Transcript Highlights:

• The governor issued her press release, I believe, in December, where she called for the state to adopt
• The forms that are released by the Governor's Department of Revenue do not reflect current law, so ..
• Chairman, Representative Gress, I would just say that the press release was issued urging Hobbs to call
• I would just say that the press release was issued, urging Hobbs to call a special session.
• It seems that that's how the governor likes to communicate with us, through press releases as well.

Bills: HB2011, HB2089, HB2090, HB2092, HB2477, HB2785

Keywords: individual income tax, subtraction, Arizona Revised Statutes, retirement benefits, adoption costs, charitable contributions, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, education savings

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2785, a tax conformity measure that would update Arizona statutes to conform to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would align state law with tax forms already issued by the Department of Revenue, provide certainty to filers, and deliver about $440 million in tax relief through provisions such as no tax on tips and overtime, a larger standard deduction, and a $6,000 senior deduction. Opponents argued the bill would significantly reduce state revenue, disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers, and should be considered alongside a broader budget plan. After debate and an amendment addressing retroactivity and foreign dividends, the committee approved HB 2785 on a 5-4 vote. The committee then took up several Arizona State Retirement System and education savings bills. HB 2089 clarified the health insurance premium benefit subsidy for retirees and passed unanimously. HB 2090 changed the disability determination period for long-term disability benefits from 24 months within a five-year period to a straight 24-month period and passed 8-1. HB 2092 allowed employees over age 65 to waive ARS participation within 30 days of becoming eligible and also passed 8-1. HB 2477 conformed Arizona’s 529 education savings plan to federal law, including expanded uses and a permanent rollover to ABLE accounts and Roth IRAs; testimony supported the cleanup and simplification, but some members raised concerns about the Roth rollover and possible use of transferred ESA funds. HB 2477 passed 5-3 with one present vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All adopted amendments are released from special language.
• amendment is adopted okay members that's everything we have on our agenda all adopted amendments are released
• from everything we have on our agenda all adopted amendments are released from special language seeing

Summary: The special language subcommittee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members were reminded that the subcommittee only handles special language, while personnel and appropriation items go to other budget committees. Most items were explained by DFA Secretary Jim Hudson and agency representatives, with no major opposition raised. The committee adopted amendments for the Department of Finance and Administration to require administrative costs for pregnancy help organization grants to stay under 25%; for the Department of Correction to remove conflicting language about county jail reimbursement funds and make a technical fund-name correction; and for the Department of Education to designate the Department of Agriculture as the child nutrition agency and to implement Act 909 of 2025 changes related to EBD employer contributions and phasing out teacher equalization funds. It also adopted language allowing the CFO to waive the 3% state central services fee for agricultural promotion boards, allowing Department of Public Safety revenues from Camp Robinson facilities to be used for maintenance, and authorizing shared administrative services billing under the Arkansas Ford Initiative while removing duplicative reporting language. Additional adopted amendments designated Arkansas Rehab Services as the state unit for the vocational rehabilitation grant and capped the reimbursement rate for the used tire program at $2.31 effective July 1, 2026, to stabilize funding. One item was skipped because a later governor’s letter superseded it. All amendments considered were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• sentenced under this section are not eligible for statutory gain time or any form of discretionary early release
• sentenced under this section are not eligible for statutory gain time or any form of discretionary early release
• penalties for repeat sexual offenders and predators and ensures longer incarceration with no early release

Summary: The committee heard three member bills. CS/HB 1095 would create a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program in Hillsborough County for probationers ordered to abstain from drugs and alcohol, with frequent testing, immediate arrest for violations, and a cap of 150 participants. An amendment removed the fiscal impact by eliminating an appropriation and directing any appropriated funds to the administering entity; the amendment and bill both passed, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/HB 1455 would establish mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders or predators who commit specified sexual offenses, including 10-year and 20-year minimums depending on the offense, with no gain time or discretionary early release. The only public testimony was in support from the Smart Justice Alliance. The committee approved the bill 11-1 and reported it favorably. CS/HB 1283 would make the sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital felony punishable by death or life imprisonment. Members questioned the fiscal impact, housing on death row, and how the death penalty process would work; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at the worst offenders and that current law already provides mandatory life for trafficking a child under 12. Public testimony included opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and support from the Smart Justice Alliance. After debate focused on constitutionality and the death penalty, the committee passed the bill 10-3 and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So while this legislation, because of the Public Records Act, provides more opportunity for release and
• So while this legislation, because of the Public Records Act, provides more opportunity for release and
• So while this legislation, because of the Public Records Act, provides more opportunity for release and
• So while this legislation, because of the Public Records Act, provides more opportunity for release and
• So while this legislation, because of the Public Records Act, provides more opportunity for release and

Bills: SF0020, SF0021, SF0022

Keywords: data privacy, government accountability, personal data, data retention, resident rights, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification

Transcript Highlights:

• , the risk, and the system condition, the risk, and the local<00:26:23.360> community's<00:26:
• I have provided a press release we pushed out upon the rescission of Laramie and Cheyenne's program to
• I have provided a press release we pushed out upon the rescission of Laramie and Cheyenne's program to
• We set conditions<01:34:46.480> that<01:34:46.880> require<01:34:47.679> metering
• ><01:34:48.159> and conditions that require metering and conditions that require metering and

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• investigations to make sure that, you know,... ...pertinent information and no criminal investigation was not released
• to make sure that, you know, pertinent information and Bob knows criminal investigation was not released
• Certainly, and we'll definitely have a big press release and everything for that.
• Yeah, press release is great, but come here, navigate through the dashboard with us, and yeah, I think

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for what members said was likely the first appearance by the lab before this committee. Lab officials gave an overview of the new crime lab facility now under construction, saying it is on schedule, under budget, and expected to be completed by the end of July next year, with phased move-in beginning around August 1. They explained that the current building is over 40 years old and overcrowded, with caseloads having doubled over the past 20 years, and said the new facility will improve workflow, add morgue capacity, and allow new technologies and equipment to be brought online. Members asked about staffing and recruitment, and the lab said recent pay changes and legislative support have made Arkansas more competitive for forensic specialists and medical examiners. Officials said vacancies have been reduced, a new deputy chief medical examiner has been hired, two more medical examiners are starting in August, and a new fellowship program has already attracted applicants. They also said the lab is prepared for the staffing needs of the new facility and that training periods remain long for many analyst positions. The discussion also covered rapid DNA, CODIS, sexual assault kit processing, genetic genealogy, and overdose-related data sharing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with pilot agencies in Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas among the first states to do so. Officials described CODIS as a key investigative tool, said DNA profiles are entered automatically when they qualify, and reported that the sexual assault kit backlog has been cleared with the lab now maintaining a 60-day turnaround. They also confirmed Arkansas uses a kit-tracking system, works with private labs such as Othram and Bode for genetic genealogy, and is developing an overdose dashboard to share toxicology and overdose data with public health and law enforcement partners. Members praised the lab’s progress and the committee adjourned after announcing an August site visit to Lake Conway and the dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• investigations to make sure that pertinent information and Bob knows criminal investigation was not released
• to make sure that, you know, pertinent information and Bob knows criminal investigation was not released
• Certainly, and we'll definitely have a big press release and everything for that.
• Yeah, press release is great, but come here, navigate through the dashboard with us, and yeah, I think

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an update on operations, staffing, technology, and major projects. Crime lab officials said the new facility is on schedule and under budget, with completion expected at the end of July next year and phased move-in beginning around August 1. They described the current building as overcrowded and outdated, and said the new lab will expand workspace, improve workflow, double morgue autopsy tables, and allow new technologies such as 3D firearms microscopy, improved drug testing for emerging synthetic drugs, and enhanced fingerprint visualization. Officials also said the lab has been able to hire positions tied to the 2023 overdose-autopsy law and that recruitment for medical examiners and fellows has improved, including two new medical examiners starting in August and a successful new fellowship program. Members asked about rapid DNA, CODIS, forensic genealogy, sexual assault kit backlogs, and staffing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas one of the first states to do so. Officials explained that CODIS is used routinely, with DNA profiles from qualifying cases uploaded automatically and audited regularly, and cited it as a key investigative tool. On forensic genealogy, they said Arkansas currently relies on private labs such as Othram, Bode, and DNA Labs International, and is exploring whether to bring that capability in-house in the future. They reported that the sexual assault kit backlog from around 2016 has been cleared and that the lab is now meeting the statutory 60-day turnaround time, with kits tracked through a barcode-based system for transparency. The committee also discussed overdose data and confidentiality. The lab said a new overdose dashboard is being developed with the Office of State Technology and should go live by the end of the year, using newly available reporting data to help public health and law enforcement target prevention efforts. Members praised a recent law allowing toxicology information to be shared with the state drug director and another law protecting coroner records and toxicology reports from public release during criminal investigations; lab officials said both changes have been very helpful. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions on the crime lab items, and the chair announced an August site visit to the Lake Conway dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that's not something releasing them back into society I take lightly, but I know that my vote holds
• :27.160> not<00:09:27.520> something I that's not something I that's not something releasing
• 29.720> into<00:09:29.960> society<00:09:30.440> I<00:09:30.520> take releasing
• them back into society I take releasing them back into society I take lightly, lightly, lightly, but

Keywords: Corrections - Room 210, 24 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met to consider the confirmation of Donna Rogers Perkins of Brandon, Mississippi, to the State Parole Board, effective November 17, 2025. Early in the meeting, members exchanged remarks about Chairman Barnett’s recovery and noted that the committee could continue operating under the current provision until next year, when any needed statutory changes could be addressed. Ms. Perkins testified that she has 19 years of experience with the Department of Public Safety, where she maintained law enforcement records, vetted officers from other jurisdictions, and worked with the Attorney General’s Office and State Auditor’s Office on investigations. Members raised and resolved a question about whether she was still employed elsewhere; Perkins explained she had adjusted her last day of employment to avoid a conflict, and the committee indicated the issue had been rectified. A Rankin County supporter also spoke in her favor, saying her public safety background would make her effective on the board. Members questioned Perkins about the role of the parole board and whether she understood the need to balance public safety with reducing incarceration costs. Perkins said the board does not re-sentence offenders, but determines whether they are fit to return to society, and that she would carefully review background, psychological evaluations, and behavior while incarcerated. One member asked about statutory training requirements, and Perkins said she was scheduled to attend training for newly appointed parole board members in June. The committee then voted to advise and consent to the appointment, and the motion passed. A subsequent motion to advise and report was also made and approved, and Perkins was congratulated and thanked for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh while we were able to, we tried working with the school, we ultimately had to release him early
• with the the school, we ultimately<00:05:45.520> had<00:05:45.759> to<00:05:45.840> release
• ><00:05:46.160> him<00:05:46.479> early<00:05:46.800> from ultimately had to release
• him early from ultimately had to release him early from a<00:05:47.520> active<00:05:47.919><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• plus-page analysis that went into more detail that is private and confidential and that part will not be released
• will<00:02:17.520> not<00:02:17.680> be<00:02:18.400> uh<00:02:18.480> released
• <00:02:18.800> to<00:02:18.879> the part will not be uh released to the part will not
• be uh released to the public<00:02:19.280> just<00:02:19.440> for<00:02:19.599> obvious

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on changes to security at the Minnesota Capitol complex in response to rising political violence and recent attacks on public officials, including the June 14 assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hartman and the attempted assassination of Senator Hoffman and his wife. The senator said those events, along with broader threats against elected officials, created urgency to strengthen protections for members, staff, and visitors. The discussion centered on the Axtell report, a Department of Public Safety security assessment of four priority buildings: the Capitol, Centennial Office Building, Judicial Center, and Minnesota Senate Building. The report included a public executive summary and a confidential detailed analysis. Its top recommendation was weapon screening, which the advisory committee adopted as the highest-impact measure to prevent weapons or other dangerous items from entering the buildings. The senator described visible changes such as screening at entrances, single-entry points, Evolv machines, and X-ray screening for bags, as well as a Senate rule barring guns in the gallery after concerns about member safety. She argued these measures do not significantly reduce access because most state capitols already screen visitors, and said restrictions on firearms in government buildings are consistent with constitutional limits in sensitive places. She also noted that permit holders may still enter with firearms for now, but said she plans to introduce a bill to ban guns on the Capitol complex entirely. Additional recommendations discussed included encrypted staff badges, more consistent access controls across buildings, and behavioral threat assessment training. The senator said some proposals will require legislative action and funding, citing an estimated $41 million request from the Department of Administration, while other measures could be implemented administratively from the non-public security report.

Transcript Highlights:

• When liens are paid off on vehicles, the lenders will be able to go in and do a lien release online and
• and<00:03:37.040> do<00:03:37.200> a<00:03:37.360> lean<00:03:37.680> release
• able to go in and do a lean release able to go in and do a lean release online<00:03:39.200>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 110, relating to motor vehicles. The bill is part of a broader effort to modernize county clerk operations and move motor vehicle titling to an electronic system. The sponsor explained that the measure would keep titles in an electronic database, allow online lien releases, electronic notices and payments, and simplify certain estate and ownership issues. A committee substitute was adopted that removed a now-unneeded provision about a signature register for farm bureau farm vehicles. Members asked about the bill’s length, the treatment of all-terrain vehicles and street-legal special purpose vehicles, and whether the measure changed fees or conflicted with prior legislation. The sponsor said the bill did not alter the earlier street-legal special purpose vehicle statute, that printed titles would carry a $6 fee, and that some fee-setting authority for the Transportation Cabinet was included by administrative regulation. He also noted that a floor amendment would likely be offered to align the bill with the Transportation Cabinet’s system and add language for consumer lenders. Supportive comments were offered about the bill’s benefits for Jefferson County and the broader modernization effort. After discussion, the committee voted to report Senate Bill 110 favorably with the committee substitute attached. The roll call showed the bill passed the committee, and the chair thanked the sponsor and staff before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every time we enter a structure, we're exposed to carcinogenic gases and particulates released from synthetic
• 57.360> particulants carcinogenic gases and particulants carcinogenic gases and particulants released
• released from synthetic materials. released from synthetic materials.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee began with introductions of interns and then took up two bills. House Bill 34, presented by Representative Bant with testimony from Kentucky Professional Firefighters, would expand Kentucky’s presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters. The witness argued that occupational cancer is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters and asked that additional cancers, including prostate, pancreatic, thyroid, breast, esophageal, and multiple melanoma, be added to the law. Members asked about the fiscal impact, which was described as indeterminable, and several members voiced support for the bill and for first responders. After discussion, House Bill 34 received a motion and second and was approved by the committee with favorable expression. The roll call showed broad support, with Representative Thomas voting no and the rest of the committee voting yes. The committee then heard House Bill 214 from Representative Wesley, which would create a disabled veterans account program to fund accessibility ramps for disabled veterans’ residences. The bill was described as covering pre-built or custom-built ramps for homes and defining eligible recipients. It also received a motion and second, passed with favorable expression, and the roll call again showed overwhelming support with Representative Thomas voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The meeting ended with an announcement about a National Guard Association legislative breakfast the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is to gather co-sponsors and give final approval for public release.
• co-sponsors and give final approval for co-sponsors and give final approval for public<00:15:03.040> release
• 04.720> rules<00:15:05.120> say<00:15:05.440> on<00:15:05.760> or public release
• Current rules say on or public release.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tony Miklas, who used the Aesop fable about “belling the cat” to emphasize practical wisdom and the need to consider how legislation will actually be implemented by agencies, towns, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and courts. The chamber then welcomed Representative Valerie Taylor of Mendon, who had been appointed to represent Rutland 11 and took the oath of office; she was escorted to her seat and appointed to the House Health Care Committee. Representative Feltus of Lyndon was also appointed to the Joint Fiscal Committee. Members suspended the rules to introduce 19 House bills by number only, with several referrals announced, including multiple bills sent to Judiciary, Health Care, Government Operations and Military Affairs, Human Services, Energy and Digital Infrastructure, and Environment. The House also referred a petition concerning school security to the Education Committee. In addition, the chamber adopted two joint Senate resolutions in concurrence: JRS 29, setting the weekend adjournment schedule for January 9, 2026, and JRS 31, setting the town meeting adjournment schedule for late February and early March 2026. The House also concurred in moving H.541, relating to interference with voters and election officials, from Government Operations and Military Affairs to Judiciary. The main action item was House Resolution 10, which amended House rules on bill draft request and approval deadlines in the second year of the biennium. The Rules Committee explained that the resolution would move the bill drafting request deadline to December 5, the draft-change deadline to January 15, and the bill approval deadline for introduction to January 31, citing the need for more time for legal review, better coordination between members and Legislative Council, and reduced staff burnout during the holiday and early-session period. The House adopted the resolution. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming Appropriations budget workshops, a new Creative Sector Caucus, and a Climate Solutions Caucus meeting, followed by adjournment until January 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to be released in the next two weeks or so.
• We it's going to be<00:03:56.480> released<00:03:56.879> in<00:03:57.040> the<00
• be released in the next two weeks or so. be released in the next two weeks or so.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard two resolutions. STR 48 SD 1 called for a comprehensive strategy to adopt updated building codes, with testimony listed from several groups but no one appeared to testify. The committee later deferred the measure, noting it was very similar to House Concurrent Resolution 67 House Draft 1. The committee then took up STR 6D1, which urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to develop a plan to produce enough housing to meet state demand. HHFDC testified that the resolution misstated the scope of low-income housing tax credit units and emphasized that the state’s housing need is much larger than previously cited, with a recent study showing about 33,000 units needed for households at or below 60% AMI statewide. HHFDC supported planning but said any plan must be realistic and account for private land constraints. A member raised concerns about rising leasehold costs and affordability for homeowners, and HHFDC responded that rental affordability can be maintained more readily than for-sale housing. The committee adopted HHFDC’s proposed amendments to STR 6D1, including deleting a clause about overbuilding, revising the shortage figures, and adding language referencing Senate Bill 26 and the affordable housing land inventory task force. The committee also amended the resolution to focus on density and timing of development for projects identified by that task force. The measure passed with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's talk about in 2024, y'all had a press release, y'all, I'm sorry, the Secretary of State's office
• had a press release, getting back to being in the legislative mindset.
• We've heard about personally identifiable information, right, not being released.
• If all of that information is released alongside other data sets and other data points, it's possible
• From Colorado, we similarly have laws for the release of election records.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All adopted amendments are released from special language.
• amendment is adopted okay members that's everything we have on our agenda all adopted amendments are released
• from everything we have on our agenda all adopted amendments are released from special language seeing

Summary: The Special Language subcommittee met with a quorum and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members heard housekeeping about the subcommittee’s call-based schedule and its role in reviewing only special language, not appropriations or personnel items. The committee then considered amendments affecting the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Correction, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Safety, shared administrative services, Commerce/Workforce Services, and Environment and Quality. Key items included language directing DFA to limit administrative costs for pregnancy help organizations to 25% of awards; removing conflicting language so county jail reimbursement funds can only receive transfers in, not out; updating code to assign child nutrition responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture; implementing Act 909 of 2025 changes for school district EBD employer contributions and teacher equalization funds; and allowing the state CFO to waive a 3% central services fee for agricultural promotion boards to keep more funds in the industry. Members also discussed using Camp Robinson facility revenues for maintenance, allowing shared services billing under the Arkansas Forward Initiative, designating Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as the state unit for vocational rehab grants, and capping used tire program reimbursement rates at $2.31 starting July 1, 2026. There was brief discussion on the agriculture fee waiver, with questions about its purpose, duration, and possible precedent; agency officials said it was a discretionary, point-in-time waiver meant to help the farm sector during a crisis. Another question addressed reporting on crisis pregnancy center grants, with DFA noting no grant funds had yet been distributed this fiscal year. Each amendment was adopted by voice vote, item 9 was skipped because it was superseded by item 10, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• parole board and of course, citizens want there to be a support system when these prisoners are released
• or when these parole candidates are released.
• a support system and a chance for success once they're... and a chance for success once they're released

Bills: HB397, HB523, HB397

Keywords: real estate, disclosures, equitable interest, disciplinary actions, Alabama Real Estate Commission, parole procedures, advocacy, parole board, victim representation, inmate rights, HB397, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, tax relief, senior exemption, elderly homeowners, retiree exemption, disability exemption, blind exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Ensuring that citizens who have served time know that upon their release, they are part of their community
• That's why in a In addition to the bill to reinstate voting rights after you're released, I filed House
• And can be released into the community, that state determination should restore their voting rights.

Bills: SJR57, SCR8, SB8, SB14, SB24, SB108, SB112, SB125, SB213, SB251, SB315, SB318, SB371, SB378, SB379, SB472, SB487, SB502, SB513, SB565, SB621, SB650, SB689, SB707, SB710, SB761, SB763, SB815, SB854, SB875, SB896, SB916, SB925, SB958, SB961, SB965, SB973, SB987, SB990, SB995, SB1006, SB1018, SB1019, SB1024, SB1026, SB1146, SB1194, SB1198, SB1253, SB1330, SB1343, SB1362, SB1379, SB1497, SB1498, SB1527, SB1532, SB1547, SB1596, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SCR22, SCR12, SCR8, SB565, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB925, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB815, SB1379, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB241, SB304, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB502, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB24, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB761, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB916, SB896, SB1352, SB973, SB785, SB710, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB1547, SB961, SB1038, SB513, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB1198, SB1146, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB503, SJR37, SB16, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB924, SB1029, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1697, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB1535, SB827, SB1585, SB207, SB1207, SB1619, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741

Keywords: central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency

Transcript Highlights:

• or who may individuals who can make bail or who may be<00:09:26.399> be<00:09:26.800> released
• an opportunity to do so be be released an opportunity to do so before<00:09:30.160> being<00:
• Once the commutation of sentences occurred and people were released, those numbers have not built back
• Once the commutation of sentences occurred and people were released, those numbers have not built back
• Once the commutation of sentences occurred and people were released, those numbers have not built back

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 21 minutes, and then heard a KO presentation focused on county jail funding pressures. KO leaders and county judges said jail costs have become a statewide crisis, noting that county general fund contributions to jail budgets have risen sharply since 2019. They said the organization’s sole legislative priority this session is to “reshape the shared responsibility” for county jails through three main proposals: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and changing the model for housing state inmates. On regional jails, KO proposed one-time state construction help for new or expanded regional facilities, allowing former county jails to become 96-hour holdover facilities, changing regional jail authority boards so each participating county jailer can serve, increasing the closed-jail supplement, and offering a one-time payment to counties that close a jail and join a regional plan. On pre-trial felony detainees, Judge Mosley argued counties bear the full cost for people held before trial, sometimes for years, and said counties should be reimbursed for time served credit when those inmates are later sentenced. On state inmates, KO said the current per diem of $35.34 is below the average daily county jail cost of $63.44, and proposed a new contract model requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs while counties provide agreed programming such as substance use treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academic programming. Members asked about the fiscal impact of the package, the feasibility of regional jail population thresholds, and whether the proposal could affect counties’ ability to house federal inmates. KO said regionalization should remain a local decision, that a bill draft and fiscal note were being developed, and that only certain jails are eligible to house federal inmates under existing agreements. Representative Maddox also asked about social media comments by Judge Mosley regarding homeschooling; Mosley said the remarks were unrelated to KO and apologized for any offense. Senator Mills asked what counties would do with savings from jail costs, and judges said the money would likely go to local services such as roads, ambulance service, senior programs, parks, economic development, infrastructure, broadband, and water projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would ask for immediate release. Seeing no objection, immediate release is granted.
• >> I would ask for immediate release. >> I would ask for immediate release.
• >> Seeing no objection, immediate release >> Seeing no objection, immediate release
• Post-release supervision is probation after your release.
• <01:51:32.000> Post-release to MDOC custody. Post-release to MDOC custody.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 4 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Austin Warren of Alcorn State University, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber also heard a series of guest introductions, including representatives from the Council of State Governments, local visitors, students from Tupelo High School and First Presbyterian Day School, a doctor of the day, family members honoring a fallen highway patrol officer, forestry groups, and other guests in the galleries. The Senate then took up several calendar items. It passed House Bill 1648, the budget transfer bill, after a strike-all amendment and use of the morning roll call. It also advanced House Bill 1230 on distinctive motor vehicle tags and House Bill 1330 on local option alcoholic beverage control/resort area definitions, both with strike-all amendments and morning roll call passage. House Bill 750, the SMART Act extending a tax credit program that supports research partnerships between businesses and higher education institutions, was also passed by morning roll call. Later, House Bill 1761 relating to festival wine permits was amended with a strike-all and passed, and Senate Bill 3230 was taken up under suspension of the rules and passed to authorize Greenwood Leflore Hospital’s board to seek Chapter 9 debt relief. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 52 recognizing Mississippi Alpha Network/Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on its 55th anniversary, and Senate Resolution 32 commending the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars softball team and Coach Matt Harrison for winning the MAIS 4A Division 1 State Softball Championship. Representatives of both groups addressed the Senate briefly, emphasizing service, community involvement, and the teams’ accomplishments. The Senate granted immediate release for the hospital bill and continued to pass or retain several other items on the calendar. Near the end of the transcript, the Senate began consideration of House Bill 1577 on false child abuse reports. Senator Fillingane explained a strike-all amendment that would make knowingly false reports a misdemeanor, with penalties including fines, jail time, and restitution, while preserving protections for good-faith reporting. Senators Seymour and Hopson asked questions about the bill’s criminal classification and burden of proof, and discussion was underway when the transcript ended.