Transcript Highlights:

• hereby authorize the extension of session for a period not to exceed seven additional days beyond the time
• , to listen to those who have been here since time immemorial, to listen to rural communities calling
• H.C.R. 243, Congressional Term Limits Convention. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr.
• There's no way to limit a convention's focus.
• Come down and enjoy yourself, bring your families, and we'll have a good time.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the journal. The body then extended the session under Rule 27 and agreed to request House consent to adjourn until April 27, 2026. It moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2170 (procurement code-related), HB 2415 (kratom regulation), HB 2700 (housing technology study committee), and HB 2950 (special districts/tourism improvement areas). Amendments were adopted on HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2950, and the committee reported HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2700 do pass; HB 2950 was later defeated on third read. The Senate also heard a brief welcome for visiting students and a personal privilege statement on Earth Day and environmental issues. The Senate then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2035 (child welfare and placement), HB 2249 (parental bill of rights), and HB 2573 (DUI/local referendum-related language). HB 2035 received a Warner amendment expanding the definition of extended family to include adoptive family members; HB 2249 received a Mesnard amendment adding liability and technical changes; and HB 2573 received a Rogers technical amendment. All three were reported out do pass as amended. On third read, HB 2573 passed 20-9, with several senators explaining opposition based on referendum and emergency-clause concerns tied to a Marana data center dispute; HB 2170 passed 17-12; HB 2415 passed 22-7; HB 2035 passed 26-3; and HB 2249 passed 17-12. HB 2950 failed 10-19. The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 2043, substituting it for the Senate version and sending it to third read. The resolution, which calls for a convention to propose a federal constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms, passed 16-13 after several senators warned about the risks of a constitutional convention and the lack of limits on its scope. The House’s message on adjournment was read, committee meetings for April 27 were announced, and members made personal privilege remarks, including birthday wishes and an announcement about the annual legislative charity softball game. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have an amendment that I'd like to take up at the appropriate time.
• It was less of our particular time.
• And there's a limited way in which we can manage those funds.
• We do have a limited amount of money that we can spend.
• And what That would mean limited services somewhere under the current program.

Bills: HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HJR1089

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Transcript Highlights:

• I go to Queens one time, and then the next time he comes to the Bronx, and we've been doing that for
• MIKE, IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME.
• I spend a lot of time with him.
• It was an interesting time.
• IT IS TIME THAT WE ACT.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• identify costs and timelines and timing. identify costs and timelines and timing.
• uh limited how how do we phrase it? uh limited how how do we phrase it?
• c> takes<02:17:37.599> to timing so the timing of what it takes to timing so the timing of
• So this is a moment in time. It's a now. So this is a moment in time.
• the customers they need ahead of time. the customers they need ahead of time.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a two-minute time limit on testimony for those on Zoom.
• And thanks for your time.
• Thank you for this time.
• Thank you for your time.
• Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be sticking to a two-minute time limit for individual testifiers to provide everyone an equal opportunity
• <00:24:37.600> teachers paid you know as our part-time teachers paid you know as our part-time
• , meaning outside of their full-time teaching capacity, you would also classify them as a part-time teacher
• also classify them as a part-time also classify them as a part-time teacher<00:25:09.279> for
• Mahalo for your<01:41:19.920> time. your time. your time.

Bills: HB1977, HB1764, HB1934, HB2533, HB1790, HB2181, HB1870, HB2140, HB2468, HB2358, HB1588, HB1688, HB1986, HB2030, HB2195, HB1949, HB1695, HB1950, HB2094, HB2115, HB2297, HB2336, HB2416, HB2049

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Why limit yourself?
• limit yourself?
• Why would you limit limit yourself?
• at another time. at another time. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay.
• we should have known that a long time we should have known that a long time ago. ago. ago.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• limited previously.
• limited previously.
• limited previously.
• limited previously.
• limited previously.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Land met on March 21, 2025, and considered several resolutions related to water resources, coastal management, and energy planning. On SCR 42/SR 27, which urged DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine ponds, DLNR supported the measure and suggested a technical correction changing a reference from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Aquatic Resources. Testimony from Hā‘ena Reef and Ocean Coalition, Maui Ocean Center, and individuals was in support. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. The committee also heard SCR 54/SR 36, which would create a desalination planning task force to study whether large-scale desalination for potable water is feasible. DLNR and CWRM said the proposal was a large undertaking and raised capacity concerns, noting the Board of Water Supply was already moving forward with its own desalination planning. BWS testified in support, saying its project was still in planning and design, with construction not expected until late 2027 or 2028, and that the project would produce about 1.7 million gallons per day to supplement Ewa’s water supply. Members discussed whether the task force might duplicate existing work and noted the measure focused on consumption rather than other desalination uses. The committee ultimately recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. For SCR 59/SR 43, which asked DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to work together on maintaining the Kihei ramp, DLNR reported ongoing collaboration and listed prior improvements including paving, washdown work, dredging, and a retaining wall. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. On SCR 106/SR 87, which requested a study of which energy sector could be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives, OPSD said the State Energy Office had already completed a decarbonization study under Act 238 (2022) and a follow-up alternative fuels analysis, and suggested the resolution duplicated existing work. Energy Justice Network testified in support, arguing the proposal would build on prior studies by focusing on non-combustion options such as wind, solar, and storage. Despite support from several organizations and individuals, the committee deferred the measure indefinitely. The committee also passed SR 18 as is, passed SC 51/SR 33 as is, deferred SC 47, and passed SC 76/SR 59 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will give the prime sponsor of the bills the time they need to introduce the bill and then limit remarks
• round standard time. round standard time.
• > time is that the 1966 Uniform Time Act time is that the 1966 Uniform Time Act already<00:52:09.200>
• time is standard time permanent standard time is standard time has<00:52:52.480> the<00:52:52.640
• c><01:11:37.600> had overbid her time if if her time had overbid her time if if her time had already

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, just wanted quickly, my time is up.
• Well, I think the time has passed, and it’s time to go forward and make that a reality, so I... ...really
• My son, in active real-time trauma.
• What are their functional limitations?
• This was the first time we got justice for my son.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on a broad slate of disability-related bills. Topics included creating a permanent Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Board (H. 231/S. 134), establishing a system for compensating guardians who serve incapacitated, unbefriended individuals through MassHealth (H. 253/S. 154), expanding Nikki’s Law to require MassHealth day habilitation programs to use the abuse registry (S. 165 and related bills), modernizing and streamlining the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s statute and procedures (H. 243/S. 139), updating the definition of developmental disability to align more closely with federal law and include people such as those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (H. 276/S. 150), removing outdated and offensive terminology from the General Laws (H. 232/S. 137), and an autism education reform bill (H. 286). Several bills had no sign-ups, and the committee also noted related measures on cueing and prompting in PCA programs (H. 277/S. 157).

Transcript Highlights:

• Grateful for your all's time Advocates. Grateful for your all's time today. today. today.
• <00:18:57.760> a public defender there at every time a public defender there at every time
• . time. time.
• I don't think they were suggesting that... few times. But I to go back to youth few times.
• with DPA for 4 years, and in that time with DPA for 4 years, and in that time I've<00:58:27.400>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's our time. Vote no, Thank you. That's our time. Vote no, please. please. please.
• She said the counselor’s limited time is “absolutely not enough time” to support students or change the
• She said three days is a lot of time out of the classroom, a lot of time not learning, and a lot of time
• actually increase costs over time. actually increase costs over time.
• time span. time span.

Bills: HF3493, HF4114

Keywords: safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, special education, funding, education finance, appropriations, budget, cross subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a record at that time.
• It takes time to meet requirements and sign a loan, and these projects can take time.
• Thank you for your time. Thank you. Next up. Thank you for your time. Thank you.
• It's five times as much.
• Hopefully have enough time to solve this problem, but we don't have much extra time.

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her time is up, and she may conclude her remarks and take her seat. Thank you.
• So I'm going to be withdrawing this amendment at this time.
• And we've had this discussion now a number of times over the last several years.
• And we talk in this chamber all the time about transparency and understanding.
• This legislation is not about limiting access to veterinary medicine.

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and first handled routine business including postponing approval of the prior journal and confirming a quorum. Several committee reports were adopted, including measures from Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Tourism and Recreation and Economic Development, Appropriations, Rules, Commerce, and Environmental and Natural Resource Protection. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 531, designating June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month, after testimony from Rep. DeLosier and discussion of a constituent’s experience with severe scoliosis; the resolution passed 201-1. The House then adopted a series of additional resolutions and bills, including Diaper Need Awareness Week, a study on PANS/PANDAS, 717 Day, Little League World Series Week, and a resolution commemorating America 250 in Pennsylvania. It also passed bills on Sunshine Act agenda notice changes, veteran death notifications, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, township audit deadlines, first responder memorials, road transfers, parole board succession, and restrictions on HOA limits for rooftop solar. The solar bill drew multiple failed amendments on HOA voting rules, native plants, energy-source discrimination, and net metering; one amendment on indemnification for elected officials at special events was adopted. In final passage votes, the House approved legislation to prohibit NDAs related to data centers, with debate centered on transparency and local control; it passed 171-31. The chamber also passed bills allowing Pittsburgh school administrators to collectively bargain, requiring hunting and trapping education options in schools, expanding SWIF’s equity investment authority, and scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule 3 controlled substance. The Counseling Compact bill and a parole-record privilege bill both passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the House signed those measures for presentation to the Governor. The session ended with referrals of new bills to committees, a motion to adjourn, and adjournment until July 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other limitations include the comparison is limited to black versus white adult offenders, as this is
• other limitations include the comparison<00:10:48.639> is<00:10:48.880> limited<00:10:
• were arrested at a rate 1.5 times were arrested at a rate 1.5 times greater<00:14:59.040> G
• of sentencing. serious offenders were also 1.18 times serious offenders were also 1.18 times more<00
• <01:49:25.159> was at that time time and that request was at that time time and that request

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We just about had it one more time. $75, $700. And now I'm buried, I don't know.
• You wish to take that up at this time? Yes, sir. Clerk, read.
• I move for advancement at the appropriate time and yield for questions.
• I move to advance at the appropriate time and yield for questions.
• I move to advance at the appropriate time and yield for questions.

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized several guests and groups, including the nurse of the day, Donna Reynolds; the Tuttle High School wrestling team; auctioneer and ringman honorees; the Bristow Chamber of Commerce; Deer Creek cross country; Guthrie High School AP U.S. government students; and family members of Senator Reinhardt. The chamber also held a live auction demonstration on the floor, with Brandon Mendoza and Logan Snyder participating, and the winning bid was announced as $675. The Senate later recognized Millwood High School boys basketball and Isaiah Wilkes, the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The body then considered and passed several House bills. HB 3016 created a two-year pilot vision screening program for kindergarten through third grade to identify convergence insufficiency disorders; it passed 34-10 and was declared an emergency. HB 2979 authorized the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request and passed 41-0. HB 2288, a teacher return-to-work bill removing the earnings cap and allowing return after six months, passed 45-0 as an emergency. HB 2988 expanded the definition of harmful woody species and broadened the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act statewide; it passed 43-1. HB 362, defining retired municipal judges for firearm-carry authority, passed 40-4. HB 3315 directed the state regents to study whether some graduate programs could be 90 credit hours and report to the governor; it passed 38-6 as an emergency. Additional bills passed included HB 3372, creating a $5 million revolving loan fund for charter school capital expenditures, after extended debate over public funds being used for improvements to privately owned facilities; it passed 39-6. HB 3530 required ABLE Commission records to be provided within 10 days when requested and passed 44-0. HB 3622 created a U.S. decennial census revolving fund in the Department of Commerce and passed 32-11. HB 3755 established a financial mechanism for juvenile detention centers to provide medication to youth in their care and passed 43-0. HB 4266, the omnibus specialty license plate bill, passed 25-19 after questions about out-of-state university plates. The Senate then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, birthdays, and schedule changes, and adjourned until Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, with respect, noting that the original intent was to have some sort of time limit on the ability
• /c> some sort of time limit on uh the some sort of time limit on uh the ability<00:26:35.039> to
• We're running close to a time limit. >> There's two more, Madam Chair. >> We can't have time to hear
• Okay, I think what we're going to do since we're running up against a time limit is that, and I apologize
• since we're running up against a time since we're running up against a time limit<01:37:44.320><

Bills: HB0117, HB0126

Keywords: informed consent, abortion, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, fetal heartbeat, termination of pregnancy, medical emergency, Wyoming legislation, rights of minors, healthcare regulations, parental consent, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't mean this governor; I mean whoever's there at the time.
• Finally, utilities are incentivized to timely complete.
• Does this bill limit the utilities only to the Permian Basin?
• level and keep rates relatively flat over that period of time.
• We think it's the right time to have this discussion on this policy.

Bills: HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a two-time Peace Corps volunteer, a two-time AmeriCorps member.
• That's time.
• They do it all the time, unfortunately.
• They do it all the time, unfortunately.
• Okay, time for public comment is closed.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They've lost the knowledge since the time they were licensed.
• And I had a Class A at one time, actually. And I had a Class A at one time, actually.
• So they can see they'll do it two hours at a time, four hours at a time. Yeah, follow up.
• It is still annual at this time.
• It is still annual at this time.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed several agency rules and most were approved without objection. The Department of Agriculture moved to repeal rules tied to the now-repealed Arkansas Catfish Processors Fair Practice Act. The Department of Human Services updated Medicaid policy to clarify that pregnant women may still be referred to child support enforcement but will not be sanctioned during pregnancy and the 60-day postpartum period, removed the word “forcible” from rape/incest good-cause language, and eliminated a 90-day waiting period for ARKids B when group health coverage ends. DHS also received approval for a CMS cell and gene therapy model for sickle cell disease and a technical Medicaid medication-assisted treatment update that does not change coverage. The Department of Labor and Licensing presented several rules. One created procedures for the department to issue interpretations in local construction plan disputes under Act 591 of 2025. The Contractors Licensing Board and Residential Contractors Committee amended rules to raise the restricted commercial license threshold and light building project limit from $750,000 to $1.5 million, and to allow deferral of owner-complaint investigations while related civil litigation is pending. The HVACR Licensing Board presented broader cleanup and policy changes under Act 746 of 2025, including eliminating the Class C license by moving those holders into Class B, expanding work limits for Class A and B licensees, changing continuing education to eight hours per three-year code cycle, and keeping annual license renewal. Members asked detailed questions about impacts on businesses, training, youth working with parents, and whether any unintended burdens were created; the board said it had notified licensees and had received little pushback. The committee also granted the Department of Inspector General’s request for exclusion from rulemaking reporting for Act 473 of 2025, concluding that the statute was sufficiently detailed and did not require additional rules. In addition, the Arkansas State Library’s report was accepted, with the Department of Education stating that the library’s three existing rules should remain in effect. During the update on outstanding 2023-session rulemaking, Education explained that many delayed rules were held back because they were likely to be amended again in 2025, and members expressed concern about the length of time some rules have remained unfinished. The meeting ended after written 2025 rulemaking updates were noted, with no further action taken.