Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the bill directs the Health Care Authority to adopt network adequacy standards for nursing
• In establishing these standards, the Health Care Authority must consider several factors such as keeping
• The standards must be adopted by the Health Care Authority by January 1, 2028, and the MCOs must meet
• Specifically, the bill directs the health care authority to adopt network adequacy standards for nursing
• And the standards must be adopted by the health care authority by January 1st of 2028.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HCBS services standards First mistake.
• the standards to those standards<00:03:35.600><c> that</c><00:03:35.760><c> apply</c><00:03:36.160><
• So, that um same standard is permitted.
• It also adds integrated standards.
• </c> surveys, which is just our standard surveys, which is just our standard inspection<00:37:19.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tattoo artists are also required to maintain minimum safety and sanitation standards, as determined by
• But to your question, the Northwest Commission standards are different.
• But to your question, the Northwest Commission standards are different.
• So if we were to define discontinue, it has a per standard... a set of standards that our peer institutions
• So if we were to define discontinue, it has a per standard.

Bills: HB2427, HB2458, HB2474, HB2540, HB2589

Keywords: ink of hope act, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, community support, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, student access, financial aid, consumer protections, school closures, educational programs, student rights, emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, encampments

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I review it using my own standard. Like, there's no actual standard, right?
• "<00:08:36.640><c> Um,</c> standard." Um, standard."
• But the underlying data source, something called the Open Mobility Standard, foundations data standard
• But the underlying data source, something called the Open Mobility Standard, foundations data standard
• But the underlying data source, something called the Open Mobility Standard, foundations data standard

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 15, 2025 minutes and then held a broader discussion on current challenges with data retention and government transparency. Judy Randall of the Office of the Legislative Auditor said historical data is essential for post-audits, which often look back three to five years, and that retention decisions must balance audit needs with the burden of separating public and nonpublic data. She described the records-retention panel process as informal and largely based on individual judgment, noting she had objected to a proposed 60-day email retention period and generally uses a three-year guideline, though she said that standard is not grounded in a formal rule. Members discussed whether auditing standards should set retention periods, with Randall saying auditing is a good starting point but other offices, including the attorney general, also have needs, and that some agency discretion is unavoidable because of the gray area between official records and non-records. Representative Elkins raised the related principle of data minimization, arguing that government should not keep data longer than needed and citing a University of Minnesota legacy data warehouse breach as an example of the risks of retaining unnecessary sensitive information. Randall agreed that data no longer needed is a liability and said her office purges workpapers after five years. Representative Scott pressed whether three years is enough for fraud investigations and financial records; Randall responded that a reasonableness standard is needed and that longer retention can produce diminishing returns, though she said she would follow up on whether financial records should be treated differently. Tanya Tacker of the Rum River Special Education Cooperative testified in support of updating Minnesota’s data-retention laws for schools. She said districts want to protect student information and maintain transparency, but the current general retention schedule dates to 1985 and 2000 and does not reflect digital records, modern systems, or the volume of special education data. She urged modernizing the schedule, clarifying what must be kept in paper versus digitized form, aligning state rules with IDEA and other federal requirements, and providing practical guidance and tools. Members praised the specificity of her recommendations. Dr. BB Newman testified that retention failures in St. Anthony Village have made it difficult to obtain routine municipal and police data, with records delayed, missing, or inconsistently produced and no clear explanation of what systems were searched or whether records were destroyed. Newman argued these gaps undermine statutory access rights and force residents into costly litigation, and recommended stronger retention auditing, documentation of destruction, mandatory disclosure of systems searched, and consequences for noncompliance. In response to questions, Senate counsel said there is generally no direct penalty, but affected parties may seek mandamus, Data Practices Act claims, or informal mediation/opinions from the Data Practices Office. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards and possible legislative updates to improve compliance and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• absolutely not be part of standard of care to prescribe an opioid through telemedicine.
• absolutely not be part of standard of care to prescribe an opioid through telemedicine.
• absolutely not be part of standard of care to prescribe an opioid through telemedicine.
• <00:16:13.079><c> of</c> absolutely be not part of standard of absolutely be not part of standard of
• </c> uh outside of the practice and standard uh outside of the practice and standard of care<00:16:32.959

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:03.560><c> our</c> bill would basically standardize our bill would basically standardize our
• That's a standard called the Orange Book, which is dealing with small molecule drugs.
• The FDA standards for informed consent—really, if we're going to set a standard, we would not set that
• as the standard.
• If we're going to set a standard, we would not set that as the standard.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there'll be a standard terms. So, there'll be a standard repayment<00:31:07.120><c> plan.
• We hold high standards.
• They'll vote on our standards.
• </c> standards by which schools were judged. standards by which schools were judged.
• </c> our standards, it actually has not. our standards, it actually has not.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes: 0:01:45 Federal Education Updates 0:02:12 Dual Credit Updates: 0:43:38 Kentucky State University's Doctoral Program Request: 01:27:08 Postsecondary Accreditation: 1:49:05 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 2:14:48 Adjournment 2:16:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Austin Reid of the National Conference of State Legislatures on education-related provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Reid said the law is projected to increase the federal deficit over 10 years, with major savings coming from Medicaid, student loan changes, and SNAP. He focused on how those changes could affect schools, including possible effects on free and reduced-price meal certification, state funding formulas that use SNAP as a proxy for low-income status, and Medicaid-funded school services for students with disabilities. Reid also outlined the new federal scholarship tax credit, which gives a dollar-for-dollar credit for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. He said families up to 300% of area median income may benefit, the program begins in 2027, and states must opt in and designate eligible organizations. He noted unresolved questions about whether states can add their own criteria and said Treasury regulations will be important. He also described the expansion of 529 plans to cover more K-12 and postsecondary expenses. On higher education, Reid explained a new workforce Pell grant option for short-term programs, with states and governors playing a role in determining eligible programs. He said the programs must meet placement, completion, and earnings measures and that implementation is expected to be tight before the July 1, 2026 effective date. He also reviewed student loan changes, including lower institutional loan limits, prorated borrowing for part-time enrollment, new caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and a new earnings-based accountability standard that could make some programs ineligible for student loans if graduates earn too little. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shelters receiving public funding must be held to basic standards. We need to honor people.
• We should not have higher standards for prisons than our shelters.
• We do support the clear and convincing standard, the evidence standard that is in the bill, but some
• We do support the clear and convincing standard, the evidence standard that is in the bill, but some
• It clearly defines and standardizes the terms and conditions of the contracts.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• standards standards and<00:34:51.280><c> are</c><00:34:51.480><c> deemed</c><00:34:52.000><c> safe,<
• </c><00:35:11.360><c> for</c> mandatory efficiency standards for mandatory efficiency standards for appliances
• Subsection 6 of efficiency standards.
• Up next is Senate Bill 208, an act relating to standards for law enforcement identification.
• "S. 208, an act relating to standards for law enforcement identification."

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no model right now, no standard, no safety net.
• California has been the national standard for NIL opportunity.
• So I think the standardization around it is critical.
• So I think the standardization around it is critical.
• I think, first, from standardizing financial education, I 100% agree with that.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on name, image, and likeness (NIL) and financial literacy for student athletes, with members framing California as a national leader on NIL but emphasizing the need for stronger protections and more consistent education. The chair and witnesses discussed how NIL opportunities now include both third-party endorsement deals and school revenue-sharing arrangements, and how the current landscape varies widely by institution, leaving athletes with a patchwork of rules and support. Several witnesses argued that student athletes, especially younger ones and those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, are vulnerable to predatory contracts, tax problems, and pressure from family, agents, or lenders. The first panel featured Tyree Dillingham and Brandon Copeland, who called for standardized financial literacy, better guardrails against predatory NIL advances, and a player-led association or similar collective voice for athletes. They described examples of athletes not understanding paychecks, taxes, or contract terms, and warned that some schools and collectives blur the line between education and marketing. Copeland also argued that college athletics now functions like a professional business and that athletes need representation and a standard contract structure to protect them. The second panel focused on lived experience, including testimony from attorney Anthony Coronae and student athlete Mikey Williams. Coronae described reviewing a contract that he said functioned like a predatory loan disguised as marketing support, with the company taking exclusive rights to Williams’ NIL and requiring repayment far beyond the advance. Williams testified that he signed without a lawyer, later lost endorsements, scholarship, and housing stability, and only later learned the contract’s consequences. He said a required financial literacy course at Sacramento State helped him begin to understand budgeting, taxes, and contracts, and he urged the legislature to require legal review or stronger safeguards for athletes. The third panel, from San Diego State University, highlighted a more structured institutional model. Athletic director Brendan Hill described a mandatory four-year life-skills program that includes financial literacy, resume workshops, internships, and branding education, while student athlete Sloan Benchoff said the program helped her manage money and prepare for post-college life. Witnesses agreed that support is uneven across schools, that some agents and lenders are exploiting athletes, and that California should consider standardized financial education and agent regulation while also being careful not to create rules that unintentionally restrict athlete rights. No formal vote or bill action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission
• jointly develop and publish the ISO IEC document, which provides international standards for laboratory
• This has not changed the legal standard for initiating a traffic stop.
• Preserving existing enforcement standards of safety. Thank you very much. Mark, go ahead.
• Had this standard existed... Had this standard existed sooner, Gabriel might still be here.

Summary: The committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills, with members repeatedly noting limited time and that some measures were already familiar from prior hearings. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 would allow cities and counties to use ISO/IEC-accredited private toxicology labs for blood or breath testing, accept private donations for that purpose, and reimburse the State Patrol for evidence transport costs. Senator Wagoner said the bill is a temporary fix for a major toxicology backlog that delays justice; prosecutors, police chiefs, and the Seattle City Attorney supported it as a way to relieve the backlog, while defense representatives said it would not solve the problem and raised due process concerns about out-of-state labs and access to witnesses. Members discussed possible amendments on in-state/out-of-state labs and litigation logistics, and the bill was set for executive action the following Tuesday. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5436 would create a gross misdemeanor for willfully or recklessly interfering with access to or from a place of worship or disrupting religious services through obstruction, trespass, repeated calls or electronic communications, or threats. Senator Solomon said the bill responds to rising intolerance and is modeled on protections for health care facilities; supporters from the Anti-Defamation League, Faith Action Network, Jewish and Sikh community organizations described harassment, threats, and security costs at houses of worship. Defense and law enforcement groups raised concerns about overbreadth, possible impacts on peaceful protest, and unintended effects on law enforcement or immigration enforcement, and asked for clarifying amendments. The sponsor said he was open to changes, and the committee indicated it would continue working on the bill before executive action next Tuesday. Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 would expand child sexual abuse material offenses to cover digitally created or altered obscene depictions, even when the minor is not identifiable, extend the statute of limitations for those felony offenses from three to ten years, and broaden sexual exploitation of a minor to include knowingly causing a minor who is unconscious or unaware to be photographed or part of a live performance. Supporters including the Attorney General’s Office, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ chiefs said the bill is needed to address AI and other technology that can evade current law and to keep pace with rapidly changing digital abuse material. Opponents from the defense bar and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission argued the bill may still be overbroad and raise First Amendment problems under Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition, especially where no actual minor is identified. The committee also heard and then quickly acted on other bills: Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, requiring one year of community custody for unlawful possession of a firearm, was amended and reported out due pass as amended; Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, addressing penalties for violence against referees and school volunteers, was reported out due pass; and Engrossed Senate Bill 5286, concerning reimbursement for costs in cities with state psychiatric hospitals, was also reported out due pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this compact does is it establishes sort of a national compact standard.
• In Mexico, we have our standards. I believe also.
• and How we hold our professionals to, you know, the list of standards also.
• Our New Mexico standards for licensing counselors are Not quite up to par with the national standards
• So that you're not reducing your standards by entering a compact.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had to know our baseline and where we measured up to specific performance standards.
• It allowed us to use the national performance standards to measure our current services and supports.
• One, we need to increase the school counselor and student ratio no less than the national standard of
• Similarly, yours is not a normal population or a standardized population.
• as a regular standard diploma.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:33.920><c> to</c> yearly change over from standard to yearly change over from standard to
• The standard time lobby in Washington. There's a national standard time lobby.
• </c> round standard time. round standard time.
• Act already allows standard time.
• time</c> permanent standard time is standard time permanent standard time is standard time has<00:52

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Standards as well.
• ... ...over time to include more lax eligibility standards for these benefits.
• The legislature has not set the eligibility standards for the SIBTF program.
• , apprenticeship standards, and workers' compensation.
• We have Adele Burns, chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and Mr.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard presentations on labor and public employment issues from the Employment Development Department (EDD), the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), and the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The committee first focused on EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on online claims, call center upgrades, language access, fraud prevention, and the Integrated Claims Management System (ICMS). The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged closer legislative oversight, especially as the project moves into the most difficult phase. Senators asked about the revised timeline, total cost, fraud reduction, stress testing, transparency around change orders, and the decision to phase in disability insurance and paid family leave before unemployment insurance. EDD said the overall project cost remained about $1.2 billion, that it had no major cost overruns, and that it had saved more than $20 million by shifting some shared customer portal work into ICMS. The subcommittee then considered CWDB’s request for additional operational resources and trailer bill language to streamline reporting. CWDB and the Department of Finance said staffing had been expanded during the pandemic-era surge in grant funding and should now be reduced as one-time grant programs wind down. Senators questioned the proposed staffing reduction, arguing that workforce development needs remain strong and that the board’s policy role still requires adequate capacity. The committee also discussed a proposal to consolidate multiple annual and interim reports into a single biennial report, with LAO supporting the streamlining. Members asked about reporting for specific programs and the cost savings from reducing duplicative evaluations. A major portion of the hearing addressed DIR’s proposed reforms to the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and related workload funding. DIR and LAO described rapid growth in applications, a large and growing backlog, and sharply rising liabilities and employer assessments. The administration’s trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply reforms to open cases, and use contemporaneous evidence and QME reports to document preexisting disabilities. LAO said the proposal largely matched its prior recommendations and would help return the program to its original intent. Senators raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, the effect on workers with undocumented preexisting conditions, and whether the QME system could absorb the added workload. The committee also heard DIR’s request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, with members objecting that some vacancies reflect unmet enforcement and safety needs rather than excess capacity. The hearing continued with DIR proposals for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff, permanent changes to Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition deadlines, and apprenticeship-related funding increases. DIR sought 14 permanent positions for its Bureau of Investigation to handle serious workplace fatalities and injuries, and members emphasized the importance of timely investigations and family communication. The WCAB requested making permanent a 2024 change that starts the 60-day reconsideration clock when a case is transmitted rather than when the petition is filed; the board said this had reduced the number of cases awaiting decisions from 637 to 460. Finally, DIR proposed increasing apprenticeship training grants from $3 million to $20 million annually using the Apprenticeship Training Contribution Fund, citing an $80 million fund balance and workforce demand tied to rebuilding and infrastructure needs, and then began discussion of a separate request to expand pre-apprenticeship programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what they do in Colorado is they have a different standard.
• They have a higher standard of proof.
• It's my understanding there was agreement on the standard of proof.
• And also, they have a beyond a reasonable doubt standard, Mr.
• Totally different standard, Mr. Chair and Senator.

Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 99, a proposed reform of the Medical Malpractice Act. Representative Chandler said the bill is intended to address physician shortages, rising malpractice premiums, and litigation pressures by changing punitive damages rules, including a higher standard of proof, a requirement that punitive damages not be pleaded in the initial complaint, and limits tied to the type of provider. Supporters, including physicians, business leaders, and some patients, said the bill would help retain doctors, improve access to care, and create more predictable liability exposure. Several supporters also said current malpractice conditions are driving doctors out of the state and harming rural access to services. Opponents argued the bill would reduce patient recovery, create unequal treatment based on insurance status through the bill-versus-paid provision, and raise constitutional concerns involving equal protection, collateral source rules, and separation of powers. They also criticized the bill for not addressing other drivers of malpractice, such as hospital practices, prior authorization, staffing, and background checks for out-of-state doctors. Some witnesses urged amendments to protect the Patient Compensation Fund, ensure future medical expenses are covered, require minimum surcharge settings, and improve oversight of providers entering the state. Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about whether the bill would actually lower premiums, whether it would improve access to care, and how it would affect hospitals, independent providers, and the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was based on negotiations and comparisons with other states, and that it should help premiums over time. Members raised concerns about the fund’s solvency, the role of hospitals in the fund, and whether some provisions would survive legal challenge. No final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated amendments would be discussed later and the committee would continue the hearing the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now you can see this is the standard equipment that we use.
• It regards different standards; they're much higher.
• It's a standard form that requires the vaccine information to be listed.
• It's a standard form that requires the vaccine information to be listed.
• This is a balanced, common-sense standard that respects both faith and free enterprise.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and public testimony, beginning with introductions and then taking up several health and human services measures. A major focus was SB 1120 and SB 1121, which address radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms. SB 1120 would require health care facilities to equip at least 50% of procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027, while SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms with such systems and instead require real-time dosimeters for staff who opt out of lead aprons. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital executive testified that enhanced radiation protection systems can dramatically reduce occupational exposure, lower cancer and orthopedic risks, and help with workforce recruitment and retention; a hospital alliance remained neutral pending further stakeholder discussions. Both bills were amended and passed out of committee on 7-0 votes, and SB 1118, which appropriates state funds for a rural hospital grant program to install radiation protection systems, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1001, which appropriates $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, after testimony from blind and low-vision Arizonans and advocates describing long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and the program’s role in preventing unnecessary dependence. SB 1072, a major funding bill for home- and community-based services and room-and-board rate increases for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drew testimony from providers about severe staffing shortages, overtime, turnover, and underfunding; it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1125, requiring DCS to pursue MOUs with tribes and improve tribal communication and access to licensing and enforcement information, also passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then considered SB 1123, which removes a board-certification requirement so trained forensic pathologists can supervise autopsy training for residents and fellows; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and training fix, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under physician order and DHS rules, generated mixed testimony: supporters argued it could improve health and independence for residents, while opponents raised concerns about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings. The bill passed 5-2. SB 1112, which reduces the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allows the court to waive the witness requirement under certain conditions, drew strong testimony from families and mental health advocates on both sides; it passed 5-2. The committee also began hearing SB 1113, which would allow certain service of process in court-ordered evaluation and treatment cases by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposed change does align with the federal standards.
• That standard is still applicable.
• And this doesn't change the standard for it leaving the field.
• But this doesn't reduce the standard to leave the field.
• But this doesn't reduce the standard to leave the field.

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee began by approving the March 10, 2026 minutes and then recognized a departing page, Isabel Frasheiser, who thanked the committee and described plans to study agribusiness and political science at Montana State. Members praised her work and presented her with a gift. The committee then moved to two hemp-related bills, with extensive testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and Boise Police Officer Cameron Colos. House Bill 879 would clarify that retail establishments offering certain hemp products for human ingestion or inhalation are subject to Idaho’s existing Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act. Supporters said the bill is meant to provide clarity and oversight for retail hemp products, while excluding non-viable whole hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil, which they said are already recognized as safe and contain no THC. Several senators questioned whether the bill could create a pathway for marijuana-like products or vaping products, and the department and law enforcement testified that Idaho law already requires zero THC in retail products and that the bill is intended to help address mislabeled or out-of-state products. The committee voted to send HB 879 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with one senator noting he would continue reviewing the issue before floor debate. House Bill 772 would change how negligent violations are treated for industrial hemp grown for grain or fiber. Supporters said the bill would protect good-faith farmers from negligent-violation penalties when crops exceed THC limits because of factors outside their control, while leaving the underlying THC standard unchanged. Testimony from ISDA explained that the bill does not alter the 0.3% total THC limit or the requirement that crops be remediated before leaving the field; it only changes whether a violation is considered negligent. A former federal drug prosecutor testified against the bill, warning about broader marijuana legalization efforts and expressing concern that hemp provisions could be used to support future cannabis production. After discussion, the committee voted to send HB 772 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with some members reserving the right to revisit their positions later. The committee then adjourned and noted it would be subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's Financial Accounting Standards Board, just FYI. And I would...
• That's Financial Accounting Standards Board, just FYI.
• CPA myself, I think the key is going to be compliance with their standards, not even on RFQ, but the
• standards, the professional standards that they have to.
• You know, we're really striving to get those qualifications and those standards and then make sure we're

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council met to consider a request from the Office of Property Risk to use a request for qualifications (RFQ) process to procure auditing services for the state captive insurance program. Grant Wallace, Director of the Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk, explained that the captive insurance statute requires an independent audit and that an RFQ was appropriate because of the program’s specialized nature and the need for auditors familiar with FASB standards and insurance-company audits. Members asked about the requirement to include a projected cost in the request, how the market research was conducted, and whether Arkansas firms could receive preference. Wallace said the cost estimate is required for approval, that the market research was nationwide, and that the solicitation could be written to give some preference or advantage to local firms if desired. Members emphasized that professional auditing standards still require qualified auditors and noted that the process should not ignore cost. Senator Hickey confirmed the contract would cover a four-year term and that the projected amount was for the full term, not annually. Wallace also clarified that the RFQ process was only the first step; any selected firm would still need approval from the State Board of Finance, the subcommittee, and the full Arkansas Legislative Council before the contract could be finalized. The subcommittee then approved the request by motion, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's Financial Accounting Standards Board, just FYI. And I would...
• That's Financial Accounting Standards Board, just FYI.
• far, and I'm good with the RFQ approach, but I would also add that audits, professional auditing standards
• CPA myself, I think the key is going to be compliance with their standards, not even on RFQ, but the
• standards, the professional standards that they have to.

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council met to consider one item: a request from the Office of Property Risk to use a request for qualifications (RFQ) process to procure auditing services for the state captive insurance program. Grant Wallace, Director of the Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk, explained that the captive insurance statute requires an independent audit and that an RFQ was appropriate because of the program’s unusual nature and the need for auditors familiar with FASB standards and insurance-company auditing. Members asked about the requirement to include a projected cost, the basis for the market research used to estimate the contract value, and whether Arkansas firms could receive preference. Wallace said an amount must be included in the procurement request, that the market research was nationwide, and that the solicitation could be written to give local firms some advantage if desired. Members also clarified that the proposed contract would cover four years and that the total projected cost was for the full term, not annually. The committee discussed that the RFQ process would still require later approvals from the State Board of Finance, the subcommittee, and the full Arkansas Legislative Council before any contract could be finalized. After discussion, a motion was made and approved by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned.