s 2015 effective date. Failing to meet that deadline, he said, could trigger an “excusing event” that relieves the network operator of service-level obligations and potentially constitutes a breach of contract. Committee leaders pushed back, questioning whether the underlying equipment is actually near the end of vendor support and whether the refresh could be delayed until after an audit and further legislative review. “We’re being told there’s an absolute need to do this now,” one lawmaker said, arguing the network appears to be operating well below capacity and that much of the equipment may remain supported for several more years. Officials from KCNA acknowledged they could not immediately provide lawmakers with a full component-by-component list showing when individual routers, switches and parts reach end-of-support — a key point of contention. Committee members repeatedly requested invoices, purchase orders and contract provisions related to the refresh, saying they had sought the documents for weeks. The absence of representatives from the private operator responsible for maintaining the network also drew criticism. Hendrix said the company declined to attend on advice of counsel because of ongoing litigation. Lawmakers warned that approving major spending without clear documentation would be difficult, particularly given concerns about bond obligations tied to the project. KCNA’s chief financial officer cautioned that a failure to complete the refresh on time could amount to an event of default, with potential consequences for the commonwealth’s credit and borrowing costs. Committee leaders said they want written clarification on contract deadlines, documentation on equipment life cycles, and a clearer explanation of how funds and invoices flow between public and private entities involved in KentuckyWired. AI regulation sparks First Amendment debate The meeting’s second major topic turned to artificial intelligence and free expression, with testimony from John Coleman, legislative counsel for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Coleman warned lawmakers that broad AI-specific regulations — such as mandatory labels, identity verification, or restrictions on what AI systems can generate — risk violating the First Amendment. He argued that AI functions as a tool for human expression, placing it under long-standing constitutional protections. Courts, he said, have already shown skepticism toward laws that regulate online speech through disclosure mandates or access restrictions, citing recent rulings involving social media and election-related “deepfake” laws. Several lawmakers challenged that view, raising concerns about highly realistic AI-generated videos or audio being used to damage reputations, influence elections or exploit artists’ likenesses. One legislator described scenarios in which a fabricated video released just before an election could cause irreversible harm, arguing that existing defamation laws may be inadequate and that labeling requirements could provide basic protections. Coleman countered that compelled labels themselves raise constitutional issues and that existing laws — including defamation, fraud, consumer protection and rights of publicity — already provide avenues for addressing harms, regardless of whether AI is used. The exchange underscored a growing divide between lawmakers eager to act preemptively against AI misuse and free-speech advocates urging restraint and reliance on existing legal frameworks. What’s next The committee adjourned without taking action but signaled it expects additional documents and follow-up from KentuckyWired officials. Lawmakers said the refresh timeline and contractual obligations will remain under close scrutiny during the session. On AI, members indicated the conversation is far from over, with several suggesting legislation is likely as the technology advances — even as constitutional questions loom. 01 ITOC Agenda 1-12-2026Download 04 John Coleman FIRE 1-12-26 testimony (1)Download The post Kentucky lawmakers clash over KentuckyWired upgrade timeline, hear free-speech warning on AI appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less