Transcript Highlights:

• For the Auditor General, conduct an operational audit of the City of Miami Beach. Thank you.
• And we welcome your Auditor General to come in and work with us, if so be.
• The town has generally been nonresponsive to us.
• If they don't, then the Auditor General notifies the committee.
• If they don't, then the Auditor General notifies the committee.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to consider several audit requests and enforcement items involving local governments and special districts. The committee approved operational audits of the City of Miami Beach, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Daytona Beach. In each case, the requesting member described concerns about transparency, financial management, or internal controls, while local officials or representatives generally said they were willing to cooperate and, in Delray Beach’s case, noted that an internal audit had already been completed and that some issues were being corrected. The committee also received a presentation on the statewide review of neighborhood improvement districts. The reviewers reported that 15 of 21 districts were active and six inactive, with common findings including outdated or missing performance plans, weak web presence, inadequate meeting notices, and limited management mechanisms. They said staffing levels often correlated with the ability to meet statutory requirements, and they recommended updates to district governance and transparency practices. On enforcement, staff reviewed local governments and special districts that had failed to file required financial reports or had submitted audit reports missing required information. The committee approved staff recommendations to proceed under the statutory enforcement process for the noncompliant entities, with flexibility for the chair and vice chair to delay action if additional information is provided in good faith. The committee also voted to send a letter to the Union County Legislative Delegation encouraging a local bill to dissolve the Town of Rayford, based on staff’s view that the town lacked employees, services, debt, and a clear reason to continue existing as an incorporated municipality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texans will own a piece of the success they helped generate. Thank you.
• Are we making good investments that, that are going to generate strong returns?
• And I think it, it shows what's possible not only in terms of generating really strong returns.
• How much property tax relief could be generated over the next biennial based on that investment?
• Investment products, how much property tax relief could be generated?

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• General. Anyone voting no with reservations? Recommendation adopted. Thank you.
• fund accounts into the non-general fund accounts into the general<00:36:45.440> fund<00:36:46.000
• > and<00:36:46.240> adding<00:36:46.480> a<00:36:46.720> blank general fund
• and adding a blank general fund and adding a blank appropriation<00:36:47.520> in<00:36:47.680
• Insert a $20 million appropriation from the general revenues in fiscal years 26 to the Department of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a long decision-making agenda and repeatedly recommended passage of measures, most either unamended or with technical or date-deferral amendments. Early items included HB 496, which was passed with amendments deferring the effective date to 2050, and HB 700, which was passed with amendments incorporating Alzheimer’s Association language on dementia data collection, standardized cognitive assessments, Medicare Part C, and related definitions. Other bills addressed insurance, health care preceptors, workers’ compensation, labeling, rural emergency hospitals, and numerous budget or policy measures later in the agenda. Several bills received substantive amendment packages. HB 250 was amended to add an objective on treatments for common chronic or long-term conditions and to clarify that automating determinations is intended to reduce delays in patient care. HB 303 adopted Hawaii Pharmacist Association language clarifying the definition of a nationally accredited pharmacy residency program. HB 1179 was amended to adopt Department of Human Services language relating to Med-QUEST. Later, HB 1293 added a $250,000 cap, a $20 million general-fund appropriation for Department of Education food services, and procurement-reporting language; HB 1153 authorized transfers of various non-general-fund accounts to the general fund and added a blank appropriation for the governor’s office; and HB 1168 added a proviso to a revenue bond appropriation to help in-state residents with demonstrated financial need offset room-and-board increases. The most notable debate was on HB 1308, a sports wagering bill. Members discussed regulatory structure, youth sports restrictions, tax and fee provisions, and gambling-prevention funding. Several members opposed the bill, citing family impacts, gambling addiction concerns, and the possibility that regulatory and social costs would outweigh revenues; others supported it with reservations. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted, with recorded no votes and reservations. Across the agenda, most remaining bills were adopted with little or no discussion, including many measures passed unamended and several with deferred effective dates or committee-report notes reflecting testimony or appropriation requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh basically to attorney general.
• attorney general with comments. attorney general with comments.
• Thank you. >> I have a follow-up for the attorney general... so instead of directly dedicating general
• <01:21:52.400> thank<01:21:52.639> you attorney general thank you attorney general
• and to generate that we play to generate and to generate and<01:24:22.239> then<01:24:22.480>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the Attorney General right now and previous Attorneys General have all been more than willing to go
• Tell the Attorney General, we want you to do this.
• I would rather see the Attorney General be that person.
• I'd much rather see Congress contemplate something for the Attorney General if the Attorney General refuses
• . ...General as a deceptive trade practice.

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Texans will own a piece of the success. they helped generate. Thank you.
• It can generate returns, create jobs, and most importantly, make Texas the place where the world's best
• There's the risk of your investment itself that are going to generate strong returns.
• Bureaucrats and y'all investing money, generating ROIs, as you said, not for the government, but for
• ...can be used to offset and lower taxation by providing an additional stream of general revenue?

Bills: HB 104, HB2054, HB3459, HB3745, HB4486, HB4488, HB4601, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, HB 2054, Texas volunteer fire department assistance fund, Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, volunteer fire departments, wildfire mitigation, wildland fire, rural fire protection, insurer assessment, insurance premium tax, state appropriations, firefighting grants, emergency services, high-risk wildfire areas, Texas Comptroller, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a fifth generation New Mexican and third-generation owner of James Hamilton Construction, headquartered
• Some of them are also on their second generation with us.
• Great research documents have been generated.
• We've got to find other ways to generate revenue for road construction.
• And let's just say that would generate 8% annually.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rule incorporates legislative changes enacted by the General Assembly.
• The exemptions for general work requirements were also updated.
• This was generally a cleanup...
• I am the General Counsel of the State Insurance Department.
• Could I ask that you reach out to our surgeon general? Absolutely. Dr.

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large set of agency rules and reports. Early items were routine filings: emergency-rule reports, subcommittee review reports, and administrative directive reports were filed without objection. One rule from the Department of Agriculture on maternal health providers and remote monitoring was noted as pulled by the agency and not considered. The committee then reviewed and approved several Agriculture rules, including repeal of equine ID-chip rules after Act 703 of 2025, updates to finance rules adding a new water and sewer treatment facilities grant and consolidating revolving-fund rules, and a pesticide rule creating a Class J pesticide category for feral hog toxicant use. It also approved a Commerce/Insurance rule removing duplicative workers’ compensation plan provisions, and a Corrections rule creating a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities and community correction centers. A member asked about prison visitation hours during COVID, and staff said they would check on that. The committee next approved multiple Department of Human Services rules. These included marketing rules for provider-led organizations under Act 301 of 2025, a comprehensive revision of the DCFS policy manual, changes to Medicaid eligibility to include fictive kin placements and to expand ABLE account eligibility under Act 875, presumptive eligibility changes for pregnant women to align with federal rules, and a follow-up SNAP/TEA/Work Pays rule with updated work requirements, mandatory employment and training, alien eligibility changes, and job-search requirements for certain applicants. DHS also presented a rule implementing federal coverage for certain incarcerated youth before and after release, and the committee approved it. Another DHS rule updated nurse aide training requirements to match federal CNA hour standards and moved criminal-records-check procedures to the agency website. The most extended discussion involved DHS Division of Medical Services’ dental rate rule under Act 1025. The agency explained that it was increasing pediatric dental rates and certain oral-surgery-related rates, but not orthodontic rates or a broader special-needs benefit limit because CMS would not approve a diagnosis-based limit. Members debated whether the statutory language was intended to cover general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, with legislators, the Dental Association, and DHS discussing legislative intent, fiscal impact, and whether a future fix or emergency rule might be needed. Despite the disagreement, the committee approved the rule. The committee also approved other DHS medical rules: adverse-decision appeal changes and prior-authorization posting requirements, an increased RSV administration fee for children, expanded emergency treat/triage/transport ambulance authority, and clinic-based physical and occupational therapy coverage. Later, the committee approved permanent rules for the new state insurance program under Shared Administrative Services, procurement rule revisions recommended after an ACASO review, and commodity-management rule updates including a new revenue distribution model. Under Act 595 of 2021, the committee granted two Department of Commerce/Insurance requests to be excluded from rulemaking requirements: one for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting, and one for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would promulgate rules later when clinical guidelines are available. Finally, the committee accepted a recommendation to keep and extend the Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education rules, filed outstanding rulemaking updates, and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff, 4154, Madam Whitman, members, House Bill 4154 and Senate Bill 1847 are the general appropriation
• The bill makes various fiscal year 2027 General Fund and other fund appropriations for the operations
• The budget includes an increase of $139,600,000 in General Fund revenues as a result of a one-time transfer
• In terms of natural resource relief and readiness, the bill appropriates $10 million from the General
• The Department of Public Safety and a $3 million General Fund deposit in the State Home for Veterans

Summary: The meeting covered a series of fiscal year 2027 budget and budget-related bills, beginning with the general appropriations and tax package. Staff and the chair highlighted a budget built around about $1.4 billion in tax cuts, a one-time 2.5% agency reduction, major funding for state employee health insurance, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, and other supplemental appropriations. The chair repeatedly urged support for the package, emphasizing the size of the tax cut and noting that the committee’s joint vote had only three no votes out of 28 members. Members then reviewed several smaller budget implementation bills affecting racing and gambling, capital outlay, commerce and defense innovation, corrections, environment and water policy, higher education, human services, K-12 education, county finance, tax administration, state data governance, and state office rent rates. Key provisions included extending or modifying funds and fee structures, transferring surplus or unneeded monies, creating or revising oversight boards and pilot programs, increasing K-12 funding by 2% for inflation, adjusting university retention limits, expanding SNAP and housing-related requirements, and changing tax conformity and credits. Several members asked clarifying questions about specific items such as electric vehicle charging funds, mobile home relocation payments, university funding, and the new health insurance oversight board. The chair also explained the tax bill’s major changes, including conformity to federal tax law, a larger dependent tax credit, changes to deductions, repeal of certain tax credits, veteran property tax relief, limits on data center tax incentives, and provisions affecting manufacturing infrastructure and unemployment insurance administration. The committee discussed the Budget Stabilization Fund, debt repayment, and education rollover balances, with the chair arguing for using surpluses to pay down debt. The final item discussed was a behavioral health bill creating a home and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with a stated FY 2027 total fund appropriation of $7.8 million contingent on federal approval and matching funds. The meeting ended with a reminder that floor action would begin the next day at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:00.560> fund judicial branch general fund judicial branch general fund appropriation
• uh to 425,000 per year of general funds. uh to 425,000 per year of general funds.
• general funds. general funds.
• the general fund, education trust fund. the general fund, education trust fund.
• general fund. general fund.

Keywords: 10am HB 1 & HB 2, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference for HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed the side-by-side budget comparison and began working through agreed and disputed items. Members first confirmed that grayed-out items were already settled and discussed a process for making later technical and intent changes, especially to true up abolished positions after additional decisions were made. They then moved through several budget sections, including judicial branch reductions, retirement systems, the Department of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, liquor enforcement, corrections, and the Department of Information Technology. Several items were agreed to or treated as settled package items, including the judicial branch position, the Department of Justice reduction, the Human Rights Commission item being held until related HB 2 language is finalized, the Housing Appeals Board being moved into the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, and the Office of Child Advocate. The committee also agreed to update the House bill language as needed based on HB 2 decisions, and to keep certain IT support rows in place unless related boards and commissions are eliminated. The effective date remained July 1, 2025, with no change. The main unresolved discussion centered on the retirement systems budget, where the Senate defended a large increase for deferred IT security and investment-function improvements, while the House argued the increase was too large and favored a back-of-the-budget cut. The Senate said the funds would support strategic IT and investment changes and would remain in the trust if cut, while the House emphasized the size of the increase and suggested a compromise. The committee ultimately retained the Senate position on retirement systems for the moment and said it would return to the issue later. On corrections and liquor enforcement, the committee described a negotiated back-of-the-budget cut structure, including a $10 million cut for corrections with some restoration of POS offices and administrative aides, and a liquor enforcement cut that was treated as part of a broader package. The Department of Safety item related to commercial enforcement and motor vehicle inspections was held for later discussion. The meeting ended with several items agreed, several held for coordination with HB 2, and some major budget questions still open.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:13.439> fund $87,500 8% tax to the state general fund $87,500 8% tax to the state general
• 122,500 they pay 177% to the general 122,500 they pay 177% to the general fund<00:04:23.479>
• <00:10:47.360> fund<00:10:47.639> of to the general fund of to the general fund of
• you Mr chair but that's the general you Mr chair but that's the general thing<00:29:09.840> is
• fund a significant cost to the general fund a significant cost to the general fund<00:54:09.240>

Bills: HF169, HF195, HF194, HF1756, HF2133

Keywords: HF169, Minnesota insurance, health plan, summary of benefits and coverage, SBC, patient assistance program, deductible, health insurer, consumer disclosure, out-of-pocket costs, medical assistance funds, copay assistance, health coverage transparency, chapter 62Q, enrollee, HF195, Fairmont, street reconstruction, bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just you're not putting it into the recurring general fund pot.
• Still pretty healthy, 15.2 billion worth of general fund revenue.
• Those high oil prices don't necessarily end up in the general fund.
• Personal income tax is generally withheld out of your paycheck.
• the investment in order to generate a revenue return.

Transcript Highlights:

• Creating the beyond-ready generation has really changed my life.
• Our second goal is to continue empowering a beyond-ready generation for work and life.
• This is also about the next generation of agriculture and a new age of discovery.
• This is also about the next generation of agriculture and a new age of discovery.
• The next generation of agriculturalists are up for the challenge.

Summary: The Agriculture Committee took up SB 806, the consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill by Senator Trumbull. Trumbull said the measure would expand repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. The committee adopted two amendments: one clarifying the bill does not apply to motor vehicles, and a technical staff amendment. Testimony was mixed: an Everglades Equipment representative opposed the bill, warning it could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, and increase downtime for farmers; the Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state repair laws, private lawsuits, and inconsistent standards. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 806 by a roll call vote of 4-0, with Senator Rouson not voting. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne, and Taylor Thigpin. They described 4-H as a youth development organization focused on citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, serving more than 216,000 youth statewide. They highlighted personal stories about how 4-H built confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills, and they outlined goals to grow participation to 300,000 youth and to invest in 4-H camps, especially Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee, as year-round learning sites. Senators praised the program and asked questions about how youth get involved and what drives participation. Florida FFA state officers Hope Storder and Isabel Jenkins then presented on agricultural education and FFA. They explained FFA’s three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development, and noted that Florida now has more than 65,000 FFA members and that state funding has allowed all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. They emphasized agriculture’s role in feeding a growing population and discussed how technology, innovation, and urban agriculture can help meet future production needs. Senators commended the organization’s work and its role in preparing future leaders and agricultural professionals. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton requested a group photo with the students, and the committee agreed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This chart includes both general revenue and trust funds.
• Therefore, they make up a smaller portion of the general revenue recommendation.
• Moving on to item number six, the presentation for General Government.
• No general revenue is needed to fund this ask.
• No general revenue is needed to fund this ask.

Summary: The committee first took up confirmation of five water management district appointees: Ted Everett and Jerome Pate to the Northwest Florida Water Management District, Michael Romano to the Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District, and Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Senator McClain moved confirmation, the roll was called, and the committee recommended all appointees favorably. Members then received the Governor’s Florida First budget presentations for environmental agencies. The environmental package totaled about $5.8 billion and emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, resilience, land conservation, state parks, hazardous waste cleanup, wildlife management, wildfire response, and citrus support. DEP highlighted more than $1.4 billion for water resources, including $810 million for Everglades restoration, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state parks, and $221 million for contamination cleanup. FWC, Agriculture, and Citrus funding priorities were also outlined. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a reduction at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and beach renourishment funding for storm damage. The committee also heard the General Government portion of the budget, which totaled about $2.9 billion and covered DBPR, Lottery, Financial Services, Management Services, Revenue, PERC, and the Gaming Control Commission. DBPR requested funds for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, fleet replacement, and IT retention. FGCC sought new enforcement squads and an IT licensing/enforcement system. The Lottery proposed marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding. DMS emphasized building modernization, fleet telematics, 911 and radio upgrades, cybersecurity, a local government cybersecurity grant program, and data interoperability. PERC described a sharp increase in labor cases and elections after SB 256 and requested staffing, election administration, and hearing officer pay increases. DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation. Revenue requested operational and IT funding and support for fiscally constrained counties. Questions focused on DBPR’s condo and HOA initiatives, cybersecurity grant reductions, and the My Safe Florida Home program’s abandoned grants and matching requirements. No additional votes were taken, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Austin Kinghorn from the Office of the Attorney General.
• My name is Austin Kinghorn, I'm the Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation for Attorney General
• He was the first state attorney general to secure a favorable ruling against the Biden administration
• Texas Office of the Attorney General remained the most effective and efficient OAG in the nation. 31
• Produced water is waste water generated during oil and gas extraction and is most commonly.

Bills: SB766, SB290, SB494, SB1145

Keywords: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water regulation, environmental protection, pesticide management, natural resources, LP-gas, property owner notice, gas installations, safety notification, petroleum theft, task force, oil and gas, law enforcement, economic impact, environmental regulation, water permits, water quality, land application, 1185, senate

Transcript Highlights:

• And as current and future generations.
• Everything else you'll see generation.
• <01:29:26.159> recreational certainly uh the general recreational certainly uh the general
• So, uh, in general, I maximize revenue.
• I I recall at the time general guess.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we is a very heavy general fund.
• request is for 1.1 million in general request is for 1.1 million in general funds<01:24:58.800><
• So, whatever we have in general<03:04:09.840> funds general funds general funds is<03:04:11.680
• general fund and then out of the general general fund and then out of the general fund.<03:04:56.482
• receive any revenue from general funds. receive any revenue from general funds.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• exceed revenues generated in<00:06:24.840> that<00:06:25.040> biennium,<00:06:26.080><
• > is<00:15:43.000> now General sales tax revenue is now General sales tax revenue is now
• that have rolled forward and the general that have rolled forward and the general fund<00:37:20.680
• general fund. general fund.
• , That's a I I would say that in general, That's a I I would say that in general, um um um an<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lieutenant General Laura Lenderman, U.S. Pacific Air Forces. Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowel, U.S.
• Rana Sakar, Council General of Mr.
• Glasn Enos, Council General of the Mr.
• Henry Shrew, Council General of the Mr.
• Jun Kim, acting console general of Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Public Safety to make expenditures for legal services independent of the Attorney General
• Attorney General Chris Mays, with some of the comments that she has made, it seems that she's playing
• And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
• And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
• We've just heard a couple examples of what could be said to be positive work by the Attorney General,

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement met and first announced that HB 2691 would be held and not heard further that day. The chair also limited testimony to three speakers for and three against, with two minutes each unless extended by a minority leader. The committee then took up HB 2993, which would allow the Department of Public Safety to spend on legal services independent of the Attorney General and, as amended, redirect $5 million from the Consumer Protection Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Supporters argued the bill would give DPS outside counsel and shift money toward front-line public safety work; opponents said it was political retaliation that would weaken consumer protection enforcement and divert funds from Arizonans who benefit from AG actions. The committee adopted the chairman’s amendment and then approved HB 2993 on an 8-6 vote, with one absent. The committee next heard HB 2231, a clarifying bill updating the list of cancers covered under the occupational disease presumption for firefighters, peace officers, and fire investigators. The sponsor and firefighter testimony said the bill does not expand benefits but fixes a drafting problem, including a disputed comma that had been used by insurers to challenge claims; the Industrial Commission was listed as neutral if needed. Members discussed whether the presumption is rebuttable and how punctuation affected the statute’s meaning. During roll call, several members explained their votes in favor as a matter of grammar and statutory clarity, and the committee passed HB 2231 by a 14-0 vote with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.