Transcript Highlights:

• So with this bill, we are putting it into the Century Code.
• So with this bill, we are putting it into the Century Code.
• We put this in the code.
• So I know we're talking about putting this in code or a constitutional measure.
• But because of our fire code, we can only have 30 beds there.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action. The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.

Transcript Highlights:

• And obviously building codes are intended to provide for a safer home, and we all understand that.
• , you know, as we we add building codes, you know, as we we add things<00:18:28.280> there<00:
• And obviously building codes<00:18:34.960> are<00:18:35.080> intended<00:18:35.520>
• are intended to provide for a safe codes are intended to provide for a safe a<00:18:37.520> safer
• A community has to have a building inspector to ensure that the home is being built to code.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I don’t know what legislation or code set this up or how long we’ve been doing it.”
• “I mean, I don’t know what legislation or code set this up or how long we’ve been doing it, but this
• Awarded claims that have been referred to pursuant to Arkansas Code 19-10-215(b). Ms.
• And that's Arkansas Code 26-37-204(f). Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, ma'am.
• And that's Arkansas Code 26-37-204F. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, ma'am.

Summary: The committee first reviewed litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing involving wage claims brought under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. Members questioned the department’s authority, jurisdiction, use of attorney fees and costs, and whether defendants had to be licensed. The department explained it has long enforced wage and overtime laws, that the claims were small-dollar cases handled by investigators and counsel, and that one case had been paid and dismissed while others were unresolved or had service issues. The committee voted to review or batch-file the labor cases after discussion. The University of Arkansas System then reported three pending lawsuits: an age- and race-discrimination claim by a tenured professor that was resolved early; an ADA/FMLA retaliation claim by a former employee that survived in part on a motion to dismiss and was moving into discovery; and a Section 1983 claim against a UAMS sergeant arising from a parking-ticket dispute, with the university explaining that only punitive damages could create personal exposure for the officer. The committee reviewed each report and voted to accept them. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000 and waiving interest and penalties, which the committee approved for review. The Claims Commission then presented several claims: an unpaid salary differential for a Department of Health employee, reissued warrants, unpaid DHS bills, and multiple negotiated settlements involving ATRS, UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT. Members approved or affirmed most of these items, including a $65,000 settlement in the Tetronics/ATRS matter, a $150,000 medical-negligence settlement, and several vehicle-accident settlements. The most extended debate involved a tax-delinquent property sale claim by Sharon Greer and relatives. The claimant argued they were not properly notified and sought the $4,200 excess from the 2009 sale. Land Commissioner counsel explained the excess had escheated to the county after the statutory claim period expired, while members debated sovereign immunity, standing, heirs, and whether the committee could or should award money anyway. The committee ultimately chose to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session rather than decide it immediately. The committee also heard appeals from dismissed claims, including a UAMS medical-negligence claim, a land-sale notice claim, a pothole claim against ARDOT, and a judicial-immunity claim against the Court of Appeals; most dismissals were affirmed, and the Simpson matter was held over for additional review after the claimant testified.

Transcript Highlights:

• “I mean, I don’t know what legislation or code set this up or how long we’ve been doing it, but this
• I thought I would just start by explaining that on these three, the reason we are here is Arkansas Code
• DHS provided funding codes that will be used, assuming this is approved and placed on an appropriations
• The funding codes provided in DHS's answer will be used then to reconcile everything.
• And that’s Arkansas Code 26-37-204(f). Senator Penzo, you’re recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to enacting the adjacent
• This is an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to enacting the adjacent
• This is an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to requiring annual
• This is an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to creating a publicly

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Cities 1 met on May 7, 2026, with Senator Erik Bottcher presiding and Senator Chan offering brief opening remarks. The committee considered seven bills dealing with New York City and related municipal issues, including stormwater and groundwater analysis in southeast Queens (S.457A), a neutral-arbiter process for NYPD disciplinary decisions (S.5084), notice and inspection requirements for battery energy storage systems (S.5208), adjacent neighbor rights (S.6847), annual certification of school towers (S.8472A), and a publicly available list of people convicted of illegal dumping (S.9866). Members generally spoke in support of the measures, with comments emphasizing public safety, community impacts, and quality-of-life concerns. Each bill was moved and approved by the committee, with the bills then reported onward to either the Finance Committee, the floor, or another committee as noted during the meeting. The final bill, S.9955, sponsored by Senator Bottcher, would establish a parking placard review board; it was also approved and reported to the Transportation Committee. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sir, pursuant to 10 United States Code 9455(a), I am pleased to appoint the Honorable Don Davis of North
• Sir, pursuant to 10 United States Code 9455(a), I am pleased to appoint the Honorable Don Davis of North
• Sir, pursuant to 10 United States Code 4355(a), I am pleased to appoint the Honorable Patrick Ryan of
• Sir, pursuant to 10 United States Code 8468(a), I am pleased to appoint the Honorable Sara Elfreth of

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• respond to criminal code.
• respond to criminal code.
• respond to criminal code.
• respond to criminal code.
• sheriffs are 169 and 609 criminal code. sheriffs are 169 and 609 criminal code.

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we have told everybody's staff on this committee, the California Code does not include a definition
• We have other criminal codes that criminalize this conduct, codes that the disability community supports
• Section 290, pursuant to Penal Code Section 290.006.
• That is why probation's work is codified in the Government Code, which is impacted by this bill.
• That is why probation's work is codified in the Government Code, which is impacted by this bill.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that SIP code is truly six digits long.
• And that SIP code is truly six digits long.
• But you're still keeping the CIP codes, which...
• My understanding is the CIP codes do get reviewed from the federal...
• Is that so here's what the CIP code, that must be what it costs?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I read Century Code, I keep everything... Substitutions.
• So when I read Century Code, I keep everything under the section.
• Either that or I'm reading Century Code wrong.
• To me, if I was reading code, Century Code, it's already under Section 4 therapeutic substitution under
• But there is another section of code where a pharmacist may substitute.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And largely that's when it's outside of the scope of penal code.
• Some things we don't have discretion on, and we have to just follow penal code and follow the law.
• We have to look at, and the Penal Code Section 3003 actually provides parole that opportunity for...
• So we have good statute in Penal Code that allows us to move someone to protect a victim.
• And so we have that ability, again, that's within statute and penal code to allow us to do that.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met with quorum and first considered several governor’s appointments not required to appear. The committee voted to advance Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission appointments: Anacubas and David Hubner, with the latter two receiving split votes but still moving forward. The committee also approved the reference of bills to committees and later, by unanimous add-on votes, approved floor acknowledgments and the remaining appointments on the agenda. The main hearing was on Brian Bishop’s appointment as Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR. Bishop described his law enforcement and Marine Corps background and said his focus would be balancing public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. Senators asked about risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, out-of-county placement, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with local agencies, exclusion zones for victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reviews. Public testimony supported Bishop’s confirmation, including from reentry providers and advocacy groups. The committee then voted 5-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee also heard from Sarah Larson, appointed Director of the Division of Facilities Management and Construction at CDCR. Larson discussed aligning the prison footprint with a declining population, addressing aging infrastructure and heat issues through cooling pilots, and using projects like the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as a model for safer, more healing facilities. Senators asked about prison closures, cold shutdown status, disaster planning, water and utility issues, and how to manage closed or deactivated facilities. Larson said closed facilities are maintained minimally, reactivation would be costly, and the department is exploring more holistic infrastructure planning. Public witnesses from criminal justice and reentry organizations strongly supported her, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And largely that's when it's outside of the scope of penal code.
• Some things we don't have discretion on, and we have to just, we follow penal code and we follow the
• We have to look at, and the Penal Code Section 3003 actually provides parole that opportunity for And
• So we have good statute in Penal Code that allows us to move someone to protect a victim.
• Again, that's within statute and Penal Code to allow us to do that.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , I had reached out to you because I wasn't sure that having this language in the general building code
• the that section instead of added into the general<00:11:41.839> building<00:11:42.240> code
• <00:11:42.560> language<00:11:43.360> and<00:11:43.680> also general building code
• language and also general building code language and also might<00:11:44.160> avoid<00:11:44.560
• overall and that this is a building code overall and that this is a targeted<00:11:56.320> way

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• review and audit the conduct of the contractors using a uniform compliance with their land development code
• We always just want to make sure that whatever uniform or standardization we put in, our local codes
• a building official has oversight of their own inspectors to make sure that they're following the code
• and they're applying the code properly, it is crucial for the building official to continue to have
• The oversight to make sure that their inspectors are following the codes, are making sure that the codes

Bills: S0014, S0016, S0024, S0168, S0288, S0548, S0686, S0830, S1138, S1234

Keywords: negligence, settlement, police conduct, municipal liability, personal injury, compensation, injuries, Miami-Dade County, rural electric cooperatives, energy production, Florida law, energy tariffs, regulation, impact fees, transportation capacity, local government, interlocal agreements, growth management, community planning, extraordinary circumstances

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up a series of local claims, public records, growth management, permitting, and nuisance bills. It first heard and approved SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24, all uncontested claims bills providing relief related to injuries or settlements involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County. The committee also approved SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, which narrows statutory language to protect co-op decisions on generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections, and SB 830, which creates a public records exemption for certain personal information of county and city managers and their families due to reported threats against local officials. Members then considered SB 1138 on qualified contractors and development review, which would create a registry of licensed professionals to help local governments process pre-application reviews and plats more quickly. Local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, while private-provider supporters backed the bill; Senator Sharief voted no, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 168, expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increasing penalties, and SB 686 on agricultural enclaves, which revises the enclave process, adds a public hearing path, limits it to certain residential projects in urban service areas, and was amended to change a date to June 30, 2026 before being reported favorably. The committee next approved CS for SB 548 on growth management and impact fees, which clarifies plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for improper fee collections. Testimony reflected support for clearer standards but also concerns about fee increases and refund administration. Finally, SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was reported favorably; it would extend permit validity, exempt some low-value work from permitting, create a statewide residential permit form, speed review timelines, and expand private-provider use, drawing opposition from a Miami-Dade building official who argued for continued local oversight and support from private-provider advocates. Senator Jones requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on several tabs and negatively on tab 9, and the committee adjourned after all bills were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A23. Thank you, and I urge all to vote green.
• The amendment is coded A23.
• The amendment is coded A23.
• The amendment<00:10:25.040> is<00:10:25.279> coded<00:10:26.120> A24.
• I recognize a amendment is coded A24.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also have a definition here very similar from California government code.
• And then eventually it goes to a code enforcer or someone hears about it.
• Coding assistance used to be very difficult; highly specialized skills were required.
• code a little bit too.
• code a little bit too.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States like North Carolina have already modernized their codes.
• Um, last session they their codes.
• , and Kentucky should residential code, and Kentucky should follow<01:13:56.800> suit.
• A more flexible code can follow suit.
• for all inspectors to site the code for all inspectors to site the code ordinance,<01:16:36.560>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:25 Discussion of Lexington’s Housing Affordability Partnership 00:02:26 Discussion of Northern Kentucky’s Housing Blueprint 00:30:12 Discussion of Religious Institution Land Use 00:57:33 Discussion of Free-Market Solutions to Kentucky’s Housing Crisis 01:04:18 Adjournment 01:26:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will reference code 5B-1C-1, and it will enable and require the Secretary of Commerce to participate
• This bill references code 49-2-15a.
• It creates new code, and this would ensure virtual instruction for foster students while they're in temporary
• This adds the section of code that requires that the children will receive their education through virtual

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Choice met, established quorum, and approved the minutes from its February 25, 2026 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 4588, which was explained as a measure to align with Senate Bill 644 and require the Secretary of Commerce to participate in the federal tax credit scholarship program under Public Law No. 119-20 and 119-21, with the change intended to place administration under Commerce rather than the Economic Development Authority. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4588 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 5048, which would create new code to ensure foster students in temporary placement facilities receive virtual instruction until placed in a permanent home. Counsel explained that if a county lacks a virtual program, a virtual charter school could be used, and the West Virginia Department of Education would provide free training for those responsible for the child, along with a plan to transfer information to the new school district and foster family. The committee adopted the proposed amendment, noting it had been worked out with the House, and then reported HB 5048 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked the committee and staff for their work during the session. The committee then adjourned by motion and unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will reference code 5B-1C-1, and it will enable and require the Secretary of Commerce to participate
• This bill references code 49-2-15a.
• It creates new code, and this would ensure virtual instruction for foster students while they're in temporary
• This adds the section of code that requires that the children will receive their education through virtual

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement agencies regarding adoption of a written policy prohibiting racial profiling under Arkansas Code
• Under Arkansas Code 12-12-14.03, ALA provided the Attorney General a copy of each law enforcement agency's
• of law enforcement agencies we believe failed to comply with the requirements outlined in Arkansas Code
• The Attorney General has indicated that he has notified the 100,000... under Arkansas Code 121214.03.
• of law enforcement agencies we believe failed to comply with the requirements outlined in Arkansas Code

Summary: The committee met with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of Arkansas Legislative Audit reports. Reports with findings were presented for the Department of Human Services, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Department of Corrections, and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with a special report on law enforcement racial profiling policy compliance. Several reports without findings were also filed without objection. For DHS, auditors reported apparent thefts involving false benefit claims in disaster nutrition assistance and Medicaid, a nearly $610,000 altered warrant cashed by a California auto body shop, and multiple asset-control issues, including missing equipment, inventory discrepancies, and improper sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members questioned DHS about the warrant fraud and whether other agencies or California officials had been notified. For Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, auditors cited missing museum receipts and problems with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium; department officials said they are considering cashless payment options and provided an update on the museum loss investigation. For Corrections, auditors reported unauthorized personal fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster recovery test for critical IT systems. Department officials said staffing has been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster recovery test is scheduled soon. For Veterans Affairs, auditors found improper pay for employees who were not working, duplicate vendor payment, and numerous overtime approvals that were not properly authorized; the department said it has tightened overtime approval procedures. The special report said only 203 of 383 law enforcement agencies had responded regarding racial profiling policies, and the Attorney General had notified the remaining agencies that they were not in compliance. The committee requested a list of nonresponding agencies and adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for March 12.