Transcript Highlights:

• We have our Practice Safe Checks campaign that's out there trying to help people figure out how to avoid
• there's a dispute, If there's any violation of the ADTPA, which is the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices
• Act, we can investigate under the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
• I'm just not that—well, I don't engage in the practice anymore.
• Best practices on this, when I would tell consumers, is be cognizant of your coverage, confirm what the

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members hearing from bankers, the Attorney General’s office, the state bank and securities commissioner, the insurance department, AARP, and mortgage industry representatives. Witnesses described fraud as increasingly organized, technology-driven, and often transnational, with common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, fake websites and social media impersonations, business email compromise, gift card and wire scams, crypto kiosk fraud, check fraud, and mortgage/real estate fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that seniors are disproportionately targeted and that losses are often underreported because victims feel embarrassed or do not know where to report incidents. Testimony highlighted both state and national responses. Bankers and regulators pointed to Arkansas’s 2025 actions on crypto ATMs and elder-fraud education, including training for gift-card sellers and safe-harbor protections for banks under the Safe AR Act. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division described its complaint process, a new financial fraud task force, and examples of recovered funds, including quick recoveries from Bitcoin kiosk scams and wire fraud cases. The American Bankers Association and others urged stronger accountability for telecoms and social media platforms, citing spoofed caller ID, impersonation ads, Section 230 issues, and the need for a national scam-prevention strategy or federal office. Artificial intelligence was identified as a major emerging risk because it can generate convincing scam emails, websites, and impersonation content at scale. Members asked about reporting procedures, whether banks reimburse fraud losses, how crypto affects recoverability, the safety of tap-to-pay versus chip use, and whether public online records contribute to fraud. Witnesses generally advised victims to report scams through the proper channels, avoid clicking links or responding to suspicious messages, and verify requests independently by contacting institutions directly. The committee also heard that banks and regulators are already sharing information and educating consumers, but that more legislative and cross-agency action may be needed. No formal vote or bill action was taken beyond approval of the November 3, 2025 minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, you're sort of able to respond to that and, you know, just as sort of a practical example of
• You know, you're sort of able to respond to that and, you know, just as sort of a practical example of
• You know, you're sort of able to respond to that and, you know, just as sort of a practical example of
• Um, I don't particularly have a practical problem with this.
• I I don't particularly have a practical I I don't particularly have a practical problem<00:50:50.880

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee is charged with learning about new and effective practices that enhance student outcomes
• Obviously the suggested practices for safety's the do's and don'ts.
• Best practice that we are.
• This making sure reinforcing the fact that this is the best practice.
• Them will go to have a one. >> I wanted to just give you a couple of very practical examples.

Transcript Highlights:

• engage in commission work without having to obtain a contractor’s license, as has been standard practice
• Senate Bill 694 by Senator Archuleta and others, relating to unfair business practices.
• And last but not least, I would like to just say one thing about the predatory practices.
• Assembly Bill 578 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, an act relating to business practices.
• He truly found his calling in 1987 when he joined the oral surgery practice of Dr. Ronald B.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included moving several bills to the inactive file, waiving the floor amendment deadline for certain measures, rescinding prior action on SB 733, and approving a motion to withdraw AB 710 from committee to the third reading file by a 42-12 vote. The chamber also re-referred AB 406 to Labor and Employment and later AB 754 to Housing, while taking up numerous Senate and Assembly measures out of order to accommodate authors and guests. The body adopted several resolutions recognizing October 2025 as California Promotoras Month (HR 58), National Fried Rice Day and National Rice Month (HR 71), Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (HR 70), and All California Day (HR 67). Members also concurred in Senate amendments on a wide range of bills covering insurance, horses, emergency vehicles, health facilities, restitution, education, tribal regalia at graduation, behavioral health, air pollution, energy, dams, greenhouse gases, foster youth, court interpreters, tenancy language access, patient privacy notices, discrimination in school facility rentals, hospital visitation rights, diversion, agriculture, insurance studies, electricity, and environmental stewardship. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew recorded noes. Several higher-profile policy bills drew debate. SB 694 on veteran claim assistance generated the most extensive discussion, with supporters arguing it would stop predatory, unaccredited companies from charging veterans for VA claims help, and opponents warning it could reduce veterans’ choices and should be paired with broader fixes to county VSO access; the bill ultimately passed 46-0. Other notable actions included concurrence on SB 576 limiting loud streaming ads, SB 512 on transportation tax initiatives, and SB 785 creating a tax credit for durable medical equipment for children with complex medical needs. The Assembly also concurred in SB 250 on Medi-Cal provider directories, SB 831 on the Geological Survey, SB 788 on CPA regulation, SB 456 on muralist licensing, SB 72 on the California Water Plan, SB 76 on used-car fee protections, SB 246 on rural health workforce support, SB 484 on coastal affordable housing, SB 680 on sex offender registration, SB 695 on climate-resilient highway projects, and SB 783 on outdoor advertising. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable across the board, with the chamber repeatedly adopting Senate amendments and resolutions by voice vote or recorded roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• And 35.5% worked in other health facilities, which included private practice or smaller clinics. 80.6%
• It's really hard when we look at reimbursements because I know my doctor has moved to a boutique practice
• He was in a private practice in a rural area.
• I would like to say that I was in Billing and Collections as a practice management person for over 30
• This is unheard of in any kind of practice management.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we're very much in favor of this, but I, I'm not in favor of throwing out the instructional practices
• We value the other pieces is that it outlawed some tried and true practices.
• So with that, um, what are some promising practices or obstacles that you're encountering in improving
• I will go down to Superintendent White on the end around what are some promising practices that you're
• Uh, I have very practical questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an evidence-based practice, a wraparound service, and it's also paid for performance, so all good
• Ending this practice has been supported by Republicans and Democrats nationwide.
• But make no mistake, eliminating this practice will not solve poverty for people with disabilities, and
• You will hear arguments saying that ending this practice will result in people with disabilities losing
• We must ensure that we do not ever continue the practice. of removing the dignity and worth from every

Transcript Highlights:

• So all I'm saying is that particular practice does not produce the result that we want, and it further
• And a good portion of them, except for the first one, are the result of this practice.
• By reinforcing responsible recycling practices and shutting down a gateway for illegal activity, House
• At the end of the day, I think that this is a practical measure. We are being responsible.
• The effectiveness of gunshot detection technology in informing law enforcement practices. to measure

Bills: HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40

Keywords: mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation

Transcript Highlights:

• Hospitals regularly are forced to sue health plans over payment practices.
• We certainly believe that the accountability needs to go both ways, and the abusive practices of health
• Those practices are well documented, or we can keep things the way they are and let providers and health
• Second part of this is a critical need to curb abusive PBM audit practices.
• However, in practice, that coverage is out of reach.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we're talking about NADOs, they've been practicing here.
• No training, no regulatory practices put in place to tell these people you can’t do this.
• No regulatory practices are put in place to tell these people, you can’t do this.
• I'm here today as a voice for my brother and others who were victimized by this practice.
• As you get into your practice, you need to continue training, like an athlete.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.

Transcript Highlights:

• stakeholder feedback and establishes a strong framework for pole standards that is comprehensive and practical
• Lastly, this bill clarifies some confusion we've seen in practice by stating that the disclosure notice
• It's been the practice of data brokers to try to get around that law.
• It's been the practice of data brokers to try to get around that law.
• But with that, I'd be happy. ...come together to make this a really practical solution.

Bills: SB438, SB512, SB647, SB648, SB1495, SB2121, SB2145, SB2154, SB2167, SB2184, SB2211, SB2268, SB2349, SB2443, SB2629, SB2702, SB2902

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first voted out several pending bills. Senate Bill 1612 was reported favorably to the full Senate with objections sent to the local and contested calendar. The committee then adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported Senate Bills 2717, 1468, 1642, and 1789, with 1642 and 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council and add agencies to it; SB 1468 and SB 1642 were discussed as changes affecting utility and insurance-related structures; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards, with the author saying it would clarify PUC authority and create more practical statewide standards. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from Pablo Vegas, who said Texas load growth remains strong but ERCOT is adjusting its large-load forecast downward using historical delays and realization rates for data centers and other large loads. He said the adjusted forecast is still very high, but more realistic for planning, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, demand response, and the role of Senate Bill 6 in helping model large data centers as flexible load. The committee then took testimony on a series of bills and left most pending after public comment. SB 2629 would allow condominium and property owners associations to hold meetings and vote electronically; testimony supported it as a way to improve access, though some members expressed concern about overuse of virtual meetings. SB 2702 would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies instead of requiring a separate TCEQ license, and was supported as a workforce and public health measure. SB 2167 would let TDLR pause new massage-establishment license applications when an applicant is subject to a human trafficking emergency order or pending SOAH case. SB 2349 would exempt short-term residential leases and certain leasebacks from floodplain disclosure requirements while allowing the notice to be included in the lease packet. SB 2121 would tighten the data broker registry law from the prior session, and SB 2443 would allow TDLR to use electronic delivery for notices and contested-case documents. Additional bills focused on consumer protection, housing, and regulatory administration. SB 2902 would help victims of coerced debt and identity theft stop collection efforts by requiring proof such as a court order or FTC report; advocates said it would protect survivors while still preventing fraud. SB 512 would bar money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations in a way that forfeits account funds, and supporters framed it as a protection against private financial penalties. SB 2145 would allow public improvement districts and tax increment finance districts to meet virtually with at least one member physically present, while SB 2268 would give the PUC flexibility to extend Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in certain cases. SB 1495 would create an advisory board for electric vehicle supply equipment standards, SB 2154 would extend statewide regulation to delivery network companies, SB 2184 would lower the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display licenses from 21 to 18, SB 438 would expand confidentiality protections for SOAH administrative law judges, SB 2211 would treat digital products and desalinated water as industrial products to support combined energy-water projects, and SB 647 would strengthen title-theft protections by improving notice and clerk authority to reject fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after testimony, and several drew support from industry, consumer, or advocacy witnesses along with some member concerns about electronic meetings, licensing, and data accuracy.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are practical, actionable solutions grounded in the operational capabilities of our state agencies
• Okay, my name is Carrie Fyte, and I'm an attorney with Community Justice Project, and our practice is
• question is it's paramount for your members of your association because they are employing best practices
• Under the Florida Unfair Trade and Deceptive Practices Act, unless there is a good-faith effort to comply
• In Florida, the practice of the death penalty has involved the state in erroneous convictions, in botched

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long series of criminal justice, public safety, victim protection, and regulatory bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements, SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, SB 1072 creating an expedited DNA testing grant program, SB 1140 establishing a Hillsborough County criminal offender substance abuse pilot program, SB 1266 revising public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement identities, SB 1546 delaying and refining background screening requirements for athletic coaches, SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings related to terrorism victims, SB 1444 making a broad set of criminal justice changes, SB 240 on domestic and dating violence protections, SB 606 clarifying public lodging and food service removal procedures for nonpaying guests, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving people with significant medical conditions, SB 44 increasing penalties for impersonating law enforcement with unauthorized red or blue lights, SB 1000 expanding court-ordered sealing options, SB 1400 requiring platforms to remove altered sexual depictions, and SB 1696 addressing rideshare impersonation and transit service rules. Many of these bills were amended before final passage, often with strike-all amendments or technical changes, and several had support from law enforcement, advocacy groups, or industry representatives. Testimony was generally supportive on the public safety and victim-protection bills, with speakers emphasizing faster DNA testing, better protections for domestic violence survivors, clearer rules for hotel and motel operators, and stronger tools against fraud, impersonation, and trafficking. Some bills drew notable concerns or opposition. SB 1266 prompted questions about whether a 72-hour cooling-off period for officer identities could be extended too broadly, while SB 606 drew concerns that the bill could affect families living in hotels or extended stays during the housing affordability crisis. SB 1444 generated discussion about false reporting language, off-duty carry for prosecutors and judges, and the scope of automatic sealing changes. SB 1000’s expanded sealing relief received broad support but was narrowed by amendments excluding certain offenses such as DUI and indecent exposure. The most contentious measure was SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for trafficking a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation. The sponsor argued it targets the most severe trafficking cases and includes safeguards such as excluding minors from capital punishment and preserving life imprisonment if the capital procedure is invalidated. Opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, argued the death penalty is unconstitutional for non-homicide crimes, costly, and ineffective, and committee members raised concerns about whether the bill would incentivize traffickers to kill victims to avoid identification. Debate also touched on broader concerns about the death penalty’s constitutionality and whether life imprisonment is a more severe punishment. The transcript ends during that debate, without a final vote on SB 1804 included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a very unusual practice before this committee.
• colleagues, Senator Klobuchar and Senator Thune, to address shipping costs and stop carriers from practices
• The FMC will continue to monitor the canal's pricing practices and consider broad reviews of Panama's
• The FMC has statutory authority under the laws concerning foreign shipping practices to investigate and
• China's current practices do not allow for that.

Transcript Highlights:

• body to do is to uh outlaw the practice body to do is to uh outlaw the practice of<00:36:45.599>
• <01:20:48.800> to um because it's not practical to um because it's not practical to continue
• . practice. practice.
• If this This practice needs to end.
• also just want to from a practical also just want to from a practical standpoint,<03:06:35.920><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it puts into statute existing practice related to existing exemptions for logging and forestry and
• Um, so it's just the practice of forestry itself.
• Um, so it's just the practice of exempt.
• Um, so it's just the practice of of<00:09:04.640> forestry<00:09:05.279> itself.
• <00:09:49.760> for acceptable management practices for acceptable management practices for

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, I found out that this was a practice, and it was a practice that in fact hit national news
• without their The federal government utilizes internet health services as a primary channel for these practices
• , I bled for nine months straight and no matter what IHS facility or private hospital or private practice
• grounded Healing and reproductive justice frameworks align with established transnational justice practices

Bills: SM14

Keywords: forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs, Commission on the Status of Women, survivor testimony, reproductive health access, genocide, transitional justice

Transcript Highlights:

• And I guess the crux of their question: what is the practical impact?
• Something practical that you can enumerate here because they weren't catching it yesterday.
• You mentioned that for every year, and we heard this committee yesterday, that the standard practice
• direction that the Department of Revenue received, was to assume full conformity, which is standard practice
• ... ...was to assume full conformity, which is standard practice, but I want my additional pieces included

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus focused on HB 2153, a tax conformity bill that would align Arizona statute with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions affecting tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bill excludes three federal provisions from H.R. 1: the additional $6,000 senior deduction, the increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction to $40,000, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. It also adds several Arizona-specific provisions, including a $6,000 deduction for certain retirement distributions for taxpayers age 65 or older, a $6,000 deduction for Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent tax credit from $100 to $125, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC’s fiscal note was cited as a negative $441.3 million in year one, declining over the next two years. Chairman Livingston and other Republican members argued the bill was needed immediately because the Department of Revenue had already issued tentative forms assuming full conformity, creating confusion for taxpayers and businesses. They said the state needed a signed law as soon as possible to avoid amended returns, inconsistent filing rules, and uncertainty for small businesses. Livingston emphasized that the bill was intended to protect small businesses from having to keep two sets of books and said he was advising taxpayers not to file until the issue was resolved. Members also discussed the practical impact on small businesses, citing testimony that Arizona has about 700,000 small businesses employing well over a million people. Several exchanges clarified the difference between the governor’s November direction to the Department of Revenue and the bill before the committee. Staff explained that DOR normally assumes “simple conformity” and that the governor’s directive attempted to add “below-the-line” deductions through a worksheet, but that those items still require statutory authorization. Members said the governor’s action was confusing and characterized it as a press release rather than binding law. The committee also discussed the child care provisions, describing them as a federal-style deduction Arizona has not previously adopted and as one of the main new benefits in the bill. The caucus ended without a vote, and members were told the floor would begin at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We should practice love as a verb. We all need love in action. It's our most common link.
• Our goals this session should be to practice love and joy and peace, patience, and kindness, goodness
• We should practice love as a verb. We all need love and action. It's our most common link.
• Our goals this session should be to practice love and joy and peace, patience, and kindness, goodness
• , Practice love and joy and peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control

Summary: The Senate convened for opening day of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. The chamber then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Ralph E. Misullo, Jr. of District 11, and welcomed a number of special guests, including statewide elected officials, Supreme Court justices, and former Senate leaders and members. The Senate adopted SCR 1466, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session to receive a message from the Governor, and waived rules to immediately transmit the resolution to the House. The Rules Chair also moved that the Secretary notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to begin the 2026 regular session. No substantive legislation was debated; the session was largely ceremonial and organizational. In remarks, the Senate President reflected on the role of the Senate, the need for balance, deliberation, and checks and balances, and highlighted priorities such as rural Florida, citrus recovery, farmers feeding Florida, rural health care, affordability, low taxes, property tax relief, and fiscal restraint. He also emphasized faith, service, and cooperation. At the end of the session, Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be considered the next day, and the Senate adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with committee meetings and other business to follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• our best to share, um, you know, state-of-the-art information, data that OHA has collected on best practices
• our best to share, um, you know, state-of-the-art information, data that OHA has collected on best practices
• 00:04:36.720> best data that OHA has collected on best data that OHA has collected on best practices
• 38.000> years<00:04:38.320> so<00:04:38.800> that<00:04:39.040> we're practices
• over the years so that we're practices over the years so that we're moving<00:04:39.520> in<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met in decision-making sessions on March 18 and considered several House bills. On HB 576 HD2, the chair proposed an amendment clarifying that the bill would not apply to transfers of Hawaiian Homes lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, including lease conditions for 99-year terms; the committee adopted the recommendation to pass with amendments, with one no vote. On HB 606, the chair recommended passing the bill with amendments and a committee report requesting a $50 million appropriation; that recommendation was also adopted, again with one no vote. HB 1408 was recommended for indefinite deferral, and no discussion was recorded before adjournment. In a later portion of the meeting, the committee heard testimony on HB 410, which was described by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as its budget request. OHA testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance its strategic plan, reduce disparities affecting Native Hawaiians in health, housing, economic development, and education, and improve transparency and data-driven oversight. The committee noted additional support and opposition testimony counts on other measures, including HB 871 and HB 1091, and then moved into decision-making. The committee ultimately adopted the chair’s recommendations to pass HB 410 HD1 unamended, HB 871 HD1 unamended, and HB 1091 HD1 as is. Senator Ihara was noted as excused for part of the later voting. The meeting concluded with no further testimony or discussion and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You practiced that. That was awesome. Yeah.
• These best practices are now scaled out district-wide.
• It's not just practice. You have to get those two things to start talking to each other.
• And so, Competing in the healthcare world or they're competing for private practice.
• Best practices were not followed.

Keywords: 1184, house, all