Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1268 by Hayes of the House and Weaver of the Senate, an act relating to retirement.
• House Bill 1268 establishes a deferred option plan within the Oklahoma Public Retirement System to allow
• emergency medical responders, deputy sheriffs, and jailers with at least 20 years of service to defer retirement
• benefits and put their retirement contributions into a deferred option retirement plan.
• House Bill 1268 by Hayes of the House and Weaver of the Senate, an act relating to retirement.

Bills: HB3329 , HR1039 , HR1040 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB3706 , HB3711 , HB4139 , HB1268 , HB3660 , HJR1023 , HB3298 , HB3056 , HJR1084 , HB3934 , HB3919 , HB4118 , HB4119 , HB3791 , HB4260 , HB4178 , HB4215 , HB4324 , HB3270 , HB4352 , HB4305 , HB2955 , HB3315 , HB3066 , HB1245 , HB4125 , HB3075 , HB3129 , HB3239 , HB4153 , HB3265 , HB4491 , SB680 , HB4263 , HB4268 , HB1675 , HB3885 , HB2984 , HB3697 , HB2959 , HB3671 , HB3852 , HB2933 , HB3057 , HB3802 , HB4294 , HB4285 , HB3708 , HB3979 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB3985 , HB3588 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HJR1070 , HB3590 , HB3595 , HB3391 , HB3183 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB1002 , HB4434 , HJR1086 , HB4060 , HB3881 , HB3500 , HB4408 , HB3648 , HB3127 , HB3606

Summary: The House met in session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held an extended OU Day presentation recognizing the University of Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team for its 2025 national championship and honoring athletic director Joseph Castiglione. OU President Joseph Harris and Castiglione both spoke about the university’s growth, affordability efforts, health care expansion, and research progress, and the championship team was introduced and thanked the Legislature for its support. The chamber also received several gallery introductions, including visitors from Stigler, North Rock Creek, and Charles Page High School, along with the Doctor and Nurse of the Day. The floor then took up a package of public finance and procurement bills sponsored by Representative Strom. House Bills 3413 through 3420 focused on transparency, contract reporting, subcontractor disclosure, post-contract assessments, central purchasing rules, restrictions on bid information sharing, and limits on pilot programs and CIO contract justifications. Each bill was advanced and passed, with vote totals ranging from 87-95 in favor and only a few nays on some measures. Strom described the package as a response to audit findings and concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse in state and local spending. The House also passed several other measures. House Bill 3706, as amended, requires more elementary school math instruction time and drew questions about balance with reading and other subjects; it passed 74-19, and its emergency was approved. House Bill 3711 requires school districts to post instructional spending percentages and include them in bond materials, passing 79-16 with the emergency clause approved. House Bill 4139 created the Oklahoma Home Service Transparency Act and passed 89-5. House Bill 1268 created a deferred option retirement plan for certain emergency responders and law enforcement personnel and passed 92-1 after a title strike request. House Bill 3660, concerning natural organic reduction/cremation, passed 59-37 after debate over licensing and public health concerns. House Joint Resolution 1023 updating the workers’ compensation fee schedule passed unanimously, and House Bill 3298 standardizing judicial interviews of children in family proceedings passed 95-0. House Bill 3056, allowing sales of unpasteurized milk at farms, feed stores, and farmers markets, prompted extensive debate over safety, labeling, liability, and market access, but ultimately passed 43-11. The House then recessed until 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did retire in January of 2021.
• So you, the timeline, you said that this complaint was filed against you after you retired?
• I had been retired for over two years.
• I'm a retired nurse, and this is what it looks like, so I want to stay licensed, though.
• I'm a retired nurse, and this is what it looks like, so I want to stay licensed, though.

Bills: HB2408 , HB2434 , HB2725 , HB2728 , HB2729 , HB2730 , HB2731 , HB2732 , HB2733

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• I was just at a luncheon with some retired firefighters that I worked with.
• Which we don't have a program really for those retired firefighters that we need to look at.
• And you mentioned you plan to retire, so we'll miss you, but what's next for you, Senator?
• </c> lunchon with uh some retired lunchon with uh some retired firefighters<00:18:52.960><c> that</c>
• </c> have a program really for those retired have a program really for those retired firefighters<00:

Summary: The segment focused first on Senator John Marty’s bill, SF 3612, which would remove private insurers and HMOs from Minnesota’s state health care programs and replace them with a statewide administrative services model. Marty argued that managed care has created churn, coverage disruptions, and administrative waste in Medicaid and MinnesotaCare, and said the state should instead pay providers directly while investing more in care coordination, case management, and wraparound services through primary care clinics and county-based purchasers. He said the goal is better care, not just savings, though he also cited potential taxpayer savings and pointed to Connecticut as a model. He acknowledged the bill is not expected to become law this year and said a fiscal note and more details are still pending. Marty said the proposal has support from the governor and groups such as the American Cancer Society, but that his current co-authors are all DFL members. He expressed hope for bipartisan support and said the simpler system would also improve fraud detection and transparency. He addressed concerns about insurance-industry jobs by saying workers should be treated fairly and that retraining and dislocated-worker assistance would be part of the transition. He also said the broader goal is universal coverage for all medical needs, including mental health and dental care, without co-pays or deductibles. The second half highlighted Senator Jeff Howe and Minnesota’s Hometown Heroes Assistance Program for firefighters. Howe described the program as a statewide effort for roughly 20,000 career, paid-on-call, and volunteer firefighters that provides up to $20,000 in assistance for occupational illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, along with training, counseling, and family support. He said the program helps firefighters process trauma and has been recognized as the nation’s most comprehensive firefighter well-being initiative. Howe said the most recent version of the bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers, and he suggested future expansions could include retired firefighters and possibly peace officers. The segment also noted a separate therapy approach using retired racehorses to help first responders work through trauma, with participants saying it has helped them stay on the job and manage anxiety and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have thermal retirements.
• and you know some with they're retiring and you know some of<00:54:02.880><c> that's</c><00:54:03.040
• </c> resource plans which is where retirement resource plans which is where retirement decisions<00:58
• to or detracts from grid contributes to or detracts from grid reliability<01:03:36.400><c> power</c>
• an asset to demonstrate that the retire an asset to demonstrate that the system<01:04:35.000><c> would

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We have about 2,454 folks on deck in 5 years to retire.
• of two or three percent into that account, so when he reaches retirement age, he has his own health
• of two or three percent into that account, so when he reaches retirement age, he has his own health
• of two or three percent into that account, so when he reaches retirement age, he has his own health
• </c> hire and they do an ongoing contribution hire and they do an ongoing contribution of<01:46:53.960

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and so people like that, he's out of the workforce now because of age and retirement, but people
• In order to stay in business this year, I've had to cash in my retirement.
• </c><01:02:43.680><c> I</c> I've had to cash in my retirement. I I've had to cash in my retirement.
• One-half of 1% of every grain check is contributed to this checkoff.
• Tariffs contribute to the everyone else.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arab and American high schooler who studies the same curriculum and follows the same rules and contributes
• diversity of the state, and this will be a beautiful way to teach our kids about Islam and about the contributions
• single one of us has Muslim residents, Muslim Californians, Muslim workers, Muslim students who are contributing
• single one of us has Muslim residents, Muslim Californians, Muslim workers, Muslim students who are contributing
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. Rubio, aye.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:

• So basically, what you're proposing is similar to how I treat my retirement fund.
• People who contribute to endowments, they usually want something in return from time to time.
• Let's say you contributed to the endowment or to the Show Me Prosperity Fund.
• If you want to contribute to the fund, great. That's on you.
• It has to contribute to infrastructure, and that's the only... Okay, okay. And why...

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs held public hearings on three measures. House Bill 2289, sponsored by Rep. Owen, would create a real estate fund to let the state more quickly sell and buy property, with proceeds from sales and other monies deposited for future real property acquisitions. Rep. Owen and Office of Administration witness Hanna-Swan said the current process is too slow and cumbersome, especially when the state needs to consolidate or relocate offices; Rep. Walshmore raised concerns about siloing funds during tight budget years, while supporters said the fund would improve flexibility and efficiency. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 189, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, proposing a Missouri sovereign wealth fund, or “Show Me Prosperity Fund.” Wellenkamp argued the state needs a long-term investment vehicle to address infrastructure and fiscal pressures, with the Treasurer investing in private markets under strict controls and the fund eventually replacing tax revenue once it matures. Members questioned the source of initial funding, the investment rules, the audit provisions, and whether the fund could be used for broader state spending; no witnesses testified in opposition or support, and no action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2906, sponsored by Rep. Mayhew, which would raise dollar limits for certain Office of Administration construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair contracts and authorize master agreements for architecture, engineering, and land surveying services. Mayhew and OA said the changes would account for inflation and reduce delays by prequalifying vendors for two-year periods instead of repeating the RFQ process for small projects. An engineering industry witness supported the bill as an efficiency measure, and committee members asked about the contract limits, the master agreement structure, and how the numbers were chosen. The hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• four-year degree necessarily; that it, you know, we're talking about an education to go out and contribute
• </c><00:02:58.640><c> go</c><00:02:58.720><c> out</c><00:02:58.879><c> and</c><00:02:59.120><c> contribute
• </c><00:02:59.440><c> to</c> education to to go out and contribute to education to to go out and contribute
• And I think, you know, folks often when they see legislators who retire or even resign and go straight

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing shortages contribute to slower economic growth.
• Housing shortages contribute to slower economic growth.
• Housing shortages contribute to slower economic growth.
• Housing shortages contribute to slower economic growth.
• Housing shortages contribute to slower economic growth.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• It contributes significantly to the state's economy, supporting 385,000 jobs, 13% of the workforce.
• </c><00:18:34.600><c> It</c><00:18:34.679><c> contributes</c> practice in Minnesota.
• It contributes practice in Minnesota.
• Uh, right now, the national stat that you hear the most is that today, 75% of all CPAs could retire.
• Uh, right now, the national stat that you hear the most is that today, 75% of all CPAs could retire.

Bills: HF1458 , HF2063 , HF2164 , HF1377 , HF927 , HF1059 , HF1910 , HF2232

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The fund will be used to match the employer contributions.
• House Bill 270 is relating to public works, requiring contributions to apprentice and training programs
• It also adds a new subsection C, which would create an exception that would result in no contribution
• That has led and has been contributing to the workforce shortage that is happening in New Mexico, and
• I've been in the business for 15 years now since I retired from the city.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first addressed a point of order over whether HB 270 could be heard after being taken up earlier in the Transportation Committee. The chair ruled the bill could proceed because it was assigned to this committee and had been properly noticed. The committee then heard HB 280, which would create a three-year pilot program to support paid student internships through grants administered by the Department of Workforce Solutions. Supporters said the bill would help fund internships, mentoring, and transportation, and could improve workforce development, graduation outcomes, and pathways into apprenticeships or higher education. Members asked about administrative costs, student selection, rural and tribal access, payment mechanisms, and whether public entities, land grants, and dual credit could be included. The bill sponsor and witnesses said the program would likely serve about 100 students, use a sliding-scale matching model, and allow local flexibility in program design. The committee voted due pass on HB 280. The committee then heard House Memorial 46, honoring the Hurley family and especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley for military service and artistic contributions in New Mexico. The memorial was presented as a tribute to a family of heroes, and members expressed support. The committee voted due pass on the memorial. Finally, the committee heard HB 270, which would amend the Public Works Apprentice and Training Act to require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs on most public works projects, including road and utility work, while exempting trades without approved programs. Sponsors said the bill would close loopholes, broaden participation, and strengthen the workforce pipeline. Opposition came from asphalt, contractor, and utility groups, which argued the bill would raise costs, duplicate existing training programs, and create access problems for nonunion and geographically distant contractors. Supporters from mechanical contractors, building trades, and labor groups said the bill would improve workforce development and keep training dollars in New Mexico. After debate over the earlier Transportation Committee action and the bill’s cost impacts, the committee voted due pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• System and the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
• The concurrent resolution supports the potential use of digital assets by the Arizona State Retirement
• System and the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
• System and the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
• System and the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so we used to have special elections whenever someone died or retired, but because of cost we made
• No, but that's so the law changed until it... somebody retired or resigned or um or somebody retired
• SB 809 relates to campaign contributions.
• this prohibit state or contributions this prohibit state or County<00:59:29.359><c> grantees</c><00:
• from contributing to candidate committees<00:59:39.319><c> and</c><00:59:39.520><c> non-candidate</c

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a retired Army veteran and has been a registered nurse for over 40 years, serving the VAMC in
• you please recognize Senator Goodwin to explain the provisions of Senate For 30 years and in her retirement
• So if a foreign entity is, say, contributing to a nonprofit or contributing to a local entity, they wouldn't
• They would only count if the person lobbying for them was also involved in soliciting contributions.
• That's also listed as one of the activities they're soliciting, collecting, or just disbursing Contributions

Bills: SB1521 , SB372 , SB1232 , SB1307 , SB1338 , SB1390 , SB1451 , SB1463 , SB1558 , SB1567 , SB1595 , SB1621 , SB1734 , SB1749 , SB1827 , SB1833 , SB1991 , SB1992 , SB63 , SB2063 , SB2180 , SB1198 , SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, we've learned from forest management in our Sierras that that contributes to a healthier watershed
• I think it's a terrific one in giving people recognition for the contributions they've made and hopefully
• The health impacts of air pollution are contributing to the affordability crisis facing Californians.
• Ruth McDonald, on behalf of Climate Action California, retired lung specialist, speaking in strong support
• Ruth McDonald, on behalf of Climate Action, California, retired lung specials speaking in strong support

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1938, which would create a voluntary process for local governments to designate California surf reserves through the Ocean Protection Council. The author and supporters, including Save the Waves Coalition, the League of California Cities, and the California State Association of Counties, argued the bill would recognize surf breaks as important natural and economic assets. The bill received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations and passed on a roll call vote, with the measure left on call. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included AB 1699, AB 1780, AB 1891, AB 1893, and AB 2566. The committee then took up AB 2051, which would convene a coastal resilience permitting working group to develop a roadmap for streamlining permits for coastal resilience projects. The author and supporters from the Bay Area Council, Port of San Francisco, and others said the bill would reduce duplicative permitting delays while preserving environmental protections. One member raised concerns about giving too much authority to the Coastal Commission, but the bill still received a due pass recommendation to Water, Parks and Wildlife and passed on a roll call vote. AB 2494, dealing with the management of demonstration state forests, drew substantial debate. The author said the bill would update outdated 1947-era management goals to emphasize biodiversity, carbon sequestration, wildfire resilience, recreation, research, and tribal co-governance, with strong support from Mendocino County, tribal representatives, and environmental groups. Opponents from the Farm Bureau, California Forestry Association, and others argued it would shift the forests away from sustainable timber production, create funding instability, and invite litigation. After extensive questioning about forest science, old growth, funding, and tribal co-management, the bill received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations and passed on a roll call vote. The committee also approved AB 2483, which would create a permanent certification pathway for formerly incarcerated firefighters who served on Cal Fire hand crews. Supporters said the bill would recognize their training and improve job prospects after release, and it passed unanimously to Public Safety. Finally, AB 1777, the California Clean Skies Act, was heard; it would affirm CARB’s authority to adopt indirect source rules to address pollution from vehicle-heavy facilities such as warehouses and ports. Environmental, health, and labor supporters backed the bill as a tool to protect public health, while trucking, business, port, and industry groups opposed it as costly and overly broad. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with members debating whether it clarified existing authority or created new regulatory power.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a retired environmental lawyer. I taught environmental law and policy for more than a decade.
• With no relief, our clubs will be unable to contribute to the community.
• With no relief, our clubs will be unable to contribute to the communities at large from accommodating
• Gray water reuse can contribute to decreasing our carbon footprint.
• I've worked on nuclear safety issues since I retired from WilmerHale 12 years ago.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our third recommendation is that the Legislature retire the payment deferrals as soon as one-time funding
• And finally, just also want to uplift the retirement of the emergency loans that both systems took, the
• target so notably in 2025-26, while at the same time instituting a hiring freeze, appears to have contributed
• These students don't only enroll at UC, but they succeed in earning degrees and contributing to an educated
• and upwardly mobile California... ...learning degrees and contributing to an educated and upwardly mobile

Transcript Highlights:

• are lottery proceeds that are fully dedicated and are inside the $3.5 billion for FY26, but still contribute
• There is a tobacco settlement that is also fully dedicated and contributes to the taxes, licenses, and
• But again, it contributes to the taxes, licenses, and fees line that you see up there.
• it to the Budget Stabilization Fund is 25 percent that's required, and then payment of the state retirement
• million, and that's largely tied to $9 million of those standard statewide adjustments for base retirement

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• We identified two factors that contributed to this growth, including that the program was expanded to
• Multiple factors contributed to the department not ensuring schools complied with program requirements
• schools submitting reimbursement requests and for staff reviewing those requests, which may have contributed
• One was also a police officer, retired, went into the classroom, and is now a reserve police officer.
• One was also a police officer, retired, went into the classroom, and is now a reserve police officer.

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then acted as the Education Committee of Reference for three required reviews. The first was the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board sunset review. A governor’s office representative explained the board was created in 2016 to help qualifying schools, mostly charter schools, obtain lower-cost financing by guaranteeing debt with a $100 million fund. He said the board has approved 15 projects, has not met recently because it is at its statutory leverage limit, and has no dedicated staff or budget. Members supported continuation, and the committee voted by voice vote to recommend the board be continued for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The committee then heard the sunset review of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE leadership described its regional higher education compact and its student exchange and cost-savings programs, including WUE, WRGP, and PSEP. They said the programs save Arizona students money, bring students into Arizona institutions, and help address workforce shortages, especially in health care. A WICHE commissioner and the Arizona Board of Regents executive director also testified in support, emphasizing benefits for Arizona students, universities, and workforce pipelines. The committee voted by voice vote to recommend WICHE be continued for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The final item was the Auditor General’s performance audit of the Arizona Department of Education school safety program. The audit found the program had grown to more than $128 million and funded over 1,000 school safety positions, but ADE did not ensure many sampled schools complied with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, annual training, activity logs, and reimbursement documentation. The Auditor General said the department relied too heavily on written attestations and lacked sufficient monitoring and guidance, and recommended stronger oversight, written procedures, and better review of reimbursements. ADE’s school safety director responded that the department had expanded training and documentation systems, was implementing the audit recommendations, and had begun risk-based monitoring; he also said the department would add staff and invited the Auditor General to meet with ADE and ASU’s evaluator. After the audit discussion, the committee began considering House Bill 2142, which would create a school safety center at ADE and allow up to 10% of school safety program funds for administration, with members raising questions about monitoring emergency operations plans, disability-related evacuation planning, and coordination with other state agencies.