Transcript Highlights:

• proceeds from criminal activities, such as those linked to human trafficking, organized crime, financial fraud
• forfeiture actions in these specific cases involving felony human trafficking. trafficking, health care fraud
• purpose. ...set forfeiture with the narrow exception that currently we can do so in some healthcare fraud
• But what this would do is expand that to include healthcare fraud, the trafficking section, and the public
• We also have fraud.

Bills: HB115, HB 115, HB507, HB1765, HB1847, HB2046, HB2239, HB2328, HB2309, HB2417, HB2728, HB2794, HB3206, HB3566, HB3694, HB3744, HB4254, HB4697, HB4733, HB4915, HB5465, HB2813

Keywords: public funds, lobbying, political subdivision, government spending, transparency, HB 115, taxpayer-funded lobbying, local government lobbying, county association dues, municipal lobbying, lobbyist registration, Chapter 305, Government Code Section 556.0056, Local Government Code Section 89.002, county government, city government, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, state association of counties, sheriffs association

Transcript Highlights:

• So is this going to protect them from fraud, or will it protect their... ...protect them from fraud,
• Finally, the bill addresses technical glitches regarding the Securities Guarantee Fund fraud provision
• . ...regarding the Securities Guarantee Fund fraud provision and exempt securities transactions.
• Are there safeguards that exist to ensure exempted transactions don't lead to increased fraud or financial
• Do you know how we're protecting our investors from fraud? Representative, you're recognized.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, if we want to get to the issues of fraud and government waste, government oversight, we're
• political attack on the Attorney General's office and their ability to stand up for consumers, to confront fraud
• important as when you wanted to change a shell to may about the Attorney General's obligation. to do fraud
• And the fraud investigations are an important part of why we need this information.
• So as we're talking about fraud issues, we are left only... to guess what kind of fraud investigations

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:21.759> the years ago to actually detect the years ago to actually detect the possibility
• Furthermore, early detection of type 1 diabetes gives patients the opportunity to enroll in clinical
• Furthermore, early detection of type 1 diabetes gives patients the opportunity to enroll in clinical
• Furthermore, early detection of type 1 diabetes gives patients the opportunity to enroll in clinical
• Furthermore, early detection of type 1 diabetes gives patients the opportunity to enroll in clinical

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 102, which would make informational materials about type 1 diabetes available on the Department of Education website. Senator Ward said the bill is intended to help parents, teachers, and school staff recognize early symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss so children can be referred for care before they develop diabetic ketoacidosis. He noted that a newer blood test can identify some children at risk earlier than in the past. Members asked how people would be directed to the website, and Ward said the information would be posted online and also distributed in handouts, with school personnel helping spread awareness. He emphasized the bill is informational only and not a diagnostic or treatment tool. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives from the Dartmouth Diabetes Link and students with type 1 diabetes who described delayed diagnoses, emergency hospitalizations, and the difficulty of having symptoms misunderstood as stress, athletics, or normal teenage changes. They said the bill could help parents, teachers, and peers recognize warning signs earlier and reduce the risk of life-threatening ketoacidosis. One witness noted that New Hampshire ranks high in childhood type 1 diabetes, and another said even a single person seeing the information could make a difference. A retired diabetes educator and state representative also testified in support. The hearing on SB 102 was then closed. The committee then opened the hearing on Senate Bill 211, which would require school sports teams to be designated as male, female, or co-ed, bar biological males from female-designated teams and locker rooms, and create a cause of action for violations. Senator Avard said the bill responds to constituent concerns and is meant to protect fairness, safety, and privacy for biological females. In questioning, he said girls could still play on boys’ teams, but boys could not play on girls’ teams, and he said he would be open to changes. Opponents, including an attorney from LGBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, argued the bill is substantially the same as a law passed the previous year that was already challenged in federal court and found likely unconstitutional under equal protection and Title IX; they urged the committee to mark it inexpedient to legislate. The transcript cuts off before any committee vote or further action on SB 211.

Transcript Highlights:

• nation-leading fraud. nation-leading fraud.
• to additional tools to stop fraud. to additional tools to stop fraud.
• You know, a fraud has been a discussion here at the legislature.
• You know, a fraud has been a discussion here at the legislature.
• You know, a fraud has been a discussion here at the legislature.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House considered the conference committee report on House File 1141, a housing bill, and moved to adopt the report and repass the bill as amended. Rep. Howard said the compromise would help build thousands of new homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, EHPAP, supportive housing, and a new provision for greater public access at MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate proposals, including a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases, were not included. Several members spoke in support of the compromise. Rep. Kozlowski emphasized the bill’s role in addressing housing instability, homelessness, and workforce shortages, citing investments in first-generation homebuyer assistance, supportive housing, and preservation of beds and units. Rep. Skraba and Rep. West also supported the bill, with Skraba praising the bipartisan process and West arguing the bill focused on supply-side solutions such as manufactured housing and easing development constraints. Rep. Schultz opposed the bill, arguing the money should instead go to school safety, fraud prevention, asset preservation, and lowering costs for taxpayers. After brief discussion, the House adopted the conference report and advanced the bill to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, my office, as you know, exists to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.
• and Abuse that is the reason waste Fraud and Abuse that is the reason why<00:37:30.119> it<00
• and Abuse how do we make waste Fraud and Abuse how do we make sure<00:37:46.599> there's<00:37
• and Abuse um so I think it's Fraud and Abuse um so I think it's important<00:38:36.640> to<00
• I obviously don’t want fraud or abuse, and we craft everything we do in terms of that kind of guidance

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:44 Attendance Roll Call: 00:55 SB 193 (Sen. Girdler): 01:53 SB 9 (Sen. Higdon): 03:22 SB 257 (Sen. Tichenor): 34:14 Adjournment: 50:57, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government first took up Senate Bill 193, a simple measure described as restoring wallet cards for jailers to carry when they are outside the jail. The sponsor noted the fiscal impact was essentially zero, there were no questions, and the committee approved the bill 9-0 for passage to the Senate floor. The committee then heard Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Higdon, which would change how the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) treats sick leave, personal leave, and annual leave in retirement calculations. The sponsor argued the bill is intended to address TRS’s financial challenges by standardizing leave rules statewide, limiting TRS retirement credit to 10 sick days and 2 personal days per year, preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave, requiring districts to pay the actuarial cost for any leave beyond the cap, and adding reporting and oversight requirements for participating agencies. He also said the bill would add 30 days of maternity leave, allow voluntary district contributions for tier four teachers, and direct the state auditor to audit TRS and report on agencies. Committee members asked about how overages would be audited and billed, the cost of a sick day, and how the bill would interact with local leave policies, including paid parental leave in some districts. The sponsor clarified that existing accumulated leave would not be affected, that the bill applies going forward, and that districts could still offer more leave but would bear the added cost. Members also discussed whether the maternity leave language set a cap or a minimum, and one senator noted the bill was intended to preserve personal days while stopping annual leave from being converted into pension credit. No vote on Senate Bill 9 was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, as part of the Governor's broader effort to prevent fraud and ensure responsible stewardship
• 48.18 clarifies that MDE's OIG jurisdiction includes the ability to investigate theft in addition to fraud
• We have learned that the crime of theft is unique from fraud and requires its own definition and its
• curious, this strikes language on the retaliation for an employer individual who discloses information: fraud
• learning about bodies and science—to what is the very detailed process that we investigate ways of fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:26:12.640> in funds, those found liable for fraud in funds, those found liable for fraud
• <04:51:13.120> that<04:51:13.360> are anti-fraud guide guard rails that are anti-fraud
• Trump has been are with regard to fraud.
• <05:03:48.958> to Apparently not too eager about fraud to Apparently not too eager about fraud
• prevention<05:09:13.520> measure make this fraud prevention measure make this fraud prevention

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in state government, and so it is important that the House have a committee on fraud prevention and
• 01:08:20.359> waste<01:08:21.159> and<01:08:21.759> uh<01:08:22.600> uh fraud
• and waste and uh uh fraud and waste and uh uh misappropriation<01:08:24.400> in<01:08:24.600>
• have<01:08:28.199> a<01:08:28.480> committee<01:08:29.319> on<01:08:29.880> fraud
• <01:08:30.359> prevention<01:08:31.199> and have a committee on fraud prevention and

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened for the opening of the 2025-2026 Minnesota legislative session. Secretary of State Steve Simon called the chamber to order, appointed a clerk pro tem, and Pastor Ben Mayatt delivered the prayer before the Pledge of Allegiance. The clerk then conducted the roll call, and after an initial dispute over quorum and authority, the House determined that 67 members were present, establishing a quorum. The main business was organizing the House. Members nominated and seconded Representative Lisa Demuth for Speaker, and she was elected on a 67-0 roll call vote. After taking the oath, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing service, civility, bipartisan cooperation, accountability, and focusing on practical results for Minnesotans. The House also adopted a resolution accepting the findings in the District 40B election contest and declaring a vacancy there, and another resolution adopting temporary House rules for the session, including a committee structure and a fraud prevention/state government oversight committee. Members then adopted a resolution authorizing necessary House employees to continue working, and the Speaker announced appointments for Speaker pro tempore, Deputy Speaker pro tempore, and the House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration. The House also approved permanent desk assignments for the Republican and DFL caucuses. The session ended with announcements about a reception and a Rules Committee meeting, followed by adjournment until noon on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:19:22.159> systems<01:19:22.560> issued<01:19:22.880> an photo detection
• systems issued an photo detection systems issued an average<01:19:23.280> of<01:19:23.719>
• system, which this committee had previously decided would only be in the existing red-light photo detection
• <01:21:24.159> red<01:21:24.360> light<01:21:24.600> photo<01:21:24.920> detection
• <01:21:25.719> sites existing red light photo detection sites existing red light photo detection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro. Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons. Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another area where we can find a significant amount of savings is going after waste, fraud, and abuse
• put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans with some tax relief. after uh waste Fraud
• > and<00:17:32.520> Abuse<00:17:32.919> so<00:17:33.400> I comes to waste Fraud
• and Abuse so I comes to waste Fraud and Abuse so I think<00:17:33.600> you'll<00:17:33.799>
• some<00:17:39.480> of<00:17:39.640> that<00:17:40.160> waste<00:17:40.520> Fraud

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We went two times, and we saw fraud those two times.
• standards, evidence of what appears to be fraud.
• I mean a a publicly criminal fraud.
• That’s where there’s this fraud occurring.
• Uh that that's where there's this fraud Uh that that's where there's this fraud occurring.<01:09

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill doesn't stop fraud.
• Voter fraud is already a felony.
• Voter fraud is already a felony.
• Non-citizens in the current climate. voter fraud is already a felony.
• No fraud. When we win, elections are great when we win.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 1342, a transit-oriented development bill intended to expand housing near fixed transit corridors. The sponsor said the measure builds on the Live Local Act by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging private investment around transit investments. An amendment was adopted that narrowed definitions, limited the bill to land use and development regulations, removed a private cause of action, and exempted certain sensitive areas including military installations and environmentally sensitive lands. Supporters argued the bill would increase housing supply and maximize the return on state transit spending, while local government groups and other opponents warned it would preempt local zoning, impose uniform density rules, and create infrastructure, evacuation, and public input concerns. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1334, an elections bill that would require documentary proof of citizenship in certain voter registration and verification processes, update candidate qualification rules, require U.S. citizen markers on driver licenses and ID cards, and clarify that paper ballots are the primary voting method. Two technical amendments were adopted. The sponsor said the bill would streamline verification by allowing agencies to rely on Real ID and DHSMV records, reduce duplicate documentation, and improve communication between state systems. Senators questioned the fiscal impact, data-sharing procedures, storage of sensitive documents, effects on students, disabled voters, and people without driver licenses or Real IDs. A large number of public speakers opposed the bill, arguing it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled people, low-income residents, naturalized citizens, and people with name changes, while a smaller number supported it as an election integrity measure. The bill was ultimately not finished in the portion of the transcript provided, but the committee continued taking testimony and questions. Later, the committee took up CS for SB 1362 on advanced air mobility. A strike-all amendment was adopted to align the bill with the House version and authorize FDOT to fund vertiports and charging systems as part of public-private partnerships, including up to 80% of the non-federal share when federal funds are available and up to 100% if FDOT elects to do so. The sponsor framed the bill as helping Florida lead in advanced air mobility, and the measure was reported favorably with support from industry and local government representatives. Finally, the committee heard SB 174, which would designate a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and direct FDOT to install markers at an estimated cost of $2,400. The sponsor said the designation was tied to Turning Point USA activity at FIU and civic engagement. Several senators objected in debate, arguing Kirk was divisive and that the state should reserve road memorials for figures more broadly deserving of honor; others defended the designation as symbolic and non-regulatory. The transcript ends during the sponsor’s closing remarks, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have an insurance and fraud and auto theft prevention program.
• In 2024, the Fraud Division initiated 112 auto theft prosecutions so far this year.
• The insurance fraud and title programs again have no general fund increases, but these are insurance
• The Fraud and Title Program, as I mentioned, is funded by insurance industry assessments.
• To spend dollars on preventing the fraud, it seems like they have to let them go.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is a significant step forward in consumer protection and fighting fraud.
• NICB is proud to support this pro-consumer, anti-fraud legislation, and respectfully asks for your aye
• AGSC strongly supports any fraud and disclosure requirements.
• support consumer protection, transparency, safety, and proper ADAS calibration, and stopping real fraud
• Fraud increases premiums. We... ...concern. Fraud increases premiums. We all pay for it.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor has proposed an enterprise-wide fraud prevention and program integrity initiative.
• The governor has proposed an enterprise-wide fraud prevention and program integrity initiative.
• The first we want to highlight is the fraud prevention and program integrity package.
• prevention and program Integrity fraud prevention and program Integrity one<00:30:33.000> is<
• waste and abuse and to investigate fraud waste and abuse and to address<00:30:43.240> complaints<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill came to our attention from our Medicaid fraud unit, and I do have our director of Medicaid
• to our Medicaid fraud unit, and why I think passing this bill would save some money for the folks who
• I'm Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Attorney General's Office.
• So as part of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, we investigate both criminal and civil allegations.
• We're trying to utilize that same process in the Medicaid fraud.

Summary: The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met and reported a series of measures, many of them asking the Louisiana State Law Institute to study legal issues. HCR 31 was reported favorably to study the use of the term “foreign” as applied to juridical persons. HCR 61 was reported favorably after discussion about expropriation and carbon capture, with the author agreeing to broaden the study beyond carbon capture alone. HCR 96 was also reported favorably to study civil bench warrants and notice procedures in judgment debtor proceedings. The committee likewise advanced HCR 160, which asks the Law Institute to study property transfer issues and the public records doctrine in light of a recent case. Several bills dealing with court procedure and family law were heard and advanced. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported favorably. SB 76, concerning modification of child custody judgments, was reported with amendments after testimony that it would codify existing standards and add a five-year rule for applying the lower best-interest standard. HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and limits recognition of foreign custody laws contrary to Louisiana public policy, was reported favorably. SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts in child custody and child-in-need-of-care cases, was also reported favorably after testimony from advocates and medical groups. The committee also advanced measures involving civil litigation and state legal procedures. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA court to protect privacy rights, was reported favorably. SCR 19, asking the Law Institute to study long-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud/False Claims Act investigations, was reported favorably after explanation that it would let the Attorney General gather information without filing suit first. SB 139, adjusting interest on personal injury and wrongful death claims against the state or political subdivisions, was reported favorably. Finally, SB 475, dealing with fees for service of process, was reported favorably. HB 668 was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• company that very simply builds tools and solutions to help people verify their identity and combat fraud
• You can simultaneously confirm good people get access to services while combating fraud in its different
• You can simultaneously confirm good people get access to services while combating fraud in its different
• language model—ChatGPT, Gemini, Anthropic, and Google—[and ask] how do you verify identity or fight fraud
• 27, the methods that have historically been used are going to be rendered ineffective in combating fraud

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think this opens it up to a lot of maybe fraud, which we've seen a lot in Southern Indiana, so I
• So I think this opens it up to a lot of maybe fraud, which we've seen a lot in Southern Indiana, so I
• So I think this opens it up to a lot of maybe fraud, which we've seen a lot in Southern Indiana, so I
• I think this opens it up to a lot of maybe fraud, which we've seen a lot in Southern Indiana, so I have
• The more ways that we can make sure it's transparent and we deal with issues such as fraud, I think it's

Keywords: Consideration of HB 373 02:30 Consideration of HB 455 10:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with opening prayer, pledge, and procedural reminders, then took up two election-related bills. House Bill 373, sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams, would modernize campaign finance law to allow campaign funds to pay for reasonable security measures for state candidates, officeholders, their families, and campaign or office staff. Williams said the bill uses campaign funds only, not state dollars, and is modeled on recently changed federal language. Members discussed whether the coverage included all state officeholders and close family members, and supporters cited increasing threats and harassment toward public officials; one member opposed the bill, warning about possible misuse and fraud. The bill passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 455, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Flannery, which creates an Office of Election Investigations and Security within the Attorney General’s office. Flannery said the bill would codify existing practices, establish a complaint and allegation review process, create a voter fraud hotline, and provide for investigations, referrals, and legislative oversight. Members asked about cost and whether the office duplicated existing functions such as the Public Integrity Office; Flannery responded that the bill creates a statutorily defined office and is intended to make the process less dependent on who holds the office. Supporters said the measure could improve transparency and voter trust, while opponents argued it duplicates existing agencies, could increase government size and cost, and might expose people to harassment or retaliation. The bill also passed with favorable expression, and the committee then adjourned.