Transcript Highlights:

• Paula Stone, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health at DHS. Thank you for being here.
• integrity review office, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Office of the Medicaid Fraud Control

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a series of agency rules and related requests. The Department of Corrections and Post-Prison Transfer Board reported quarterly updates and had no questions, so both were filed. The Department of Commerce sought repeal of rules tied to the minority and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act, explaining the rules were repealed by implication or duplicative of statute; all were reviewed and approved. The Insurance Department presented a new rule implementing Act 426 of 2025 for online marketplace guarantee providers, using Airbnb-style host damage protection as an example, and it was approved. The Department of Education updated the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program rule to reflect statutory payment amounts for milestones and diplomas, and it was approved. DFA presented a rule creating a reporting method for the Arkansas rice beer and sake excise tax credit; members asked about verification of Arkansas rice use, and the rule was approved. DHS presented a SNAP rule implementing federal changes to work requirements and energy assistance counting, including raising the able-bodied adult without dependents age limit to 64 and removing some exemptions; it was approved after questions about terminology and waiver-related issues. The committee also approved DHS Medicaid rules allowing rehab hospitals to bill for psychiatric units and exempting Arkansas from the federal recovery audit contractor requirement, citing other program integrity measures already in place. The State Board of Public Accountancy, under Labor and Licensing, presented rules implementing Act 428 of 2025, including a new CPA licensure pathway with a bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience, substantial equivalency for out-of-state CPAs, and removal of the government not-for-profit accounting requirement; despite some negative comments, both rules were approved. The committee then granted the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from certain reporting requirements, and approved its request to retain all 18 Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation rules under Act 781 review. Remaining outstanding 2023-session rulemaking and monthly updates were noted in packets with no questions, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• already required in health care for maternal mortality, surgical complications, infectious diseases, controlled
• substances, and certain adverse medical outcomes.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• implement a pilot program in Texas focused on the safe disposal of prescription drugs, including controlled
• substances.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tobacco products, alcohol products, or controlled substances.

Bills: SB311, SB322, SB304, SB313, SB315, SB316, HB489, SB90

Keywords: electric transmission, public highways, permit processing, economic growth, infrastructure, rural development, condemnation actions, state regulations, community development district, CDD, annexation, municipal annexation, wet municipality, dry county, wet county, Sunday alcohol sales, ABC Board, alcohol licensing, on-premises consumption, golf course

Transcript Highlights:

• across the state of Texas have adopted policies and ordinances that are designed to decriminalize controlled
• substances or instruct law enforcement or prosecutors not to enforce our state's drug laws.

Bills: HB 229, HB 3990, HB 5082, HB 5510

Keywords: biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, flags, display, state law, municipalities, government buildings, drug enforcement, local control, home rule, municipal charter, county policy, ordinance preemption, state preemption, attorney general enforcement, civil penalties, mandamus

Transcript Highlights:

• We have peer-to-peer mental health and substance use programs, and there are programs across the country
• We know that medical issues, mental health issues, and substance abuse issues don't stop at 60 days,
• uh singled out mental health substance uh singled out mental health substance abuse<01:12:24.440
• have in other aspects um in substance have in other aspects um in substance use<01:24:58.920>
• We don't have any control over where a patient can fill their prescription.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Director of the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health at the Department of Human Services
• But this rule is for adolescent residential substance use disorder treatment services in a hospital setting
• So we are using the American Association of Substance Medicine, substance abuse medicine.
• So we have not had a specific provider type for substance use disorder services for adolescents, for
• They may treat it kind of secondarily if there's something going on, but this is specific for substance

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and approved the minutes. It then heard an emergency rule from the Department of Human Services on hospital-based residential treatment for adolescents with substance use disorders. Paula Stone explained that the rule would allow Medicaid reimbursement for residential treatment services provided in a hospital unit for ages 12 and up, with Unity Hospital in Searcy expected to be the first provider. Members asked about licensure, length of stay, and cost; Stone said stays would be determined by ASAM criteria rather than a fixed cap, the projected rate submitted to CMS was $850 per day, and the unit would have 24 beds split between boys and girls with an on-site school. The committee next considered an electronic visit verification rule for in-home personal care, attendant care, respite care, and home health services. Elizabeth Pittman said the update was intended to keep the state compliant with federal EVV requirements, improve auditing and corrective action authority, and encourage more electronic claims submissions. She also noted the rule would remove the W-9 submission requirement for provider enrollment to allow IRS verification. Members asked whether EVV was federally required and were told Arkansas uses an open system that allows providers to use the state option or a third-party vendor. After the presentations, the committee took no further action beyond noting that the EVV rule stood reviewed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They take a mental health assessment, a substance abuse assessment.
• And it is non-existent when it comes to substance abuse.
• And it is non-existent when it comes to substance abuse.
• So we do have substance use and the trauma and behavior risk.
• Additionally, as it relates to substance abuse. And the last... ...to mental health.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth approved the December 10 minutes and confirmed Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee. The committee then heard the annual Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review report, which said the state reviewed 148 of 170 non-natural child deaths in 2023; the reviewed deaths included 69 accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined causes. Members asked about how the report’s recommendations could be used, grant opportunities tied to prevention work, and whether the data could be broken down by age; presenters said the report is intended as a prevention tool for agencies and nonprofits and that some age detail is available in later pages of the report. The committee next took up HCR 1010 and then a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Senator Missy Irvin, judges, and Administrative Office of the Courts staff described Arkansas’s use of validated risk assessments, including SAVRY, the Ohio Youth Assessment Tool, MAYSI, and substance-abuse screening, as part of a long-running effort to reduce juvenile incarceration and tailor services to individual youth and families. They said the reforms have contributed to fewer delinquency filings, fewer DYS commitments, and more diversions, while also emphasizing that mental health, substance abuse, school issues, and trauma often drive juvenile court involvement. Several members raised concerns about data gaps, school collaboration, and whether community-based services are sufficient, and presenters said more shared data and stronger school use of safety dashboards could help intervene earlier. Division of Youth Services Director Michael Crump then presented custody, education, recidivism, and cost data. He said DYS commitments rose after the pandemic, secure residential populations remain high, and detention-center use increased when intake beds filled; he also noted that DYS pays about $320 per day for secure custody and that detention beds cost roughly $90 to $100 per day. Crump said most youth in custody are older teens, about 80 percent are male, and many have behavioral-health needs or educational deficits; he reported 222 GEDs and 102 high school diplomas over six years. He also said about 15 to 19 percent of youth return to DYS within three years and that a larger share later enter the Department of Corrections, while members pressed him on how assessments relate to commitments, how low-risk cases are handled, and how to improve mental health and substance-abuse services statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• It really has absolutely nothing to do with the substance of the bill, and I urge a no vote.
• I am pleased to support this bill because it puts local control of our communities and puts a 180-day
• How do we get some control back for our local communities? So here is grid.
• Who do you want to control it? Our friends in China? Our friends in India?
• Is this nation going to control it? Where are they going to build?

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recognized several guests in the gallery, and then took up a series of committee reports, referrals, and floor actions. Early business included concurrence in committee reports on bills and resolutions from Game and Fisheries, Professional Licensure, Health, and Children and Youth, along with referral of Senate Bill 1377 to Transportation. The chamber also signed House Bill 1344 after the Senate returned it without amendment. Later, members announced caucus and committee meetings, including Rules, Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations, Insurance, and Appropriations, before recessing and then reconvening for floor votes. The House adopted several resolutions, including House Resolution 537 designating Rail Safety Week, House Resolution 449 recognizing the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and House Resolution 568 designating Javei Syndrome Awareness Day. The chamber also considered House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency corruption, where Amendment A03882 narrowing the bill to public officials and immediate family members was adopted, while two later amendments were tabled or failed. House Bill 2198, repealing the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment, was amended to take effect immediately and to bar KOZ use for data centers, then agreed to. House Bill 2559, concerning a university conveyance and other conveyances, was agreed to after out-of-order amendments were ruled on. A major portion of the session focused on data center policy. House Bill 2496, creating a 180-day pause on data center proposals to give municipalities time to update zoning and planning, drew extensive support from members emphasizing local control, environmental concerns, and the need for time to assess impacts; it passed final passage 201-1. House Bill 2650, creating the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development certification for data centers, also generated lengthy debate over energy use, water, community benefits, and tax treatment; it passed 134-68. The House also passed House Bill 2162 on temporary licensing for drug manufacturers before FDA approval, House Bill 2388 on rounding cash payments when pennies are unavailable, House Bill 2437 on county and municipal bridge repair funds, House Bill 2555 on equine dealer recordkeeping, and House Bill 2621 directing a Department of Health survey on maternal and infant outcomes. Other actions included final passage of House Bill 1006 on milk tester and wearer sampler certification periods, House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors and emergency service organizations, House Bill 2512 prohibiting ride-share pricing based on device condition, House Bill 2644 authorizing itemized capital bridge projects, and Senate Bill 1058 updating the E85 flex-fuel reference. The House also adopted House Bill 2162, House Bill 2388, House Bill 2437, and House Bill 2555 by recorded votes, and several committee reports were agreed to throughout the day. The session ended with additional committee referrals, a motion to recommit several bills to Appropriations, and adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• AS A MATTER OF CONTROL THERE WERE TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED ON THE MEMO.
• IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ANSWERS TODAY THAT'S FAIR BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW EXACTLY WHO IS CONTROLLING THIS
• I DO KNOW THAT WE WILL WORK TO SOLIDIFY CONTROLS AND PUT CONTROLS IN PLACE AT THURSDAY'S BOARD MEETING
• IT IS IDENTIFIED AS A DEFICIENCY AND WE WILL PUT CONTROLS IN PLACE TO HAVE A GO FORWARD. >> Chair: ONE
• THIS DEPARTMENT WORKS TO DO SO THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENCY OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 342 is a bipartisan, pro-business, pro-local control bill that allows local governments to create
• AB 342 poses a significant threat while presenting a measure of local control.
• So AB 1008 will allow Alcoholic Beverage Control to issue up to 10 new on-sale general licenses… …and
• We are a diverse statewide advocacy organization representing mental health and substance use disorder
• And the commission can only activate if an... ...will rest with the State Controller.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on alcohol licensing, nonprofit funding, tribal grants, public transparency, and tobacco policy. AB 342 (Haney) would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with extended last-call hours on certain days; supporters argued it would boost tourism, nightlife, and major-event readiness, while opponents warned of alcohol-related harms and public safety risks. AB 684 (Patel) would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to open-meeting requirements, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and allow schools time to adjust. AB 1008 (Addis) would authorize up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to meet tourism demand, and AB 1039 (Hart) would require state agencies to offer advance payments on new nonprofit grants and contracts, which supporters said would help cash-strapped nonprofits deliver services. AB 221 (Ramos) would revise the Tribal Nation Grant Fund to provide more predictable annual distributions to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and it drew broad support from tribal representatives and others. AB 795 (Jeff Gonzalez) would create a California commission for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, with supporters describing it as a privately funded, nonpartisan planning body. AB 828/AB 28 (Mark Gonzalez, as referenced in the transcript) would expand neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce costs and support restaurant recovery, and AB 1246 (Hoover) would increase craft distillers’ direct sales limits and address barrel-storage rules; both were supported as small-business measures. AB 1428 (Ta) would require reporting of all surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 (Ortega) would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies, with strong public health support. Several bills were voted out on motions to Appropriations, some with amendments, while others were held or left on call until quorum was established; the committee also adopted a consent calendar and left rolls open for absent members on multiple measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we also included all substance use interventions.
• We do have other opportunities for individuals to have substance use education.
• So there are individuals who are engaged in multiple ways of working on their substance use.
• So there are persons who are going to be doing that all substance use needs.
• And I will say substance use can be very complicated for an individual.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission approved the July 11 minutes and then received a detailed follow-up presentation from the Department of Correction on facility footprint, mission-driven housing, programming, and technology. Commissioner Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Peterson explained recent and planned facility changes, including the closures of Walpole, MCI Cedar Junction, and MCI Concord, the transition of the Plymouth Section 35/Mass Act program to Health and Human Services, the return of Bay State to DOC control for possible future use, and the Shattuck Hospital move to East Newton Pavilion. Members asked about operational capacity, the exclusion of support beds from occupancy figures, and the status of mothballed or unused facilities. Framingham drew particular attention because of its historically low women’s population and planned renovations; members raised concerns about the cost and the need to consider the broader women’s correctional system. A major portion of the meeting focused on mission-driven units and evidence-based programming. DOC described specialized units for health services, nursing care, clinical stabilization, mental health, residential treatment, protective custody, reentry, emerging adults, education, and substance use recovery, and noted that security threat group support beds are not used. Staff explained the distinction between general population beds and support beds, and between programming and treatment. They said core recidivism-reduction programs are based on risk-need responsivity and COMPAS assessments, with Spectrum Health Systems as the current vendor, and presented recidivism data showing lower reoffending among participants who completed programs such as violence reduction, criminal thinking, and the Correctional Recovery Academy. For women, they highlighted the pathways model at MCI Framingham, which combines trauma-informed, gender-responsive services, and reported strong outcomes for those engaged for at least 26 weeks. Members asked about how needs are identified and counted, how declinations are handled, and how the department distinguishes completion from ongoing maintenance. DOC said participation is voluntary, individuals are re-recommended over time, and completion is recorded in the system when criteria are met. They also discussed educational supports for learning disabilities and trauma, including IEP/504 coordination, tutoring, and a new school psychologist for testing. Questions were raised about family reunification programming, and DOC pointed to family-focused services, mediation, Read to Me Mommy, and the Brave unit for young fathers. Sheriff Cabral and Sheriff Cochie praised the presentation and emphasized the importance of family reunification and the realities of trauma in incarcerated people’s lives. The final section highlighted the expanded use of tablets across all facilities. DOC said tablets now support free phone calls, emails, video visits, surveys, educational content, medical updates, sick-call requests, and an earned-good-time app, while also helping with communication during facility closures and with ongoing programming. Staff said the tablets are used both for learning and recreation, and that more than half of the incarcerated population uses them monthly for educational purposes. Members discussed whether user feedback or “reviews” of programs could help increase participation, and DOC said tablet-based surveys make that possible. The meeting ended with general agreement that the department has expanded programming and technology substantially and is using them to support reentry, communication, and facility operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• When it was under Republican control, that happened too. Egg bills do not pass with single issues.
• When it was under Republican control, that happened too. Egg bills do not pass with single issues.
• When it was under Republican control, that happened too. Egg bills do not pass with single issues.
• control, that happened too. control, that happened too.
• so like like any other substance so like like any other medication<01:17:12.440> anyways.

Bills: HF4382, HF2929

Keywords: child care, day care, child care center, family child care, family day care, group family day care, licensed child care, licensing modernization, early childhood education, preschool, infant care, toddler care, school-age care, drop-in child care, night care, sick care, community-based child care, provider training, staff ratios, group size

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we get into the substance of the bill, I first want to start out by kind of sharing a little bit
• care if you're a card-carrying NRA member or if you are the most staunch and fervent believer in gun control
• 00:01:54.000> the committee um before we get into the committee um before we get into the substance
• of the bill I first want to substance of the bill I first want to start<00:01:55.880> out<00:
• I think we can all in um gun control I think we can all come<00:03:32.519> to<00:03:32.680>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Initiative with the Pew Charitable Trusts.
• Providers outnumber substance use providers by nearly two to one.
• You did mention that 25% of the general population has a substance use disorder.
• It might be their substance abuse counselor or psychologist.
• They may be accessing substance use treatment. They are our colleagues. They might.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vargas, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
• Vargas, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
• <04:21:34.920> is People's Bank of China was controlled is People's Bank of China was controlled
• > Communist controlled by the Chinese Communist controlled by the Chinese Communist party<04:21
• Vargas, each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:08:02.360> by debate equally divided and controlled by debate equally divided and controlled
• each control 20 minutes. each control 20 minutes.
• ,<03:44:35.760> or non-fuel mineral element, substance, or non-fuel mineral element, substance
• will each control 20 minutes. will each control 20 minutes.
• The gentleman from control 20 minutes.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, it doesn't hurt to continue to review and improve our financial controls, internal controls
• This layer of oversight strengthens quality control. Ms.
• This layer of oversight strengthens quality control.
• This layer of oversight strengthens quality control.
• The Pickens staff says yes to substance abuse recovery.

Keywords: 977, all

Summary: The committee met to receive a detailed financial operations presentation from the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, with staff walking members through funding sources, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and grants management. Sabrina Walker explained VR’s blended funding structure, including federal grants, state appropriations, program income, and interagency contracts, and emphasized that state funds are essential to meeting the federal match and maintenance-of-effort requirements. Members asked repeatedly about transparency, audit controls, and the risk that state cuts could reduce federal drawdowns; staff responded that all reports reconcile back to the SCEIS accounting system, are subject to state audits and internal reviews, and that even modest state reductions could significantly reduce total available funding. The committee also discussed pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, with staff confirming services are offered through school districts, charters, and private schools, and that contracts are monitored for performance and compliance. The presentation then shifted to budgeting and internal controls. Walker described a zero-based departmental budgeting process, monthly monitoring reports, contingency reserves for unexpected expenses, and a formal annual cycle that culminates in board approval. Members asked about facilities tracking, culture, and how the agency maintains accountability; staff said facilities staff inspect buildings and equipment, supervisors justify line-item requests, and the process has become smoother over time as departments learned the system. Cynthia Johnson followed with an accounts receivable overview, describing invoicing, receipting, aging, customer verification, year-end reporting, and the use of cross-training, shared email inboxes, and spreadsheets as checks and balances. She also explained work training center billing, interdepartmental transfers, and the revolving fund used to issue consumer checks more quickly than standard vendor payments. Olivia Perez presented accounts payable operations, including invoice processing through SCEIS and OnBase, the three-way match, travel reimbursements, revolving fund checks, State Treasury Office interactions, and handling of reversals, rejections, and levy notices. She reported that AP processed 67,723 SCEIS payments, 13,670 case management system invoices, 3,379 travel reimbursements, and 15,693 revolving fund checks in fiscal year 2025, with only 70 payment rejections. The final portion of the meeting covered Grants and Funds Management, where Walker explained federal reporting, drawdowns, payroll allocation, asset tracking, lease and IT contract reviews, cost allocation, and closing packages. She noted upcoming system changes such as S/4HANA, Workiva, and SC Pro, but said the agency is receiving training and feedback opportunities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the presentation portion beyond approval of the prior minutes and a brief recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• flight through the air um controlled flight through the air um 1.16<01:00:16.799> Aviation<01
• But the substance of the bill will be discussed today. Mr.
• But the substance of the bill will be discussed today. Mr.
• But the substance of the bill will be discussed today. Mr.
• <02:04:12.440> I request I don't mean on the substance I request I don't mean on the substance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Poor moderation, the lack of parental controls in relation to age identification, and inadequate safety
• You can and must do better to publicize and promote those controls and tools.
• In fact, when I'm going through some of the controls.
• Mention parental controls, if there was a framework for a parent just to shut the spigot off and make
• In your testimony, you observed that these controls would better serve minors and their guardians if

Keywords: child safety, Big Tech, CSAM, legislation, online exploitation, bipartisan, social media

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding child safety online, with a particular emphasis on recent legislative efforts aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation and harmful content accessible through social media platforms. Senators engaged in a heated discussion regarding the implications of Big Tech's lobbying efforts against vital bills such as the Stop CSAM Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. Noteworthy testimonies highlighted real-life impacts of online dangers, including tragic cases of child exploitation and drug-related fatalities linked to social media interactions. The bipartisan nature of the committee's commitment to address these issues showcased a collective determination to make the digital environment safer for the younger generation.