Transcript Highlights:

• whole sense of reality comes into question if we don't have the information we need to be able to evaluate
• the information we need to be<00:04:19.880> able<00:04:20.040> to<00:04:20.280> evaluate
• <00:04:20.840> what<00:04:20.959> we're<00:04:21.360> seeing be able to evaluate
• what we're seeing be able to evaluate what we're seeing you<00:04:22.520> mentioned<00:04:23.000
• <00:09:20.000> that can understand the evaluation that can understand the evaluation that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• each of those evaluations.
• The two other programs that my husband and I evaluated—one was 35% higher.
• And then, again, that $1,000 per evaluation will add some more.
• So, and then there is a timeline associated with the evaluation.
• So, and then there is a timeline associated with the evaluation.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also help with evaluation plans collecting and analyzing evaluation data as I tell programs along
• They also provide funding for the evaluation as you've heard.
• I was I said the word on the guardianship assistance evaluation.
• We wanted to program evaluation.
• And I think that the evaluation will speak to that.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• Those reports are analyzed and sent to our evaluator. We also conduct annual site visits.
• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• Those reports are analyzed and sent to our evaluator. We also conduct annual site visits.
• It amends an existing contract for evaluation support for the statewide stroke program.

Summary: The committee heard a series of appropriation requests and contract reviews across multiple sections. In Section B, members approved temporary appropriations for the Court of Appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics, and Insurance-related payments and refunds. Section C ARPA requests from DHS were approved to return unused federal funds. Section D infrastructure-related appropriations, including wildfire preparedness, broadband BEAD funding, forestry support, recycling, and oil and gas sample preservation, were approved after questions about broadband audit controls and performance safeguards. Section E DHS reallocations were approved, including large transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical to private and public nursing home lines, along with smaller transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services; members asked about the source and purpose of the medical services transfer. Sections F and G were reviewed, covering cash fund requests, federal grants, and miscellaneous grants, including community college storm repairs, corrections commissary and maintenance, 911 enhancements, maternal health, disability determinations, state police equipment, digital newspaper archiving, and CDL data improvements. In Section H, the committee reviewed pay plan appropriations and performance fund transfers tied to the new Class and Comp pay plan. Section I reviewed three methods of finance for UA Little Rock, UAMS, and the University of Arkansas system. In Section J, the committee reviewed discretionary grants, including a $1.4 million HIV services grant and nine tobacco prevention subgrants through UAPB. Members questioned the effectiveness, metrics, and addresses of some tobacco-cessation arts-based grantees, especially Arts Absolutely Inc.; after discussion, Representative Kavanaugh moved to expunge the vote on J2 and refer it back for review at a later ALC meeting, and that motion passed. J3, a Department of Energy and Environment grant for propane safety training and e-waste recycling services, was then reviewed. The committee also reviewed contracts in Section K. K-1 ratified emergency management nuclear planning work performed during a transition between agencies. K-2 construction contracts included architectural and engineering services for corrections, National Park College signage, a Razorback Road parking facility, and UAMS cyclotron installation. K-3 intergovernmental contracts covered health, education, autism waiver, stroke, newborn screening, Medicaid evidence review, and radiation testing services. K-4 out-of-state contracts included staffing, IT, tobacco prevention, audit, marketing, planetarium, recruitment, and janitorial services; Senator Irvin noted one contract appeared to belong in the out-of-state list rather than intergovernmental. K-5 in-state contracts covered staffing, cleaning, re-entry and treatment services, foster care and disability services, hearing officers, asbestos abatement, campus IT support, and janitorial work. The meeting ended after a brief personal update from Senator Irvin about tornado damage in Stone County and thanks to members for their concern, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the evaluation and the funding period to use that.
• just want to make sure that that are, as is impressed upon here is that each year is going to be evaluated
• States proposed evaluate each state will is proposing their own evaluation metrics based upon the initiatives
• So have there been any discussions for you to re-evaluate or talk to them about reevaluating?
• We're evaluate by the Cicero Institute and that that hygienist by the Oral Health Workforce Research

Transcript Highlights:

• So for instance, always evaluating.
• So there may participants are evaluated.
• <00:32:01.039> and they do get the uh evaluations and they do get the uh evaluations and assessments
• We're evaluating others. It's a little touchy.
• We're evaluating others. It's a little touchy.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• STR20 requesting the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to comprehensively re-evaluate its
• testimony in support of STR20, which urges the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to re-evaluate
• <00:03:20.400> its<00:03:20.720> policies comprehensively re-evaluate its policies
• comprehensively re-evaluate its policies regarding<00:03:21.920> in-person<00:03:22.640> contact
• <00:05:11.440> its Rehabilitation to re-evaluate its Rehabilitation to re-evaluate its policies

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR20, which urges the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to re-evaluate policies on in-person contact visitation at correctional facilities statewide so incarcerated people can stay connected with loved ones who support rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson testified that the department supports the intent of the measure and would review its policies and procedures to see whether contact visits could be restarted at all facilities, noting that some facilities already allow them. The committee also acknowledged 11 written testimonies in support, and one Zoom testifier, Panda Valdono, spoke in favor, arguing that in-person visitation supports rehabilitation, mental health, family connection, and successful reentry, and that visitation is not a major source of contraband. After testimony, the committee initially lacked quorum and recessed until 3:40 p.m. When the meeting reopened with six members present, the chair recommended passing STR20 as is. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation, with members Morikawa, Puo, Witson, and Shimizu voting aye and several members excused. The measure was approved and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• LIFELINE INCREASES ACCESS TO MEDICATION -ASSISTED TREATMENT AND INCREASED TRAINING FOR FORENSIC EVALUATORS
• REGARDING FORENSIC EVALUATORS ARE COURTS RELY ON FORENSICS EVALUATORS TO MAKE TERMINATION ON COMPETENCY
• THESE EVALUATORS MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURT ABOUT PLACEMENT OPTIONS.
• CURRENTLY THESE EVALUATORS NEED TO MAKE A ONE-TIME INITIAL TRAINING TO BE LISTED AS AN EVALUATOR WITHOUT
• ANNUAL TRAINING THESE EVALUATORS ARE NOT TRAINED ON LESS RESTRICTIVE ALTERNATIVES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• institutions this will allow<00:01:49.719> them<00:01:50.000> to<00:01:50.520> evaluate
• <00:01:51.520> each<00:01:52.159> person's allow them to evaluate each person's allow
• them to evaluate each person's curriculum<00:01:53.119> that's<00:01:53.280> coming<00
• So each individual will be evaluated on an individual basis. states that that can bridge over but for
• thank you thank you um former evaluated thank you thank you um former representative<00:04:11.879>

Keywords: Roll Call 00:20 Discussion on HB 303 00:45 Vote on HB 303 04:41 Discussion on HB 305 05:32 Vote on HB 305 08:34, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first one is going to be with the June Shelton School and Evaluation Center.
• This group is currently leading the research and evaluation for the Education Innovation and Research
• But no other independent research evaluator is embedded into the pathways program.
• . ...a rubric to evaluate applicants to apply for grants.
• We have one contract; this is a contract with the psychiatrist for evaluation services.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you have severe PTSD and you take medication for it, your benefits will be evaluated not based
• Benefits will be evaluated not based on your underlying PTSD, but based on your condition after taking
• the medication at the time you are being evaluated.
• The agency evaluated available satellite data, explored how it could advance scientific research and
• The agency evaluated available satellite data, explored how it could advance scientific research and

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Annual evaluations become voluntary.
• Annual evaluations become voluntary.
• Um, the second option is a portfolio evaluation by an evaluator.
• <01:51:23.760> And<01:51:24.000> the evaluation by an evaluator.
• And the evaluation by an evaluator.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um we further evaluation and testing.
• The heart is a further evaluation.
• HB 1595. comprehensive um eval evaluation metrics comprehensive um eval evaluation metrics to<01:36:11.360
• /c><01:36:12.880> and to evaluate both the superintendent and to evaluate both the superintendent
• <01:36:31.360> this exceeding expectations evaluation this exceeding expectations evaluation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• closeout evaluations. closeout evaluations.
• And for the remaining four evaluations, BHA could not find any documentation to support closeout evaluations
• were backdated in the evaluations were backdated in the system.
• > days<00:15:34.640> of evaluation evaluations within 60 days of evaluation evaluations within
• , And for the remaining four evaluations, And for the remaining four evaluations, BHA<00:15:50.400

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, the data they do collect is often insufficient for curriculum evaluation due to the high
• Students and parents alike welcome a serious evaluation of whether the MCA is the right tool for high
• of whether the MCA is serious evaluation of whether the MCA is the<00:27:21.520> right<00:27:
• Let's begin the evaluation with the classic carrot-and-stick analogy for students and families.
• Julia Caesar, and I am the executive director of research, evaluation, and assessment at Bloomington

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , or they bring out a copy of an evaluation of a lab report that's a photocopy on a... ...lab report
• These products are unapproved; they have not been evaluated or approved for safe use, and many pose risks
• patients. 45% were pediatric patients, and of those that required health care facility evaluation, 8%
• The Alabama Department of Agriculture is very engaged; they evaluate the THC levels and...
• They evaluate the THC levels and they will literally burn your crops if it's too high.

Bills: HB194, SB87, SB237

Keywords: healthcare, advanced practice nursing, nurse collaboration, medical board, nursing board, committee structure, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of folks, when they are waiting trial, the attorneys will ask for an evaluation to see if they're
• And now, when you talk about backlog, that's a backlog waiting for an evaluation.
• Waiting for an evaluation, yes, sir.
• So we do those forensic evaluations. There had been a backlog of forensic evaluations.
• So they provide a service... ...evaluation and provide some services.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to behavioral health as the main topic. Representatives Wooldridge and Vaught described the work of the behavioral health working group, saying Arkansas needs a more proactive system focused on access, workforce, reimbursement, and reducing red tape. Members raised concerns about provider shortages, licensure barriers, rural access, reimbursement rates, jail-based services, non-emergency transport, and the need for step-down options and crisis diversion before people end up in jail or the state hospital. DHS Director Paula Stone outlined the behavioral health system, emphasizing that Medicaid pays for most behavioral health services in Arkansas and that many services cannot be billed once a person is in jail or the state hospital. She described current efforts including family-centered treatment for children, community reintegration group homes, a new adolescent substance use disorder unit, forensic evaluation and restoration changes, and a planned IMD waiver to allow Medicaid payment for certain psychiatric and residential services. She also explained the backlog at the state hospital and in forensic restoration, the role of therapeutic communities, and the challenges of serving rural and difficult-to-serve populations. Members asked about crisis stabilization units, civil commitment, dashboards for bed availability, and whether Arkansas should expand step-down or long-term facilities. Stone said the state has supported crisis stabilization units in several cities, with mixed results, and noted that Fort Smith and Jonesboro have been more successful than Fayetteville and Little Rock. She said DHS does not yet have a statewide bed dashboard but sees it as a useful tool. The meeting ended with agreement that the discussion was a starting point and that the committee would continue the work, tentatively in August, to develop policy ideas for the 2027 session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several showed interest, saying they wanted to be evaluated.
• Uh but I they wanted to be uh evaluated.
• These were ones that evaluated as well.
• FAA has, and then hold an on-site evaluation with the FAA.
• Um and so but that June uh evaluated.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met on November 4, 2025, approved the prior minutes without objection, and then heard a presentation from Amazon on its Kentucky aviation and logistics operations. Amazon described its statewide footprint, including its Boone County air hub at KCVG, its investment of more than $60 billion in Kentucky since 2010, about 20,000 jobs in the state, and its use of Amazon Air as a middle-mile network supported by third-party carriers. The company also highlighted small-business support, community relief efforts, and workforce development through Career Choice, including partnerships with Kentucky schools and aviation maintenance training. Members asked about Amazon’s most in-demand workforce needs, future operational challenges, and whether autonomous vehicles are used on the KCVG ramp. Amazon said it would follow up on workforce-demand details, identified customer-driven innovation and culture as ongoing challenges, and said autonomous vehicles are in testing but are not part of regular KCVG operations. Amazon also emphasized sustainability efforts, including alternative aviation fuel, and said it wants to work with the legislature to expand AAF production and supply in Kentucky. The task force then heard from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Matt Wingate on the state’s aviation economic development strategy. They said aviation and aerospace are central to Kentucky’s logistics and economic-development goals, with aerospace identified as the state’s top export and air cargo as a major strength. They discussed outreach to general aviation airports, support for local grant matching, airport funding projects, workforce and education partnerships, and efforts to market Kentucky at aviation trade shows such as Paris Air Show and MRO America. No formal votes or other actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the environmental evaluation. We would require financial assurance.
• And if these are countries now that will be, you know, re-evaluating if they trade with.
• As far as community impacts go, that would be a portion of the environmental evaluation.
• It's also a portion of the... ...our federal partners through the NEPA evaluation.
• I think it is difficult for me to evaluate on the federal level if that's what you're asking.

Transcript Highlights:

• , where we actually go out and evaluate other schools across the country.
• How are we evaluating students? Are we using effective assessment methods?
• , where we actually go out and evaluate other schools across the country.
• But it. and evaluate other schools across the country. And those two pieces are valuable.
• How are we evaluating students? Are we using effective assessment methods?

Summary: The subcommittee met to examine Florida’s nursing education pipeline and the state’s persistently low NCLEX passage rates. Chair Tuck opened by noting the projected nurse shortage and Florida’s ranking near the bottom nationally for first-time NCLEX pass rates. The Department of Health explained the Board of Nursing’s approval process for nursing programs, including application requirements, probation standards, and termination for programs that repeatedly fail passage-rate benchmarks. The Florida Center for Nursing then presented statewide data showing Florida has more test takers than most states, but still trails the national average; the gap has narrowed in recent years, though Florida remains below average. Members focused heavily on why the state continues to underperform, with discussion of faculty shortages, clinical placement constraints, accreditation, student preparedness, and the large share of newer private for-profit programs among those placed on probation. Committee members asked about how probation works, what happens when programs improve, and whether the board requires corrective plans. They also questioned the relationship between program type and outcomes, the effect of Operation Nightingale, and how many students fail and retest. The Florida Center for Nursing said first-attempt pass rates are the standard measure and that students who fail are expected to remediate and retest, though costs vary. The center also said Florida’s data shows accredited programs outperform approved or probationary ones, and that the state’s nursing workforce challenges are tied to broader issues such as faculty vacancies, clinical site competition, and student demographics, including many students balancing work, family, and language barriers. A panel of nursing school leaders from public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions then described strategies used to improve outcomes. These included transparent recruitment, early orientation, tutoring, success coaching, stronger faculty development, curriculum mapping to NCLEX standards, higher course benchmarks, mandatory remediation, simulation labs, and commercial NCLEX prep tools such as ATI, Kaplan, and HESI. Several panelists said their programs had improved after probation or had very high passage rates, and they emphasized that student success depends on academic preparation, clinical experience, and support services. Members also asked about tuition, program length, translation into other languages, and faculty recruitment; panelists said costs vary widely, faculty hiring is difficult because hospitals pay more, and some schools are considering medical Spanish and immersion options rather than full curriculum translation.