Transcript Highlights:

• This is the meeting of the Explanatory Statement Committee for Initiative Petition 28.
• hearing on the statement and accept written public comments.
• revisions to the statement.
• July 27 is the deadline for the committee to file your statements.
• August 5 is the deadline to complete the final statement.

Summary: The Explanatory Statement Committee for Initiative Petition 28 met on July 14, 2026, to select a fifth member needed to complete the committee. LPRO staff explained the committee’s role in preparing an impartial, plain-language ballot measure statement, reviewed the statutory deadlines, and noted that if the committee could not agree on a fifth member, the Secretary of State would appoint one. Committee members introduced themselves as the two chief petitioners and representatives for sportsmen’s and agricultural interests. The discussion focused on possible fifth members. The Secretary of State had already confirmed the availability of Bob Herman and former Representative Lane Shetterly. One member also suggested Jake Hammons, an Oregon prosecutor with animal cruelty law experience, but the group did not pursue that option immediately. Members discussed the relative neutrality and experience of the candidates, with several expressing comfort with either Herman or Shetterly and a preference to move quickly. The committee voted unanimously to use Bob Herman as the first choice and Lane Shetterly as the alternate fifth member, with the understanding that if both were unavailable the committee would reconvene. LPRO said it would confirm the fifth member, distribute the draft explanatory statement prepared by Legislative Counsel, and schedule the drafting meeting for July 22, 2026. Members were invited to submit alternative draft language by July 21.

Transcript Highlights:

• Formal statement sessions must be of reasonable duration, and investigative agency's report must also
• and an investigative witness statements and an investigative agency's<00:14:59.800> report.
• > be<00:15:03.880> of Formal statement sessions must be of Formal statement sessions must
• c> statements must be electronically statements must be electronically recorded<00:15:21.240> and<
• > an<00:15:32.320> officer formal statement session an officer formal statement session

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I the expanded scope statement today.
• Could we not approve the scope statement Could we not approve the scope statement now<00:38:56.480
• And you'll notice in the scope statement, and it's on page one of the scope statement at the... they're
• ,<00:40:13.680> and notice uh in the scope statement, and notice uh in the scope statement
• It's not in the scope statement.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting. The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access. Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's really this statement in this bill...
• It's really this statement in this bill is for those substitutions.
• "Remember, the mobile home statements for the 2026 property tax year have been issued.
• Number one, the tax statement is unified across the state.
• The tax statement is the same in every county.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions, comments, or statements? Sir? Sir.
• Questions, comments, or statements? Move the bill? It has been moved and seconded.
• Questions, comments, or statements? Questions, comments, or statements? Sure.
• More questions, comments, statements? Sir. I think this came up.
• Questions, comments, or statements? So, in this bill, do you want to speak first?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking Committee met with Chair James Sanders Jr. and reviewed a full agenda of banking-related bills. Early action included approval of a bill requiring licensed check cashers to file suspicious activity reports, and a bill on civil penalties for fraud or misrepresentation in financial products or services, though several members objected to removing the intentionality standard and warned it could broaden enforcement too far and discourage lending in New York. The committee also advanced a bill prohibiting fees for periodic paper statements, a bill on asset-based lending transactions, and a bill requiring reporting of suspected financial exploitation. Members spent substantial time on a bill regulating automated lending decision tools. The sponsor and chair said the measure would allow AI use but require a human review or appeal if a borrower is denied, while some senators raised concerns about competitiveness for state-chartered banks and possible overlap with existing human oversight. The bill was reported out and referred to the Internet and Technology Committee for further review. The committee also approved a DFS study bill on the financial stability and licensing of the check-cashing industry, with a suggestion that the study also examine risks of expanding the industry. A major discussion centered on the “Deep Protection Act,” aimed at preventing foreclosures tied to deed theft. The sponsor described cases involving elderly homeowners and fraudulent transfers, while opponents argued the bill was vague, could create unintended consequences or private litigation, and might affect only a small share of mortgages because it applies to state-chartered institutions. The sponsor said the bill would be amended and noted interest in related county clerk reforms. The committee ultimately sent the bill to Judiciary. The final bills addressed mortgage payment schedule fees and unsolicited mail loan checks; both were approved. The meeting ended after the chair emphasized open debate and committee review as part of improving legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anybody want to witness or register a statement of support?
• Thank you for your statement.
• Are there any other, another witness statement?
• Members of the public here wishing to have a statement of opposition.
• Yeah, I have a statement. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met on April 8, 2025, and heard three bills. AB 666 would designate Bigfoot as California’s official state cryptid, with the author arguing it would recognize North Coast history and support local tourism; there was no support testimony, one opposition witness said the bill was a distraction from more serious issues, and the chair ultimately held the bill for lack of a motion. AB 1349 addressed speculative ticketing in the live entertainment market by requiring sellers to own or have a contractual right to tickets before listing them, along with disclosure, recordkeeping, anti-spoofing, and refund provisions. The author and supporters from music venues, artist groups, and sports organizations said the bill would protect fans and artists from deceptive resale practices and price gouging. Opponents from consumer and resale groups argued the measure was overbroad, could restrict legitimate resale and concierge services, and might favor primary ticketing monopolies. The committee members who spoke generally supported the consumer-protection goals, and the bill passed out of committee on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting. AB 932 would require local education agencies that rent facilities to third-party youth sports clubs to provide gender-equitable access, closing what the author described as a loophole affecting girls’ club sports. Supporters, including the California Department of Education and youth sports advocates, said the bill would improve access for girls and address examples of unequal field and gym use. Opponents argued it could conflict with Title IX and raised broader objections to gender identity language in sports policy. The committee approved the bill on a 6-0 vote, with three members not voting, and sent it to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, very good. clearly a statement on uh Bill Maher clearly a statement on uh Bill Maher made<00:30
• The statement has two charts.
• committee should get this this statement committee should get this this statement out<00:58:57.920
• and uh early on there were statement and uh early on there were statement including<01:03:57.200
• I want to address page three in the opening statement from Senator Johnson's statement.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The New Hampshire House Special Committee on the COVID Response Efficacy met to continue its fact-finding review of the state’s pandemic response, with the chair restating the committee’s mission and focus on federal guidance, federal funding, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, patient rights, and vaccination policies. The chair said the committee had previously reviewed materials about the U.S. Supreme Court declining to hear a COVID vaccine case and CDC internal emails about vaccine risks, and introduced additional research on CDC testing and communications failures. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to summarizing articles and a recent U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report titled *Unmasked: How Biden Health Officials Purposely Turned a Blind Eye Toward COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Signals*. The chair argued that CDC testing and guidance were flawed, citing delayed data publication, confusing guidance, a faulty early COVID test, missed opportunities to study silent spread, and alleged suppression of safety information. The Senate report was described as alleging that FDA and CDC officials knew their surveillance systems could mask vaccine safety signals, that officials discouraged internal analysis from being shared externally, and that newer analytical methods identified multiple statistically significant adverse-event signals. The chair also discussed the V-safe system, VAERS, and claims that federal officials downplayed or concealed adverse-event data. Members and the chair connected these federal issues to New Hampshire, noting changes in the state’s health care landscape since the pandemic, including more urgent care facilities and satellite ERs. The chair suggested New Hampshire should develop independent scientific assessment resources to validate federal information in future emergencies. Representative Wheeler noted that the materials would be entered into the committee record and made available on the House website. No votes were taken; the committee discussed the materials, invited further questions, and indicated that a proposed committee communication would be revisited later after additional supporting information is gathered, with a goal of issuing a statement by the end of June.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is the ACFER, which includes all of the financial statements and notes to the financial statements
• The first is the ACFER, which includes all of the financial statements and notes to the financial statements
• The financial statements of the state are fairly presented. Ms.
• And it's, again, financial statements for the State of Arkansas.
• Okay, can staff opine to that if that's an accurate statement or not?

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Annual financial statements were not prepared. A fixed asset listing was not established.
• Annual financial statements were not prepared and posted.
• I said, I was not told to put it on a financial statement.
• That has no bearing on my financial statement, which renders my account wrong.
• Is that acceptable to add to our city council's financial statements?

Summary: The committee began with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that 19 of 43 original entities for the 2022 reporting year had had turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reporting year, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five still outstanding. The committee also heard that Adona had come into substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, and it voted to file that report and discontinue withholding turnback. It then voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report for Gum Springs after hearing repeated findings involving budgeting, disbursements, payroll, and Act 833 funds, with city officials saying they had begun correcting records and were seeking help from the Municipal League and a city attorney. Fargo was deferred because the mayor was absent due to illness. The committee next considered Denning, where staff described repeated and serious accounting problems over 2022-2024, including unauthorized payments, missing documentation, weak payroll controls, and improper handling of funds. The mayor and recorder-treasurer said prior records were disorganized and that they were now working with an attorney, CPA help, and new software; the committee voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report. Green Forest’s report, involving a fixed-asset listing issue after the mayor’s death, was filed. Several private water and sewer reports were either filed or deferred depending on whether responses had been received, and the committee announced its March meeting would be held in Room 149 because of renovations. The committee then reviewed a series of referred reports involving alleged financial irregularities. In Elaine, the fire chief’s questionable purchases were referred and filed. In Strong, staff described undeposited garbage-bag receipts, improper payments for private dumpster service and other expenditures, payroll tax penalties, and deficit fund balances; the mayor said controls had been improved, but the committee deferred the report to March. The Faulkner County Fair Association report found undocumented cash withdrawals, questionable disbursements, and inadequately documented cash payments to a carnival vendor; the committee filed it. Brooklyn’s report involved a fraudulent direct-deposit change, and Mineral Springs’ report involved transfers from the cemetery fund, employee loans, overpayments, and travel reimbursement issues; both were filed. Additional reports included Rondo, where the recorder-treasurer explained missing computers and fuel purchases tied to personal vehicles, and the committee filed the report; Waldo, where the mayor had been overpaid due to extra biweekly payments, which was filed; Columbia County, where a floodplain management contract lacked an authorizing ordinance, which was filed; and several private water-system reports, some filed and others deferred for lack of responses. Carlisle’s report showed large but improving misstatements in financial records, and the committee filed it after hearing that new software and training had reduced prior problems. Caddo Valley’s report prompted a lengthy discussion about CDs and interest recognition; staff explained that principal balances should be reflected as city assets and interest should be recorded when earned or reported by the bank, and the report was filed. Prairie County’s budget overrun and road-fund issues were discussed at length, with the judge explaining equipment and weather-related costs and staff clarifying the distinction between road funds and locally approved sales-tax uses; the report was filed. Finally, the committee deferred a Cross County Rural Water Association matter after learning it had not filed with Legislative Audit since 2002-2003 despite receiving significant state funding, and members expressed concern about the long gap in filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• cannot withhold homestead exemption eligibility from a homeowner who fails to provide a closing statement
• cannot withhold homestead exemption eligibility from a homeowner who fails to provide a closing statement
• <00:11:33.360> or to provide copy of closing statement or to provide copy of closing statement
• <00:11:56.719> There's<00:11:56.960> one statement. Uh we pass that.
• There's one statement. Uh we pass that.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of local and private bills, mostly extending repealer dates or authorizing small local taxes and contributions. These included measures for the City of Laurel, City of Clinton, City of Moss Point, and City of Hattiesburg to continue hotel/motel or restaurant taxes for tourism, parks, and recreation; a Marshall County bill allowing a $7,500 annual contribution to the Bahyia Area Arts Council; a Jackson County bill extending a $5,000 contribution to Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education; a City of Philadelphia bill authorizing a one-time $10,000 contribution to Philadelphia Transit; and a Dotto County bill allowing golf carts and low-speed vehicles on certain public roads. The chamber also approved a Jackson County bill revising the powers and duties of the county fair board. Most of these local bills were passed by voice vote and then by the morning roll call, with no questions raised. The Senate also took up several conference-related matters and House amendments. On Senate Bill 2676, the Proxy Advance of Transparency Act, the Senate voted not to concur and to invite conference. On Senate Bill 2882, dealing with homestead exemption eligibility, members discussed a House amendment clarifying that property owners who deed property but reserve a life estate do not have to reapply for homestead exemption; the Senate concurred and sent the bill to the governor. Additional items later in the calendar included nonconcurrence and conference invitations on bills involving a rural hospital pilot program, dependent care tax credits, health reimbursement arrangement tax credits, state park land lease tax treatment, rural hospital contributions, electronic payment processing fees, storm-related utility revenue bonds, agriculture and logging sales tax exemptions, and revisions to the Pregnancy Resource Act. Near the end of the calendar, senators chose to pass and retain several remaining items rather than take final action, and leadership noted the need to move bills off the calendar in the next session. The Senate then moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a bipartisan social event, and several members requested that the journal reflect adjournment in memory of named individuals. The chamber ultimately agreed to recess until later that day or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is, um, No, no, there's no reason that you need to know their personal financial statement.
• I take an oath of office and I file a personal financial statement for the purposes of the statute.
• Uh, portion of the opinion that would require them to file a personal financial statement.
• At issue are two late personal financial statements.
• I was not really educated on this, uh, personal financial statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• statement, Senator Shaheen is usually more reserved than I am. that.
• So, the opening statement I usually make, I'm going to put in the record.
• I'm happy to put my opening statement in the record as well, Mr. Chairman.
• I'd like to put Chairman Risch's opening statement into the record.
• Fair statement.

Keywords: Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications

Summary: The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you give your opening statement, Mr.
• podcast was a fragment of the statement.
• I never made any public statement about vaccines.
• Do you stand by that statement? Yes, Senator. Mr.
• statements?

Transcript Highlights:

• That's an accurate statement.
• That's an accurate statement.
• That's an accurate statement.
• <00:43:02.720> of value statements of value statements of what<00:43:04.680> um<00:
• The next three pages are the surplus statements. You’ll notice I do have draft watermarks on here.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer. The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3. The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• if the party wishes to present an opening statement or waive opening statement or, in the case of the
• Now, opening statements is just each party's brief opportunity to Now, opening statements is just each
• if the party wishes to present an opening statement or waive opening statement or, in the case of the
• the hour it is on whether we proceed with closing statements, whether those closing statements will
• Opening statements are not testimony.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing concerned a Legislative Ethics Board complaint against Representative Tara Simmons in Washington State OAH Docket 401-645. The judge outlined the process, the two issues on appeal—whether Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070, and, if so, what penalty should apply—and admitted a number of exhibits by stipulation or prior ruling, while taking one exhibit under advisement pending an offer of proof. The board also moved to sequester witnesses, which was granted, and the judge deferred ruling on a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after hearing the board staff’s case. Opening statements followed, with staff alleging Simmons used her position to benefit an outside organization and to secure special privileges, and the defense arguing the conduct was lawful, technical in nature, and consistent with prior ethics guidance. Board staff then called Kimberly Gordon, an attorney and founding board member/treasurer of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), as its first witness. Gordon testified that AEJG used data dashboards to make justice-system data more accessible, received state proviso funding sponsored by Simmons, and also received two donations from Simmons—$10,000 and $40,000. She said the first donation was intended to help hire Antoine Coleman, whom Simmons had recommended and who was later identified as Simmons’s romantic partner, and that AEJG returned the $10,000 and declined the $40,000 after concluding there was a potential conflict of interest. Gordon also testified that AEJG believed Simmons’s involvement in the organization and her communications about Coleman created ethical concerns. Gordon further testified about a second proviso intended to expand AEJG’s work into education data and its subcontract with Equity in Education Coalition (EEC). She said EEC did not perform the expected deliverables, prompting repeated communications with the Administrative Office of the Courts and a meeting involving Chris Stanley, where AEJG raised concerns that EEC was not complying and that Simmons had intervened in the dispute. According to Gordon, Stanley ultimately directed the parties to rewrite the subcontract and continue, but AEJG later moved forward largely without EEC’s assistance. The board staff introduced AEJG’s complaint and related timeline exhibits during her testimony. After direct examination, the hearing recessed for lunch, and cross-examination by Simmons’s counsel began when the hearing resumed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll hear any statement that you may have. Sorry. Thank you. Yes, sir.
• Do you have a statement you'd like to make regarding these findings?
• Do you have any statement regarding that one?
• Do either of you have a statement you'd like to share for the committee?
• Do either you have a statement you'd like to share for the committee?

Summary: The committee first approved a motion by voice vote, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For the 2012 reports, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total to 17 with escrow funds released and 26 still escrowed. For the 2023 delinquent reports, two more had come in, leaving five outstanding; both reports were filed without objection. The committee then focused on Act 709 repayment issues for the town of Daisy. Audit staff said Daisy had made unauthorized payments to a nonprofit and had used restricted street funds for fire-related expenses, and that the town had not yet adopted the required repayment ordinance. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the town had funds to pay. After discussion about the audit calculations and statutory repayment requirements, the committee adopted a motion requiring 10% repayment of the street fund under the statute and providing that failure to comply would result in withholding turnback funds. The Daisy report was then filed. The committee reviewed numerous additional audit findings from cities, counties, and water departments. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including reconciliation work in Harrison and Carroll County, revenue-code corrections in Izard County, monthly bond-pending reviews in Alexander, fixed-asset documentation and receipt procedures in the town of 56, and bookkeeping/receipt improvements in Ozan and Lee County. Some matters were deferred, including several private water and sewer reports and Green Forest, while others were filed. Reports involving more serious issues were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, and others. The committee also filed 19 reports with resolved findings and 53 reports with no findings, and adjourned with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• . statements. statements.
• The financial statements begin on page 25.
• > on<01:12:10.080> page The financial statements begin on page The financial statements
• completion of its financial statements completion of its financial statements and<01:15:23.280><
• Thank you. audit of the financial statements. That audit of the financial statements.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Annual financial statements were not prepared and posted.
• You didn't receipt it, but you receipted it, but you did not put it on your financial statement.
• I said, I was not told to put it on a financial statement.
• That has no bearing on my financial statement, which renders my account wrong.
• Is that acceptable to add to our city council financial statements?

Summary: The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation. The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present. Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Annual financial statements were not prepared.
• Annual financial statements were not prepared and posted.
• I said, I was not told to put it on a financial statement.
• Your financial statements. You can name it CD with a maturity date.
• Is that acceptable to add to our city council financial statements?

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if the party wishes to present an opening statement, waive opening statement, or, in the case of the
• if the party wishes to present an opening statement or waive opening statement or in the case of the
• whether we proceed with closing statements, whether those closing statements will be at a later date
• the hour it is on whether we proceed with closing statements, whether those closing statements will
• Opening statements is not testimony.

Summary: The hearing opened in a Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings matter involving Legislative Ethics Board complaint 2025-5 against Representative Tara Simmons. The ALJ outlined the process, the issues on appeal, and the burden of proof, which centered on whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for others’ benefit and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her duties, and what sanction would be appropriate. Several exhibits were admitted by stipulation or without objection, while Exhibit 2 was initially held for later ruling but was ultimately admitted after testimony from the witness who prepared it. The board also granted a motion to sequester witnesses and took under advisement a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after the staff case-in-chief. In opening statements, board staff alleged Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070 by sponsoring a proviso that benefited her outside employer, Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), by using campaign surplus funds to help hire a friend, by intervening in a dispute over the proviso-funded work, and by sending text messages to influence others. Staff said it would seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation plus costs. Defense counsel argued the allegations were technical ethics issues, denied Simmons profited personally, and contended the proviso funding her employer was permitted under prior board guidance; counsel also argued the campaign donation and later contract dispute were lawful and context-dependent. The first witness, Kimberly Gordon of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), testified that AEJG received state proviso funding and donations from Simmons, including $10,000 and later $40,000, which Gordon said were intended to fund the hiring of Antoine Coleman, Simmons’s romantic partner. Gordon said AEJG returned the donations and terminated Coleman after learning of the relationship and potential conflict of interest. She also testified about a later 2024 proviso involving EEC, a subcontract between AEJG and EEC, and a dispute over EEC’s performance under that subcontract. Gordon said AEJG raised concerns with the Administrative Office of the Courts, met with contract manager Chris Stanley, and ultimately rewrote the subcontract after Stanley, allegedly after speaking with Simmons, directed them to do so. The hearing then recessed for lunch, and cross-examination of Gordon was set to continue afterward.