Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to keep students and staff safe. to keep students and staff safe.
• Any cost savings could be redirected toward improvements that benefit students and staff every day or
• Protecting students and staff is always one of our top priorities.
• This bill does not students and staff.
• </c> when that happens, students and staff when that happens, students and staff may<00:24:12.080><c>

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Services are being forced to cut shifts, lose staff, and in some cases shut down entirely.
• Services are being forced to cut shifts, lose staff, and in some cases shut down entirely.
• ,</c> ambulances, equipment, trained staff, ambulances, equipment, trained staff, and<00:01:53.119><c
• We cover a large area with limited resources but a very dedicated staff.
• </c> the volunteers and infuses some staff the volunteers and infuses some staff and<00:36:12.480><c>

Summary: The meeting focused on the financial and workforce crisis facing Minnesota emergency medical services, especially ground ambulance providers in rural areas. Michael Johnson of the Minnesota Ambulance Association said EMS serves more than 600,000 Minnesotans a year and argued that reimbursement rates do not cover the cost of readiness, staffing, and 24/7 response. He and others called for ongoing EMS sustainability funding of about $50 million, higher Medicaid reimbursement, and continued support for EMT/paramedic scholarships, first responder training, and high school EMS programs. Senator Grant Hoschild and Representative Jeff Backer echoed the urgency, describing EMS as a moral imperative and emphasizing that rural communities cannot wait for ambulances when lives are at risk. Backer, who also volunteers as an EMT, described staffing shortages, reliance on volunteers, and a recent cardiac arrest response to illustrate the importance of local EMS coverage. Becca Hitch of PUM Area EMS said rural services are paid only when patients are transported, not for responding or treating on scene, and that one-time aid helped but did not solve underlying deficits. Bradley Peterson of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities said local governments that hold ambulance licenses are being forced to absorb unrecovered costs through property taxes, and that state support is needed to prevent service failures and rising local burdens. In response to questions, speakers said a 2023 statewide study found about $120 million in need, with roughly half tied to operational deficits and half to volunteer support; last year’s aid included about $24 million for rural services and some improvements in volunteer call pay and equipment needs. They also discussed a proposed 10% Medicaid increase, possible special tax district ideas, and the need to target any new funding toward rural services most at risk.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Chair Rawlings referenced, we adopted an institutional neutrality policy, which protects staff and
• Michael Dorsy, and Vice President of Information Technology and Chief of Staff Dr. W. Dixie.
• :14:31.120><c> audited</c> Likewise, our advancement staff audited Likewise, our advancement staff audited
• Our advancement staff will commitment.
• </c> The faculty senate and the staff senate.

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• All members, guests, and staff will please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
• And also we have a staff member from Representative Wynn's staff, so please join us up here if you would
• Ramos has got a staff person here. And Rep. Ramos has got a staff person here? Okay.
• present to you in just a couple of minutes, but for right now, we want to ask all of the members, the staff
• So ladies and coaches and staff, we're going to rejoin with you in just a couple of minutes when we leave

Summary: The Senate met in informal session, beginning with recognition of the Masconomet Regional High School girls varsity soccer team, the 2004 MIAA Division 2 state champions, along with coaches, staff, and visiting House members. Senators offered praise for the team’s accomplishments and presented citations, noting the chamber was in informal session to satisfy the constitutional requirement to meet every 72 hours and to handle limited procedural business before a later budget debate. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Christian Jose Fildago Barros, a young child who had battled a rare neuroblastoma and died on January 13. A moment of silence was observed in his memory. The main legislative action concerned House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. Senator Rodrigues offered an amendment to replace the bill’s text with Senate Document 16, and the Senate suspended the rules to take up an order setting the bill for a second reading on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with amendments due electronically by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11. The order was adopted, placing H.58 on the Orders of the Day for Wednesday. The Senate also adopted an order to meet again on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions for staff?
• Staff will call the roll. Representative Berg votes aye. Representative Street votes aye.
• Staff will announce the vote. Madam Chair, we have eight ayes and six nays and one excused.
• Staff will call the roll. Berg? Berg votes aye. Representative Burke votes aye.
• Staff will announce the vote. Madam Chair, we have eight ayes, six nays, and one excused.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank you all and your staff for your hard work.
• The committee passed an increase in our budget to hire an additional staff member to support our community
• increase to help pay for that position because the council successfully raised the salaries of our staff
• We worked well together and wanted to make sure to thank our respective staffs.
• We could not have done any of those things without our staff, but also without the non-partisan staff

Bills: HF2783

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And then she would call a staff person, a professional staff person from a committee who would be the
• I drafted my bill with care, line by line, with staff right there.
• “Thank you to my rule staff, Shasta Patrick, and Cindy.
• directors and committee staff who are brilliant and always available.
• To the staff in the Senate President's office, To the staff in the Senate President's office and in health

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and staff and guests of the public, I want to welcome you back to the Minnesota House of Representatives
• If you require any accommodation, please speak with our Sergeant-at-Arms staff, who are identified by
• So what are students, faculty and staff.
• </c> admissions, financial aid, and IT staff admissions, financial aid, and IT staff on<00:19:37.360>
• </c> financial aid and enrollment uh staff financial aid and enrollment uh staff have<01:15:08.480><c

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> because you don't have enough staff because you don't have enough staff doesn't<00:20:44.559><c>
• </c> I think the number is like 127 staff I think the number is like 127 staff that<00:27:08.880><c>
• Uh the program has much less staff.
• </c> need more money to increase our staff need more money to increase our staff because<00:51:03.920
• Do you need more staff?

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:46.640><c> Thank</c><00:49:46.800><c> you</c> MDOT staff to answer. Okay.
• Thank you MDOT staff to answer. Okay. Thank you for<00:49:47.119><c> that.
• State aid staff are experts in state aid rules and the design guidelines that go along with them.
• and current staff are doing and participating<00:56:28.880><c> in.
• </c> worked for years uh Richfield City staff worked for years uh Richfield City staff in<00:59:39.760

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Many hours are spent and much staff time, and I have to thank Mark and Joe here for all the work staff
• </c> and Joe here for for all the work staff and Joe here for for all the work staff does<00:02:39.640
• And then I just wanted to again thank staff.
• </c> do want to chime in on the on the staff do want to chime in on the on the staff and<01:10:48.480
• Our staff provide pregrant workshops.

Bills: HF1250

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> staff, which we just heard about. staff, which we just heard about.
• ,</c> protective Kevlar clothing for staff, protective Kevlar clothing for staff, and<00:57:59.359><c
• In addition, we have a need to hire staff or open time in existing staff schedules so they have the capacity
• ><c> threat</c> Schools with trained staff, threat Schools with trained staff, threat assessment<01:19
• However, as staff safe very seriously.

Bills: HF3653 , HF2717 , HF3451 , HF3857

Committee: House Education Finance

Summary: The committee first adopted the March 3rd minutes by voice vote after Representative Lee moved them and there was no discussion. Members then reviewed hearing rules on decorum, safety, and participation before taking testimony from Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. The presenters summarized research on mass shootings and K-12 school shootings, drawing on a database of homicides in school settings from 2000 to 2025 and a smaller set of 15 K-12 mass shooting cases. They said school shooters are usually insiders, most often current or former students, and typically young males. They described common patterns including a noticeable crisis before attacks, perpetrators viewing the shooting as a final act, studying prior shooters online, and “leakage” in which most tell someone in advance. They also emphasized that many perpetrators use unsecured firearms from family members and argued that prevention should combine reporting systems, behavioral threat assessment, counseling, mentoring, secure storage, and other layered interventions rather than rely on a single solution. The presenters also discussed broader violence trends in the Twin Cities, saying much school violence is spillover from community violence and that pandemic-era disruptions and weakened trust in institutions contributed to serious violence. They cited a national survey finding that exposure to gun violence is associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces, especially among young people. During member questions, Representative Wam asked for clarification on the data set and the rural/small-town share of the survey sample.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a contract administ uh support staff a contract administ uh support staff member<00:15:46.120><c
• </c> is going to require that existing staff is going to require that existing staff that<00:23:26.279
• </c> request um and you know that the staff request um and you know that the staff augmentation<00:23
• </c> we no longer will need that staff we no longer will need that staff augmentation<00:24:08.880><c
• DNR has its own engineering staffs DNR has its own engineering<01:58:32.320><c> staff</c><01:58:33.040

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I want to encourage his staff to make sure that they're there. And then he's here.
• And so I want to encourage his staff to make sure that they're there. And then he's here.
• We had everyone introduce themselves, including staff, because commissions have work.
• Including staff, because commissions have work.
• Cindy Marrow, the one that the mayor's chief of staff. Yes, Sydney Marrow. Yes, yes, yes.

Summary: The meeting focused on organizing the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission, including confirming quorum, approving prior minutes, electing leadership, and planning next steps. Once quorum was reached, members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and unanimously elected Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Kip Diggs as co-chairs. There was also discussion of whether vice chairs should be added later, with several members favoring a mix of legislative and appointed/community representation. A major portion of the discussion centered on expanding the commission membership and identifying candidates who reflect regional, gender, and professional diversity, with emphasis on arts, culture, history, philanthropy, development, and construction. Members suggested numerous names from Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Cape Cod, Taunton, and other communities, and there was broad interest in including people connected to cultural organizations, universities, and the business/development community. Members also discussed whether designees could count toward quorum, but no rule change was adopted during the meeting. The commission also discussed its operating structure and public process. Members agreed to submit two or three recommended names by November 13, and to reconvene on November 25 at 4 p.m. to finalize recommendations and continue building the commission. They also discussed meeting cadence, with support for alternating formal meetings and site visits or listening sessions every other month, plus possible subcommittees to handle research between meetings. The chair noted that the commission is public-facing, will keep records and minutes, and will need to consider the organizational vehicle or advisory structure that will support Cape Verdean clubs and associations in the broader project. The meeting adjourned after these next steps were outlined.

Transcript Highlights:

• He also thanked the partisan staff, including Eric Anderson, Sam O'Neal, and Alex Wheeler.
• He also thanked the GOP staff, including Jesse McGall, Ben Freeze, and Karen Hardwick, saying they've
• He said Jesse and Ben will have to debrief about the draft tomorrow a little bit. partisan staff, um
• </c> want to uh thank our GOP staff as well. want to uh thank our GOP staff as well.
• c><00:16:03.040><c> Slovac</c><00:16:03.600><c> Beckal</c> staff, Lori Pampu and Slovac Beckal staff,

Transcript Highlights:

• So the next item on the agenda is an overview of the Medicaid Subcommittee by legislative audit staff
• Staff will now present a summary of legislative audit's role related to Medicaid.
• Madam Chair, can we have them as staff to send these out?
• We did not increase staff.
• Are there any questions for staff or representatives of these offices?

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you request anything from House staff on fiscal impact? No, sir. Okay. One follow-up.
• Staff, please open the queue for a vote. Eves, yay.
• Staff, close the queue and declare the vote. 9-0, aye. I declare your bill to pass, sir.
• Staff, please open the queue for a vote. Bear with us for technical difficulties. Difficulties.
• Staff, please open the queue for a vote. Representative Gise.

Bills: HB3725 , HB3260 , HB3660 , HB3369 , HB3370

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3725, as amended by a PCS, which would require employers statewide to use E-Verify or a federal equivalent when hiring new employees. The author argued the bill would help reduce illegal immigration, protect wages and jobs for lawful workers, and impose only minimal costs because E-Verify is free and quick to use. Members raised concerns about burdens on small businesses, farms, and ranches; state versus federal authority; enforcement by the Department of Labor; identity theft and false positives; possible litigation; and what would happen if the federal system went offline or changed. The author said the bill includes good-faith protections, a trigger repeal if the federal program expands, and that he would file additional language to address shutdown-related disruptions. No motion was made, and the bill remained in committee. The committee then heard and passed several other measures without opposition. House Bill 3260 would add the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association as an approved provider for continuing education credits for funeral director license renewals, and it passed 9-0. House Bill 3660 would authorize natural organic reduction, described as transforming human remains into soil, and it also passed 9-0. House Bill 3369 would revise food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable fire extinguishers instead of an automatic suppression system and by allowing licensed plumbers, not just Oklahoma LP Gas, to inspect or install certain gas plumbing; members discussed possible conflicts with another LP gas fix and agreed to work together, and the bill passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3370 would extend the effective date of the food truck fire code to November 1, 2028, creating a sunset to allow more time for a broader solution. The author said he preferred another option but wanted this bill available if needed. After brief clarification, the committee passed HB 3370 9-0. The meeting ended with the chair noting there would be three meetings left in the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• least, within the Budget and Policy Analysis Division, as the chairman stated, we have a number of staff
• , and we have two individuals on our staff who work with health and welfare.
• We have a person on our staff that specifically works with the transportation budget.
• but in case your interests wander elsewhere, we want to make sure that you can find whoever on our staff
• who works with two individuals on our staff who work with health and welfare we have a person on our

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• But what I did see is that my staff endures trauma every day.
• One, my detention staff and probation staff.
• I'm in the process of hiring a therapist just for my staff.
• Madam Staff Director? No. Any member of the committee with further business?
• Madam Staff Director? No. Many member of the committee with further business?

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several gubernatorial appointees, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his law enforcement background, social work training, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, seeking statutory recognition and training standards for juvenile detention and probation officers, and increasing bed capacity so adjudicated youth can move from detention into residential programming sooner. Members asked about the impact of detention “dead time” and the need for more beds; Walsh said DJJ is evaluating ways to let youth begin programming earlier while in detention. Public support was noted, and the committee voted unanimously to confirm Walsh and forward his nomination to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee to the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background, service on multiple boards, and prior service on FAU’s board pending confirmation, emphasizing governance, accountability, and strategic planning. Senators questioned her about FAU’s handling of faculty social media controversies, the university’s relationship with its new president, student and faculty engagement, AI planning, diversity, and her role on the Hope Florida board and with CDR Health’s state contracts, including work related to the Everglades detention center. Public testimony included strong opposition from one speaker who criticized her ties to state contracts and Hope Florida, while another senator spoke in support, citing her community service and business experience. The committee voted 5-2 to confirm her, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. Afterward, the committee considered the remaining nominees in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, en bloc. No separate votes were requested, and the committee approved the group of nominees by voice roll call to be forwarded to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• a public records exemption for the sensitive personal information and addresses of the commission staff
• This week alone, an individual called over 35 times making threats to staff.
• Every day, the staff experiences threatening calls.
• It is the only agency in which all of its staff must file a Form 1.
• Would you talk to our folks, my staff? Yes, sir. Absolutely. That's your convenience.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Florida Commission on Ethics on several proposed legislative changes. The commission asked for changes to the Whistleblower Act to better cover ethics complaints, a public records exemption for commissioners’ and staff members’ sensitive personal information, an expanded gift-disclosure family definition to include foster relationships, and a first-time waiver of fines for late financial disclosure filers. Staff also requested technical fixes, including treating a timely postmarked appeal as filed on time, clarifying Form 6 filing requirements for appointees to elected seats, extending ethics-training requirements to municipal appointees filling unexpired terms, and clarifying where Form 10 gift disclosures are filed. Commission staff reported high electronic filing compliance rates, the rollout of automated fines, and an average of 92 days for completed preliminary investigations in 2025. They also updated the committee on two federal court challenges involving the in-office lobbying ban and the Form 6 requirement for elected municipal officers. The committee then heard from Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who outlined preparations for the 2026 election cycle and several policy proposals. He discussed work with new supervisors of elections, ongoing election-crimes enforcement, cooperation with federal agencies on citizenship verification, and data-sharing agreements with other states. Byrd also proposed a statewide pre-certification audit system with grants for smaller counties, a more streamlined process for checking voter citizenship status after registration, and a modernization fix for voter records affected by randomized driver’s license numbers. Members asked about special elections, election-crimes investigations, returning-citizen voting determinations, chain-of-custody procedures, and interstate data-sharing agreements. Byrd said special election timing is controlled by the governor, the elections-crimes office investigates but does not arrest, returning-citizen applications are resolved within 90 days, and he is confident in current chain-of-custody practices. The committee also considered gubernatorial nominations. By unanimous vote, members approved a block of nominees, then separately took up Joshua Kellum’s nomination to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The committee heard sworn public testimony from Robin Blevins, who urged rejection of Kellum’s appointment and criticized his background and past involvement in FWC-related advocacy. After brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve Kellum’s nomination as well.