Video & Transcript : 'Arizona Long Term Care System' :
Page 191 of 500
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Ultimately, long term, we're creating conditions that, for a short while, are probably fine, but for
- a long while could have not only cost impacts but public safety impacts.
- Chairman, Representative Mitchell, so, in terms of... Thank you. Mr.
- In terms of the actual cost associated with those, I'm not aware of a number.
- to other systems.
Summary:
The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency-wide overview and then moving through management services, state prisons, county and out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services. Analysts and the director explained that the department’s budget is heavily driven by personnel, contracts, medical costs, and population pressures, with dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts declining in cash balance. Members asked about vacancies, overtime, holdback impacts, software licensing, hepatitis C funding, and the department’s use of contracts and technology. The committee also heard that some planned reductions tied to the governor’s holdback remain in place despite the agency being exempted, including cuts to Recidivis, GEO-related services, and some technology purchases, while body-worn cameras were kept in place because of safety and accountability benefits.
A major portion of the discussion focused on rising incarceration and housing costs. The director said the department is near capacity, with more people coming in than leaving, and that county jail and out-of-state placements are increasing because state facilities are full. Analysts described the county jail and out-of-state placement budget as highly volatile and based on updated population forecasts, with supplemental and ongoing requests increasing significantly. Members also asked about mandatory minimums, criminal aliens in custody, and the cost of housing inmates in state versus out-of-state facilities. The director said Idaho’s per-day direct prison cost is about $85, or about $95 with administrative costs, while the Arizona contract rate is about $85 per day.
The committee also discussed rehabilitation and recidivism-reduction programs, including education, work programs, community reentry centers, and the Bridge 8 tablet system. The director said the tablets are funded through inmate phone-related charges and are used for educational and rehabilitative purposes, not because the state is required to provide them. She said community reentry centers have shown an 11% lower recidivism rate for participants, and that the department has previously eliminated ineffective programs after evaluation. Members asked for more information on inmate labor contracts, hepatitis C treatment funding, and the cost and effectiveness of various programs. The meeting ended before all questions were resolved, and the committee adjourned to continue work groups the next morning.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mandy Landry is an act to amend Title 46 relative to the Louisiana pregnancy and baby care
- initiative, to protect health care data, and to provide for definitions.
- Procedure, the Children's Code, and Titles 1, 4, 9, 13, 22, 47, 49, 51, and 56 relative to use of terms
- the Children's Code, Title I, 4, 9, 13, 1, 4, 9, 13, 22, 47, 49, 49, 51, and 56 relative to use of terms
- Whereas Ferdie Jean has served as a long-term board member and treasurer of the Livingston Economic Development
Bills:
SR107 , SCR53 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR12 , HB167 , HB181 , HB243 , HB316 , HB321 , HB335 , HB492 , HB578 , HB624 , HB708 , HB864 , HB906 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB1005 , HB1032 , HB1077 , HB1095 , HB1104 , HB1118 , HB1157 , HB1187 , HB1189 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1220 , HB221 , HCR58 , SB283 , SB338 , SB488 , SB520 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , SB68 , SB76 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB318 , SB162 , SB382 , SCR33 , SCR30 , SB112 , SB194 , SB307 , SB341 , SB346 , SB363 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , SB513 , SB408 , SB131 , SB145 , SB333 , SB464 , SB466 , SB500 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB228 , SB246 , SB249 , SB268 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB312 , SB319 , SB323 , SB369 , SB431 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB501 , HCR14 , HB537 , HB652 , HB653 , HB661 , HB726 , HB756 , HB851 , HB964 , HB966 , HB34 , HB35 , HB48 , HB474 , HB553 , HB758 , HB852 , HB10 , HB16 , HB36 , HB44 , HB46 , HB52 , HB61 , HB78 , HB98 , HB102 , HB124 , HB126 , HB131 , HB135 , HB141 , HB142 , HB164 , HB170 , HB171 , HB179 , HB194 , HB231 , HB245 , HB280 , HB292 , HB294 , HB297 , HB305 , HB336 , HB337 , HB351 , HB436 , HB594 , HB789 , HB956 , HB957 , HB995 , HB1040 , HB50 , HB117 , HB120 , HB122 , HB139 , HB148 , HB149 , HB185 , HB199 , HB247 , HB271 , HB286 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB842 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB119 , HB129 , HB677 , HB850
Keywords:
condolence resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, sympathy, Joel Parker Sr., Louisiana Senate, rodeo, cowboy, horse trainer, stock and rodeo producer, black cowboy, African American history, community recognition, funeral resolution, celebration of life, Lottie Stampede Arena, Easter Sunday Rodeo, ranching, plantation work, faith community
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a guest minister’s prayer and pledge, and then proceeded through the journal, legislative bureau report, and a large number of bills and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions and concurrent resolutions were introduced or laid over, including measures recognizing individuals and events, commemorating the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, and creating or referring study and memorial resolutions. The House also sent over multiple bills, which were introduced and referred to the appropriate committees, covering topics such as court filings, travel reimbursement, public assistance integrity, pregnancy and baby care data protections, alcohol permits, capital-case intellectual disability procedures, and pharmacy benefit manager transparency.
The chamber then considered House-returned Senate bills. SB 68, a constitutional amendment concerning Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction over attorney disciplinary matters, failed to receive the required votes on concurrence after a 24-10 vote, though the author gave notice. SB 76, dealing with child custody modification standards, was concurred in unanimously. SB 149, on general obligation bond bid requirements, had House amendments rejected and was sent to conference. SB 191, concerning ad valorem tax notice procedures, and SB 196, extending the appeal period for tax assessments, were both concurred in. SB 318, on publication of the tax exemption budget and local reporting, was also concurred in unanimously.
The Senate also suspended the rules to recall HB 1017 from the Retirement Committee and recommit it to Judiciary A. During personal privilege remarks, members highlighted Disability Awareness Day, recognized a local award recipient, and provided an update and prayer request for Senator Selders following surgery. The meeting concluded with committee announcements and adjournment to reconvene the following day.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- initiative and to protect health care data, providing definitions.
- Procedure, the Children's Code, and Titles 1, 4, 9, 13, 22, 47, 49, 51, and 56 relative to use of terms
- the Children's Code, Title I, 4, 9, 13, 1, 4, 9, 13, 22, 47, 49, 49, 51, and 56 relative to use of terms
- school career options, to provide for a high-quality K-12 career and technical education pathway system
- And whereas Verde-Jean has served as a long-term board member and treasurer of the Livingston Economic
Bills:
SR107 , SCR53 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR12 , HB167 , HB181 , HB243 , HB316 , HB321 , HB335 , HB492 , HB578 , HB624 , HB708 , HB864 , HB906 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB1005 , HB1032 , HB1077 , HB1095 , HB1104 , HB1118 , HB1157 , HB1187 , HB1189 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1220 , HB221 , HCR58 , SB283 , SB338 , SB488 , SB520 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , SB68 , SB76 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB318 , SB162 , SB382 , SCR33 , SCR30 , SB112 , SB194 , SB307 , SB341 , SB346 , SB363 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , SB513 , SB408 , SB131 , SB145 , SB333 , SB464 , SB466 , SB500 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB228 , SB246 , SB249 , SB268 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB312 , SB319 , SB323 , SB369 , SB431 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB501 , HCR14 , HB537 , HB652 , HB653 , HB661 , HB726 , HB756 , HB851 , HB964 , HB966 , HB34 , HB35 , HB48 , HB474 , HB553 , HB758 , HB852 , HB10 , HB16 , HB36 , HB44 , HB46 , HB52 , HB61 , HB78 , HB98 , HB102 , HB124 , HB126 , HB131 , HB135 , HB141 , HB142 , HB164 , HB170 , HB171 , HB179 , HB194 , HB231 , HB245 , HB280 , HB292 , HB294 , HB297 , HB305 , HB336 , HB337 , HB351 , HB436 , HB594 , HB789 , HB956 , HB957 , HB995 , HB1040 , HB50 , HB117 , HB120 , HB122 , HB139 , HB148 , HB149 , HB185 , HB199 , HB247 , HB271 , HB286 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB842 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB119 , HB129 , HB677 , HB850
Keywords:
condolence resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, sympathy, Joel Parker Sr., Louisiana Senate, rodeo, cowboy, horse trainer, stock and rodeo producer, black cowboy, African American history, community recognition, funeral resolution, celebration of life, Lottie Stampede Arena, Easter Sunday Rodeo, ranching, plantation work, faith community
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 21st, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So we can see that, is what you're saying, and share that with the rest of the aging and long-term services
- Then, regarding our long-term care...
- with healthcare, more focused on entry-level positions, such as certified nursing assistants on the long-term
- can't explain why that predates me, but what I'll say... is that New Mexico right now does not have a long-term
- Home base in terms of services, but also for the kids that need further care.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- This launch was the result of a careful and thoughtful process.
- But what are your thoughts in terms of safety issues?
- Is our education system prepared?
- That's the selling point: eliminating labor costs for long haul.
- California has long been a leader in innovation.
Committee:
House Transportation
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Protect Voter Registration Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I've served on the elections committee for, uh, 4 terms now, and we constantly see in this state that
- Counties will be forced to hire new staff, overhaul their systems, and absorb all of this all on the
- How long did you guys have to wait? How many months till you got your appointment?
- Immediately following that decision, Texas implemented the voter ID system that had previously failed
- Texas deserves a system that welcomes us, reflects us, and empowers us.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so you have more people kind of taxing these old systems.
- It means ultimately long-term we're creating conditions that for a short while are probably fine, but
- for a long while could have not only cost impacts, but public safety impacts.
- So, in terms of... Thank you. Mr. Chairman, Representative Mitchell.
- to other systems.
Summary:
The committee met jointly with Senate Finance and House Appropriations to review the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency overview from Legislative Services analyst Noah Peterson and then testimony from Director Bree Derrick. Discussion focused on the department’s overall funding mix, declining balances in dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts, vacancy management, and the impact of the governor’s holdback exemption. Members also asked about software and technology costs, the Hepatitis C Fund, replacement items, and why some positions remain vacant or are held open as a budget strategy.
A substantial portion of the meeting covered the department’s major divisions and cost drivers. In state prisons, county/out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services, the analyst and director explained enhancement requests, supplemental needs, and rising operating costs tied to inflation, population growth, and contract rates. Members questioned the inmate labor fund’s decline, the loss of work contracts, the cost and effectiveness of recidivism and transparency software, the Pocatello reentry center, body-worn cameras, RFID and drone detection technology, and the medical contract with Centurion. The department said some cuts were made or planned in response to budget pressure, including reduced spending on Recidivis and other contracts, while body-worn cameras and some public-safety tools were retained.
The committee also discussed prison population pressures, county jail and out-of-state placement costs, mandatory minimum sentences, and the use of county jails as overflow. Director Derrick said the department is seeing more admissions than releases and that Idaho’s incarceration rate remains high relative to neighboring states. She also said the department is working to expand county and out-of-state options and to pursue more inmate labor contracts. Several members asked for follow-up information on staffing, contract counts, program impacts, and fund balances. The meeting then moved to the Commission of Pardons and Parole budget, where Director Christine Starr testified that commissioners are part-time but effectively work full-time, are not paid for training or all preparation time, and that turnover remains a concern. No votes were taken; the committee adjourned to resume the next day after work groups.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Across Arizona and the nation.
- In Arizona throughout the United States. Dated this 29th day of January 2026.
- Erica, on behalf of this entire Arizona House of Representatives, we are honored.
- his undergraduate at the University of Arizona.
- ultrasound at the University of Arizona.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer led by Erica Kirk and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a proclamation sponsored by Representatives Teresa Martinez and Matt Gress recognizing Charlie Kirk on National Freedom Day. Several members then gave personal remarks honoring Kirk’s civic engagement, First Amendment advocacy, and legacy, and the chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day, visiting students from Carl Hayden High School, and guests from Arizona agriculture and local government.
The House then moved through Committee of the Whole action on several bills. In the first committee of the whole, HB 2091, HB 2104, and HB 2105 received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2016 and HB 2022 were retained on the calendar. In the second committee of the whole, members debated HB 2008, with supporters saying it would prevent public money from funding politically biased or sectarian library-related institutions and opponents calling it part of a broader effort to censor and defund libraries; the bill received a 33-23 do-pass recommendation. HB 2046, HB 2116, and HB 2132 also received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2142 was retained.
On third reading, HB 2148, a bill amending Title 41 to add provisions relating to federal monies, passed the House by a vote of 33-25 with two not voting and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred several bills to engrossing, announced committee meetings and bill referrals, and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas Turning Point USA, headquarters, across Arizona and the nation.
- In Arizona throughout the United States, dated this 29th day of January 2026.
- Erica, on behalf of this entire Arizona House of Representatives, we are honored.
- his undergraduate at the University of Arizona.
- ultrasound at the University of Arizona.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HED Info Briefing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 10:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- squarely within the legislature's interests, including access, affordability, governance, and the long-term
- In your review of the system in community colleges, have you seen that what is being presented in terms
- In your review of the system in community colleges, have you seen that what is being presented in terms
- In your review of the system in community colleges, have you seen that what is being presented in terms
- In your review of the system in community colleges, have you seen that what is being presented in terms
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, term to expire April 20, 2007.
- This is for Kenneth Long for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.
- The first term that we're confirming was a term that commenced after we left session and ended before
- we came back, and then the second one will be for his current term.
- Term to expire January 1, 2009.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #23
Transcript Highlights:
- only if at least one of the registered owners of the motorcycle is licensed to legally operate in Arizona
- their own system, would that have an effect?
- I know the bell rang, and I don't want to take too long. We can walk and talk.
- I know the bell rang, and I don't want to take too long. We can walk and talk.
- Representative Travers, so the amendment is a Taiwan-Arizona joint partnership proclamation, Mr....
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Spencer has a long history in the legislature.
- Uh, has long history in the legislature.
- It shifted to Tucson and Arizona.
- It shifted to Tucson, Tucson, and it shifted to Arizona.
- of, uh, assets in terms of, uh.
Committee:
Senate Border Security
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration.
Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings.
Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 26th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- The number of long-term operating Class VI projects remains limited in the United States compared to
- the full body of available information has been evaluated, including existing scientific literature, long-term
- Representative Riser wanted to make sure we could take care of the roads that needed to be taken care
- Texas, Arizona.
- This is a long-term down-the-road problem.
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Environment
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- These incidents can result in physical injury, trauma, loss of wages Long-term impacts, specifically
- In terms of the.
- So the representative, I'm sorry, Senator, to spend a long night and long day.
- We see it in long-term care constantly. They made a huge mistake in The 90s.
- , long time, and probably long after I'm done practicing law.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, September 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- From housing assistance and debris removal to hazard mitigation and long-term rebuilding, FEMA is the
- rebuilding, FEMA is the long-term rebuilding, FEMA is the connective<00:09:24.959><c> tissue</c><00:
- And when you do that, when you take trillions of dollars out of the health care system, you are not just
- not</c><00:49:05.440><c> just</c> health care system, you are not just health care system, you are not
- ><c> shielded</c> long-term budget should be shielded long-term budget should be shielded against<00:
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- as we are needed to take care of that.
- They get the calls for service and that's what they do all day long.
- They serve six-year staggered terms and we meet quarterly.
- Just to give an example, and I believe East Texas has one system.
- We don't care about the drunks. We're going to go calls when we get them.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 14, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- different opportunities that lie in front of them and are equally as beneficial to them and their long-term
- Last term, I chaired this committee.
- companies that manufacture these component parts, and if anything's going to probably give that project long-term
- These are often termed fabs.
- terms of practice, in terms of funding and, you know, maybe other states or someone has that.
Summary:
The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the year, took roll, and heard member introductions centered on the importance of workforce pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route. Members repeatedly emphasized manufacturing, trades, rural workforce needs, apprenticeships, and helping students and adults find multiple paths to good jobs. The chair outlined the subcommittee’s focus on policies that build a skilled workforce and announced the day’s theme would be manufacturing, with presentations from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, and Fleet Force CDL training.
Secretary Alex Kelly presented Florida’s manufacturing report, saying manufacturing is a major economic driver and that Florida has become the 10th largest state in manufacturing employment. He highlighted strong job multipliers, rapid growth in manufacturing GDP and establishments, the importance of logistics and ports, and the state’s small-business-heavy manufacturing base. He also stressed the aging manufacturing workforce, the need for modern skills such as robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics, and the role of public-private partnerships, apprenticeships, and workforce education investments in supporting reshoring and industry growth.
Dr. David Arnold described Florida’s semiconductor sector and the Florida Semiconductor Institute’s mission to grow research, workforce, and ecosystem development. He said semiconductors are strategically important, Florida ranks fifth nationally in semiconductor workforce, and the main bottleneck is mid-level technician talent rather than engineers or entry-level workers. He pointed to NeoCity, Valencia College, and other regional partnerships as models, and said the state needs more proactive planning, better instructor capacity, and stronger pathways from K-12 through postsecondary. Evan Agiloff of Fleet Force discussed Florida’s CDL shortage, saying trucking is essential to the supply chain, Florida has about 18,000 open CDL positions, and Fleet Force’s college-based model can quickly move students into middle-class jobs. Members asked about apprenticeships, CTE pathways, semiconductor training, infrastructure needs, and how to expand and better fund workforce programs; no votes were taken.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the industry faces mounting challenges that threaten its long-term viability, including persistent
- Two, it's an overtaxed, you know, system.
- And that system just is, is so inefficient and it creates a system where we'll never be able to be confident
- term.
- Concerns about long-term water availability are growing statewide.
Committee:
House Agriculture & Livestock
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/29/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's how long you... So we'll go ahead and start with staff.
- I'm sorry, did you say University of Arizona? I did. Get out.
- I represent LD 6, the largest county district in Arizona.
- housing down there will take care of a few things.
- I believe it's going to help all of Arizona, rural Arizona.
Summary:
The Committee on Rural Economic Development convened, adopted its committee rules, and briefly introduced members and staff. The chair noted a hard stop time and moved quickly through the agenda. The committee also heard a general discussion that future meetings would likely include a mix of rural housing, broadband, transportation, and economic development measures.
The committee passed HB 2258, which adds La Paz County to Area 4 for representation on the Tourism Advisory Council, on a 7-0 vote. It then considered several Apache Junction and Pinal County-related appropriation bills. HB 2065 would appropriate $9.5 million for housing infrastructure, rehabilitation, and blight abatement in Apache Junction; HB 2066 would appropriate $8 million for broadband and fiber expansion there; and HB 2071 would appropriate $15.5 million for a rural business and workforce hub, infrastructure revitalization, and a rural health/community services facility. Members and the sponsor emphasized rural housing shortages, broadband gaps, and the need to bring Apache Junction and other rural areas up to parity with larger cities.
The committee also passed HB 2106 on a 7-0 vote. That bill would direct undistributed or non-refunded revenues from a county transportation excise tax, collected before April 10, 2026, to ADOT for county transportation projects, with the sponsor explaining it as a way to use remaining Pinal County tax proceeds for roads after litigation and refunds. Several members discussed the need for broader rural investment, including possible amendments to include the Navajo Nation and other rural communities, and one bill was held over for the next agenda due to time.