Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, some administrative matters to sort out. We have a communication from the Senate.
• Senate Bill 725 relates to land records, certain financing statements, circuit court clerks' fees, and
• the technology trust fund fee report.
• It increases some of the fees, the tech fees that clerks charge, from $5 to $7 to $8, something like
• , the tech fees that clerks charge from $5 to $7 to $5 to $8, something like that.

Transcript Highlights:

• This administration has also been focused on food security within our education system.
• Under this administration, we have been focused on reimagining the high school experience.
• Now, we recognize that tuition and fees are not the only costs incurred by college students.
• So I plead with this administration.
• Thanks to the administration and the legislature, you're not walking back from that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Some areas in the state do have assessment fees.
• They're not the only fees that are being collected.
• Our last general plan up On not the only fees that are being collected.
• We do charge a fee for cities like ours. You don't want that fee to be excessive, as was mentioned.
• And so it does take time for that fee to accumulate.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 253, by Assembly Member Ward and presented by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits if a local building department would take more than 30 days. Supporters, including California YIMBY, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Action Coalition, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Abundant Housing LA, said the bill would reduce permitting delays and help housing production. League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties expressed concerns but were not formally opposed. Members voiced strong support, and the bill passed the committee 10-0 to Appropriations. The committee then held an informational hearing on California’s general plan. The first panel, led by UC Davis professor Catherine Brinkley, gave an overview of the general plan structure, required elements, update cycles, and the new PlanSearch database that makes adopted plans searchable statewide. She emphasized that general plans are long-term, locally tailored documents that integrate housing, transportation, safety, environmental justice, and other policy areas, and noted that many plans and elements are outdated. Members asked about update timelines, public participation, and whether AI tools could help with drafting and analysis. A second panel of local government representatives described the practical challenges of preparing and updating general plans, especially in rural and small jurisdictions. Speakers from Calaveras County, Sacramento, San Joaquin County, and Fountain Valley cited staffing shortages, consultant availability, funding constraints, CEQA and outreach costs, changing state mandates, and the difficulty of keeping plans aligned with local conditions and board turnover. They asked for more funding, more time, clearer prioritization, and more flexibility. A third panel from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explained its role in issuing general plan guidelines, technical advisories, and annual planning surveys, and said it is updating its guidance through 2027 to reflect recent housing, climate, safety, environmental justice, and open space laws. No public comment was offered, and the informational hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waivers are typically a five-year window, and CMS, with changes in administration, sometimes they extend
• Waivers are typically a five-year window, and CMS, with changes in administration, sometimes they extend
• </c> with changes in administration. with changes in administration.
• Thank you to the nursing facilities that were willing to allow the licensing fee to go up to invest in
• for service model and um my fee for service model and um my understanding<00:25:17.600><c> is</c><00

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care approved the prior meeting minutes as amended after correcting the first paragraph. The chair then outlined the committee’s plan to produce a preliminary report by October 1, with additional meetings to follow, since some questions remain about the federal One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) and its effects on Medicaid financing and managed care. The main discussion focused on New Hampshire nursing home funding and how ProShare and MQUIP work. Members reviewed Medicaid rates, supplemental payments, intergovernmental transfers, and the role of federal matching funds. The chair and Mr. Litman concluded that OB3’s phase-down of payments above the Medicare rate likely would not directly eliminate ProShare or MQUIP in New Hampshire, but uncertainty remains about intergovernmental transfers and about how these payments would function if the state moved nursing facilities into managed care. Mr. Litman said managed care would likely require waivers for supplemental payments, and Texas was cited as an example of a state operating under such waivers. The committee also discussed dual eligibles, DNIP, PACE, and the possibility of carving out HCBS from nursing facility services. DHS said its managed care contract would allow the state to use MCOs for DNIP, with the goal of better coordination between Medicaid and Medicare, while PACE would likely require more study and might be more feasible in populated counties. Members also reviewed OB3’s new presumptive eligibility provisions and a state waiver request modeled on Washington’s approach, plus a separate grant for transitioning people from facilities back to the community. The rural health transformation fund was discussed as a possible source for workforce, telehealth, mobile integrated health, and other support investments, but not for direct construction or major building renovation. County representatives emphasized that any county role in PACE or DNIP would require significant vetting, infrastructure, capital investment, and a realistic timeline. The meeting ended with the chair saying the draft report would outline issues and possible alternatives, but not recommendations yet, and the committee adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• , anyone could obtain a CCN by filing a short application, a map of the proposed area, and a filing fee
• . fee and without any proof of the applicant's ability to serve the property, they were issued a CCN.
• The one area of the bill that we think maybe could be improved is the administrative aspects.
• What we don't want to do is ultimately penalize ratepayers with high administrative fees, so we are thinking
• A tiered system, and the administrative penalties might be a way to improve the bill.

Bills: SB863 , SB1190 , SB1261 , SB1413 , SB1624 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1855 , SB1967 , SB2124 , SB2204 , SB1623

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the other six board members represent one of our six administrative districts around the state
• The state user fees are primarily state fuel taxes and registration fees.
• The state user fees are primarily state fuel taxes and registration fees.
• They don't have to pay an administrative fee by the county, and it gets them their products much more
• Next I'll talk about user fees.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• An act relating to pawnbroker fees and interest rates, amending RCW 19.60.020.
• Must come and ask our permission to increase their interest rate and fees.
• and their document processing fees.
• This is legislation requested by the Administrative Office of the Court.
• Requested by the Administrative Office of the Court.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, recognized visitors from the Colville Tribal Business Council, and then caucused briefly before taking up bills. The chamber also received a Senate message announcing passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5000. Members advanced and passed several bills. House Bill 1269, raising pawnbroker interest rates and fees modestly, passed 83-14 after supporters said it would help small businesses serving unbanked customers and maintain operations amid inflation. Substitute House Bill 2123, changing foreign national campaign contribution reporting rules, passed 68-29 amid debate over whether it appropriately reduced burdens on candidate campaigns while still protecting initiative campaigns. Substitute House Bill 2178, a technical court-rules and procedure cleanup bill, passed 89-8; House Bill 2120, which removes two duplicative JLARC reports to free staff for higher-value audits, passed unanimously 97-0; House Bill 2309, eliminating postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs to reduce employment barriers, passed 97-0; and Substitute House Bill 2158, allowing electronic remote notarization of physical documents, passed 96-0. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2411, expanding shared leave eligibility to include absences related to hate crimes and immigration enforcement actions, by a vote of 60-36 after supporters framed it as support for public employees and opponents raised cost and policy concerns. House Joint Memorial 4004, a nonbinding request to Congress concerning sea lion management to protect salmon and treaty fishing rights, passed 80-16 after debate focused on salmon restoration and tribal rights. Finally, Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001, honoring Russell Blount by naming the future East 34th Street overpass over I-5, passed 96-0. The House then adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the certified nurse aide license, the nursing home administrator license, and the psychiatric
• We can definitely take a look at some alternative methods to use those fees.
• The statute that is in place is we can only use those fees for training.
• like I said, everything else looks good and just kind of, you know, or, you know, if we can reduce fees
• You know, if we can reduce fees for our people or just so we don't have this big, big old pot of money

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Occupational License Review Committee met and, without objection, moved consideration of the Fire Protection of Lasting Board and the Licensing Protection Board to the March meeting. The committee then heard a report from the Department of Human Services, Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance, which oversees three occupational licenses: certified nurse aide, nursing home administrator, and psychiatric residential treatment facility licenses. DHS said these licenses are intended to protect the health and safety of people living in residential facilities. Members asked about the nursing home administrator license fund balance, noting it was around $800,000 compared with relatively small annual expenses. The chair questioned whether fees could be reduced or the money used more effectively rather than remaining unused. DHS responded that the statute limits use of those fees to training, and that the division contracts with the Arkansas Health Care Association to provide training classes. No further questions or other business were raised. The committee thanked the witness and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the nursing home administrator license, and we have the psychiatric residential treatment facility
• So I'm just kind of curious about any plans either to reduce licensing fees or how can we use that money
• We can definitely take a look at some alternative methods to use those fees.
• The statute that is in place is we can only use those fees for training.
• like I said, everything else looks good and just kind of, you know, or, you know, if we can reduce fees

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Occupational License Review Committee met and first approved, without objection, moving the Licensing Protection Board item to the March meeting. The committee then heard a report from the Department of Human Services, Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance, which oversees three occupational licenses: certified nurse aide, nursing home administrator, and psychiatric residential treatment facility licenses. The division said these licenses are needed to protect the health and safety of people in residential facilities. Members asked about the nursing home administrator license fund balance, noting it was around $800,000 compared with relatively small annual expenses. The division responded that the statute limits use of those fees to training, and that it contracts with the Arkansas Health Care Association to provide training classes. A member suggested considering ways to reduce fees or otherwise use the accumulated funds more effectively. No further questions or business were raised, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we're certainly going to continue to see new administrations come and go. ...presidential administrations
• And so it does not have an administrative review component.
• So again, The out-of-state fee established in subsection three.
• Administrations change.
• or not attorney's fees if you prevail.

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would lower that license fee to $1,000 and waive it.
• General and administrative means they need accounting, they need HR, they need compliance.
• High fees, outdated and unnecessary regulations continue to limit access.
• So beyond just the license fee, there are other fees that go into the agent registration process, including
• We deal with fees, background checks, trainings, reports.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its first hearing of the 194th session to take public testimony on 21 cannabis-related bills. Chairs Donahue and Gómez outlined hearing procedures and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Much of the hearing focused on the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), with Senator Mike Moore urging support for S. 90 to create an inspector general unit within the CCC. He argued the commission has suffered from dysfunction, workplace harassment allegations, delayed governance reforms, missed fee collections, and high legal costs, and said stronger legislative oversight is needed. Committee members largely agreed the CCC needs reform, though some expressed hope that new leadership would improve operations. A major theme was market structure and business viability. Representative Tyler testified for H. 183 to raise adult-use purchase limits from one ounce to two ounces, saying the change would reduce confusion and help retailers compete with neighboring states. Senator Payano supported S. 100, which would require a study of cannabis supply and demand to guide cultivation licensing, warning that oversupply is driving down prices and threatening cultivators. The Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, represented by Ryan Dominguez, backed a package of bills aimed at increasing revenue, reducing regulatory burdens, attracting investment, and stabilizing the market, including higher purchase limits, simpler badge and testing rules, and a phased increase in the retail license cap. Attorneys Kevin Conroy and Mike Ross also supported raising the cap, arguing that the industry lacks capital and that more investment and exit opportunities are needed for provisional and distressed licensees. The most contentious issue was whether to raise the retail license cap from three to six. Supporters, including several business owners and industry advocates such as Peyton Shubrick, Tito Jackson, Armani White, Sean Burt, and others, said the current cap traps owners in declining businesses, prevents exits, and limits access to capital. They argued that many social equity and economic empowerment operators are struggling, that oversupply has pushed prices down, and that allowing more ownership could help businesses scale or sell. Opponents, including Senator Liz Miranda and several social equity operators, warned that lifting the cap now would let larger operators and multi-state companies dominate the market and harm equity-owned businesses. Miranda’s S. 88 would instead strengthen enforcement of ownership limits through audits, whistleblower protections, an anonymous tip line, and greater transparency. Another major topic was worker and consumer safety: Laura Bruno, Danny Carson, Al Vega, and others supported H. 194 after the death of Lorna McMurray, arguing for a CCC workplace and consumer safety department, better ventilation and PPE standards, stronger testing oversight, and retaliation protections for workers. The hearing ended without votes, with members thanking testifiers and indicating the committee would continue reviewing the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• One has worked for over 40 years, and both started working during the Reagan administration.
• </c> during the like Reagan administration. during the like Reagan administration.
• </c> you just adjust the registration fees you just adjust the registration fees and<00:09:20.880><c>
• ,</c><00:11:06.720><c> the</c><00:11:06.880><c> fee</c><00:11:07.200><c> structure.
• </c> uh you know the fees, the fee structure. uh you know the fees, the fee structure.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote. The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifying that rental car companies pay a flat fee.
• That's really getting at the heart of the black fee. Okay, yeah, thank you. Thank you, Chair.
• for rental cars so is that flat Fe fee for rental cars so is that part<00:10:31.240><c> of</c><00:10
• I serve as the administrative services assistant, and my time will sunset May 2.
• </c><01:05:08.880><c> Services</c> I serve as the administrative Services I serve as the administrative

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those fees are included in projects and those fees are included in our capital budget estimates as
• </c><00:51:20.079><c> the</c><00:51:20.440><c> fees</c><00:51:21.440><c> the</c><00:51:21.520><c> fees
• </c><00:51:21.839><c> don't</c> and the fees the fees the fees don't and the fees the fees the fees don't
• </c><03:58:44.560><c> in</c> is ma Schultz I'm the administrator in is ma Schultz I'm the administrator
• </c> Amy Newbery director of administration Amy Newbery director of administration the<04:10:38.680><

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail. The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels. The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• and things related to driver search fees against that timing issue.
• Uh, got a question on page six about the natural gas severance special fee. I get special fees.
• The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met on March 19, 2026.
• Leslie Fiscan, Secretary of Shared Administrative Services.
• He understands the... ...rehabilitation services administration.

Committee: All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)

Summary: The council opened with a prayer, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received the February 2026 Monthly Revenue Report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year to date, and said the updated forecast now shows a larger expected surplus. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fee fluctuations, inflation, and economic development incentives; Silva attributed several changes to timing, refunds, tax cuts, weather, and price volatility, and generally described the state’s revenue trend as positive. The Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Medicaid studies, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and other subcommittee reports were adopted. The Medicaid studies report drew extended discussion about DHS staffing and contract nursing costs at state hospitals and human development centers; DHS officials said they were working on a recruitment and retention plan, reported significant vacancies and turnover, and said the state was not at risk of overspending the contracts. Several members urged reducing reliance on contract labor and moving staff onto state payrolls. The Review Subcommittee report prompted questions about a Department of Public Safety aircraft maintenance item and a Department of Shared Administrative Services contract for Deloitte to implement performance and goals management software tied to the state’s new personnel system. After discussion, the aircraft maintenance item was held briefly and then withdrawn from the hold, while the shared services contract was explained as a one-time integration/configuration project for a system that will support employee evaluations and performance-based pay; the report and the separate contract vote were approved. The Personnel Subcommittee also heard testimony from Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald about reductions in force at the Division of Services for the Blind, which he attributed to funding shortfalls and fiscal mismanagement; members questioned the impact on blind and visually impaired clients, the status of board appointments, and whether federal funds could be at risk. The report was adopted with immediate consideration, and the meeting ended after filing the remaining APER report and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’ve got a question on page six about the natural gas severance special fee. I get special fees.
• The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met on March 19, 2026.
• But what about item 22, this Department of Shared Administrative Services and the... ...of Shared Administrative
• Leslie Fiscan, Secretary of Shared Administrative Services.
• “Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Committee: All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)

Summary: The meeting began with a prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a February 2026 revenue report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year, and said the updated forecast showed a larger expected surplus than before. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fees, and possible effects of inflation and international conflict; Silva generally attributed the changes to timing issues, prior tax cuts, refund activity, and price fluctuations, and said he could not speculate on future impacts. The committee then heard and adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish State Police, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and APER filings. Most reports were approved without objection. One budget classification transfer for the Commissioner of State Lands was reviewed and failed. The review report also led to discussion of several contracts, including DHS staffing contracts and a Department of Education security contract, with some items held or separated for individual votes. A major portion of the meeting focused on DHS and state staffing contracts for the Human Development Centers, Arkansas State Hospital, and related facilities. DHS officials said the contracts were on track against seven-year projections, but members expressed concern about heavy reliance on contract labor, vacancy rates, and the need to move workers onto state payrolls. Officials said they were preparing a recruitment and retention plan and described staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover. Members also questioned contract projections and federal-state funding matches, and several urged faster action to reduce contract labor costs. The committee also discussed a Department of Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and Employment and Training. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the cuts were driven by funding shortfalls, over-obligation of funds, and federal issues, and that 27 positions would be permanently eliminated while furloughed employees would be recalled. Members raised concerns about service impacts, board appointments, and the division’s fiscal management. The meeting ended after the personnel report was adopted and APER was filed as reviewed, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:29.720><c> associated</c> would be no attorney's fees associated would be no attorney's fees
• One is attorney's fees.
• But if an attorney is allowed, the attorney's fees are not going to be allowed.
• rule costs, fees for the administrative rule costs, fees for the continuing education mandates. but
• /c><01:12:11.639><c> the</c> administrative rule costs fees for the administrative rule costs fees for

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees. The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns. HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• , so our foundation partners with the high school in assisting our families with shoes, paying for fees
• fees at 25% which went<00:36:44.839><c> into</c><00:36:45.119><c> effect</c><00:36:45.440><c> in</c>
• I remember the administrative law judge, so the district court found, uh, the open all—or was it the
• to an administrative law judge where<00:59:06.440><c> we</c><00:59:06.559><c> were</c><00:59:06.720>
• law judge so remember the administrative law judge so the<00:59:29.480><c> district</c><00:59:29.799

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the in the change of administrative the in the change of administrative match<00:41:20.560><c> uh
• But this is the administrative costs which are being reduced from 50% federal to 25% federal.
• <00:41:59.480><c> cost</c> administrative cost administrative cost is<00:42:00.720><c> that</c><00:42
• ><c> costs</c><00:42:26.720><c> which</c> this is the administrative costs which this is the administrative
• <00:42:44.000><c> side,</c> administrative side, administrative side, I<00:42:45.200><c> think</c><00

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you concerned at all that this has the potential to be abused by some hospital administration?
• Administrative Mends, you recognize for a question.
• Representative, can you tell me how you arrived at the $15 fee? Thank you for the question.
• what is in the best interest of that school administrator.
• My thought about that, though, is administrations and the makeup of Congress change over time.

Bills: HB4104 , HB3722 , HB3787 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3310 , HB3404 , HB2964 , HB2398 , HB3024 , HB3499 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3645 , HB3649 , HB2293 , HB3260 , HB3176 , HB3177 , HB3114 , HB3172 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4248 , HB3720 , HB2210 , HB1322 , HB1937 , HB3301 , HB4107

Summary: The House convened, heard the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, recognized the Doctor of the Day, and held several special presentations, including the Bethany Youth Council and a centennial recognition for Ascension St. John. The chamber then took up a long series of bills on second and third reading, with members asking questions on hospice care, broadband, funeral director continuing education, economic development, court reporters, DUI-related GPS monitoring, banking discrimination, statutory interpretation, electronic filings, intoxicating hemp beverages, homemade food production, youth apprenticeships, domestic violence, school communications with minors, firearms definitions, and outdoor warning sirens. Among the measures considered, House Bill 3645 on hospice referrals for patients without next of kin or a durable power of attorney passed 16-0. House Bill 3649, allowing proceeds from certain state property sales to remain in the mental health real estate trust, passed 15-0. House Bill 2293 extending the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset to 2030 passed 84-10. House Bill 3216 adding the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association to approved continuing education providers passed 94-0, and House Bill 3176 directing Commerce to pursue national lab and innovation opportunities passed 51-37 after extensive debate about its aspirational nature and cost. Other bills approved included HB 3177 on Corporation Commission court reporter pay and retention, HB 3114 removing DUI with great bodily harm from DOC GPS monitoring eligibility, HB 3172 restricting adverse banking actions by large financial institutions against lawful activity, HB 3322 on statutory interpretation, HB 3323 removing notarization requirements for electronic Service Oklahoma submissions, HB 4248 restricting certain intoxicating beverages to those 21 and older, HB 3720 expanding the Homemade Food Freedom Act, HB 2210 modernizing youth apprenticeships, HB 1322 creating a domestic violence offender registry, HB 1937 revising school communications with minors and receiving emergency passage, HB 3301 aligning state firearms definitions with federal law, and HB 4107 criminalizing hacking or unauthorized activation of outdoor warning sirens. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew significant questioning over fiscal impact, public safety, and implementation details.