Transcript Highlights:

• over in judiciary have been very Scott over in judiciary have been very helpful<00:04:31.680> with
• If you guys will look at your document, one of the two pieces of feedback that Chair Scott and I spoke
• And you know, I spoke with Representative Scott about that, too. I appreciate the question, Rep.
• <00:23:44.960> I Representative Scott about that, too.
• I Representative Scott about that, too.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1999 informationally only, with no formal action taken. Representative Green explained that the bill addresses large and sometimes anonymous data requests made to school districts and other government entities, arguing that while public access to data is essential, some requests create significant staff and cost burdens when requesters do not follow through. She described examples from districts that spent thousands of dollars preparing data that was never inspected, and said the bill aims to add accountability while preserving open government and press access. Testifiers largely supported the bill’s goals but discussed technical changes. Matt Eling of Minnesotans for Open Government said the amendment largely codifies existing guidance on handling large requests by breaking them into components and allowing inspection or copying in stages. Superintendent Jeff Felson of Owatonna Public Schools said his district had received 12 anonymous requests in three years, nine of which were abandoned, costing about $40,000, and one large request cost more than $400,000 and required significant staff time. Rich Newmeister also supported the effort but raised concern about language referring to providing data on a “rolling basis,” suggesting training and clearer guidance for districts instead. Members asked whether school districts already set their own data-request policies, whether anonymous requests must be answered, and how the bill would affect private personnel data. Representative Green said districts do have their own policies, anonymous requests are allowed under current law, and the bill is meant to provide clearer statutory guidance. She also said she was open to removing the “rolling basis” language after feedback. The discussion ended with general support for the bill’s intent and a reminder from the chair that the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Scott >> Scott >> Scott >> here. >> here. >> here.
• >> I<00:32:59.600> Scott. >> I Scott. >> I Scott. >> Hi.
• >> I<02:00:15.119> Scott. >> I Scott. >> I Scott.
• Scott. >> I. Steinmetz. >> Excused.
• >> I<02:08:52.560> Scott. >> I Scott. >> I Scott. >> Hi.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Scott. Madam Chair, as Scott said, I'm Diego Jimenez.
• I think Scott said that the executive recommended recurring funding.
• The first one being everything that Scott just talked about.
• My name is Scott Sanchez. I'm the LSA. Analyst for Homeland Security.
• As Scott mentioned, the Executive.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Scott, welcome to our committee.
• Representative Scott. >> Thank you.
• Representative Scott, labeled as A2.
• I'm a thank you, Representative Scott.
• 00:22:01.919> before Representative Scott, final words before Representative Scott, final words

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott here. Just out of curiosity, speech pathologists are on this list.
• Scott, do you all have any input?
• Scott, hit it one more time. Hello. Okay, sorry, and I apologize for taking over. Hello?
• Scott, Ms. Prezay, either of you have anything to add before we move on to other business?
• Scott, thank everybody for being here. Thank you. So Dr. Scott, Ms.

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly. Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism. The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Scott. >> I hear that.
• Uh Senator Scott. Scott. Scott. >> [clears throat] >> I hear that.
• Yes, Senator Scott. other questions? Yes, Senator Scott.
• Um to Senator Scott, your clarity.
• Senator Scott.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Co-Chair<00:59:06.680> Scott.
• >> Okay. >> Chair Scott? >> Uh, no.
• >> Okay. >> Chair Scott? >> Uh, no.
• >> Okay. >> Chair Scott? >> Uh, no.
• >> Okay. >> Chair Scott? >> Uh, no.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, Coach Scott.
• Representative Scott. Representative Scott.
• Um, Chair Scott. they'd like to add? Um, Chair Scott.
• >> You um chair Scott. >> You um chair Scott.
• Representative Scott. These are tough Representative Scott.

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:

• I recognize the member from Anoka, Representative Scott.
• Representative Scott, thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Go ahead, Representative Scott.
• Representative Scott, thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Go ahead, Representative Scott.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Scott here.
• Representative Scott: I. Representative Schwarz: I. Representative Scott: I. Chair Fate: I.
• Representative Scott: ...
• Representative Scott: ...
• Like Scott, I'm retired.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott Edwards. Dr. Sharon Keoko?: Present. James Orr?: Present. Representative Jerry Paulette.
• And again, Commissioner Scott Edwards: Present. Thank you.
• Scott Edwards. Aye. Hi. Dr. Sharon Kyoko?
• Scott Edwards? Aye. Dr. Sheridan, Joko? Aye. James Gore? Aye.
• Scott Edwards, aye. Dr. Sharon Kyoko, aye. James Orr, aye.

Summary: The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on October 22, 2025. Members approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously and reviewed a draft 2026 meeting schedule, tentatively setting meetings for May 6, August 4, September 15, and October 20, 2026, without taking a formal vote. The commission then worked through its commissioner comments on tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself from the natural gas for transportation and energy sales to silicon smelters items. The discussion focused on reconciling endorse/endorse with comment/does not endorse positions into final recommendations. The commission adopted comments for the liquefied natural gas preference, the natural gas for transportation preference, the energy sales to silicon smelters preference, several low-income housing and veterans-related preferences, and other reviewed tax preferences. Several comments emphasized reporting burdens, the need for clearer legislative guidance, and in the veterans’ item, the possibility that low use may reflect limited visibility of the preference. Staff also clarified the reporting requirements for the natural gas transportation preference and the rationale for continuing the LNG preference while asking the legislature to consider a Department of Revenue workgroup report. All commissioner comment packages were ultimately adopted by roll call votes, with the relevant recusals noted. No members of the public testified in person. The chair invited written testimony by email or mail and thanked staff and members for their work. The next commission meeting was announced for May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to start us off by opening with the prayer and the pledge, and I've asked Representative Scott
• has really been behind the trail authority that we've started in East Kentucky, and today we have Scott
• We got our first funding in 2000, and under the leadership of Scott Smith we sold our first permit this
• Thank you very much. in East Kentucky and today we have Scott in East Kentucky and today we have Scott
• Smith we sold our leadership of Scott Smith we sold our first<00:04:44.840> permit<00:04:45.840

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:02 Attendance Roll Call: 03:09 SB 245 (Sen. Smith): 05:55 Adjournment: 11:21, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum after some initial roll-call and IT issues, and recognized several guests, including a student page, local tourism representatives, and Scott Smith of the East Kentucky trail authority. Members also briefly highlighted ongoing tourism and trail development efforts in eastern Kentucky and thanked guests for their work and local support. The main item of business was Senate Bill 245, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith. He explained that the bill closes a loophole in the confirmation process for board appointments and reappointments, so that if the Senate declines to confirm a reappointment—or takes no action on it—the person cannot continue serving for an extended period without confirmation. In response to questions, he clarified that the bill is aimed narrowly at preventing unconfirmed members from remaining in office and making major fiduciary decisions, while preserving the governor’s appointment authority. After discussion, a motion and second were on the bill, the clerk called the roll, and the committee voted to pass Senate Bill 245 favorably. The chair announced that the bill is now eligible for consideration on the House floor, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, couple >> Senator Scott.
• >> Madam Chairman, Senator Scott.
• So, uh, Madam Chairman, that would be an I for Senator Scott. Yes, I for Senator Scott. Okay.
• I for Senator Scott. I for Senator Scott.
• >> Yes, I for Senator Scott. >> Yes, I for Senator Scott.

Bills: HB0028, HB0080

Keywords: sexual exploitation, child protection, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, identification cards, nursing facilities, assisted living, renewal process, resident rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott: You're Scott. Chairman: Yes, but who do I have first on the list?
• Chairman: Thank you very much, Scott. We'll go to you. Scott: Thank you.
• Scott: Your name is Scott, right.
• Scott: We volunteer, and we've done this at a lot of our sites.
• Scott: Texas is the energy capital of the US.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:33.519> Scott we'll have uh Mr. Nate Scott. Dr. Scott we'll have uh Mr.
• >> Dr.<01:14:36.400> Scott. >> Dr. Scott. >> Dr. Scott.
• <01:42:42.400> Scott? >> or Dr. Scott? >> or Dr. Scott?
• Dr.<01:56:06.960> Scott. Dr. Scott. Dr. Scott.
• <01:57:12.639> Scott. >> M Dr. Scott. >> M Dr. Scott.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes Scott Ehlers, Scott Ehlers. 44 Good morning.
• Thank You chair Flores members, I'm Scott Ehlers.
• Chair calls Scott Lepore. Good morning, Scott Lepore, medical.
• Scott McCullough, Greg Nojime, and Kevin Hale. W.
• Scott. McCullough testifying in favor of the bill.

Bills: HB166, HB2000, HB3248, HB3513, SB155, SB1659, SB1730, SB1778, SB1790, SB1848, SB2017, SB2105, SB2794, SB2917, HB2756, HB353, HB166

Keywords: child endangerment, controlled substances, penalty group, elderly protection, disabled individual rights, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, defense, peace officers, local government, security, juvenile board, Moore County, appointments, juvenile justice, county legislation, dangerous dogs

Transcript Highlights:

• Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Bryce, Scott
• Eddie, Bryce, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Thank you, Madam Secretary.
• Scott. Simon. Stone. Sullivan. Sullivan. Tucker. Wallace.
• That's what they're saying to us, Scott. That's what they're saying to us, Scott.
• Stephen's Baptist Church in Scott.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the final day of the fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly, with routine introductions and recognitions of guests, students, athletes, and staff. Members also received notice of several bills already signed by the governor and House-passed Senate bills returned for enrollment. The chamber then moved into its budget agenda, where Senator Dismang presented House Bill 1100, the Revenue Stabilization Law measure that creates funds, makes transfers, and carries an emergency clause. Senator Penzo explained his procedural vote on the companion Senate bill, and Senator King spoke against the bill, arguing that declining turnback percentages have reduced funding for counties and cities and worsened local fiscal pressures. Despite that criticism, HB 1100 passed 32-0 and its emergency clause was adopted. The Senate next approved a batch of House budget bills by a 34-0 vote, including appropriations for the Department of Education, Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Department of Human Services, Treasurer of State, Department of Health programs, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, DFA Disbursing Officer, and the Department of Energy and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality. Members then adopted House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001 honoring Bishop Kenneth Lindell Robinson, Sr., with remarks from Senator Love and a brief statement from Dr. Robinson. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 32 recognizing the Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School boys basketball team as the 2006 Class 5A state champions, followed by comments from Coach Jason Harrison and a short recess for photographs. After returning to session, the Senate moved into Committee of the Whole to select its President pro tempore designee for the 96th General Assembly. Senator Blake Johnson nominated Senator Breanne Davis, and Senator Ron Caldwell also announced his candidacy. On a division vote, 20 members stood in support of Senator Davis, and she was declared the President pro tempore designee. She thanked members for their support and emphasized cooperation among senators. The Senate then reported back into session and moved to adjourn sine die, with leaders noting that a special session was expected early the following week and that staff and outgoing members would be honored then.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm Scott Morish.
• <00:09:44.800> Morish and with that department Scott Morish and with that department Scott
• So I'm Scott Morish. I'm the Ventura. So I'm Scott Morish.
• Thank you, Scott.
• the loss of SNAP benefits that Scott the loss of SNAP benefits that Scott covered<01:13:27.600><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hall, who runs the Scott County Georgetown Revenue Commission and collects on behalf of Scott County
• , Georgetown, and the Scott County School Board there in Scott County.
• Scott Hall, who does who runs the Scott Scott Hall, who does who runs the Scott County<00:38:09.040
• <00:38:13.599> County, collects uh on behalf of Scott County, collects uh on behalf of Scott
• <00:38:19.280> We Board uh there in Scott County. We Board uh there in Scott County.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:13 Roll Call 00:00:24 Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:02:10 Presentation of Special Purpose Governmental Entities Report 00:03:19 Presentation of Kentucky League of Cities Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session of the General Assembly 00:15:37 Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 00:37:05 Adjournment 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee received reports on special purpose governmental entities from the Department for Local Government and the Fire Commission. DLG staff described SPGEs as limited-jurisdiction political subdivisions and reviewed the department’s registry, reporting portal, compliance monitoring, and planned system upgrades such as a two-way message center, automated noncompliance notices, and tracking for new entities and board expirations. They reported that, as of October 10, 2025, 69% of SPGEs were active and discussed compliance data by cycle, fiscal year, and district type. The Fire Commission reported that fire department mergers have reduced the number of departments by 16 since last year, largely because of volunteer staffing shortages, while financial disclosure compliance had risen to 94%. The commission also noted 509 compliance reviews, 19 in-house inquiries, seven referrals to outside agencies, and one recent federal prison sentence in a theft case. Members asked whether DLG advises SPGEs on tax rates; staff said it only performs calculations and the entities set their own rates. Questions to the Fire Commission focused on whether department reductions meant station closures; officials explained that most changes were mergers that keep physical buildings in place while combining personnel and finances to meet minimum staffing requirements. They said the trend is spread across the state but is especially pronounced in rural areas. The Kentucky League of Cities then presented its 2026 legislative agenda. Its priorities included modernizing city revenue options, increasing equity in road funding, fixing tax increment financing issues, addressing transient room tax collection from web-based platforms, strengthening emergency response coordination, clarifying massage parlor regulation preemption, correcting unintended consequences of House Bill 606, improving newspaper publication rules, and modernizing procurement statutes. KLC also said it supports allowing all cities to collect restaurant tax revenue, wants cities to receive a larger share of road funds and EV-related revenues, and seeks state collection and remittance of any future local sales tax to comply with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. Members asked about best-value bidding, road-fund equity, Airbnb tax litigation, EV prevalence, and disaster funding applications; KLC said cities currently must accept the lowest bid, the road split should better reflect city street costs, the Airbnb tax case remains pending, EV data by locality has not been studied, and allowing cities to apply directly for disaster funds would reduce reliance on county officials. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the September meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Madam Chair, Senator Scott, that is correct.
• Madam Chair, Senator Scott, so the program is...
• I'm Senator Scott. It's $11.5 million plus the acreage.
• I'm Senator Scott. It's $11.5 million plus the acreage.

Bills: SB21, SB42, SB81, SB101, SB139

Keywords: SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation, senior health coverage, elderly, retiree, Medicare beneficiaries, preexisting conditions, underwriting restrictions, premium discrimination, New Mexico insurance law, superintendent of insurance, health care coverage, policy portability, healthcare