Video & Transcript Research : 'statutory amendment'

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • The current residency requirements for non-civil service departments are replaced with a new statutory
  • House 4173, enact amending special legislation establishing the Acton Memorial Library, and House 4174
  • Regarding H. 4173, which amends the Acton Memorial Library... community today.
  • Regarding H4173, which it amends the Act in Memorial Library, the establishment of the Acton Memorial
  • They have the statutory scheme for sewer betterments. It's how they wrote it.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout. A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility. The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral. Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Government Finance Committee Jun 25th, 2026

Government Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • it's a good time to mention that one because there's a transfer of the excess in that fund over the statutory
  • So it's possible that perhaps within even the existing statutory framework they could do some of these
  • And so it's possible that perhaps within even the existing statutory framework that they could, they
  • These are fees that are directly tied to our statutory responsibility and the work that is required to
  • So we said, hey, let's, can we do an amended delegation?
Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26

Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have statutory authorization for another state veterans cemetery near Bemidji.
  • I see you have an amendment coded A1. Would you please explain your amendment?
  • The amendment just kind of clarifies things.
  • Any questions on the amendment? All those in favor of adopting the amendment, please say aye.
  • Chair Bliss, your bill is before us as amended. Please begin your testimony.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And there are some pretty significant statutory changes that they're talking about.
  • And then also the conceptual statutory changes.
  • So... ...And then also the conceptual statutory changes.
  • And then also the conceptual statutory changes. So, And then also the conceptual statutory changes.
  • And there were a number of other statutory changes, or statutory requirements for the draft business
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard an update from the California High-Speed Rail Authority on its 2026 draft business plan and related budget proposals. The Authority said work in the Central Valley is advancing, with 59 of 92 major structures complete, 80 of 119 miles under construction finished, utility relocations 93% complete, and track-laying expected to begin later this year. It said the revised plan targets completion of the Merced-to-Bakersfield early operating segment in 2032-33, and it highlighted a new strategy focused on ancillary revenues, public-private partnerships, and possible value-capture tools such as real estate, energy, broadband, logistics, and tax increment financing. The Authority also asked for reappropriation of $423 million in Prop 1A funds for the Link Union Station project and $246 million in federal trust funds to avoid expiration. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no specific concerns with the two budget change proposals but raised broader concerns about the draft business plan and the project’s finances. LAO said the plan appears to assume optimistic cost savings, immediate approval of major statutory changes, and reliable future cap-and-invest revenues, while actual funding may be insufficient even for the revised Central Valley segment once borrowing costs are included. LAO also said the draft business plan was missing several required elements identified by the Office of the Inspector General, and it suggested the Legislature could wait until the plan is finalized before acting. Department of Finance had no additional comment. Members questioned the Authority about whether all proposed financing and policy changes are necessary, how tax increment financing would affect local governments and school districts, and what authority the Authority has to enter public-private partnerships without further legislative approval. The Authority said utility relocation authority is its top legislative priority, that value capture is a longer-term tool not needed to complete Merced-to-Bakersfield, and that any state backstop beyond the current $20 billion commitment would require returning to the Legislature. It said a private partner is expected to be selected around June 1, with more detailed financing analysis to follow over six to eight months. Public testimony was split: labor groups and project supporters backed the budget request and urged action on utility relocation and job creation, while local government and special district representatives strongly opposed tax increment financing and related land-use proposals without local consent. The hearing ended with no vote taken and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee has the authority to enforce compliance with certain statutory financial requirements that
  • The committee has the authority to enforce compliant with certain statutory financial requirements that
  • The contents of the report include recommended statutory and fiscal changes, an overview of audit and
  • This is the traditional agency review whereby an agency's actual performance is compared to statutory
  • On the slide is the statutory definition of an operational audit, but in short, an operational audit
Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive annual overviews of its oversight responsibilities and the work of the Auditor General and OPAGA. Committee staff reviewed the committee’s authority over state and local governments, enforcement of audit-report filing requirements, repeated audit findings, Transparency Florida reporting, and lobbying compensation audits. Auditor General Cheryl Norman described her office’s independence, audit standards, quality control, and major audit areas, including the state’s annual financial and single audits, school district and university audits, operational and performance audits, and attestation work. She also noted staffing shortages, recruitment efforts, and a request for carry-forward funds to study salaries. Members asked about whether audits can quantify recoverable dollars, how school district spending comparisons are handled, and how to raise concerns about DCF-related audits or a local city audit that has been pending for years. Norman said her office can quantify findings when possible, sometimes compares costs across districts in operational audits, and that members can bring specific concerns to the appropriate deputy auditor general or the committee. She also explained that citizen or local-government audit requests may require payment of audit costs. OPAGA Coordinator Kara Collins-Gomez outlined OPAGA’s role as a legislative research unit that conducts studies directed by law, the presiding officers, or the committee, and described its policy areas, methodologies, contract monitoring, and recurring statutory reports. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy explained how to read operational audit reports, including findings, criteria, condition, cause, effect, recommendations, and management responses. Deputy Auditor General Greg Senators explained financial audit reports, including audit opinions, required supplementary information, internal control and compliance findings, federal program compliance, and management letters. The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenters and a motion to adjourn, which passed without objection.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 27, 2026 - 03:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair: Seeing none, are there any amendments to the bill? No amendments?
  • Chair: Seeing none, any amendments to the bill? No amendments. Any public testimony on the bill?
  • Chair Fabricio: Seeing no more questions, are there amendments to the bill? There is an amendment.
  • Members, are there questions on the amendment? Questions on the amendment?
  • Seeing none, are there amendments to the amendment? Is there public testimony on the amendment?
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 1st, 2026 at 01:15 pm

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there any arguments or anything in the courts now regarding the Sixth Amendment for some of those
  • This is a statutory section that was enacted in 1977, so almost 50 years old.
  • Board of County Commissioners and said it creates a statutory right to abortion under state law.
  • There is not a statutory requirement in New Mexico; a separate statute requires reporting on new investments
  • And so I just want to echo what's been said: what we're proposing is to take away the statutory requirement
Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 11th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is one amendment. Take up amendment barcode 834316 by Senator Trumbull.
  • Any debate on the amendment? Senator Trumbull, you're recognized to close on the amendment.
  • All in favor of the amendment say aye. All those opposed? The amendment is adopted.
  • Are there questions on the amendment? Any debate on the amendment?
  • All in favor of the amendment say aye. All those opposed? The amendment is adopted.
Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/01/2025)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um in just I have not seen the amendment Um in just I have not seen the amendment but<01:30:19.440
  • <01:32:50.320> Roar seen the amendments that uh Mr. Roar seen the amendments that uh Mr.
  • <01:39:00.320> Thank amendments. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank amendments.
  • important due to the existing statutory important due to the existing statutory limit<01:41:27.280
  • the um amended bill. does align the two the um amended bill. does align the two um<02:00:19.040> the
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • So it's my proposed amendment. Take it under advisement. Thank you, Ms.
  • these um fish ponds so um the amendment these um fish ponds so um the amendment I'd<01:26:33.960
  • The chair’s recommendation is to pass with amendments.
  • The chair’s recommendation is to pass with amendments.
  • recommendation is passed with amendments recommendation is passed with amendments are<01:43:25.920
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken. Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount. Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have asked for a proposed amendment, or two amendments, just line language.
  • We have asked for a proposed amendment, or two amendments, just line language.
  • HD1 with merely technical amendments HD1 with merely technical amendments that<01:57:26.719>
  • voting on House Bill 413 with amendments voting on House Bill 413 with amendments um<02:00:32.880
  • If not, recommendation to pass out on HD1 with the technical amendments and the amendments that I just
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held its first hearing of the 33rd Legislature and heard several measures, beginning with HB 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain purposes and direct the Office of Information Practices to adopt uniform rules. OIP supported the bill, saying it would help researchers access government records, while DLNR questioned whether the bill was necessary, raised concerns about costs and exemptions, and suggested a definition change regarding media. The Public First Law Center and other supporters said the bill would not remove existing exemptions or create new disclosure requirements, but would simply authorize rulemaking to create a clearer process for research access. Common Cause Hawaiʻi raised concern about including news media in the measure. The chair emphasized that the rulemaking process would allow agencies and the public to work through details, and the committee moved on without a recorded vote in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 411, which would create uniform administrative penalty procedures under the state ethics code and lobbyist law, and HB 412, which would expand lobbying definitions to cover certain communications with high-level executive officials about procurement and make some contracts voidable if awarded through unethical lobbying. The Ethics Commission supported HB 411 as an efficiency measure that would streamline the charge process without changing substantive rights, while HB 412 was described as a narrow transparency measure modeled on other states. The State Procurement Office warned that voiding contracts could cause delays, warranty issues, third-party complications, and higher reprocurement costs. The Ethics Commission responded that any contract revocation would be at the Attorney General’s discretion and likely reserved for egregious cases, and that the threat of voiding a contract would help deter noncompliance. The committee also heard HB 413, which clarifies that lobbyist campaign contribution prohibitions apply during periods when both houses of the Legislature are in session; the Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission both supported the bill and the Ethics Commission requested amendments to clarify jurisdiction between state and county lobbyist enforcement. Finally, the committee took up HB 149, which would require domestic and foreign corporations to report independent expenditures and political contributions to shareholders. The only testimony noted in the transcript was written comments from Matson, which said the requirement would be expensive and cumbersome and that the information is already publicly available through existing campaign finance reporting websites. No votes or final committee actions on the bills were recorded in the provided transcript.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Health Policy Mar 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will show that amendment is adopted. So now we're on the amendment.
  • Are there questions on the amendment? >> Seeing no questions on the amendment.
  • Do we have appearance cards on the amendment? No appearance cards on the amendment.
  • Is there debate on the amendment seeing no debate is their opposition to the to the amendment, seeing
  • The amendment is accepted as presented and now we're back on the bill as amended.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • There are some statutory requirements. Correct. Yeah, absolutely.
  • Would you be willing to entertain an amendment to change that to 'substantially conforms' as opposed
  • Senate Bill 1581 amends current law to give 90 days instead of 45 days to gather signatures to impanel
Keywords: 914, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, we would appreciate your support to amend the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Development Fund to include
  • So, we would appreciate your support to amend the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Development Fund to include
  • It's statutory cleanup for the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Council.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 510, which passed with a favorable expression by unanimous roll call vote and then received consent without opposition. The bill’s specific subject was not discussed in the excerpt, but the chair congratulated the sponsor after the vote. House Bill 176, sponsored by Rep. Kim Moser with testimony from Corey Meadows of the Kentucky Medical Association, would create a framework for insurers to offer waiver programs that reduce prior authorization requirements for health care providers. The sponsor said the bill was intended to cut red tape and improve transparency, and noted that the language had been worked out with insurers. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill with favorable expression and then approved consent. House Bill 266, sponsored by Rep. Peyton Griffee with testimony from Dr. Kelly Ellis of Eastern Kentucky University, would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the credentials eligible for the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund. Supporters said these professions are critical to care across the lifespan and that their education and licensure requirements fit the fund’s purpose of retaining health professionals in Kentucky. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent, with Sen. Nemes briefly explaining his support based on workforce development experience. House Bill 393, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Raymer with testimony from McKenzie Wallace of the Alzheimer’s Association, made cleanup changes to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council, added a caregiver council slot, and required the council to develop and distribute an early detection and diagnosis toolkit for health care providers. The committee passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression and consent. Sen. Mills explained his yes vote in memory of his father, who had Alzheimer’s disease.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 26, 2026 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • provisions of HB 6027 by our Vice Chair that we passed unanimously earlier this month to better align the statutory
  • Seeing none, are there any amendments to the bill? No amendments.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - Senate Education

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill applies all statutory requirements on CPR trainings relating to instruction, certification,
  • There are no amendments. Yes, I move SB 1009 with a due pass recommendation. You heard that.
  • There are no amendments. Is there any further discussion?
Bills: SB1009
Summary: The committee meeting began with member and staff introductions, followed by consideration of SB 1009, which would expand Arizona high school emergency response training to include instruction on using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) alongside CPR. The sponsor, Senator Kavanaugh, argued the bill would improve school safety, cost schools nothing because it would be folded into existing CPR instruction, and would help students and staff respond to sudden cardiac arrest. Supporters included the American Heart Association and student witnesses, who emphasized that AED and CPR training can save lives and should be available in schools. The Arizona Education Association opposed the bill, saying it adds an unfunded mandate, could take instructional time away from core subjects, and may require staff time and resources that schools do not have. The Arizona School Boards Association was neutral but raised concerns about funding and implementation, especially for rural districts. During questions, senators debated whether AED instruction is already included in existing CPR standards and whether the bill would create new costs. Senator Kavanaugh said many programs already include AED training and that the bill simply ensures it is part of all school CPR instruction. Opponents questioned the lack of a fiscal note and the reliance on tax credit funding. After discussion, the committee voted on SB 1009 and passed it with a due pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote. Senators Diaz and Brown voted no, while Senators Dunn, Mesnard, Miranda, Werner, and Angius voted yes.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • monitoring the cellphone-free schools program grant, and finally, we are advancing a red book and statutory
  • This vacancy management strategy allows OEQA to meet statutory responsibilities while controlling costs
  • First, OEQA consistently uses appropriated carryover funds to support ongoing statutory responsibilities
  • in the2027 request the remaining items represent ongoing operational needs tied directly to OEQA statutory
  • The reduction does not affect staffing, statutory responsibilities, or the quality of OEQA's work and
Keywords: 914, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/07/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • we’ll vote the amendment on.
  • time the amendment does concern us. time the amendment does concern us.
  • the amendment? the amendment? No. No. No.
  • amendment, say I. amendment, say I.
  • <01:02:30.720> My and the amendment is adopted. My and the amendment is adopted.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Tue Mar 10, 2026, 9:00AM HST - Day 25

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • as may be amended, pass third reading. as may be amended, pass third reading.
  • my reservations are with the amendment my reservations are with the amendment that<01:10:56.720>
  • amended pass third reading. amended pass third reading.
  • <03:41:05.800> framework statutory framework statutory framework that<03:41:07.480> could
  • exercising their First Amendment exercising their First Amendment liberties<04:35:17.240> to<
Keywords: 910, house, all
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Jun 5th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is a statutory requirement under law that when an official who's over public funds is identified
  • Could we add that as an amendment to your motion?
  • I'll take that as a friendly amendment. Okay, thank you.
  • All right, so we need a motion on the amendment. I have my motion. We have a second.
  • amended motion, let it be known by aye.
Summary: The committee met to adopt prior minutes and reports from its executive and standing committees, including counties and municipalities, educational institutions, and state agencies. Those reports covered routine audit activity, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, and several state agency audit items. The committee also reviewed and adopted the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2025 and the related single audit report, both presented by Legislative Audit staff. The state financial report showed unmodified opinions on the state’s financial statements and described total assets of about $41.9 billion and liabilities of about $11.1 billion, along with retirement system assets of $39.9 billion and a net pension liability of $9 billion. Two material weaknesses were identified: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and a Division of Workforce Services methodology change for unemployment-related estimates that was not properly documented or approved. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed; it resulted in 33 findings, 14 with questioned costs totaling $16.6 million, and qualified opinions for the Summer EBT program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Members questioned agency officials in detail about the Summer EBT questioned costs, DHS unresolved findings, broadband grant documentation, cyber security controls, workers’ compensation liabilities, and child care funding and reporting. DHS explained that the Summer EBT issue involved drawing federal funds in advance rather than as benefits were redeemed, and said the process has been corrected. Broadband officials said the questioned $6.6 million reflected documentation-detail disagreements across many invoices rather than missing payments. OST officials described new logging, endpoint detection, and phishing-training efforts, and DFA and Education officials addressed specific audit findings and corrective actions. The committee ultimately moved to hold the two large statewide reports over until the August meeting for further review, with discussion continuing on whether to release some agency staff in the meantime.