Transcript Highlights:

• And then it also, secondly, it provides for a public policy exception. Common law.
• And then it also, secondly, it provides for a public policy exception, which says that when a foreign
• It looks at that foreign policy exception.
• When the court has to choose a law, same thing, it looks at that foreign policy exception.
• If you have not attended an Ag in the Classroom event, I would strongly encourage you to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida Statute 768.21 subsection 8 contains exceptions that prohibit certain parents and children of
• , those exceptions effectively singled out a narrow group of survivors who cannot recover non-economic
• The exceptions run counter to the spirit behind the legislative intent created in Florida's Wrongful
• The legislative intent is clear, was placed in law nearly 20 years before the exceptions at issue were
• And it just ultimately led into a devastating spiral of medical negligence events.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably. Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, that a case like that, where we are talking about very fact-dependent issues, a chain of events
• Charles County, you know, then, and we're talking about factual determinations on the chain of events
• All right there, we have an exception where we have said in Missouri law, in statute, that there is already
• I didn't have that much concern, but the more I read 26 to 29, I think it's an economic seemingly event
• , I didn't have that much concern, but the more I read 26 to 29, I think, is an economic seemingly event

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2666, Representative Keithley’s anti-SLAPP bill, on an 8-4 vote after a brief clarification that it was the anti-SLAPP measure being considered. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 3054, also by Representative Keithley, which would shift Cole County appellate venue to the Eastern District for workload balancing and require certain challenges to the enactment or validity of statutes and regulations to be filed originally in Cole County to reduce forum shopping. Representative Keithley said the bill was intended to centralize procedural and constitutional challenges tied to lawmaking or rulemaking in Jefferson City, not to move ordinary fact-based civil cases. Committee members pressed him on whether the language would also sweep in personal injury, medical malpractice, or criminal cases, and several expressed concern that the bill was broader than intended and could create venue fights or burden litigants. Keithley acknowledged the language might need clarification, especially regarding whether it could affect cases with constitutional counts in otherwise ordinary civil actions. Opposition testimony came from the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Missouri Circuit Judges Association. Both groups said the bill, as drafted, was too broad and could unintentionally move many cases to Cole County, including cases where constitutional challenges are commonly pleaded, and possibly criminal matters because of the “notwithstanding” clause. They also warned it could encourage new venue disputes and undermine expected local venue. The Judicial Conference of Missouri offered to provide data on case types if the committee wanted more information. No further action was taken on HB 3054, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> athletic events where alcohol is sold? athletic events where alcohol is sold?
• >> Um, Madam Chair, my understanding, except for J doesn't say that.
• It says except for Jay doesn't say that.
• that our budget bill in the event that our budget exception<02:26:36.000><c> requests</c><02:26:36.399
• for this exceptional teamwork this<02:42:24.800><c> evening.

Bills: HB0111 , HB0112 , HB0122

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's also by working with my staff to go and speak at various events, job events and economic development
• events all around the state in order to make sure people are aware of the IBank's programs.
• You know, speaking at events that we're invited to speak at, and just making sure that we're getting
• I think all of us on the dais, except for the chair, have financially distressed hospitals.
• And the three thoughts that come to mind when thinking about Andy are, one, his exceptional expertise

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• WE DON'T GET EXTRA BENEFITS BUT EXCEPT FOR POTENTIALLY ON THE TIMING.
• GRADUATION IF SIMILAR COURSE WORK WAS DONE AND COMPLETED IN OTHER STATES AND ALLOWS FLEXIBILITY IN EXCEPTING
• THESE SCHOOLS ALSO HAVE MANY EVENTS AND INITIATIVES SUCH AS ANNUAL MILITARY THESE SCHOOLS ALSO HAVE MANY
• EVENTS AND INITIATIVES SUCH AS ANNUAL MILITARY RECOGNITION EVENTS AND SERVICE PROJECTS THAT KEEP THE
• WE WORK WITH EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS KNOWN AS EFM P MILITARY EDUCATION WE LOVE OUR ACRONYMS.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> scientific</c> the exception there is scientific the exception there is scientific evidence,<01:
• ,</c><02:14:39.840><c> mental</c> dormitories and athletic events, mental dormitories and athletic events
• I do not our hell events with a weapon.
• events.
• I'm from &gt;&gt; So, are you aware that in the event that &gt;&gt; So, are you aware that in the event

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• For the GEI patient journey, again, GEI stands for guilty except insanity.
• Or other type of medical issues or other type of events, and frequently on those calls we have 50-plus
• We do have the number of events, and I can acknowledge that seeing an uptick there in the number of events
• And like I said, the number of events, it appears to be downtrending, but there are other reasons to
• Patients will have adverse events, and we will absolutely do our best.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Behavioral Health committees held an informational meeting focused first on the Oregon State Hospital (OSH). OHA Director Sajal Hathi introduced the hospital’s incoming permanent superintendent, Sean Murphy, and praised interim superintendent Jim Deagle for stabilizing operations, restoring CMS compliance, and helping drive a culture change centered on safety, accountability, and transparency. Deagle and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amit Bavon described OSH’s role as the state’s highest-level forensic psychiatric hospital, the patient populations it serves, its partnerships with courts, counties, jails, hospitals, and advocates, and recent leadership changes across the hospital. They also reported improved accreditation and regulatory status, including Joint Commission accreditation and CMS compliance, and said the hospital is now using daily safety huddles, incident review meetings, stronger escalation procedures, and revised seclusion/restraint practices to reduce risk and improve oversight. Members pressed hospital leaders on past seclusion practices, asking how prolonged seclusions could have occurred under federal standards. Leaders said they could not explain past decisions but emphasized that current leadership has changed processes, training, reporting, and oversight so that seclusion and restraint are reviewed in real time and cannot be normalized. Questions also covered staffing, falls, and future planning. OSH said it is generally staffed to budget, though it still has RN and mental health technician vacancies and is working on recruitment, training, and better staffing distribution. Hathi said the hospital is building a public dashboard with key performance and safety metrics, including workforce data, and described the long-term goal as a consistently safe, disciplined, high-functioning institution that responds quickly to mistakes and remains accountable to the public. The committee then shifted to an informational overview of civil commitment. Oregon Judicial Department representative Chanah Newell explained the civil commitment process, including who can initiate it, the role of community mental health providers and courts, the five-day timeline to hearing, and the standards for danger to self, danger to others, and inability to meet basic needs. She summarized changes made in House Bill 2005, including revised statutory language and new provisions allowing a second diversion period, but cautioned that the data are too early to show clear trends. Testimony from NAMI Oregon’s Chris Bonif and psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Lopez argued that Oregon still relies too heavily on jails and state hospital commitments because the broader community system lacks enough treatment, housing, and less restrictive alternatives. They urged the legislature to focus on upstream services, supported housing, and possible outpatient commitment tools so people can receive treatment before reaching crisis. The meeting ended with acknowledgment that additional reports and follow-up discussions are expected, including on residential treatment capacity and related behavioral health system reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the unlikely event that we must abruptly end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
• In the unlikely event that we must abruptly end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
• </c><00:13:00.320><c> for</c> members of the committee except for members of the committee except for
• In the<00:14:36.880><c> unlikely</c><00:14:37.440><c> event</c><00:14:37.680><c> that</c><00:14:37.839
• ><c> the</c><00:14:38.000><c> hearing</c><00:14:38.160><c> is</c> the unlikely event that the hearing

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Triple C committee heard SB 2799, relating to the Kalopa settlement. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals and homestead organizations urging passage and asking that Hawaiian Homes Commission, HHCA beneficiaries, and community representatives be included in transition planning. The Department of Health opposed the added reporting requirement as unnecessary and argued its role is limited to patient care, while committee members pushed back and emphasized the need for broader community input and landowner participation, especially from DHHL and DLNR. The chair recommended passage of SB 2799 unamended, with a committee report noting that the required May report should include the interagency transition working group timeline, proposed budget, and proposed procedures. The recommendation was adopted unanimously by the committees present. The joint agenda also took up SB 2887, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include Hawaiian homelands used for subsistence or agricultural/pastoral purposes and broaden eligible costs to include orchard or fruit-bearing crops and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the concept but requested amendments; the Department of Taxation and Department of Agriculture provided comments and information on administration and existing claims. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but argued the bill should create a new tax credit in Chapter 235 rather than fold DHHL lands into the existing IAL credit. After discussion, the chair recommended passage with the Hawaii Farm Bureau’s amendments and technical changes, and both committees adopted that recommendation. The Hawaiian Affairs committee then acted on several bills. SB 1406, SB 521, and SB 1654 were deferred indefinitely because the chair said related work was already underway and the committee wanted to avoid duplicative paperwork. SB 3247, relating to Mona Ala/Royal Mausoleum, was amended to convert the proposal into a Royal Mausoleum Working Group with periodic reporting and stakeholder input, and it passed with amendments. SB 112, SB 131, and SB 2443 were advanced with amendments that primarily deferred effective dates to keep the measures moving while discussions continue. The committee also noted that some measures were being deferred or reshaped to align with ongoing administrative or companion-bill processes, and the amended recommendations were adopted by the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• This event shook our nation to its core and spurred a generation of young people into action.
• a sporting event under your bill?
• It is not restricted like schools or sporting events.
• Now if you look at other states, we are the only state that has this exception.
• So I take huge exception to this comment. Rep.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and 17 times in spring-summer growing season events.
• So it's been a very traumatic event for the city and the surrounding area...
• And I said this in the committee event, and it's very much the truth.
• No one has ever thought of that except the engineers and the ministers.
• Except the engineers and the ministers. Here's how do we get?

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> but we don't make exceptions but we don't make exceptions uh<00:21:43.039><c> in</c><00:21:43.280
• a sporting event?
• </c> in a sporting event? in a sporting event?
• </c> sporting events? sporting events? &gt;&gt; No.<01:22:14.080><c> No.
• Do do they get to play in sporting<01:22:20.400><c> events?</c> sporting events? sporting events?

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• All these different sporting events are coming to Los Angeles, lined up until 2039.
• So traditionally, we don't receive any public money, except for perhaps in times of crisis, like the
• So Apple, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Google, Alphabet—these cases are more the rule than the exception.
• And this shows up clearly in case. are more the rule than the exception.
• -Mexico-Canada exception.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s trade, tourism, and investment ties with Asia and the effects of federal tariffs. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of subnational diplomacy, sister-city relationships, and coordinated trade missions. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s long-standing engagement with Asian partners, citing trade missions, the 2023 APEC summit in California, and the state’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander population as reasons to deepen these relationships. The first panel focused on trade, tourism, and foreign investment. Leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California said California’s economy depends heavily on Asia-linked trade, tourism, and direct investment. They warned that federal tariffs and related policy uncertainty are disrupting ports, logistics, manufacturing, education, and travel, with impacts on longshore work, shipping volumes, international students, and visitor spending. Visit California reported a decline in 2025 visitation, especially from Asia and Canada, and urged stronger promotion, partnerships, and state-level support to maintain California’s global brand. The second panel examined tariff impacts in more detail. Glenn Fukushima and Dr. Kyle Handley said tariffs function as taxes on imports, raising costs for businesses and consumers and discouraging investment when policy changes are frequent and unpredictable. They argued California is especially exposed because of its ports, supply chains, and cross-border trade with Asia and Mexico, and warned that new vessel fees and rerouted freight could further harm California shippers. Both said tariffs are unlikely to achieve clear strategic goals quickly and may damage U.S. credibility and long-term trade relationships, while recommending that California focus on making itself more competitive through infrastructure, permitting reform, export assistance, and other measures within state control. The final panel turned to future opportunities and the role of small businesses. Speakers from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center network stressed that small and minority-owned firms often feel trade disruptions first and need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and large events that generate business spillover. They said California should continue investing in ports, business support systems, and international partnerships so that trade and tourism gains reach businesses across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• Most of you I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• But I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• Most of you I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• It was a great event.

Bills: HR308 , HR309 , HR310 , HR311 , HR312 , HR313 , HR314 , HR315 , HR316 , HR317 , HR318 , HR319 , HR295 , HR296 , HR297 , HR298 , HR299 , HR300 , HR301 , HR302 , HR303 , HR304 , HR305 , HR306 , HR307 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SCR71 , SCR72 , SCR73 , HR73 , HR118 , HR144 , HR196 , HR237 , HR249 , HR260 , HR267 , HR272 , HR273 , HR276 , HR278 , HCR85 , HCR100 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR113 , HCR114 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , HB255 , HB378 , HB509 , HB1090 , SB80 , SB131 , SB143 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB367 , SB384 , SB388 , SB389 , SB398 , SB408 , SB431 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496 , SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB295 , SB433 , HR179 , HR223 , HR225 , HR274 , HCR89 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR96 , HCR103 , HCR108 , HCR26 , HB250 , HB265 , HB339 , HB427 , HB445 , HB463 , HB468 , HB606 , HB639 , HB649 , HB665 , HB746 , HB781 , HB853 , HB861 , HB872 , HB886 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1054 , HB1068 , HB1117 , HB1237 , HB74 , HB108 , HB956 , HB1085 , HB1137 , HB62 , HB193 , HB210 , HB220 , HB246 , HB364 , HB420 , HB475 , HB584 , HB622 , HB772 , HB784 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1092 , HB1134 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1199 , SB268 , SB283 , HB782 , SB149 , HR84 , HB646 , HB998 , SB56 , SB163 , SB197 , SB97 , SB326 , SB341 , SB518 , SB123 , SB353 , SB479 , SB495 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HR168 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, and a quorum, then spent much of the day on recognitions and commemorative resolutions. Members honored coach Jeffrey Craig Whittington, tourism and the Louisiana Oil Makers Association, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Tangipahoa Parish Fair, Washington Parish festivals, ACOG’s 75th anniversary, Louisiana Tech women’s basketball, and Memorial Day. A major Memorial Day presentation commended Lane Frenchy Boudreau for helping recover the body of Army Sgt. First Class James H. Moore in Vietnam; the House observed a moment of silence and presented a flag to Moore’s family. The chamber also received Senate messages, enrolled bills, and committee reports, and introduced several new resolutions on topics including Pope Leo XIV, orphan wells, scenic rivers, Teche water quality, and the LaMelle family’s pilgrimage to Rome. The House then took up numerous resolutions and bills, often adopting them without objection. Among the measures adopted or advanced were studies on neighborhood crime prevention districts, parish solid waste and disaster resiliency in Washington Parish, the Louisiana Climate Action Plan, the Louisiana Maneuvers museum/trail, cash-rounding practices after penny production ends, residential construction costs and inspection practices, roundabout education, Taiwan relations, TSA worker loan assistance in Shreveport, human growth and development standards, and the state income tax credit for water utility customers. The chamber also adopted or concurred in several Senate amendments on bills dealing with financial disclosure, video voyeurism, personal information protections, online child safety, STEM advisory council changes, dual enrollment tuition, fleet vehicle registration, menhaden fishing rules, recording fees, amusement ride insurance, drone footage authentication, garbage and trash contracts, insurance prescription periods, retirement system changes, juror qualifications, fireworks, inspection stickers, employment discrimination, and inactive boards and commissions. Several measures drew discussion or division. H.B. 1199, requiring coverage for genetic testing and treatment for SCN2A-associated disorders, passed 94-0 after being discharged from Appropriations. H.B. 302, which would prohibit vape sales within 300 feet of schools, passed 86-4. H.B. 84, encouraging an interest-free loan program for TSA workers at Shreveport Regional Airport, passed 64-27. H.B. 1054 on self-authentication of law enforcement drone footage passed 78-12, and H.B. 1137 limiting employment discrimination protections to state employees passed 71-23. The House rejected Senate amendments on H.B. 468 (residential real property wholesaling), H.B. 1117 (insurance contractual payments and prescriptive periods), H.B. 956 (fireworks dates), and H.B. 74 (Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism), while concurring in or adopting amendments on many other bills. The session ended amid continued consideration of Senate Bill 56 on the West Bank/Lafitte levee governance structure, including an adopted amendment to ensure Lafitte-area representation on the board, with extended remarks about the history and accomplishments of the existing levee authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• the event as it occurred to others, and extreme exposure to adverse details of the event.
• Repeat exposure to traumatic events that are not a single traumatic event are not an industrial injury
• An injury is a single event, so even if it is a single event that doesn't cause a physical injury to
• A single event that created PTSD. Any worker.
• All of them allow home cultivation of cannabis, except Washington.

Bills: SB6196 , SB6204 , SB6195 , SB5882 , SB6134

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: kratom, taxation, regulated substances, health safety, state revenue, cannabis, marijuana, home grow, home cultivation, personal cultivation, adult use cannabis, recreational marijuana, 21 and older, controlled substances, RCW 69.50, Liquor and Cannabis Board, LCB, plant limits, cannabis possession, cannabis concentrates

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventy-nine percent of the folks said the event was accessible.
• So it was a really great interactive event. I wasn't able to attend, but I attended remotely.
• And then we had another event on November 17th. We had a discussion. after that.
• And then we had another event on November 17th. We had a discussion.
• Then we had another event on November 17th.

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual meeting and approved the September minutes. Chair Denise Garlick opened with updates on the commission’s first “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Needham, reporting strong attendance, a large resource fair, and mostly positive survey feedback. Commissioners said the event was valuable for connecting advocates, providers, and people with disabilities, while also noting lessons learned about accessibility, timing, and the need for more networking time and advance materials. The chair said the commission is planning future forums in other regions, including possible sites in Lowell, Northampton, and the South Shore. A major item was the new advisory council. Oz Osmondahar and Eman described the outreach and screening process, which drew roughly 60 nominations and emphasized lived experience, sector expertise, geographic diversity, and connections to broader networks. The council will serve as strategic advisors and thought partners, meet twice a year, and hold its first in-person orientation on January 30 at the State House Members Lounge. Commissioners were encouraged to stay engaged with the council and use it to strengthen commission and subcommittee work. Subcommittee reports covered employment, workforce supports, and long-term services and supports/health equity. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported collaboration with SEED, a presentation at the Employment Matters Conference, a discussion with a disability employee resource group, and upcoming work with CED and veterans advocates. The Workforce Supports Subcommittee heard from the MassHealth Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center about workforce data gaps and an upcoming needs assessment, and plans to host ADDP on 2025 workforce metrics. The long-term services and supports committee discussed the Housing Navigator program, barriers to accessible housing, and concerns about how federal cuts could affect disability services and health equity. The commission also heard from DDS Deputy General Counsel Erin Brown and Associate Commissioner Chris Klaskin on a new law expanding access to records from former state institutions, including new notification and privacy procedures and a forthcoming regulatory process with public input. Commissioners welcomed the law as a step toward transparency and dignity. Amen gave an executive director update on the annual report, recent collaboration with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, a national state-employer practice group, and the IDD/Autism Alliance working group. The meeting also included a moment of reflection for disability activist Alice Wong, a commissioner announcement about Work Without Limits’ virtual career fair, and adjournment after a motion and second were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to present our agency's exceptional item request.
• There will be exceptions when somebody from out of state comes in.
• Page 20, and those are represented in our exceptional items request.
• I think you're on page five of your presentation under the exceptional items.
• The agency is not making any requests for exception.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• as well so that no one can have the ability to obtain, you know, where these recovery centers are except
• </c> these recovery res centers are except these recovery res centers are except for<00:14:17.440><c>
• Um, so I take this as a retroactive measure in the event that something were to happen, they designate
• Um, so I take this as a retroactive measure in the event that something were to happen, they designate
• that retroactive measure in the event that something<00:23:50.400><c> were</c><00:23:50.559><c> to</

Committee: Senate State & Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• As shown on the slide, these exceptions include scholarships awarded in excess of the maximum award of
• Of 147 disbursements tested, totaling $1.9 million, we noted 124 exceptions as shown on the slide.
• These exceptions include lack of proper authorization for payment, lack of proper documentation, and
• Of 147 disbursements tested, tolling $1.9 million, we noted 124 exceptions as shown on the slide.
• These exceptions include lack of proper authorization for payment, lack of proper documentation, and

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The committee first adopted prior minutes and then heard several standing committee audit reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports scheduled for the month, one outstanding committee-requested report, and a request to gather information on a possible special report for February. The city/county/local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of turn-back funds for 17 entities, 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities filing reports, and action on the town of Daisy requiring repayment of misused street funds. The education report filed three higher education audit reports and deferred one Northwest Arkansas Community College report. The state agencies report filed four reports and deferred audits of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for more information on corrective actions. The committee then received a special audit review of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Auditors said the program received $10 million in desegregation funding and a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, and saw 116 students graduate. The review found many scholarship eligibility exceptions, including awards above the maximum and to students who did not meet GPA, enrollment-hour, or full-time requirements, and numerous disbursement documentation and authorization problems. Committee members sharply questioned the program’s oversight, the role of former staff, the use of funds for travel and cultural activities, and whether any improper spending should be referred for criminal review. UALR representatives said the program was overseen as a sponsored program, that some controls were later strengthened, and that Philander Smith only verified enrollment rather than eligibility. The committee voted to table the report until the next meeting and asked staff to gather the federal court order and additional information. Finally, the committee reviewed the annual report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 criminal charges filed, 39 still under review, 3 dismissed, 5 pending in court, and 96 not charged; convictions in 20 cases led to fines, restitution, audit costs, and some bond trust fund payments. Prosecutor representatives explained that many referrals do not become criminal cases because of intent, timing, or other legal limits, and said they generally seek restitution even when charges are not filed. Members asked for more standardized reporting, including whether restitution was recovered and why cases were not prosecuted, and discussed possible training and a checklist for future reports. The committee then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12-13.

Transcript Highlights:

• No alternative to that school over there, except for the private school.
• No, it's not a mandated event.
• Is that inclusive of sporting events? **Representative Valdes**? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
• Is a school event considered to be on campus? If yes, it is. And the policy is bell to bell.
• If you are talking about a school event or field trip that's happening during the school day, bell to

Bills: HJR 138 , HB 42 , HB 104 , HB 129 , HB 677 , HB 426 , HB 668 , HB 1699 , HB 2017 , HB 2128 , HB 2038 , HB 3783 , HB 3717 , HB 2316 , HB 3686 , HB 2563 , HB 3883 , HB 4021 , HB 2788 , HB 2663 , HB 3305 , HB 3173 , HB 3474 , HB 1105 , HB 3531 , HB 3490 , HB 3597 , HB 1295 , HB 3512 , HB 3010 , HB 3112 , HB 4215 , HB 3223 , HB 3464 , HB 3120 , HB 4214 , HB 4511 , HB 3704 , HB 4081 , HB 4783 , HB 4063 , HB 2783 , HB 4937 , HB 5085 , HB 2510 , HB 3426 , HB 4361 , HB 1169 , HB 2516 , HB 2347 , HB 4034 , HB 4700 , HB 3560 , HB 5150 , HB 3860 , HB 3146 , HB 3924 , HCR 98 , HCR 92 , HB 1520 , HB 1545 , HB 5265 , HB 1887 , HB 1914 , HB 2402 , HB 2306 , HB 2350 , HB 3000 , HB 3237 , HB 3326 , HB 3211 , HB 1056 , HB 2081 , HB 2187 , HB 3092 , HB 3308 , HB 3526 , HB 3750 , HB 4219 , HB 4230 , HB 4290 , HB 5238 , HB 4804 , HB 4749 , HB 245 , HB 1465 , HB 294 , HB 793 , HB 809 , HB 3928 , HB 334 , HB 2037 , HB 1973 , HB 285 , HB 4341 , HB 1043 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1729 , HB 2498 , HB 1314 , HB 1353 , HB 3960 , HB 3923 , HB 2221 , HB 2517 , HB 2518 , HB 2213 , HB 5092 , HB 3748 , HB 5246 , HB 4344 , HB 1482 , HB 4044 , HB 2702 , HB 4264 , HB 2807 , HB 2898 , HB 3181 , HB 3250 , HB 2091 , HB 2115 , HB 2542 , HB 2768 , HB 3349 , HB 4406 , HB 1593 , HB 1899 , HB 3133 , HB 3133 , HB 4960 , HB 3214 , HB 2145 , HB 1201 , HB 5061 , SB 29 , SB 879 , SB 65 , SB 1745 , SB 412 , SB 412 , SB 1746 , SB 1238 , SB 1341 , SB 522 , SB 1532 , SB 1378 , SB 1062 , SB 2066 , SB 1963 , SB 2204 , SB 1366 , SB 2077 , SB 1967 , SB 1151 , HB 1618 , HB 2156 , HB 2615 , HB 2615 , HB 2349 , HB 1926 , HB 569 , HB 1762 , HB 38 , HJR 138 , HB 42 , HB 104 , HB 104 , HB 129 , HB 677 , HB 426 , HB 668 , HB 1699 , HB 2017 , HB 2128 , HB 2038 , HB 3783 , HB 3717 , HB 2316 , HB 3686 , HB 2563 , HB 3883 , HB 4021 , HB 2788 , HB 2663 , HB 2663 , HB 3305 , HB 3173 , HB 3474 , HB 1105 , HB 3531 , HB 3531 , HB 3490 , HB 3490 , HB 3597 , HB 1295 , HB 3512 , HB 3010 , HB 3112 , HB 4215 , HB 3223 , HB 3223 , HB 3464 , HB 3120 , HB 4214 , HB 4511 , HB 3704 , HB 4081 , HB 4783 , HB 4063 , HB 2783 , HB 4937 , HB 5085 , HB 2510 , HB 3426 , HB 4361 , HB 1169 , HB 2516 , HB 2347 , HB 4034 , HB 4700 , HB 3560 , HB 5150 , HB 3860 , HB 3146 , HB 3924 , HCR 98 , HCR 92