Transcript Highlights:

• We want definitely our students to be applying that knowledge.
• Those are definitely part of our state academic standards and students should be learning those concepts
• I just want to be in fact and say there's definite backlog in teacher certification.
• So I can definitely get into there's definite a backlog.
• Is there a portal that is a definite pathway is there.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can definitely get with you on that, and I've talked with staff, and so definitely we'll get you that
• It removes various outdated sections of law, creates a definition, updates a definition for family child
• care homes, has a provision for... ...definition for family child care homes, has a provision for DOD
• And so this will definitely help expedite that, especially—I just had a phone call this summer, but they

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out. The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended. Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Definitely in there, and so I'm going to talk about that.
• So I am definitely in support of this bill.
• Okay, yes, we are definitely behind in this state with technical education compared to the other states
• it's taking a long time to be able to get these funded and get them moving across the state, so I definitely
• I am definitely in support of this. I wish we could pay... ...our teachers, definitely.

Transcript Highlights:

• I definitely want to stand up and say thank you to oil and gas.
• An act relating to hazardous materials, adding a definition of hazardous waste constituent to the Hazardous
• Lara (member_12714), and de la Cruz (member_14046), an act relating to traffic laws, amending a definition
• to natural resources, amending sections of the Forest and Watershed Restoration Act, providing definitions
• 12870), an act relating to human rights, enacting the Protection of Women's Sports Act, providing definitions

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, it definitely streamlines those processes for our local governments.
• So, in fact, it definitely streamlines those processes for our local governments.
• So, in fact, it definitely streamlines those processes for our local governments.
• In fact, it definitely gives the committee a lot more responsibility and a lot more focus.
• In fact, it definitely gives the committee a lot more responsibility and a lot more focus.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm not sure that will be of any use, but we'll definitely give it a try.
• So we will definitely say it is one of the most beautiful parts of the state as well.
• So it's definitely possible. You never know what someone is capable of. Mr.
• And from my perspective, he definitely acted like it would upset him to be away from our kids and be
• Ben Knope: Definitely hectic and stressful.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page definitions, and exceptions.
• The problem is is the federal definition The problem is is the federal definition is<03:46:27.279
• What is the definition of that?
• on uh page eight you have the definition on uh page eight you have the definition of<04:57:51.520
• And so really we just reworked the definitions. We didn't change the definitions.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:15:58.480> too, additionally, the next definition too, additionally, the next definition too
• You mentioned the definition in, um, under definitions starting at line 15.
• You mentioned the definition in, um, under definitions starting at line 15.
• <02:21:41.520> of you know based on the definition of you know based on the definition of
• definition to what reasonable care is. definition to what reasonable care is.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so that would definitely leave this to be something we should postpone for now. >> Okay, we will
• <01:43:52.239> of<01:43:53.360> residential the definition of residential the definition
• Um, definitely in support of... Hampshire. I'm here today to support the Hampshire.
• Um definitely in that need to be made.
• It's clean and it's objective versus subjective. definitions here, but I'm really en definitions here

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Absolutely.<01:33:41.600> We'll<01:33:41.840> definitely<01:33:42.400> work
• We'll definitely work, you >> Absolutely.
• Well, I mean, definitely, you know, >> Mhm.
• I mean, definitely communication is key.
• I mean definitely there discussion.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:36.319> uh producers put into into definitions. uh producers put into into definitions
• Um I I don't think definitive answer.
• uh and they are by definition uh and they are by definition disposable.<03:39:29.760> So<
• :53:20.880> the<03:53:21.040> battery definitely made progress on the battery definitely
• same definition of hazardous waste. same definition of hazardous waste.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environmental Policy Subcommittee took up HB 1621, which would require a baseline environmental impact study before development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities. Members said the concept had merit, but they could not resolve major drafting and implementation issues, including how to define covered facilities, what the study would require, and how enforcement would work at the municipal or county level. Several members expressed concern about unintended consequences and said the proposal was not ready; the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL), and the full committee later adopted that recommendation on a 16-0 roll call vote, placing the bill on consent. The committee then discussed HB 1053, involving electronically submitted pesticide use reports. Representative Comtois presented an amendment creating a department database and protecting confidential information, but said she still needed to check whether it was germane and to review administrative issues with the Department of Agriculture. After hearing from David Russo of the Division of Pesticide Control, the committee agreed to continue work on the amendment and took no action that day. The committee also reviewed HB 1186 on egg labeling and producer exemptions. Representative Comtois offered an amendment exempting small producers from most requirements except labeling, but Commissioner Sean Jasper asked for more time to review the impact and suggested the state might not need the existing egg law at all if federal USDA rules already cover the field. Members agreed to hold action until the following week. Finally, the committee began discussion of HB 1780 on penalties for violations involving seeds, plants, and nursery stock, focusing on labeling rules and germination-date requirements; testimony from industry and department representatives indicated they were working toward a compromise that would allow multiple relabelings, add production dates, and set a 36-month sale limit, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we'll start with HB 129 relative to the definition of the term "evidence-based" within public education
• It conflicts with the federal definition of evidence-based.
• to us because of this definitional to us because of this definitional change<00:14:00.680> is
• <00:14:05.959> between conflict in the definition between conflict in the definition between
• We're definitely probably gonna have one in each of the different categories.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. The Department of Education testified that the bill’s definition would conflict with federal definitions and be very restrictive, potentially affecting a wide range of instructional methods, curriculum materials, teacher training, civics requirements, suicide prevention training, and other programs. The department said the bill could force a broad overhaul of school practices, create local implementation burdens, and require at least one new state position, with a fiscal note estimating roughly $118,000 in FY 2026 rising in later years. Members also raised concerns about possible impacts on federal pass-through funding and whether the bill was workable. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. The committee then heard HB 133, a Department of Safety/DMV bill involving follow-up when a person votes using an out-of-state license or non-driver ID and then does not obtain a New Hampshire credential within the statutory timeframe. DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology upgrade plus a new full-time position, and that the fiscal note did not include postage or fully account for the manual work needed to match records, send notices, and review responses. They said the proposal also raised broader tracking issues because it would apply not only to voters but to anyone who had not obtained a New Hampshire license within 60 days, and they questioned whether DMV was the proper agency to make those inquiries. Committee members pressed the department on how the 60-day clock would be determined, whether the bill could amount to a kind of poll tax or raise privacy concerns, and whether voter ID cards or other exceptions would avoid that problem. The department explained that New Hampshire offers a free voter identification card through town clerks for people without a license or state ID, but said the bill did not exempt those cards and that the DMV would still be asked to investigate status after voting. Officials also said the bill would be difficult to enforce, that some cases would be ambiguous, and that any response from the DMV would likely amount to a request for information rather than an enforceable consequence. No vote on HB 133 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, that's definitely something we've done a lot in the last session.
• But we are definitely in the right direction. We have started the process.
• Definitely something that we need to make a focal point of this.
• So definitely something that we need to work on. Thank you.
• Yeah, so we definitely have that as one of our pieces that we're working on.

Summary: The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to behavioral health as the main topic. Representatives Woodridge and Vaught described the work of the behavioral health working group, saying Arkansas needs a more proactive system that improves access, reduces red tape, and focuses on a few achievable policy changes for the 2027 session rather than many bills. Members discussed barriers such as low reimbursement, workforce shortages, licensing and credentialing hurdles, rural access problems, and the need to better use community providers, compacts, and step-down services. Director Paula Stone of DHS’s Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health gave a detailed overview of the behavioral health system. She said Medicaid pays for more than 75% of behavioral health services in Arkansas and explained that when people are jailed or admitted to the state hospital, Medicaid generally stops, leaving state general revenue to cover care. She described current efforts including family-centered treatment for children, community reintegration group homes, a new adolescent substance use disorder residential unit, expanded community mental health center contracts, a secured restoration unit to reduce state hospital backlogs, and an IMD waiver to allow Medicaid payment for certain residential services. She also said DHS is working on crisis services, forensic evaluations, and provider rebidding in areas previously served by ERISA. Members asked about reimbursement for jail services, the lack of a statewide behavioral health dashboard, civil commitment options, crisis stabilization units, and whether Arkansas should expand step-down or long-term facilities for people who cannot safely return to the community. Stone said the state hospital backlog remains significant, average stays are still about 14 months, and crisis stabilization units have had mixed success, with Fort Smith and Jonesboro performing better than Fayetteville and Little Rock. The meeting ended with a commitment to continue the work, with more substantive discussion planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, I think we have an amendment as well that kind of clarifies the definition that needs to be
• Everybody felt comfortable with the definition. That’s why we did the amendment.
• We had a definition that was not outside, but we just added some, a couple sentences to make sure everyone
• And I have another question about, within the bill, the definition of what the emergency is as far as
• However, I would like to see that definition of, you know, what the municipality would require.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, I think we have an amendment as well that kind of clarifies the definition that needs to be
• Everybody felt comfortable with the definition. That’s why we did the amendment.
• We had a definition that was not outside, but it just, you know, we just added some, a couple sentences
• And I have another question about, within the bill, the definition of what the emergency is as far as
• However, I would like to see that definition of, you know, what the municipality would require.

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we can't definitively say the number or which specific hospitals would be eligible.
• So I'm a little concerned about that, and I definitely support wholeheartedly... ...about that, and I
• definitely support, wholeheartedly support.
• I appreciated the comment about the definition of distressed hospitals and the partnership.
• So I just hope that we continue to work through definitions.

Summary: The committee heard AB 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to create a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program at HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress. The bill also included a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would have to be not-for-profit, have less than 10 days cash on hand, show best efforts to exhaust other financing, and have a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients; the bill also gives HCAI expedited contracting and rulemaking authority. Members and the LAO noted the proposal is intended as a short-term bridge until July 1, while broader hospital support is expected in the May Revision and next year’s budget. Much of the discussion focused on whether $25 million is enough, how many hospitals would qualify, and whether the 10-day cash threshold is too narrow. Several senators argued the administration had not provided enough data or a clear methodology, and raised concerns about fairness compared with the earlier Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which used broader criteria and provided loans rather than grants. Members also raised broader policy issues affecting hospital finances, including Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, seismic retrofit costs, federal funding changes, and the need for better data and more immediate assessment of hospital distress. The LAO said the current proposal is narrower than the prior loan program and emphasized the need for better reporting and analysis going forward. Public commenters, including the California Hospital Association, district hospital representatives, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and county officials, supported the bill and urged additional longer-term funding for distressed hospitals. The chair and several members said the bill is a short-term emergency measure for a small number of hospitals at risk of imminent closure, while broader solutions will be addressed later in the budget process. AB 108 was then moved and passed out of committee on an 18-0 vote, with the roll held open briefly to secure remaining votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a good bill and it's definitely going to help.
• <00:03:38.240> Um, and it's definitely going to help.
• Um, and it's definitely going to help.
• We're going to insert a few new definitions of transit-oriented development zone.
• Also going to modify the definition of resilient infrastructure for shelter and equity district.

Bills: HB2241, HB1163, HB1514, HB1696, HB2021, SB2135, SB2466, SB2727, SB3082, SB3097, SB2861, SCR100, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, SCR162, SB2614, SB3118, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, commercial driving, driver's license

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, Representative Olson, is this, according to the legal definition, a voucher?
• First of all, Representative Olson, is this, according to the legal definition, a voucher?
• And it is definitely over $9 million in a shift.”
• And it is definitely over $9 million in a shift. And so. state at 10%.
• And it is definitely over $9 million in a shift.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a very clear definition of scope of practice.
• Thank you, Chair members, this friendly amendment modernizes the definition of incest to reflect the
• Both these emergency rules definitively and also required to follow certain statutory requirements to
• We definitely don't want our tax dollars to pay for murdering babies in the womb.
• Let's look at the net right now under the current definition.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a very clear definition of scope of practice.
• Members, this friendly amendment Representative Black: modernizes the definition of incest to reflect
• We definitely don't want my tax dollars paid to murder babies in the womb.
• It includes Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome in the APD definition of developmental disabilities.
• very finite group of people that are clearly slipping through the net right now under the current definition