Transcript Highlights:

• It says 896 Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health.
• It's funded with general revenue, federal funds, and various program support.
• Representing the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health.
• It is in the various program support. That's where it's coming in.
• support our juveniles who come to us behind on reading level.

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations and took executive recommendations on several Department of Human Services divisions, including Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services; Children and Family Services; County Operations; Developmental Disability Services; and Medical Services, with most divisions showing little or no significant change in total appropriations. Staff and agency witnesses repeatedly explained that many large appropriations are maintained for flexibility, federal matching requirements, or contingency needs, even when actual spending is much lower than the authorized amount. Members also raised concerns about staffing vacancies, long-vacant budgeted positions, and the use of excess appropriation authority across DHS. In Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health, members questioned federal funding levels for mental health and substance abuse grants, the status of senior centers and Meals on Wheels, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, community alcohol safety grants, and the veterans mental health grant. Agency officials said federal block grants are largely committed, that senior center funding had been delayed by shutdown timing but was now back on track, that the tobacco settlement program had been moved internally within DHS, and that the veterans mental health appropriation remains unfunded. Senators also criticized the adequacy of support for seniors and asked for more detail on how transportation, meal services, and local contributions are funded. In Children and Family Services, members asked about rising appropriation levels, foster care and adoption subsidies, professional fees, the number of children in foster care, and the Children’s Trust Fund. DHS said increases reflect added flexibility for residential treatment, adoption subsidies, and prevention services, while the foster care population has remained fairly steady at about 3,400 children. The Children’s Trust Fund was described as supporting primary prevention programs such as Baby and Me and community schools, and members asked whether it could be administratively combined with other efforts. Questions also covered TANF subgrants, with DHS explaining that it had reduced outside subgrants after discovering over-obligation and was rebuilding reserves. In County Operations, members focused on the summer EBT program, SNAP employment and training, the farmer’s market program, and the state’s TANF reserve position. DHS said summer EBT is still being funded through temporary appropriations because it is a newer program, SNAP employment and training is largely federally funded and may expand under a pending policy change, and TANF reserves were drawn down after prior over-obligation but are now being stabilized. In Developmental Disability Services, members asked about vacancies, human development center staffing, facility construction funds, and the Booneville work program, and DHS said the program has reopened and staffing recruitment continues. In Medical Services, members asked about FMAP, the Our Kids B CHIP program, school-based Medicaid reimbursements, nursing home distress funds, and several large appropriation lines that far exceed actual spending; DHS said these are maintained for claims payment, nursing home receivership contingencies, and other flexibility needs. Each division reviewed was adopted by executive recommendation after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a community mental health center and a grant-funded certified community behavioral health clinic
• Support law enforcement interventions and diversion programs.
• And some of the behavioral health agencies or the CSSPs, community support service providers, already
• Thank goodness the administration is still currently supporting it.
• Thank goodness the administration is still currently supporting it.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness policy and behavioral health. Testimony focused on the view that Arkansas should shift toward more data-driven, outcomes-based responses to homelessness, including stronger treatment options for serious mental illness and substance use disorder, better data collection, provider accountability, and possible statewide use of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. Speakers from Fort Smith, Restore Hope, Our House, and Western Arkansas Counseling described local work, the need for better coordination across providers, and the role of crisis services, ACT teams, and employment support. Members asked about sex offender tracking, the difference between sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, how to scale successful programs statewide, and whether Arkansas could apply for a statewide Continuum of Care or CCBHC planning grant. The discussion also touched on camping bans, civil commitment, and federal funding changes, with several speakers urging the state to pursue the CCBHC planning grant and more transparent reporting systems. After the homelessness discussion, the committee moved through a series of Department of Energy and Board of Nursing rule reviews. DEQ proposed updating the post-closure cleanup threshold for solid waste matters from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025, and members asked about financial assurance and oversight; the rule was reviewed without objection. The Board of Nursing then presented multiple rule changes tied to recent acts, including adding fees for dialysis patient care technician registration, expanding contact-information requirements, implementing APRN delegation authority to unlicensed workers, clarifying APRN authority for death certificates and durable medical equipment prescriptions, updating certified medication assistant training and insulin-injection authority, and conforming independent-practice rules for clinical nurse specialists. Each rule was reviewed without objection. Near the end of the meeting, Senator Irvin announced that UAMS had completed its NCI designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, calling it an important milestone for the state. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lastly, Our victim services division also provides our employees support services.
• OK, uh, as you know, the behavior after a conviction, uh, changes in an inmate.
• Um, and SPU is, uh, required to assist local counties with legal support, technical support, and financial
• support.
• The partnership has been one of support for our operations, support for innovations in the programs and

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that all of my colleagues agree with that kind of behavior.
• support for state operations.
• We would benefit. from as an overall system if we support medically supported weight loss in our patient
• We are opposed to the Behavioral.
• We're actually in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• managed CARE plans ensures the public funds are used effectively promote transparency, ultimately supports
• One of the the majority of the performance measures that we use for medical and behavioral health care
• Well, child care and mental and behavioral health care.
• Are we doing doing anything to make sure that we're actually seeing a change in their behavior based
• All this on behavioral health, provide clients with schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, et cetera.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also reflects broader conversations in behavioral health about balancing security needs of behavioral
• /c> security needs of behavioral health care security needs of behavioral health care facilities<00:04
• </c><00:47:40.840><c> So,</c> housing support in the service. So, housing support in the service.
• </c> to support their needs. to support their needs.
• </c> they have an effective support plan. they have an effective support plan.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to support the bill.
• I'm in support.
• I'm here in support of the bill.
• I'm in support.
• And do you know if that student had received any support, behavioral health access, any of that, any

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to support the bill.
• I'm in support. Good morning.
• I'm here in support of the bill.
• I'm here to support SB 1321.
• And do you know if that student had received any support, behavioral health access, any of that, any

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 1067, which would require annual early math screening for K-2 students beginning in 2028-29 to identify learning gaps and connect students to evidence-based support. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice and UC Davis researcher Dr. Charles Wilkes, argued that California’s low math performance and persistent achievement gaps justify early identification and intervention. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and CTA, said the bill could create a new mandate, encourage narrow skill-based instruction, and divert attention from implementing the California Mathematics Framework and investing in teacher training and coaching. Committee members discussed how the screener would work, whether it would identify disabilities or simply flag students needing further evaluation, and cited examples of districts already using early screening tools. No vote was taken because quorum had not yet been established at that point. SB 1110, a child care subsidy administration bill, was presented next. Senator Becker and co-sponsors from the Child Care Resource Center and EveryChild California said the measure would stabilize the child care system as the state moves to enrollment-based funding by clarifying funding for administrative and family-service functions and helping providers maintain staffing, payment timelines, and compliance. There was support from several child care and education organizations and no opposition testimony. The bill was not voted on because the committee still lacked quorum. After recess, the committee heard SB 1374, which would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders on their own behalf when they face credible threats of violence. The CSU Chancellor’s Office and San Diego State police described incidents where threats were directed at campuses broadly rather than specific individuals, leaving institutions without a legal remedy under current law. UC and independent colleges supported the bill, and there was no opposition. The bill was held on call pending quorum. The committee then took up SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses. Senator Nila and supporters argued that recent UC San Diego data show severe gaps in incoming students’ math preparation and that the audit would help assess admissions and placement practices; there was no opposition testimony. Members raised concerns about the scope and timing of the audit request, and the bill was held on call. The committee also heard SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools in statute and direct model ordinances for local land use regulation. Supporters said microschools are growing but face inconsistent zoning treatment, while some members questioned whether the Legislature had enough information to define the model or direct state guidance without more study. After quorum was established, the committee voted SB 1086 out on a 4-1 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with Senator Perez voting aye, Senator Ochoa Bogh aye, and Senator Cabaldon no; the remaining votes were not fully recorded in the transcript. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a voluntary pilot program in Central Valley counties to allow schools to share credible safety concerns with regional threat assessment centers. Senator Hurtado and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and Corcoran High School students, said the bill would improve early intervention and communication around threats. Members expressed support while also raising privacy and federal-sharing concerns about fusion centers; the bill was discussed but no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he assisted me and supported me. I got into the University of Florida.
• support to our students.
• Are they exhibiting behaviors?
• Prince about MTSS, you have a multi-tiered system of support.
• Prince about MTSS, so you have a multi-tiered system of support.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an overview from Department of Education Chancellor Paul Burns on Florida’s K-12 governance structure and major divisions, including early learning, public schools, safe schools, school choice, and accountability. He highlighted school readiness and VPK, teacher preparation and licensure, school safety functions, scholarship and virtual/home education programs, and FAST progress monitoring. Burns also cited statewide gains such as higher mid-year reading performance, a record graduation rate of 89.7%, and record CTE enrollment, while members questioned the meaning of Florida’s “number one” education rankings, teacher pay, post-COVID learning loss, vacancies, and chronic absenteeism. St. Lucie County Superintendent John Prince then described the scale and responsibilities of a mid-sized district, emphasizing student safety, transportation, meals, hurricane shelter operations, career and technical education, teacher recruitment and retention, progress monitoring, remediation, and mental health supports. Members asked about school shelter construction standards, remediation funding, late school start times, attendance, and concordance scores; Prince argued for more flexibility for CTE pathways and noted that local districts use a mix of state and federal funds to support remediation and staffing. The committee then moved to an early warning systems panel. Burns explained that Florida law requires districts to use attendance, behavior/suspensions, course performance, FAST results, and other academic indicators to identify students needing support, with districts and families developing intervention plans. Superintendents from Putnam, St. Johns, and St. Lucie counties said chronic absenteeism is tied to achievement and NAEP decline, but causes vary by district, including poverty, transportation, daycare, family instability, travel, and student athletics. They described MTSS, PBIS, home visits, attendance letters, and community partnerships as responses. Members also discussed VPK access, full-day VPK funding, excused versus unexcused absences, and the need for earlier intervention in pre-K and K-2. Finally, Vice Chancellor Darren Norris outlined Florida’s post-Parkland school safety measures, including armed school officers, anonymous reporting, behavioral threat assessment teams, mental health training, panic alert systems, emergency drills, active assailant response policies, and firearm detection canines. Superintendents said compliance is costly and often requires shifting local funds, but they praised state grants for mental health, hardening, and mapping. They noted ongoing challenges with new mandates, capital costs, manual reporting burdens, and the need to balance safety requirements with classroom resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a certified peer support worker.
• I stand in full support.
• We know that recent past behavior is a predictor of future behavior.
• So I obviously support this bill.
• We stand in strong support of House Bill 164.

Bills: HB99, HB49, HB164, SB30, SB43, SB50, SB136

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, which would make changes to the Medical Malpractice Act, especially around punitive damages. The chair and sponsor said the bill would not be voted on that day and that public comment would wait until Monday, when a fuller presentation and any recommended substitute would be considered. Dr. Brooke Baker, a physician-lawyer, gave a long presentation on physician wellness, malpractice stress, and the effect of litigation on staffing and burnout, while also discussing hospital ownership structures, private equity, and rural hospital vulnerability. She argued that punitive damages are often pled too broadly in New Mexico, that the amendment language was unclear about which entities would be capped, and that better oversight and internal quality systems—not punitive damages—are the better tools for addressing bad actors and unsafe care. Committee members from both sides asked extensive questions about the patient compensation fund, indemnification, corporate structures, the effect of caps on insurance and recruitment, and whether the bill would protect physicians’ personal assets. No vote was taken on HB 99, and the committee recessed before moving to the next bill. The committee then returned to House Bill 49, a public safety measure increasing penalties for felons who possess firearms. The sponsors and law enforcement witnesses said the bill is aimed narrowly at serious violent felons who are already prohibited from having guns, and that it would align state sentencing with federal law and give police and prosecutors a stronger tool against repeat violent offenders. An amendment was offered to narrow the bill further, add destructive devices, and make the offense a second-degree felony rather than escalating to first degree on repeat offenses. The amendment was adopted without opposition. Public testimony on HB 49 was largely opposed. The Law Office of the Public Defender argued the bill criminalizes possession without a new act of violence, that current law already punishes felon-in-possession conduct, and that New Mexico has repeatedly increased penalties without evidence of reduced gun crime. The ACLU of New Mexico also opposed the bill, saying increased penalties are not a proven deterrent. The transcript cuts off as additional online opposition testimony was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm in support of this bill, House Bill 5263.
• And so I'm asking your support. of this bill. Mr.
• When officers understand the root cause of behavior, they can respond with support rather than punishment
• I'm here to speak in strong support of HB 1441.
• It talks about how we use positive behavioral intervention supports.

Bills: HB 1178, HB1411, HB1441, HB1773, HB1813, HB2107, HB2598, HB2911, HB2967, HB3672, HB5263, HB3797

Keywords: education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has bipartisan support.
• I rise in support of the amendment.
• If there are not consequences for behavior, that behavior will continue.
• I agree; I support those workers. I support all of our workers. Mr.
• So I support this.

Transcript Highlights:

• We specifically reference positive behavior intervention supports, right, Mr. Chairman? And John.
• interventions and supports, de-escalation Physical restraint or seclusion or other behavior management
• When we're talking about positive behavior intervention supports.
• Are there some larger positive behavior support strategies that are not associated with that specific
• I appreciate the support.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing they can do is establish the certified community behavioral health clinic program statewide
• Support law enforcement interventions and diversion programs.
• And some of the behavioral health agencies or the CSSPs, community support service providers, already
• Behavioral health agencies who take care of our adults with serious mental illness.
• And grant funding, you know, thank goodness the administration is still currently supporting... It.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that related to what they did or is it related to their behavior inside?
• Um, thank you all for your support in this.
• </c><00:33:14.960><c> in</c> so thank you all for your support in so thank you all for your support in
• Um, and I encourage the members to all support the amendment.
• </c> I encourage the members to all support I encourage the members to all support the<01:19:31.360><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What can we realistically support well? What are the gaps?
• Support infrastructure will matter, too.
• But I also see where it could actually help and support other programs. I'm not saying...
• health, but you know, does that make me a behavioral health expert in Hawaii specifically?
• Are we focusing on tourism, or are we focusing on law enforcement and behavioral health?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have had the support of businesses, local businesses, to help with I have had the support of businesses
• We can't expect anything other than the behavior that we've had.
• We're here in strong support of House Bill 2362.
• So we strongly encourage you to support this bill.
• Encourage your support. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Summary: The House Committee on Community Safety held public hearings on House Bill 2220, which would change Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) certification hearings for peace and corrections officers. The bill would raise the standard of proof for suspension or revocation from a preponderance of the evidence to clear and convincing evidence, expand the hearing panel from five to six members by adding another law enforcement representative, and require biennial reporting by law enforcement agencies and the CJTC on officer certification, training completion, and decertifications. Sponsor Rep. Mari Leavitt and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness, transparency, training compliance, and recruitment/retention, while CJTC staff said they support objective hearings but opposed the burden-of-proof change and parts of the definitions, especially probation. Opponents, including police accountability advocates and several CJTC commissioners, argued the current system is working, there is no demonstrated problem, and the bill would weaken civilian oversight and make decertification harder. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2362, which would lower Washington’s per se blood alcohol concentration threshold for impaired driving from 0.08 to 0.05, require a public information campaign, and direct an evaluation of the policy’s impacts by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. Rep. Brandy Donaghy said the bill is intended to reduce traffic deaths and improve public safety. Supporters, including several prosecutors and victims’ family members, said lower BAC limits can deter impaired driving and save lives, and argued the change would educate the public and reduce crashes. Opponents from the hospitality, brewing, and wine industries said the bill would not address the main causes of fatal crashes, would burden businesses and responsible consumers, and pointed to Utah’s experience as evidence the policy may not reduce fatalities. Prosecutors also raised concerns about the toxicology lab backlog, though some said the bill could eventually reduce cases and improve safety. The hearing on HB 2362 ended with public testimony; no committee action or vote was taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're continuing to work with the MCOs to provide support, whether that's in terms of gaining referrals
• We're aiming to increase the support that we're offering them in terms of marketing so that they can
• The New Pack initiative supported 70 multi-unit housing properties in implementing voluntary policies
• This report will include more nicotine-related attitude and behavioral health data from adults.
• Chair, committee members, thank you for having me today and for your support of the NUPAC program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I ask for your support. House Bill 4.
• Speaker, I ask for your support. House Bill 4.
• Speaker, I ask for your support. House Bill 4.
• It is not misunderstood, nor is it accidental behavior.
• The survivors who support this measure.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:02 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:49 Report of Committees 06:49 Orders of the Day 08:20 HB 4 08:33 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 17:34 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 27:40 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 29:22 ConC/Rules Report 33:29 Floor Amendments 35:06 Adjournment 35:37, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow bill co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber approved the journal and received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 48 and 102 and requested concurrence. The clerk then reported second-reading bills including measures on school bus safety, special license plates, healthcare workforce credentials, housing, veteran PTSD treatment, postsecondary education, the Kentucky Fire Commission, and local purchasing, along with committee reports advancing a wide range of bills on cultured meat, eviction/removal of unlawful occupants, involuntary commitment, grand jury service, CPA licensure, physical therapy, engineering scholarships, rabies vaccinations, the Controlled Substance Prescribing Council, robotics, reading and language arts instruction, and the education assessment/accountability system. The main floor action was House Bill 4, relating to grooming a minor. The sponsor described the bill as creating criminal penalties for grooming behavior, with enhanced penalties when the offender holds a position of authority. A floor amendment was adopted making technical wording changes and adding siblings and volunteers to the bill’s lawful-purpose exceptions. Members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing child protection and the need for stronger legal tools, though one member said she wished the age threshold were higher. The House then passed House Bill 4 as amended by a vote of 98-0. After HB 4, the House moved through announcements and legislative citations. Members recognized the Corbin Middle School football team and the Lion County High School boys basketball team, and honored M. Samantha Shaver, DMD. Committee meeting notices were announced for several panels, including Economic Development, State Government, Natural Resources and Energy, Families and Children, and Health Services. The clerk also reported newly introduced bills and resolutions covering school foods, family care leave, correctional services, protective orders, data privacy, school funding for districts with high tax-exempt property, Medicaid coverage for adult day health and in-home attendant care, alternative diplomas, Kentucky Nurses Day, a sister-city partnership with Israel’s Shamron Regional Council, and DUI. The House then recessed briefly for committee meetings, received committee referral and rules reports, introduced floor amendments to HB 257 and HB 305, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
• registered a support position with the committee.
• And I'm sorry that I can't support it. May I respond? Yes. Yeah. Yeah.
• But I want to first address it to the author and the support testimony support witness, excuse me.
• So I will be supporting your bill today.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 2672 (Hart), which would require the California Energy Commission to set parameters for using an existing waiver process to allow non-CARBOB gasoline during fuel supply shocks, with fees used to offset emissions and help fund cleaner vehicles. Supporters said the bill would reduce gas price spikes and provide needed flexibility in emergencies; opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association and union refinery representatives, argued it would function as a tax, create market uncertainty, and could undermine in-state refining and fuel-system compliance. Members raised concerns about affordability, refinery impacts, and delegation of authority to CARB/CEC, while the author said the bill was intended to be cost-neutral and protect consumers. The committee initially held the bill open and later advanced it on a divided vote. AB 2761 (Petrie-Norris) was heard next and would modernize California crash data reporting by creating a single statewide electronic system for fatal and injury crash reports. The author and AAA supported the measure, saying current paper-based reporting is slow, fragmented, and outdated, delaying safety improvements and federal funding opportunities. There was no registered opposition, and the bill moved forward unanimously to Appropriations. AB 1874 (Wilson) would prevent people convicted of certain serious driving offenses from serving a license suspension while incarcerated, so the suspension would begin when they are actually back on the road. Supporters, including law enforcement and roadway safety groups, said current practice makes suspensions meaningless and weakens accountability for dangerous drivers. Some members questioned whether the bill creates a double penalty, but the author argued the measure is limited to the most serious offenses and ensures the suspension has real public safety effect. The committee approved the bill on a strong vote. The committee also passed its consent calendar bills, and several measures were held open for later vote tallying before the meeting adjourned.