Transcript Highlights:

• And what we're doing is we are actually looking at changing a section of law to mirror a section of law
• that doesn't We're actually looking at changing a section of law to mirror a section of law that doesn't
• Members, we're repealing a section of law, so along the Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Members, we're repealing a section of law.
• And this section of law was added.

Bills: HB3985, HB3883, HB4335, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3619, HB3624, HB3463

Keywords: property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, public utility, municipal water, wastewater services, liability protection, third-party contractors, infrastructure maintenance, emergency response, regulatory compliance, animal welfare, pet shops, commercial breeders, county regulations, animal shelter licensing, county purchasing, procurement practices

Summary: The committee considered a series of local government, utilities, purchasing, mapping, and animal regulation bills. House Bill 3985 by Rep. Caldwell was presented as giving property owners recourse if a local municipality circumvents the law and reduces property value; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3883 by Rep. Cantrell would require public utility governing bodies to advise users of their responsibilities, adopt safeguards against system malfunctions, follow DEQ rules more closely, and provide liability protections for utilities and third-party operators; it passed 7-0. House Bill 4335 by Rep. Moore would let municipalities and counties regulate pet shops but not ban them outright, while allowing action against shops violating state animal laws and grandfathering certain existing bans; after questions about puppy mills and local authority, it passed 6-1. Rep. Storm presented House Bills 3416, 3417, and 3418 as part of a package responding to audit findings and tightening public purchasing rules. HB 3416 and HB 3417 would steer county and city bidding toward the lowest and most responsible bidders, with HB 3417 setting a $10,000 threshold for city/town bidding rules. HB 3418 would apply broader procurement reforms across property, public works, and schools, including requiring alternatives to sole-source vendors, banning restrictive bid notices, requiring ownership statements, prohibiting officials from influencing bids or sharing bid information, allowing live video of bid openings, and making Central Purchasing Act violations a misdemeanor. All three bills passed unanimously. Rep. Lawson’s HB 3619, with a PCS adopted as the bill, would expand and direct the GIS Council and one-stop mapping initiative to create a single state-owned map for use by political subdivisions, including aerial photography and boundary clarification; it passed 6-0. HB 3624 would repeal an older law tied to shifting county boundaries caused by flooding and river changes, with the goal of making county boundary maps more uniform and consistent; it also passed 6-0. Rep. Boles’ HB 3463, requested by the State Auditor’s Office, would modernize the municipal audit process for small communities under 2,500 population and codify work done over several years with the Oklahoma Municipal League; it passed 6-0. The committee then announced one more meeting would be held the following week and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment really has quite a few sections here, and the only way I can do this is probably to walk
• But that's what Section 1 is dealing with: you have school districts that are five plus an additional
• Section 1 is just dealing with the limit of indebtedness that these municipalities can have.
• And again, that's what this section...
• Then the second section that we talk about is the actual issuing of the bonds.

Bills: HB1428

Keywords: HB 1428, North Dakota sales tax, sales tax exemption, thrift store, nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable organization, used clothing, clothing exemption, retail tax, Century Code 57-39.2-04, charity shop, secondhand clothing, taxable events, nonprofit retail, 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves. The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0. After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 3C, Florida Constitution, and Section 11.01, Florida Statutes, do hereby proclaim.
• And Section 11.01, Florida Statutes, do hereby proclaim: Section 1, that the Legislature of the State
• of Florida is convened in special session pursuant to Article 3, Section 3C, Florida Constitution, and
• Section 2, that the Legislature is convened for the sole and exclusive 14th, 2025.
• Section 3, that the committees and subcommittees of either house of the Legislature are authorized to

Summary: The Florida Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer and pledge, then the Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the session. The proclamation stated the session was called to address immigration-related legislation, including measures to coordinate with federal immigration enforcement, create a state immigration board, restrict benefits for undocumented immigrants, create offenses related to non-citizen voting, strengthen detention and bail rules, require identification in state interactions, and provide funding and penalties related to enforcement and officials. The Senate read the filed bills first time: SB 2C and SB 4C, both relating to immigration, and SM 6C, a memorial urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. The President and several senators discussed the immigration package, emphasizing support for President Trump’s immigration agenda, funding for law enforcement, and cooperation with the governor and House. The President also condemned threats and violent rhetoric directed at Commissioner Simpson and his family, and Senator Pizzo echoed concerns about threats and urged senators to discourage inflammatory social media behavior. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet the next day, and the Senate adopted motions waiving rules to place SB 2C, SB 4C, and SM 6C on the special order calendar for Thursday, with an amendment deadline tied to the Appropriations Committee meeting. Another motion sent bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review. Senator Burgess recognized USF Health medical and resident students in the gallery. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 13, or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for the record, it's section 11-200.1-15(c)(10).
• </c> environmental assessments under section environmental assessments under section 343-5. 343-5. 343
• It is Article 12, Section 7, Constitution, State Constitution.
• It is Article 12, Section 7, Constitution, State Constitution.
• It is Article 12, Section 7, Constitution, State Constitution.

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• But anyways, what Senate Bill 1369 is doing is reorganizing a section of existing Idaho Code, which is
• Title 5, Section 404.
• This is the printout of Title 5, Section 404.
• Title 5, Section 404.
• This is the printout of Title 5, Section 404. And not only is it one paragraph, but Section 404.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved minutes from February 2 and February 18, 2026, then heard several bills. Senate Bill 1369, sponsored by Senator Hart, would reorganize and simplify Idaho’s venue statute for district court cases and allow plaintiffs to file in their home county when the defendant lives out of state. Hart and Idaho Trial Lawyers Association representative Barbara Jordan said the change would make the law easier to read and more convenient, and Senator Ruchti supported it as a long-needed clarification. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 615, presented by Senator Taves, would clarify that the disturbing-the-peace statute applies to houses of worship and religious gatherings, while also removing obsolete language and making minor grammar changes. Senator Wintrow asked why the bill was limited to religious venues, and Taves said it was narrowly focused on protecting religious liberty. The committee received no testimony and advanced the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 521, carried by Senator Kaiser and Idaho State Police Bureau Chief Lila McNeil, was described as a technical fix to align Idaho law with FBI requirements so state police can contract for fingerprint services for people working with vulnerable populations. McNeil said the FBI had placed Idaho in a grace period while the statute is corrected. The committee also heard House Bill 684 from Senator Lakey and Sheriff Matt Clifford, which would reimburse county sheriffs for costs of retrieving Idaho Department of Corrections probationers or parolees who abscond out of state; supporters said sheriffs are currently paying these costs from local budgets. Both bills were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations. Finally, House Bill 695, presented by Senator Kaiser and supported by Terry Durden of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, would correct a one-word error in eviction-related statute by changing “writ of possession” to “writ of restitution” so sheriffs can charge the proper fee for eviction service. Durden said the current wording causes underbilling for a more time-consuming process. The committee voted to send House Bill 695 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• because when we cleans up the section because when we took<00:14:18.399><c> the</c><00:14:18.560><c>
• and and take that executive section and and take that executive branch<00:14:26.000><c> out</c><00:14
• And this is going in and just updating their code section. It makes a few changes in some fees.
• And then it just changes inside the section.
• </c> then it just changes inside the section. then it just changes inside the section. and<00:15:39.839

Bills: HB530, HB559, SB317, HB568, HB530, HB559, SB317, HB568

Keywords: tax exemption, Kidz Eatz, sales tax, non-profit, local government, loitering, mask mandate, public safety, school policy, college regulations, law enforcement, Alabama Innovation Corporation, board of directors, staggered terms, economic development, entrepreneurship, voting rights, restoration, pardons, Parole Board

Transcript Highlights:

• It says basically charter schools are exempt from the requirements of this section if the program did
• three of the bill, if a school section three of the bill, if a school district<00:05:22.479><c> uh</
• And then we changed the reverter clause in section three of the bill to allow the board the opportunity
• Um, are any of these buildings the physical buildings on 16 section land?
• Um, are any of these buildings the physical buildings on 16-section land?

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to counsel that is protected by sections to counsel that is protected by sections 2<01:14:51.960
• </c> want to, section 66 of the Constitution. want to, section 66 of the Constitution.
• 67,</c> The Senate in section 67, The Senate in section 67, again,<01:18:16.520><c> has</c><01:18:16.760
• 109</c> And in that section, 109 And in that section, 109 109,<01:20:44.120><c> the</c><01:20:44.200>
• ><c> 68</c> Now, remember sections 66, 67, and 68.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That you add language to the billing transparency and patient notification section, Section 4, requiring
• Representative Lord asked to look at that section.
• And so we go to Section 8— Would be. And so we go to Section H.
• And then they again add the firearm section at the end.
• Madam Chair, and then firearms just has its own section.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• absolutely not I information section absolutely not I think<00:42:15.480><c> false</c><00:42:15.880>
• </c><00:42:23.400><c> yep</c> questions that's in both sections yep questions that's in both sections
• three of the house as amended by section three of the house as amended by the<00:52:11.160><c> of</c
• The RSA on liability 626, section two. Thank you. Does anyone wish to testify? Okay, uh, two?
• The RSA on liability 626, section two. Thank you. Does anyone wish to testify? Okay, uh, two?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, in which section? A section?
• a section um L yes in uh which section?
• So section one, section two under J19 audit, you said RSA 309-A:8. >> Yeah.
• Um, so section one, section two &gt;&gt; Yes.
• >> Yes. >> And I just see that as... five, uh section line 8, section 12, five, uh section line 8, section

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions. Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies. Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Insert new sections. Last line. Correct the title.
• Speaker, Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S.
• Now, Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S.
• And the sections of that part of the U.S.
• Insert sub two of this section.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1795, HB2107, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2360, HB2471, HB2478, HB2525, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1710, HB1750, HB1903, HB1941, HB1974, HB1982, HB1983, HB2006, HB2034, HB2105, HB2179, HB2203, HB2215, HB2223, HB2239, HB2247, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2334, HB2338, HB2345, HB2348, HB2350, HB2353, HB2355, HB2363, HB2367, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2418, HB2420, HB2428, HB2441, HB2462, HB2464, HB2467, HB2495, HB2505, HB2534, HB2539, HB2544, HB2551, HB2554, HB2557, HB2575, HB2577, HB2588, HB2594, HB2604, HB2636, HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House took up second reading and final passage on several bills. House Bill 2575, relating to reducing certain environmental reporting obligations, was amended to direct savings from reduced utility reporting toward low-income electricity assistance, then passed 95-0. House Bill 2334, on cash transaction rounding for the loss of pennies, passed 89-6 after debate over common-sense rounding, tax treatment, and concerns about moving away from cash. House Bill 2714, updating caseload forecasting for food and nutrition assistance programs including SNAP, passed 95-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2557, concerning parental access to special education evaluation meetings and timelines, passed 95-0 after a technical amendment clarifying terminology and discussion about giving parents more time to prepare for meetings. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2594, which codifies protections for unhoused students and aligns state law with federal McKinney-Vento protections; supporters described the bill as ensuring continued educational access for homeless youth, and it passed 94-1. House Bill 2348, updating timber sale process efficiencies, including electronic notice and appraisal/approval requirements for certain land sales, passed 95-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215, dealing with Climate Commitment Act compliance obligations for fuels, drew extensive debate over market fairness, fuel prices, rural impacts, and Ecology’s authority; after adopting a striking amendment and rejecting several others, it passed 57-38. The House then considered House Bill 1710, a Washington Voting Rights Act compliance bill creating a new chapter in Title 29A RCW. Members debated numerous amendments focused on preclearance standards, lookback periods, fee shifting, rulemaking authority, settlement treatment, and the use of citizen voting-age population. Some technical amendments were adopted, while many substantive amendments were rejected. The transcript ends during continued amendment debate on the bill, before final passage is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason for that is one section of the statute deals with our comprehensive universities and KCTCS
• ; the first section deals with the University of Kentucky, and section 830 deals with the University
• </c><00:18:55.880><c> uh</c><00:18:56.039><c> section</c> kctcs uh the first section uh section kctcs
• uh the first section uh section 230<00:18:57.000><c> deals</c><00:18:57.360><c> with</c><00:18:57.559
• </c><00:20:27.480><c> this</c> with subsection two of the section this with subsection two of the section

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 305, which would clarify and expand a healthcare workforce bill to explicitly include physician assistants and dietitians in efforts to address shortages, especially in rural areas. Rep. Fleming said the change was intended to help with Medicaid-related needs such as diabetes care and noted a decline in dietitian internship applications. Rep. Roarx supported the bill, emphasizing the value of dietitians in helping patients make practical nutrition changes. The bill received a unanimous favorable expression, 14-0, and was reported to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 427, which would create statewide 60-credit-hour transfer pathways for high-demand bachelor’s degree programs under the Council on Postsecondary Education. Rep. Grossl explained the bill is meant to prevent students from losing major credit when transferring between KCTCS and four-year institutions, using nursing as an example. Questions focused on rigor, dual credit, how high-demand programs would be selected, and the July 1, 2026 implementation date; the sponsor said CPE and faculty would map curricula and align standards. The Kentucky Student Rights Coalition testified in support, saying the bill would help students complete degrees faster and make credits count toward majors. HB 427 also passed unanimously, 14-0, with favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 424, as amended by a committee substitute. Rep. Tipton said the substitute removed language allowing up to six-year contracts and instead set up a process for four-year contracts and periodic performance reviews for faculty, including presidents, at public postsecondary institutions. He said the bill is intended to give universities clearer authority to remove underperforming employees and be more efficient with taxpayer dollars. Several faculty witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it would erode tenure protections, create arbitrary performance standards, and harm recruitment, retention, and academic freedom. The committee adopted the substitute and heard testimony, but no final vote on HB 424 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 5, subsection E: This section shall be enforced as provided in chapter 398.
• 393 or 29 USC section 1144 SEC subsection<00:52:37.079><c> B</c><00:52:37.440><c> Section</c><00:52:
• :52:40.839><c> section</c><00:52:41.079><c> shall</c><00:52:41.400><c> be</c> subsection e this section
• </c> paid fam paid leave pursuant to sections paid fam paid leave pursuant to sections 3984<00:53:24.160
• </c> testimony of page five amending sections testimony of page five amending sections 15<00:54:18.799

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they came up with this new Section 5.
• Article 8 was redone, but Section 5 is new because it deals with digital securities.
• So why not change it for all of those sections?
• So why not change it for all of those sections?
• with regard to any actions under this section, under UCC Article 8.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 702, which would amend Idaho’s Uniform Commercial Code provisions governing digital securities and entitlement holders. The sponsor and a guest attorney argued the bill would restore investor ownership rights by reversing 1994-era language they said gives priority to banks and clearing institutions if broker-held securities are pledged or fail in a collapse. Members questioned whether the bill was broader than margin accounts, whether it would affect existing brokerage contracts, and whether it was really a state or federal issue. After debate, a motion to send the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation failed 8-7, and the committee then voted to hold the bill in committee at the call of the chair. House Bill 562 followed, proposing to extend the notice period for residential and commercial property insurance nonrenewals and cancellations from 30 days to 60 days. The sponsor described the measure as a consumer protection response to rising nonrenewals and cancellations, especially in North Idaho but also in the Treasure Valley, and said it would give policyholders more time to shop for coverage or resolve issues with their current carrier. Members asked about contract impacts and whether the longer notice could discourage insurers from writing policies; the sponsor said insurers generally know in advance when they are leaving a market and that the change should not create major problems. A motion to send the bill to General Orders passed, with discussion of a possible amendment to move the effective date to January 1, 2027. The committee then took up House Bill 585, which would impose 48-hour “shot clocks” for local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections, allow refunds and third-party inspections if deadlines are missed, and require written reasons for failed inspections within three business days. The sponsor and supportive testimony from a third-party inspector and the Idaho Associated General Contractors said the bill would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, and build on last session’s building inspection reforms. The committee moved the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 545, which would create a pathway for certain military chaplains to become licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical professional counselors in Idaho based on their Master of Divinity, military training, chaplaincy experience, and additional clinical pastoral education. The sponsor and the bill’s supporter said chaplains already counsel service members and families on trauma, suicide, and other crises, and that the bill would help address counselor shortages and expand access for veterans. Opponents from the counseling profession argued that MDiv training is not equivalent to CACREP-accredited counseling education, that the bill would bypass important testing and clinical training, and that it could weaken public protections. The committee heard extensive testimony but the transcript ends before showing a final vote on HB 545.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are representing the Arizona section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,
• 46-232 and amending section 46-297.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public assistance.
• 46-232 and repealing section 46-232, relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
• SB 1638, an act in section 42...
• 46-2-32 and amending Section 46-297.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public assistance.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And now I'll turn it over to Adrian for our next couple sections.
• Our final map for this section comes from the division.
• They are in a separate section of the Arkansas Code.
• And I'll stop for questions there before our last section.
• Our last section. All right, you’re recognized to finish. Okay.

Summary: The committee received a lengthy Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas academic standards, accountability systems, and adequacy requirements. Staff reviewed how state curriculum and standards have evolved from the 1997 Public Education Act through the 2003 Quality Education Act and the 2017 Educational Support and Accountability Act, including required coursework, standards for accreditation, career and technical education, graduation requirements, and recent additions such as computer science, personal finance, firearm safety, and fetal growth and development instruction. Members asked for a chart comparing the major laws and repeals over time, and staff agreed to provide one. The presentation then turned to federal ESSA requirements and Arkansas’s state accountability system. Staff explained Arkansas’s long-term goals for proficiency, English learner progress, and graduation rates, and reported 2025 ATLAS proficiency results, which remained below the 80% goal across student groups. They also reviewed English learner progress, graduation rates, school support and improvement, and equitable access to educators. Data showed gaps by subgroup and by school poverty/minority concentration, with Title I and high-poverty schools more likely to have emergency/provisional teachers and less experienced staff. Members questioned the lack of recent data for some ESSA measures, including equity labs and school index calculations, and asked staff to follow up with the Department of Education. The committee also discussed NAEP results, ACT scores, and teacher quality measures under the state accountability act. Arkansas’s NAEP performance remained below national averages in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math, and ACT composite scores and benchmark attainment were also reviewed. Members asked for additional information on historical highs and lows, the number of assessments students take by grade, dropout data, and comparisons with other states. No formal votes were taken; the main action was agreement to request additional information from DESE and to schedule department follow-up at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• By deleting that line, we will make those sections effective upon approval, and that would assist in
• the hiring of positions for those two sections. u um states that sections five and six u um states that
• </c><00:21:48.720><c> Is</c> ...positions for those two sections. Is that correct? That's correct.
• Uh, my request would be to take out the special immunity rules on page 17, section 334-I.
• </c> date upon its approval, deleting section date upon its approval, deleting section two<03:02:21.120

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in the next section. This is Section C.
• That means to Section E. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section E.
• We're in Section F. This is a cash fund appropriation request.
• In Section I, these are methods of finance. There are three items.
• That moves us to Section J. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In Section J, these are discretionary grants.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All the amendment does is it deletes Section 2 from the bill. Section 2 is the fund transfer.
• It just deletes that section and re-numbers the section. Members, we need a motion.
• What this does, the remaining two sections of this, is increase the appropriation authority.
• So when we deleted Section 2, we deleted that guarantee.
• So when we deleted Section 2, we deleted that guarantee.

Summary: The committee reconvened and took up several amendments and bills. Senate Bill 15 was amended to transfer Keep Arkansas Beautiful functions to ARDOT and replace the current commissioners with an advisory council; the amendment was adopted without objection. An amendment to Senate Bill 7 lowering the claims-data threshold for group health insurance from 50 employees to 25, to help smaller employers and municipalities shop for coverage, was also adopted. An amendment to Senate Bill 41 that would have restricted University of Arkansas at Fayetteville athletic funding from academic funds was rejected after members questioned its scope and fiscal basis. The committee then considered an amendment to House Bill 1051 that would cap online sports-betting free play at 5% of gross receipts. Senator Hester argued the current unlimited promotions were predatory and effectively subsidized casinos, while other members questioned the tax and accounting assumptions and whether the proposal belonged in a fiscal committee. The amendment failed, and a separate agriculture-related amendment from Representatives Vaught and Painter to exempt certain tractor parts tied to diesel exhaust fluid systems was also not adopted, with members citing drafting and enforcement problems and suggesting it should go through the revenue committees. After suspending the rules to add items, the committee adopted a technical correction to Senate Bill 4 clarifying physician licensure language so the rural workforce pathway would apply to underserved and primary care shortage areas, rather than the narrower federal term originally used. The committee also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 77 deleting a fund-transfer section and instead increasing appropriation authority and creating a matching-fund mechanism to help Arkansas TV pay PBS dues, with supporters saying it would leverage private donations and preserve PBS access while allowing the commission to decide programming. The bill passed as amended, and the meeting adjourned.