Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and this may be a question for Representative Frasier or deed.
• a question for Representative Frasier be a question for Representative Frasier or<00:10:41.360> deed
• Um but and I really appreciate or deed.
• guarantees a portion of the loans deed guarantees a portion of the loans up<00:13:16.880> to<
• dollars from deed and and other places. dollars from deed and and other places.

Bills: HF3707, HF3732, HF2581, HF3731

Keywords: unemployment insurance, judicial officials, paid leave, economic development, worker protections, workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, grants, job creation, grant funding, revolving loan, underserved communities, disadvantaged groups, electrical licensing, installation, Class A installer, regulations, labor and industry, 1183

Summary: The committee first adopted the minutes from February 26 and then heard House File 2581, authored by Representative Frazier, which sought $1 million for Fortis Capital, a nonprofit economic development lender. Frazier and Fortis CEO Brian Smith described Fortis as a gap-financing lender that helps underserved entrepreneurs who cannot meet traditional bank underwriting standards. They said the organization has made 37 loans totaling more than $4 million since 2021, leveraged another $29.5 million, and created 314 jobs. Smith said Fortis typically charges around 6.5% interest, has had two defaults, and uses a revolving loan fund model that recycles repayments; members discussed how the proposal fits with other state economic development programs and whether Fortis should instead be part of a competitive grant process. The chair laid HF 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill. The committee then heard House File 3707, brought by Representative Berg, which would extend confidentiality protections to unemployment insurance and paid leave judges and related staff by adding them to the definition of judges for purposes of protecting personal information. Berg and testifiers from the Department of Economic Development and MAPE said the bill responds to harassment and safety concerns, including threats, doxxing, and an attack near an office, and is intended to protect people making sensitive determinations. MAPE supported the bill as an update to existing protections for similar workers. Members raised concerns that the bill’s language was too broad, especially the reference to the paid leave division, and questioned whether it should cover only judges or also call-center and other staff. Department and committee members agreed the language likely needed narrowing and discussed possible amendments and whether to move the bill to Judiciary and then revisit it. No final vote was taken on HF 3707 during the discussion, and the bill remained under consideration for further language work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have finally got a deed lodged in Harlem County for a nice piece of property to be able to replace
• So, that deed was filed.
• One of them, it turned out that the deed was not the amount of land that we needed.
• We have finally got a deed property.
• Um, there's two So, that deed was filed.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 Office of the Attorney General Update: 00:04:52 Department of Kentucky State Police Update: 00:44:57, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:07:23.000> need<01:07:23.200> to<01:07:23.359> work university and and deed
• need to work university and and deed need to work closely<01:07:24.200> together<01:07:24.760
• came out um this back in came out um this back in 2023<01:25:50.199> did 2023 did 2023 did deed
• > entity<01:25:54.480> um<01:25:54.960> division<01:25:55.800> thought deed
• we've tried to stand our own and deed we've tried to stand our own Lanes<01:36:33.600> you<01

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, we have a grant through DEED, which we are providing custom training for Phillips and Mayo
• Now, my understanding is that DEED is focused on med funding, but there's a greater need than just the
• currently we have a a grant through deed currently we have a a grant through deed which<00:47:35.920
• Otherwise, they're, you know, some of them are not interested in going through deed.
• They're just willing to pay for deed. They're just willing to pay for it. it. it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to define our contract-for-deed arrangements, owner-occupied, if you know what I mean.
• <00:31:35.120> arrangements<00:31:36.000> owner our contract for deed arrangements
• owner our contract for deed arrangements owner occupied<00:31:37.600> if<00:31:37.840> you<
• or a document to a contract for deed or a document that's<00:36:14.320> filed.
• typically consider the contract for deed typically consider the contract for deed to<00:36:20.880

Bills: SF0110, SF0044, SF0046

Keywords: property tax, residential real estate, tax assessment, primary residence, tax revenue, gambling, lotteries, raffles, social relationships, charitable gaming, gaming, liquor establishments, skill based amusement games, regulations, age restrictions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 40.480> from know like payroll information from from know like payroll information from from deed
• 45:41.839> it<00:45:42.000> on<00:45:42.160> a<00:45:42.319> quarterly deed
• , which collects it on a quarterly deed, which collects it on a quarterly basis<00:45:43.119> from
• um you know and and uh they at at DEED um you know and and uh they think<01:48:21.119> that<01
• system and get the current a a deed system and get the current employment<01:48:36.639> and<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, a number of pieces that are going to make our programs under our committee's jurisdiction—DEED
• an office of community<00:01:39.800> investment<00:01:40.520> within<00:01:40.880> DEED
• ,<00:01:41.800> uh community investment within DEED, uh community investment within DEED,
• our make our programs uh under our committee's<00:01:51.240> jurisdiction,<00:01:52.160> DEED
• ,<01:25:37.840> and,<01:25:38.680> um, of Deed, and, um, of Deed, and, um, within<01

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3732, the Department of Employment and Economic Development appropriations bill, was presented as a package of budget and policy changes from the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. The author described it as a set of practical fixes, including changes to reporting requirements, repealing unused programs, recommendations from a Governor’s Workforce Development Board subcommittee on direct appropriations, and creation of an Office of Community Investment within DEED. Members also noted the bill had been revised after earlier floor debate and included a modified version of a previously contentious proposal. The first major floor debate centered on Amendment A12, offered by Representative Zeleznikar, which would create an exemption from meal and break requirements for certain 24-hour care settings such as disability group homes and home care. Supporters argued the current break law does not fit the realities of one-on-one or overnight care and could force providers into unsafe or impractical staffing models. Opponents, including Representatives Johnson and Pinto, said the amendment would weaken or repeal worker break protections and remove clear standards and remedies. After debate, the House took a roll call and the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie. A second amendment, A13 by Representative Tabke, proposed a $150,000 state aviation fund-backed loan fund to help TSA and other airport workers who had gone without pay during a federal shutdown, by backstopping bank loans for affected families. Tabke framed it as worker relief tied to the aviation system, while Representative Niska argued it was not a serious proposal, had not been vetted, and unfairly used state money to address a federal dispute. Debate on the amendment became highly partisan and included a point of order over personalities in debate before the Speaker ruled the point well taken and returned discussion to the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our development teams are made up of staff from the DEED paid leave division, our partners at the DEED
• and<00:08:53.440> then<00:08:53.600> a<00:08:53.839> vendor minute at deed
• And I understand that we have Greg Norfleet, who’s the director of paid leave for DEED, who’s virtual
• Um, so as Deputy Commissioner Ro mentioned, the team is a combination of paid leave staff, DEED staff
• Larude: Fairly, uh, the DEED has an application program that they have.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly, and most excitingly, we made the legislation around Transfer on Death deeds retroactive,
• Deeds, if they make mistakes, to fix those mistakes.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no due process described in the deeds or wherever majority rule is indicated.
• An undivided interest in property deeds.
• They waive responsibility that is indicated as a deed restriction.
• . deeds. deeds.
• deed package. Followup, Mr. Chairman. deed package. Followup, Mr. Chairman. >> Followup.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a question for Representative Frasier be a question for Representative Frasier or<00:09:21.279> deed
• > and<00:09:22.720> I<00:09:22.880> really<00:09:23.040> appreciate or deed
• Um but and I really appreciate or deed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 2581 was presented as a request for a $1 million state investment in Fortis Capital, a Minnesota nonprofit economic development lender. The bill was described as supporting entrepreneurship and wealth-building by expanding access to capital for businesses that are underserved by traditional lending, especially in rural areas, communities of color, immigrant communities, and low-wealth areas. Testifiers argued that conventional underwriting standards leave viable businesses without financing and that Fortis provides flexible gap financing to help deals close, complementing rather than replacing banks and CDFIs. Brian Smith, co-founder and CEO of Fortis Capital, said the organization was established in 2019 and has deployed 37 loans totaling over $4 million since 2021, leveraging an additional $29.5 million through partnerships. He said Fortis seeks to increase lending capacity, reduce risk in innovative capital structures, expand statewide partnerships, and accelerate small business growth and job creation. In response to questions, he said Fortis typically charges about 6.12% on average, has had two defaults, and operates as a revolving loan fund. He also explained that Fortis already participates in some Department of Employment and Economic Development programs, but is not eligible for certain grant programs because those grants go directly to borrowers. Committee members asked how the proposal fits with existing state economic development efforts and whether competitive grant programs exist for this kind of work. A DED representative said he would need more detail to compare the proposal to agency programs, though he mentioned the emerging entrepreneur loan program as a possible fit. Members also discussed broader concerns about direct appropriations versus competitive grants. No public testimony was offered. Chair Frasier closed by saying the bill addresses a real need and laid House File 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I believe in being responsible and And when you live in a community governed by deed restrictions
• Well, the thing is, is that if it's a deed-restricted community... and the declaration requires mandatory
• They want to get them to comply if it's a compliance with the deed restrictions, but they're not using

Bills: HB406

Keywords: local economic development, notification, workforce development, municipal agreements, county contracts, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My deeds have been very clear. Trafficked. I think my words have been very clear.
• My deeds have been very clear on that.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My deeds have been very clear. ...trafficked. I think my words have been very clear.
• My deeds have been very clear on that.

Summary: The Committee on Crime and Public Safety met in executive session with a quorum present and considered three measures. For Senate Bill 1652, members adopted a House committee substitute that clarified the bill’s language about creating an office within the Department of Public Safety rather than targeting women and girls directly. The bill, which relates to missing and trafficked women and girls, was then reported do pass by a vote of 12-1, with one member voting no because the bill was not all-inclusive enough for their preference. The committee next took up Senate Bill 1572, a retirement-related measure affecting the St. Louis Police Board and the St. Louis City teachers’ retirement system. Testimony explained that the substitute staggered board appointments, addressed quorum issues after board expansion, clarified overpayment recovery and refunds for small accounts, and made related retirement-system cleanup changes without altering benefit payments. The House committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported do pass unanimously, 16-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 3533, which was amended to remove sports betting language and focus on increasing the riverboat admission fee from $2 to $5.50. Members discussed the fee increase as overdue and noted the revenue distribution to veterans and developmental disability funds, while one member argued the increase was too large and another noted operators could pass the cost to consumers. The House committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported do pass by a vote of 9-7, with one member present.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, encouraging one.
• alongside you in this place to serve in any capacity that I'm able to encourage you on toward good Deeds

Bills: HB3057, HB3130, HB4113, HB3310, HB3314, HB3985, HB4486, HB3040, HB3407, HB4343, HB2981, HB3764, HB3765, HB3767, HB3982, HB3321, HB3322, HB3323, HB4126, HB4130, HB4170, HB3345, HB2941, HB3062, HB3244, HB3298, HB2977, HB3304, HB3299, HB3297, HB4260, HB3906, HB3648, HB3319, HB2933, HB3544, HB1322, HB4104, HB4105, HB4106, HB4107, HB4108, HB3974, HB3134, HB3055, HB3115, HB3471, HB3497, HB3500, HB3505, HB3755, HB4202, HB4226, HB4236, HB4139, HB4144, HB4422, HB4423, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3176, HB3239, HB3263, HB3673, HB3794, HB3796, HB4265, HB4266, HB2123, HB3048, HB2445

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, gender transition, minors, health services, punitive damages, parental rights, health care providers, voter registration, voter eligibility, felony disenfranchisement, restoration of voting rights, formerly incarcerated, reentry, parole, probation, supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving further down, you'll see there are no changes to the Deed Office of Broadband Development, but
• Section 2 appropriates money to **DEED** for the Office of Broadband Development.

Transcript Highlights:

• says that it essentially the mortgage um is given constructive notice by virtue of recording of a deed
• says that it essentially the mortgage um is given constructive notice by virtue of recording of a deed
• says that it essentially the mortgage um is given constructive notice by virtue of recording of a deed
• says that it essentially the mortgage um is given constructive notice by virtue of recording of a deed
• notice by virtue of recording of a deed notice by virtue of recording of a deed of<00:26:42.080>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Chair Storm and President Stivers, a broad probate and trust measure. Stivers and attorney Barry explained that the bill updates Kentucky probate and intestacy procedures to better fit electronic filing and modern family structures, adjusts inheritance tax classifications to reflect longer lifespans and more complex family relationships, and adopts newer trust tools used in other states, including electronic wills and directed trusts. They also described a domestic asset protection trust provision, saying it is intended to level the playing field with other states and is not meant to help people evade existing creditors; they noted one non-uniform section may have fiscal impact and could warrant referral to Appropriations and Revenue. Members asked about the asset protection trust language, especially whether it could shield assets after a lawsuit is pending or threatened. Barry said the bill would not allow transfers to defeat existing or threatened claims and that the protection only applies where there are no such claims at the time of transfer. Senators also discussed whether the trust could be used for spendthrift-style family planning, with Barry noting trusts can already be drafted for that purpose and that the bill is not aimed at that issue. Senator Thomas requested more detail on the inheritance tax changes, and Stivers explained that the bill would move more beneficiaries into the no-tax category because estates now often pass to older children, grandchildren, and step-relatives, creating unexpected tax liability. He and others said the changes were meant to reflect modern family patterns and longer life expectancy, and Thomas said he was not opposed to the tax changes but wanted the public to understand them. Tim Shank of the Kentucky Bankers Association testified that the bankers were not opposing the bill overall but had concerns about the domestic asset protection trust section, particularly its treatment of existing mortgages and creditor claims. He said the bill’s notice and claim-extinguishment provisions could create unintended consequences for mortgage holders, and he urged changes to protect existing debt. In response, Senator Thomas questioned whether a lender that takes no action for the bill’s six-month-to-two-year claim period should lose its claim, but Shank replied that federal mortgage rules and payment status could complicate that assumption. The discussion ended with acknowledgment that the mortgage issue was likely unintended and would need further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 704, Representative Deeds, an act relating to alcoholic beverages.
• House Bill 704, Representative<00:35:32.080> Deeds,<00:35:32.720> an<00:35:32.840> act
• <00:35:33.080> relating<00:35:33.440> to Representative Deeds, an act relating to Representative
• Deeds, an act relating to alcoholic<00:35:34.320> beverages.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 96 members present, approved the prior journal, excused absences, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications. The Senate clerk reported passage of Senate Bills 39, 70, 80, 127, and 154 and requested concurrence. The House then took up several bills on third reading. House Bill 168, relating to boating under the influence, was explained as “Keegan’s Law.” The sponsor said it would require law enforcement to seek a search warrant for blood testing of boat operators and improve notification so Fish and Wildlife officers are alerted more quickly after 911 calls involving incidents on waterways. House Committee Substitute 2 was adopted, and the bill passed 88-0. House Bill 455, relating to artificial intelligence and declaring an emergency, was amended by committee substitute and two floor amendments. Supporters said it clarifies that AI may not perform direct therapy, make independent therapeutic decisions, generate treatment plans without professional review, or detect emotions/mental state, while still allowing therapists to use AI as a tool. It passed 88-7. House Bill 185, relating to employment and occupational licensing for people with felony records, was described as allowing applicants to seek licensing before completing education and requiring a clear connection between an offense and the occupation; it passed 95-0. House Bill 249, relating to involuntary commitment, was explained as closing a gap in the law for mentally incompetent defendants accused of felony sex offenses; House Floor Amendment 1 broadened the qualifying offenses to all felony sex offenses under Chapter 510, and the bill passed 94-0. After the floor action, the House received House Bill 1 back from committee for second reading and heard announcements, including committee meeting notices and a birthday recognition. A member also gave a Black history tribute to Garrett A. Morgan, highlighting his inventions and civic contributions. The House introduced a slate of new bills and resolutions, including measures on high-acuity youth medical treatment, data privacy, municipal utility service, tax credits for employers, campaign finance, infantile seizure disorder, commercial surrogacy, dentistry, paid leave for state employees, crimes and punishments, postnuptial agreements, local government, land use, alcoholic beverages, and several resolutions. The Committee on Committees and Rules Committee then reported referrals and posted bills for the next regular orders, floor amendments were introduced, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...” “...used to Senator Flowers’ question, I don’t know of anybody that has fabricated a warranty deed
• or a quitclaim deed.
• But I don’t think you can just walk into the county clerk’s office and file a warranty deed.
• It’s not the county clerk where you’re going to find those deed records. It’s a circuit clerk.

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members hearing from bankers, regulators, law enforcement, AARP, and mortgage and insurance industry representatives. Witnesses described a wide range of scams, including spoofed bank calls and texts, fake websites and social media impersonation, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, gift card fraud, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, and crypto kiosk schemes. Several speakers emphasized that fraud is increasingly organized, technology-driven, and amplified by artificial intelligence, and that seniors are disproportionately targeted and often suffer the largest losses. Testimony highlighted both prevention and recovery efforts. Bankers said institutions spend heavily on training, customer education, and fraud detection, but often cannot stop losses once customers have been convinced to authorize transfers. The Attorney General’s office described its Consumer Protection Division, a new Financial Fraud Task Force, and examples of recovering funds quickly from crypto kiosk and wire fraud cases. The State Bank Department and Securities Department said Arkansas’s 2025 crypto ATM legislation and related education requirements have helped, and they urged continued public education. The Insurance Department reported major insurance-fraud trends, including fake insurance cards, forged policies, premium-finance schemes, and staged auto accidents, and said it prosecutes these cases aggressively. Members asked about reporting scams, the security of tap payments, how fraud losses are tracked, the role of crypto kiosks, and whether Arkansas should pursue model legislation or stronger action against telecom and social media companies. Witnesses said tap payments are generally safer than chip or swipe, that crypto transfers are often unrecoverable, and that spoofed caller ID and impersonation ads remain major problems. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association urged state and federal action against telecom and social media platforms and supported national scam legislation. No new bills were voted on at the meeting, but members approved the November 3, 2025 minutes and several witnesses offered to share model legislation, consumer education materials, and state-by-state fraud data with the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I don't know of anybody that has, to Senator Flowers' question, fabricated a warranty deed
• or a quitclaim deed.
• But I don't think you can just walk into the county clerk's office and file a warranty deed.
• It's not the county clerk where you're going to find those deed records. It's a circuit clerk.

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members and witnesses describing scams targeting seniors, small businesses, and working families. The committee first approved the November 3, 2025 minutes, then heard from the Arkansas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, banks, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association, the State Bank and Securities Department, the Insurance Department, and AARP. Witnesses described common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, government imposter scams, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, fake job postings, gift card scams, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, identity theft, and insurance fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that cryptocurrency kiosks and crypto transfers make recovery difficult or impossible, and that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and scalable. Witnesses repeatedly stressed education, verification, and coordination among banks, law enforcement, regulators, and consumers. Bank and mortgage representatives urged consumers to slow down, independently verify wire instructions, avoid clicking unexpected links, use tap-to-pay rather than chip or swipe when possible, and never share account credentials or one-time codes. The Attorney General’s office said it investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes, works with social media platforms to remove scam ads, and recently created a Financial Fraud Task Force with bankers and other stakeholders. The State Bank and Securities Commissioner highlighted the Safe AR Act, the state’s crypto kiosk framework, and fraud education efforts such as “fraud bingo,” while the Insurance Department described its law-enforcement role and a range of insurance-related fraud schemes it prosecutes. AARP said fraud is widespread and underreported, especially among older adults. Members asked about reporting scams, how losses are handled, whether tap is safer than chip, how crypto fraud works, whether Arkansas has model legislation to address telecom and social media impersonation, and how local law enforcement and state agencies coordinate investigations. Witnesses said banks generally absorb much of the financial loss under federal rules, while consumers bear the inconvenience and account changes. Several witnesses said Arkansas should consider additional legislation to hold telecom companies and social media platforms accountable for spoofed caller IDs and impersonation ads, and one witness said a federal Scam Act is moving in Congress. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes, but witnesses agreed to share consumer education materials and model legislation with committee staff.