Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and so, the definition useful.
• I wondered about this definition.
• I wondered about this definition.
• formula to the definition of baby food. formula to the definition of baby food.
• . definitions. definitions.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It refers to prepared food, which is a definition that's in line 2.14, the definitions with regard to
• there and then secondly the definition there and then secondly the definition of<00:15:18.880>
• prepared food which is a definition prepared food which is a definition that's<00:17:09.079>
• That amendment that we had added last year is contained in the last part of that definition.
• That amendment that we had added last year is contained in the last part of that definition.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In particular, this week, we are going to talk about the medical frailty definition.
• I want to definitely let D.C. Hadler say something, but I think we would...
• I want to definitely let D.C.
• I... ...level of change in this definition. And then I had two other questions.
• That is definitely the... ...against being granted.

Keywords: 962, all

Summary: The Care Management Committee met to receive a status update on the DSS/CHN PCMH program and to discuss implementation of HR1, especially the new medical frailty requirements. CHN reported the PCMH program remained steady at 124 practices and 553 sites, with 54.6% of the HUSKY population attributed to PCMH providers, and noted ongoing recruitment, provider turnover, and recent practice consolidations/acquisitions that will shift some sites to Yale and Hartford HealthCare. CHN also reported strong quality improvement engagement for 2026, with 83% of contacted PCMHs engaged, and said preliminary 2025 results showed improvement across measures. The bulk of the meeting focused on DSS’s response to the June 1 CMS interim final rule on HR1. DSS explained that it had been building a medical frailty definition based on diagnosis codes and comparisons with other states’ approaches, but the new federal rule adds a requirement that the condition significantly impair a person’s ability to work or comply with community engagement requirements. DSS said it is still evaluating how to combine claims-based data with the new federal overlay, may submit comments to CMS during the open comment period through July 31, and is considering options such as self-attestation, especially given CMS’s allowance of self-attestation for calendar year 2027. Committee members raised concerns about the rule’s complexity, possible legal challenges, the need for a good-faith waiver or implementation delay, and the risk of noncompliance if the state gets the process wrong. Members also pressed DSS for broader outreach, clearer public communication, training, and better reporting on implementation impacts and costs. DSS said it is developing a website, webinars, and a communications plan, and is working with community-based organizations, community health workers, and administrative services organizations to reach potentially affected members. DSS said it is also building a Medicaid pre-screener to help people determine whether they may be subject to work requirements. In the PCMH Plus discussion, DSS said it was not yet ready to present the 2024 quality data but would try to bring the Wave 3, Year 5 results and related quality/shared savings information to the July 8 meeting, along with the regular PCMH update and another HR1 update. The committee also discussed future agenda items including community health worker reimbursement, peer support services, and the inmate medical program.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can find that definition?
• And I couldn't find the definition of sexual communication as a definition.
• I'm trying to find that definition, and I just can't find it.
• It's a superfluous definition, so it doesn't have any bearing.
• It's a superfluous definition, so it doesn't have any bearing.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't see a definition in this bill.
• I didn't see a definition in this bill.
• I didn't see a definition in this bill.
• arson um so that having that definition arson um so that having that definition to<00:42:01.520>
• We definitely need rehabilitation.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:38.920> Uh within the definition of data broker.
• Uh within the definition of data broker.
• > which<00:13:40.360> will this definition is widened, which will this definition is widened
• <00:13:47.000> on Uh we also make some definitions on Uh we also make some definitions on
• you'll see in H. 211 is uh a definition you'll see in H. 211 is uh a definition that<00:22:26.520

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so a broad definition of promotion is what I'm hearing, not...
• So they have to meet that definition and the behavior has to be continuing.
• It could, definitely. What does it have to do with the overall group? It could, definitely.
• No, I do not believe that that would fall under the definition of material support.
• It mirrors the definition on the federal level.

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sounds like a lot of drafting errors, definitions, things like that.
• It sounds like a lot of drafting errors, definitions, things like that.
• The witness said there was some discrepancy in the definition of artificial intelligence.
• The witness said there was some discrepancy in the definition of artificial intelligence.
• The witness said there was some discrepancy in the definition of artificial intelligence.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's where I was saying that definition is just a definition, but the proving of the elements of
• And that's where I was saying that definition is just a definition, but the proving of the elements of
• <00:48:48.640> and if you look it has the definitions and if you look it has the definitions
• <00:48:55.599> but<00:48:55.920> the definition is just a definition but the definition
• as otherwise defined instead of having all of the definitions in the definition section.

Bills: HB0008, HB0009

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this definition of WOTUS has changed and evolved. for decades.
• The other piece is, as my colleague mentioned, the Nexus Waters definition.
• That the definition that was being applied by the agency was going too far.
• Yes. definition of nexus waters. It sounds like you're continuing to tackle that forthwith.
• The definition of a molecule of PTFE is it was going to pass through the human body.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yeah, yeah, and definitely appreciate that... valuation. 1.5, hold that dollar amount and release
• We're definitely open to exploring what that means.
• We're definitely open to exploring what that means. Compromise, and we're definitely open to that.
• We're definitely open to exploring what that means. Personally, I had a retainage issue.
• And I would definitely agree.

Summary: The committee held an interim study on retainage in public construction projects, with representatives from the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma, the Subcontractors Association of Oklahoma, and construction firms discussing how retainage works and whether current law should be changed. AGC speakers said retainage is a statutory tool that helps ensure completion and closeout, and warned that eliminating it could create more problems by shifting leverage to owners or general contractors and leaving contractors with fewer remedies. Subcontractor representatives said retainage often functions as delayed profit, can tie up cash flow for one to two years, and can be especially burdensome for early-phase trades such as dirt work, concrete, and demolition. Several participants explained that retainage is typically withheld from monthly progress payments and paid at final closeout, with current law generally allowing retainage to drop from 5% to 2.5% after 50% completion on public projects. Subcontractors said that in practice they often still have to fight to get the reduced rate applied, and that some owners or construction managers do not follow the statute consistently. They also noted that bonding companies are a last resort but still an important enforcement tool, while AGC cautioned that bond claims and litigation are not ideal substitutes for a workable retainage process. The discussion focused on possible benchmarks or compromise approaches, including line-item or trade-specific release of retainage when work is complete, especially for demolition or other early-finish subcontractors. Committee members emphasized that owner, GC/CM, and subcontractor issues may need different solutions and that the study was intended to gather perspectives rather than produce immediate legislation. No vote was taken, and no formal action was announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• It redefines the definition of video services, and that's a definition that has been enhanced.
• It redefines the definition of video service since it was codified 20 years ago.
• It amends two definitions in a statute that was referenced.
• That's really the second half of the bill, the video service definition.
• When you look at the change in the cable service definition...

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but yes, we definitely want to look at fees next year, but this is a one-time break, obviously.
• Uh, but yes, we definitely want to look at fees next year, but this is a one-time break, obviously.
• Uh, but yes, we definitely want to look at fees next year, but this is a one-time break, obviously.
• Uh, but yes, we definitely want to look at fees next year, but this is a one-time break, obviously.
• work at it So, I think we'll definitely work at it next<00:09:00.240> year.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Legislators and reporters discussed the final contours of a Minnesota bonding and tax package centered on a $1.2 billion capital investment bill. Supporters said the bill would fund state and local infrastructure projects, maintain state assets, and include anti-fraud measures such as electronic verification for service providers and a 100% excess tax on fraud proceeds to prevent offenders from profiting. They also said the package would backfill road-and-bridge funding so the fee reduction would not reduce transportation dollars. A major point of emphasis was a temporary reduction in tab fees, described as a $254 million savings for taxpayers in 2027. Republicans said the reduction was a top priority and that it was secured through negotiations, though they acknowledged it is only a one-year reprieve unless changed in a future session. They estimated the average savings at about $145 on a $50,000 vehicle, with larger savings for households with multiple vehicles. They also noted that the first proposal had included both a depreciation change and a rate change, but only the rate cut remained in the final compromise. In response to questions, lawmakers said the tab fee cut was driven by constituent complaints and that they would try to extend it next year. They also discussed related transportation issues, including accelerating collection of an auto parts sales tax and concerns about greenhouse gas-related costs for roads and bridges. On other topics, one lawmaker said gun control proposals in the House were not part of these negotiations and urged continued movement on the broader package. No formal vote was taken in the exchange, but participants expressed confidence that the bonding portion of the deal was largely settled, while some details of the full package still needed to be finalized.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one will amend the definition of Group G member and the definition of normal retirement date.
• group G member and the definition of group G member and the definition<00:08:52.080> of<00:08
• <00:08:53.920> To definition of normal retirement date.
• To definition of normal retirement date.
• :09:18.160> includes definition of normal retirement includes definition of normal retirement

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the A2 amendment, which simply adds a definition for evidence-based math, as we discussed when
• work that you did with us on this bill, and I very much appreciate your support in crafting this definition
• This also adds a definition of theft that just cites back to the criminal Minnesota statutory definition
• Definitely, it was part of the value we get out of public hearings.
• But I definitely appreciate the feedback. Okay, any further questions? Mr. Hill, last comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the committee adopted a definition of adequacy.
• The subcommittee report contained a definition of adequacy similar to the definition previously adopted
• This subcommittee definition added the language that you see in the adequacy definition today that Taylor
• The subcommittee report contained a definition of adequacy similar to the definition previously adopted
• This subcommittee definition added the language that you see in the adequacy definition today that Taylor

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the previous minutes and then focused on an update from the Department of Education on early childhood programs, especially the state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. Secretary Jacob Oliva and Deputy Commissioner Stacey Smith said Arkansas had received a federal Preschool Development Grant and described ongoing work to review ABC slots, which have been flat for years at about 23,800 slots and roughly $114 million. They said about 1,000 slots statewide are currently unfilled despite a waiting list of more than 2,000 families, and the department is shifting toward paying based on enrollment rather than guaranteed slots. Members asked about school choice, income eligibility, year-round access, curriculum flexibility, transportation, and whether funding should be increased or rebalanced; the department said it is collecting data, may survey providers more formally, and is considering whether to modernize income thresholds, daily rates, and other program rules. The committee agreed to form an early childhood subcommittee and asked the Bureau of Legislative Research to help gather historical information on income limits and other program details. The second major portion of the meeting was a legal presentation on the framework for Arkansas school adequacy by BLR education attorney Taylor Lloyd. She reviewed the constitutional basis for a “general, suitable, and efficient” public school system, the Dupree and Lake View cases, and the principle that adequacy and equity are different but related: adequacy asks what resources are needed, while equity asks whether those resources are distributed fairly. She explained that the General Assembly must define adequacy, study it, and react to evidence over time, and that the current adequacy definition includes curriculum and career/technical frameworks, the 38 mandatory Carnegie units, state testing standards, and sufficient funding. She also described the matrix as a funding tool, not a spending mandate, and noted that categorical funds are separate from the matrix. BLR’s Elizabeth Bynum then gave the historical framework, tracing legislative responses from Dupree through Lake View and into the present. She highlighted major changes such as the creation of equalization funding, fiscal distress and academic distress laws, the adequacy study process, the Educational Adequacy Fund, facilities and transportation changes, declining enrollment and student growth funding, and later adjustments to teacher salaries, isolated funding, and categorical programs. She explained that the adequacy study has evolved through committee hearings, surveys, site visits, and outside consultants, and that recent changes include updates to accountability references and the addition or removal of certain funding categories. Members asked follow-up questions about how the matrix is used, whether homeschool or private-school funding raises comparable issues, whether stakeholders include private and homeschool participants, whether school board members should be surveyed, and whether the state should revisit average daily membership versus attendance-based funding. No votes were taken on the adequacy presentations, but the committee did agree to continue the early childhood discussion in a future subcommittee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:49.880> of is really long amends a definition of is really long amends a definition
• , same with the addition of the state definition, which is the same as the federal definition in the
• Amendment we request to the definition Amendment we request to the definition of<02:08:45.960>
• the addition of the state definition the addition of the state definition which<02:08:52.159>
• from federal definitions.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On page one, there is a definition for capacity. We added a sentence at the end of that definition.
• definitely introduces some this definitely introduces some competition.<00:38:48.400> It's<00
• We can align it with any definition.
• that might be a different definition that might be a different definition than<01:01:35.520>
• They're separate definitions. They're separate definitions.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 751 reviewed amendment 2026-1904H page by page, focusing on open enrollment rules, capacity definitions, statewide enrollment limits, denial criteria, transportation, and funding. Members discussed clarifying that districts may set capacity at zero if they truly have no room, creating a statewide enrollment cap of 500 that can increase by 25% if it reaches 90% utilization, and exempting seats already used by open enrollment students before October 1, 2026. They also discussed how the Department of Education would allocate seats through rulemaking, while local districts would still set capacity, with grandfathered seats preserved where districts already allow open enrollment. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on when districts may deny open enrollment applications. The amendment would allow denials for reasons such as chronic absenteeism or disciplinary history, while requiring districts to consider whether those issues are tied to disability, McKinney-Vento status, foster care, or bullying. Members emphasized that such factors are to be considered, not used as the sole basis for rejection, and noted that the bill separately prohibits receiving schools from accepting or rejecting applicants based on pupil needs, special education needs, disability, aptitude, or athletic achievement. There was also discussion of whether interdistrict transfers should count toward open enrollment capacity, with a suggestion that a carve-out may be needed. The committee also reviewed provisions on program-specific capacity, continuous enrollment, and transportation. It was explained that capacity can apply to a school, grade, program, or class, including CTE programs, and that students may be denied if a specific program is full or if they do not meet prerequisites. The group clarified that open enrollment pupils would maintain continuous enrollment without reapplying, though there was concern about how that would work if district capacity changes over time. Transportation would generally be the parent’s responsibility unless required by an IEP or 504 plan, though students may use an existing bus route if seats are available and the receiving district allows it. On funding, the committee noted that the amendment changes the earlier HB 751 approach and instead ties open enrollment funding to base adequacy, differentiated aid, and an additional grant modeled on charter school funding, with dates removed at the department’s request. Members also raised concerns about how open enrollment would interact with existing tuition agreements and whether districts could use the new pathway to alter or pressure those arrangements. Department staff said districts would still be required to maintain a school of record and provide an adequate education free of charge outside the open enrollment program, and that if open enrollment enrollment became unusually large relative to district adequacy enrollment, the issue could be brought to the state board. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We definitely don't want to be too early doing it.
• We definitely don't want late doing it.
• encourage others to use that definition encourage others to use that definition when<00:03:53.519
• But I appreciate the overall definitions.
• >> I just wanted to say from the definition >> I just wanted to say from the definition

Keywords: AIR Task Force - Room 409, 13 January, 2026; 3:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The January meeting of the AIR Task Force focused on reviewing a draft report on artificial intelligence and discussing how to move forward with future work. Ted Booth and Matthew Holmes explained that the report is intended to lay a foundation by describing AI-related challenges, what Mississippi has already done, and possible steps for future reports, since the task force will continue meeting in coming years. Members were invited to suggest edits and improvements, including on how the group communicates by email and how to keep the process efficient given everyone’s schedules. A major topic was whether the task force should recommend a statutory definition of artificial intelligence. The chair said a bill needed to be filed quickly and asked members to review the definition on page five of the report. Booth read the definition, which tracks federal language describing a machine-based system that makes predictions, recommendations, or decisions using machine and human inputs. Members generally agreed the definition was solid and noted that it could be amended later as the field evolves. The task force also discussed the broader legislative approach to AI. Members said the issue is fluid and that they do not want to regulate too early or duplicate existing law. They noted that current criminal statutes, including recent changes related to morphed images, appear to cover AI-related crimes for now, and the attorney general’s office reported no current loopholes or need for tweaks. Homeland Security likewise had no recommendations for new legislation. The chair said the report would be submitted to leadership if there were no objections, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This matters because DHS relies on this rule definition of fraud when acting on allegations of provider
• For that in the definition or the understanding of things, the draft in the rules, that sort of thing
• The definition of fraud is different from what is defined in the administrative rule.
• And so that's where that definition comes from.
• And that's where the fraud definition in rule is.