Video & Transcript : 'nuclear waste' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 1/16/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • in this agency that are made through this agency relate to either contamination mitigation or solid waste
  • </c> mitigation or uh Solid Waste mitigation or uh Solid Waste projects<00:29:15.480><c> then</c><00:
  • the<00:36:40.480><c> euphemism</c><00:36:41.079><c> for</c><00:36:41.560><c> uh</c><00:36:41.720><c> waste
  • ><00:36:42.160><c> water</c><00:36:43.160><c> um</c><00:36:44.160><c> and</c> the euphemism for uh waste
  • water um and the euphemism for uh waste water um and then<00:36:44.920><c> uh</c><00:36:45.119><c> point
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Wed Mar 18, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 29

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The problem isn't revenue; the problem is wasteful spending.
  • 57:50.359><c> is</c> problem isn't revenue, the problem is problem isn't revenue, the problem is wasteful
  • </c> wasteful spending. wasteful spending.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/11/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • bring in a data center that does not use closed-loop cooling, but instead uses water in the most wasteful
  • Instead uses water in the most wasteful and profligate fashion possible.
  • So it's not going to let cities waste money, but if they want to use that money to obtain new sources
  • The only thing I liked about House Bill 4030 is that we weren't wasting voters' time and adding another
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/20/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • buyer's sake as well as for the community's sake because if it is failing, then we know where the waste
  • then we know because if it is failing, then we know where<00:12:52.320><c> the</c><00:12:52.560><c> waste
  • 53.440><c> to</c><00:12:53.600><c> go</c><00:12:53.920><c> into</c><00:12:54.240><c> the</c> where the waste
  • is going to go into the where the waste is going to go into the local<00:12:54.639><c> water</c><00:
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • the AG throw up that are... ...several lawsuits that people like the AG throw up that are a complete waste
  • extent possible without violating federal law, and it is my opinion that we simply do not need to waste
  • the extent possible without violating federal law and it is my opinion that we simply do not need to waste
  • money we don't have my opinion that we simply do not need to waste money we don't have on costly that
Summary: The committee heard and acted on several wildlife-related bills. HB 2197, concerning camping near watering facilities, was amended to change the distance standard and remove language tied to domestic stock access; supporters said it would help protect ranch and wildlife water sources, while one member opposed it over expanded criminal penalties. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. HB 2497 would establish a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit restrictions on those activities. Supporters described it as an affirmation of existing rights and wildlife heritage, while opponents argued it would weaken Game and Fish authority and conflict with the 2010 voter rejection of similar language. After a technical amendment, the committee approved the bill 5-3. The committee also advanced HB 2147, which requires landowner deer permits under certain conditions to address crop damage and wildlife conflicts; Game and Fish said population management hunts are already being used, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. HB 2158, which would classify bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves as predatory animals, drew strong opposition from Game and Fish and conservation groups over science-based management and endangered species concerns, but was still recommended do pass 5-3. HB 2159, allowing landowner permits for Mexican gray wolves and a compensated trapping program, was likewise opposed as conflicting with federal law and the Endangered Species Act, but was approved 5-3. The committee then began HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish commissioner to be a cattleman or rancher; Game and Fish opposed it, saying ranchers already have representation through the appointment process, and testimony continued as the transcript ended.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also think that there are several lawsuits that people like the AG throw up that are a complete waste
  • the AG throw up that are several lawsuits that that people like the AG throw up that are a complete waste
  • the extent possible without violating federal law and it is my opinion that we simply do not need to waste
  • money we don't have my opinion that we simply do not need to waste money we don't have on costly that
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Health and Human Services Jan 26th, 2026 at 09:05 am

House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • I just want to say thank you for bringing this forward, but I don't want to waste money.
  • And so I think that if we partner with health care systems that are doing this so that we don't waste
  • I just want to say thank you for bringing this forward, but I don't want to waste money.
  • And so I think that if we partner with health care systems that are doing this so that we don't waste
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • carbon negative emissions and it is protecting public health when you do things like convert organic waste
  • I'm with Californians Against Waste.
  • Thank you for having me here on behalf of the California Compost Coalition Rethink Waste and CR&R Environmental
  • Services, I would like to echo the sentiment of Californians Against Waste made earlier.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We generally don’t make direct payments to households as kind of waste, fraud, and abuse measure, so
  • 28.520><c> of</c> direct payments to households as kind of direct payments to households as kind of waste
  • c><00:26:30.600><c> so</c><00:26:31.039><c> to</c><00:26:31.200><c> go</c><00:26:31.320><c> to</c> waste
  • rod and abuse measure so to go to waste rod and abuse measure so to go to the<00:26:31.640><c> uity<
Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Community Affairs Mar 17th, 2025

Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • which in my opinion is overbroad, overreaching, unconstitutional, and quite frankly, an expensive waste
  • So I think, you know, like someone else said, I think this is like a waste of time, this bill.
  • So I think, you know, like someone else said, I think this is like a waste of time, this bill.
  • It is overreaching, hypocritical, and an invitation to frivolous lawsuits wasting taxpayer money.
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1134, which would extend the use of qualified private providers in the building permit process to residential solar energy systems and certain single-trade inspections, and would allow computer-based plan review tools. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long solar permitting delays and lower costs. A late amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted, and after some discussion about local permitting problems and the need to work with municipalities, CS/SB 1134 was reported favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no. The committee then took up SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would limit fee collection if verification is not completed. Members discussed whether the bill should include more flexibility and whether private providers are appropriate for this function, but the committee ultimately reported CS/SB 784 favorably. SB 1738, allowing counties that previously opted out of transportation concurrency to opt back in while maintaining current levels of service, was also reported favorably without significant opposition. Next, SB 1080 on local government land regulation was presented as a measure to speed up development permit and order approvals, limit repeated information requests, prevent hearing delays, and impose penalties for noncompliance. Local government testimony argued it would rush planning and weaken public input, while supporters called it common-sense streamlining. After debate, the bill was reported favorably, with several no votes. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members raised concerns about county budget timelines. Finally, the committee considered SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, programs, or policies, while carving out compliance with state and federal law and defining DEI-related terms. The amendment removed retroactivity and delayed the effective date, but members from both parties raised concerns about vague definitions, impacts on women- and minority-owned business programs, local commemorations, and the loss of attorney’s fees for prevailing counties. Public testimony was sharply divided, with many speakers opposing the bill as an attack on local control and inclusion, and a few supporting it as a merit-based standard. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition in debate and was not yet reported in the portion of the transcript provided.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, is that a waste of time? At a later time, you know, is that a waste of time?
Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so no votes were taken and any items requiring action were deferred to a future meeting. Representative Sean Garballey welcomed new commission member Mona Roy and thanked outgoing members Susie Berry and Abigail Chandler, noting that the governor’s office would be contacted about open appointments to help restore quorum. The commission then heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition, which outlined civics and history education programs tied to Mass 250 and America 250, including Civic Learning Week, teacher professional development, student civic projects, online courses, and curriculum resources from partners such as iCivics, Harvard’s Democratic Knowledge Project, GBH, Facing History and Ourselves, EDC, Revolutionary Spaces, and others. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism reported on the state’s 250th anniversary campaign, including a November event at the Old South Meeting House with the governor, lieutenant governor, and Boston Symphony Orchestra, strong media coverage, over $6 million in sponsorships, new TV spots tied to Ken Burns’ American Revolution documentary, and a new Massachusetts First webpage and merchandise. Revolutionary 250 gave an update on upcoming Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events beginning in January at the state line and continuing in Great Barrington, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, with related planning for the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day parade and other Revolutionary-era observances. The commission also discussed possible future initiatives for member working groups: contributing to an America 250 time capsule, organizing community-level “America’s potluck dinner” events on July 5, and coordinating readings of the Declaration of Independence on July 8. Members asked clarifying questions about how the potluck and time capsule efforts would work, and staff said an email would be sent after the meeting to gather interest and form small planning groups. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous approval.
MI

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session 26-06-18

Michigan Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • doing to guys who are just trying to clean manure out of trailers and calling that manure industrial waste
  • . ...and calling that manure industrial waste.
Summary: The Senate met with 27 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of motions, recesses, and introductions of bills. Several new bills were read and referred, including measures affecting the Income Tax Act, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, public utilities, nondisclosure agreements, data centers and community benefit agreements, zoning, Medicaid false claims, and the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, with referrals mainly to finance, energy and environment, and housing and human services committees. In the Committee of the Whole, Senate Bills 592, 49, and 50 were reported without amendment and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bills 900, 820, 966, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978. SB 900 dealt with the Vehicle Code, SB 820 with election law, SB 966 and SBs 974-978 with housing and insurance-related changes, and SB 967 with the Income Tax Act. SB 966, 967, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978 all passed on 20-16 votes, while SB 900 passed 35-1. Senate Bill 973, creating a state-based health insurance exchange as a nonprofit corporation, drew the most debate. Senators Weber, Lindsay, and Halk offered amendments, all of which were defeated after recorded votes; Weber argued for cost controls and consumer savings, while supporters said the bill would give Michigan more control over health care decisions and could lower premiums. Senator Irwin spoke in support of the housing-related package, saying it would help address the state’s housing shortage. Senate Bill 592, concerning the Corrections Code, was also passed after a 31-5 vote, with Senator Lindsay explaining his no vote as concern about how the bill treats juvenile offenders. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 133, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor commitments to Michigan farmers participating in the Rural Energy for America Program. Senator McCann supported the resolution, citing farm losses from federal rollbacks, while Senator McBroom gave a strong no-vote explanation criticizing state energy policy and the resolution’s framing. The session ended with remarks recognizing Juneteenth and an anecdotal bipartisan exchange between senators before the chamber adjourned until June 23 at 10:00 a.m.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary C May 19th, 2026

Judiciary C

Transcript Highlights:
  • The definition also includes stimulation, completion, waste disposal, processing, and delivery, transmission
  • I don't know how, so we put waste disposal and processing, delivery, transmission operations.
Committee: Senate Judiciary C
Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary C met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first deferred House Bill 276 at the sponsor’s request. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, largely focused on criminal justice, domestic violence, victims’ rights, probation/parole, and critical infrastructure protections. HB 160, by Rep. Knox, would increase the penalty for domestic abuse battery and battery of a dating partner involving strangulation from three to six years, with at least one year without probation or suspension; it drew strong support from prosecutors and domestic violence advocates and was reported favorably. HB 769, by Rep. Boyd, would create a 24- to 72-hour cooling-off hold in domestic violence cases, with an amendment to make the hold concurrent with other detention periods and to avoid stacking with existing law; it was reported with amendments. The committee also reported favorably HB 1234, which creates mandatory jail time for fleeing the scene after striking a person and failing to render aid, and HB 158, which restores custodial inpatient treatment as an option for probationers and increases the allowable treatment period from 90 to 180 days. HB 169, allowing courts or the parole board to assess extradition costs against absconders based on ability to pay, was also reported favorably. HB 251, requiring notice to a victim or designated family member before resentencing or final conviction hearings, drew support from the Attorney General’s office and opposition from the ACLU, which argued that victim involvement at that stage could be inconsistent with post-conviction standards; it was nevertheless reported favorably. Additional measures advanced included HB 289, which removes a redundant 24-hour delay between denial of a new trial motion and sentencing; HB 394, extending the conditional parole period from nine months to 24 months to allow completion of required programming; and HB 330, increasing penalties and restitution for vandalizing churches and graves, which was supported by the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HB 429, expanding critical infrastructure protections to oil and natural gas facilities and related operations and increasing penalties for unauthorized entry, drone activity, and cyber interference, was reported with amendments after discussion about harmonizing the definition with another bill and ensuring coverage of water-related facilities. The committee also approved the minutes from the prior meeting before adjourning.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/27/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Looking at fraud, waste, and abuse, especially Medicaid fraud, looking at fingerprinting is going to
  • Our students are falling behind, and this is what we want to waste our time on. Come on, Arizona.
Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and heard introductions of guests. Members then adopted several procedural motions, including extending the second regular session, suspending the seven-bill limit for Representative Livingston on budget-related measures, and requesting the Senate return SB 1786 on artificial intelligence content verification for reconsideration. The House also moved into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar items. In Committee of the Whole, the House recommended do pass on SB 1057, SB 1171, SB 1424, and SB 1515, while retaining SB 1178 on the calendar. SB 1171, dealing with fingerprinting and fraud prevention in health and human services, was amended and received supportive comments about accountability and Medicaid fraud. SB 1424, concerning firearm safety instruction in schools, drew extensive debate: a proposed Gutierrez amendment modeled on “Christian’s Law” to require secure firearm storage measures was defeated by division vote 23-31, and the bill itself was defended as age-appropriate firearm safety education while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate, a parents’ rights issue, and an improper burden on schools. SB 1515, creating a public safety parity fund for DPS and corrections bonuses from rainy-day fund interest, was amended and recommended do pass. The House then considered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1552, adopted a floor amendment, and recommended the bill do pass as amended. In third reading, SB 1021 failed 22-35, while SB 1215, SB 1345, SB 1456, and SB 1493 all passed, with SB 1345 drawing a floor explanation about an added regulatory requirement for health care facilities. The House also received first readings of several appropriations bills and announced a special Joint Appropriations Committee hearing on the budget the next morning before adjourning until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 20th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bill 3007 extends the sunset to 2031 for the Water Quality Management Advisory Council, the Hazardous Waste
  • Management Advisory Council, the Solid Waste Management Advisory Council, and the Radiation Management
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and recognized several visiting groups and honorees, including students from Wesleyan Christian School, Claremore Day participants, and a tribute to Dr. J. Craig for his Marine Corps service, chiropractic career, and aid to first responders after the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber also welcomed a Cricket Oak High School AFJROTC unit and the Lincoln Christian wrestling team, both recognized for recent achievements. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 43 commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and honoring victims, survivors, and first responders. The Senate took up House Bill 1933, first rescinding prior action and then adopting a floor amendment to correct a drafting error and shift a penalty provision; the bill then passed 47-0. House Bill 4248, which would require purchasers of hemp beverages to be 21 and treat them similarly to beer for age purposes, passed 45-0 after brief discussion about whether it had medical implications. The Senate also adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1847, described as a compassion bill that would have saved the state money, and passed it 35-11 before later approving it as an emergency measure with 43 ayes. The chamber next adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1778, a major literacy bill adding early intervention, teacher training, and optional early ELA testing for second graders, along with good-cause exemptions; it passed 43-2 and then as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Joint Resolution 1086, approving rules from several agencies, by 42-4. Finally, the Senate advanced and passed a series of sunset-extension bills for boards and councils, including the Child Death Review Board, county government training commission, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Board of Examiners in Optometry, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, several environmental advisory councils, and the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, with most later receiving emergency passage. The Senate concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until April 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Budget Feb 26th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • spending change is $611,000 in additional bonds and an additional $3 million in spending from the Waste
  • spending change is $611,000 in additional bonds and an additional $3 million in spending from the Waste
Summary: The committee first heard Substitute Senate Bill 5901, which would change the School Construction Assistance Program formula for school facilities on military bases. Staff explained that the bill would exclude instructional space on military bases from a district’s available inventory and add an extra 15% to the state funding assistance percentage for projects located on a military base. Senator Leonard Christian said the bill was intended to help districts such as Clover Park and Medical Lake, where base facilities reduce eligibility for off-base school construction funding. Testimony was strongly supportive from OSPI, Clover Park, and Medical Lake, while one citizen raised broader concerns about school funding and common school trust lands. The hearing on the bill was then closed. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, which would require annual adjustments to prevailing wage rates in most public works contracts, with exemptions for small works, residential construction, and certain other projects. Staff described the bill’s delayed effective date of July 1, 2028 and reviewed fiscal impacts, including significant L&I operating costs and an indeterminate but potentially substantial capital cost impact. Senator Steve Conway said the bill was a technical fix to align contract wages with regularly updated prevailing wage rates and noted that the bill had been amended to exempt small works and low-income housing projects. Proponents from labor and mechanical contractors said annual updates would better reflect negotiated wage schedules and help retain skilled workers, while opponents from contractor groups warned of unpredictability, higher project costs, and the need for a change-order safeguard if wage increases exceed 5%. L&I testified that the fiscal note reflected the need to rework its IT system to track annual adjustments. The hearing was then closed. The committee also received a briefing on a proposed substitute to House Bill 2295, which would add funding for several new projects and make technical and language changes. Staff said the substitute would increase spending by $611,000 in bonds and $3 million from the Waste Tire Removal Account. The committee then moved into executive session and, by a vote of 18-0 with one excused, reported proposed substitute House Bill 2295 out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. The chair also announced plans for future executive sessions, including one on Substitute Senate Bill 5901, and adjourned the meeting.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 46 Feb 26th, 2026

Idaho House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • cemetery maintenance districts; House Bill 661, by the Local Government Committee, relating to solid waste
  • cemetery maintenance districts; House Bill 661, by the Local Government Committee, relating to solid waste
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Budget Feb 19th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • .is water quality in the sound itself with the lack of nitrogen removal, nutrient removal from the waste
  • is water quality in the sound itself with the lack of nitrogen removal, nutrient removal from the waste
Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held a work session on fish passage and barrier prioritization. Tom Jameson of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife briefed members on the state salmon recovery framework, the types and prevalence of fish passage barriers, and the many existing barrier-removal programs. He explained that culverts are the most common barrier, but levees, tidegates, dams, and other structures also affect salmon and steelhead. He also described the state’s fish passage database, the assessment criteria used to determine whether a structure is a barrier, and the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board’s role in funding projects. Jameson reviewed the history of the board and its grant pathways, noting that the Legislature has funded 199 projects totaling nearly $225 million over five biennia, including significant federal support in the last biennium. He then focused on the new statewide prioritization strategy directed by the Legislature in 2020. A science panel recommended using an optimization model and then scoring and ranking barriers, but Jameson said the model depends on better stream mapping and ongoing “snapping” of stream layers to known barrier locations. He said the strategy is intended to produce watershed-based priority lists rather than a single statewide ranking. Members asked about how barriers are assessed during fish migration periods, how private land access affects inventory work, how local governments can report completed corrections, and how the prioritization criteria weight Chinook salmon and southern resident orca recovery. Jameson said urban areas with downstream barriers or heavily altered streams may be less recoverable, while rural watersheds may offer greater benefit. He also explained the federal culvert injunction, including ongoing obligations for state agencies and DOT’s 2030 target, and said the injunction never fully ends because new barriers are continually discovered and must be addressed over time. No votes were taken.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • OMEG's mission is to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid program.
  • OMEG's mission is to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid program.
Summary: The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to adopt the November 2018 minutes and receive a primer on the subcommittee’s role and Medicaid oversight in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s history and explained that Medicaid is audited annually through the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including weaknesses in eligibility and data-matching controls, improper use of Medicaid funds for partially non-Medicaid work, issues with incarcerated juveniles’ coverage, the absence of a Medicaid recovery audit contractor program exception request, reporting problems involving MFCU recoveries, and provider eligibility documentation concerns. Staff also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for further action. The Department of Human Services gave an overview of Medicaid’s structure, eligibility, delivery systems, and budget. DHS described Arkansas Medicaid as covering about 850,000 people through fee-for-service, managed care, and premium assistance for the expansion population, and outlined major spending categories such as institutional care, long-term services, pharmacy, capitated payments, and supplemental payments. DHS also explained the difference between state plan amendments and waivers, and said it has a beneficiary-fraud unit that refers cases to local prosecutors. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, distinguishing between suspensions for credible allegations of fraud and recovery actions for mistakes or overpayments. OMIG said it works with DHS and law enforcement, issues quarterly and annual reports, and has increased recoveries in recent years. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, can also handle long-term care neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases, and works with local prosecutors as special deputies. Committee members asked about court venue, provider suspensions, beneficiary fraud, education of providers, and the status of Medicaid expansion work requirements; DHS said it is preparing to implement community engagement requirements under HR 1 and will begin with a soft launch before full enforcement. No formal votes were taken beyond adoption of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions were answered.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 27, 2026 - 03:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So if you want to point your fingers at the cities' wasteful spending, point your fingers that way too
  • and when it comes to hiring a public employee to provide pickup or when it comes to processing that waste