Transcript Highlights:

• This section of the statute states that a person under the age of 18 may not operate a motor vehicle
• Unless the operation of a vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment
• We really need to continue that. So, but I can't speak for judges in general on that.
• In Grayson County, we currently operate two specialty courts.
• And I'd hope that we continue to invest them and continue, to continue to expand them and expand.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are vehicles that operate solely within 50 miles of the farm or just transport products to and
• Missouri continues to be a leader in cotton production in the United States, despite being produced in
• I represent the state's quarries and sand operations. Mr.
• I represent the state's quarries and sand operations.
• their operations.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913 on a do pass motion by a vote of 16 ayes and 3 noes. The transcript then moved to a public hearing on Senate Bill 1033, presented by Senator Jason Bean. The bill would exempt certain older covered farm vehicles used in local farming operations from emissions inspection requirements, and it also included language to ease permitting for cotton gins by removing the need for air dispersion modeling in certain construction permit applications. Bean also referenced related air pollution control funding language from Senate Bill 953. Testimony on SB 1033 was uniformly supportive. Cotton producers, Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Pork Producers, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Missouri Mining Association/Infra, the American Council of Engineering Companies, and Associated Industries of Missouri all spoke in favor. Supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory and retrofit costs for farm vehicles, help cotton gins remain competitive with neighboring states, and provide a more stable funding stream for the state air pollution control program, which witnesses said is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028. Committee members asked several questions about the cotton gin permitting changes, the number of farmers affected, and the air program funding mechanism. Witnesses explained that the funding provision would redirect a small portion of sales and use tax revenue from electric power distribution into the air pollution control program and would prevent sweeping of unused funds to general revenue. No one testified in opposition, and the chair closed the hearing on SB 1033.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can continue to learn as we go.
• We can continue to learn as we go.
• If you continue to see bad behavior, it's a hypothetical—if you continue to see bad behavior here...
• But we do want to continue to have these cabins.
• Chairman, I'd urge you to continue working on this. I know where we are. The process will continue.

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louisville operates out of a teams.
• You have to continue pushing and driving to ensure that collaboration continues.
• You have to continue pushing and driving to ensure that collaboration continues.
• <01:17:30.480> of Four Rivers was was a continuation of Four Rivers was was a continuation
• a half years of continuous regulation. a half years of continuous regulation.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then approved an agency amendment to a health and family services regulation. The amendment reversed a prior change so that neonatal ICU beds would remain subject to regular review rather than nonsubstantive review. The remaining administrative regulations were then reviewed without objection. The main presentation was from State Auditor Allison Ball on a report finding $836 million in concurrent Medicaid capitation payments from 2019 through 2022, involving individuals enrolled in Kentucky and at least one other state. Ball said Kentucky relied on the PARIS system, which has limitations because it is updated quarterly and depends on voluntary state participation, while a better federal data source, T-MSIS, was not fully available to the state. She said the audit found weak internal controls, siloed processes, outdated guidance, and a low-priority attitude toward residency checks, all of which contributed to missed alerts and improper payments. She also said the report identified additional problems, including payments made after beneficiaries died and cases involving multiple states paying for the same person. Ball recommended better access to federal data, stronger MCO contract provisions, and more active oversight by the Department for Medicaid Services and managed care organizations. She said the contracts reviewed did not provide a clear way to recoup the improper payments, though she and her counsel suggested possible equitable legal theories might be explored. Members expressed concern about the scale of the waste and the lack of contract enforcement, and asked whether any money could be recovered. Ball said the audit did not identify a clear contractual path to recoup the funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we can continue to lift them up. Dr.
• You're building on top of the commitment that you are already continuing to fund.
• Funding the maintenance and operations of our schools.
• Amount spent on ISD maintenance and operations.
• I've never seen them in operation in any of the schools in my district.

Bills: SB1637, SB1, HB300, SB2601, SB37, HB2011, HB3595, HB3071, SB12, HB3372, SB457, HB2067, SB2337, SB447, SB1506, SB1566, SB763, HB3556, SB13, SB2018, SB331, SB379, HB145, SB441, SB2878, HB2885, HB2017, HB5246, SB8, SB2308, SB1540, HB 119, SB1405, SB3059, SB15, SB568

Keywords: SB 1637, deadly conduct, Texas Penal Code, Section 22.05, firearm, gun, pointing a gun, recklessness presumption, peace officer, law enforcement, police, officer-involved shooting, use of force, justification, self-defense, defense of others, Chapter 9, criminal prosecution, Penal Code amendment, appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill appropriates $6.5 billion to continue our current state support for Operation Lone Star, largely
• But I, you know, care a lot about our retired teachers, as all of you do, and so we will continue to
• And I'm wondering if that's something that y'all could provide. to us that would continue to show us
• So we're going to continue to work on that issue.
• We think it means continue at your own financial risk from yesterday forward.

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We passed our first bill in 2022 and we've made a promise to continue to work on child care throughout
• everything still continues to go okay. everything still continues to go okay.
• to work on child care continue to work on child care throughout<00:03:40.560> the<00:03:40.720
• Uh, states have continued to do this.
• Uh states have continued to do in 2022.

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:26 - Discussion of 26RS HB 6 17:45 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 6 20:20 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 50 22:30 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 50 23:19 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 6, as amended by a committee substitute, which was described as a broad child care reform package developed through a multi-stakeholder collaborative. The substitute added a two-year pilot program for off-base child care at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, beginning July 1, 2026, and making the bill an emergency measure for that purpose. Sponsors said the bill focuses on long-term reforms to affordability, quality, and access, including modernization of the All Stars quality rating system, creation of micro centers, support for children with special needs, child care data and transparency measures, CCAP improvements, and changes to the employee child care assistance partnership (ECAP). Testimony explained that micro centers are intended to fill gaps such as rural, third-shift, drop-in, and partnership-based care, would initially be limited to 10 statewide with no more than two per county, and could serve 4 to 24 children under a more flexible regulatory framework. Members also discussed whether family child care homes like the “Miss Barbara” model fit the bill; sponsors said they are not micro centers, but the bill includes other provisions to support family child care homes. Questions also focused on ECAP, which was described as a tri-share model in which employers contribute, the state matches for eligible employees, and the employee pays the remainder; sponsors said the bill privatizes ECAP first before considering expansion to teachers or public employees. House Bill 6 passed favorably by a vote of 12-0-1, and the title amendment passed. The committee then took up House Joint Resolution 50, also sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The resolution asks the Kentucky Auditor’s office to study the administrative regulations, statutes, agency policies, and processes affecting the opening and operation of licensed and certified child care services, with particular attention to the All Stars program. The sponsor said the goal is to identify opportunities for change through a thorough third-party review, noting that the All Stars system has been in place for about 10 years and that many child care rules are tied to federal funding and cannot be changed quickly. The resolution passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0. The meeting concluded with notice of the next committee meeting and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:52.080> beyond<00:04:52.880> 11:50 continue beyond 11:50 continue beyond 11:50 a.m
• <02:07:25.760> to Kenan the two of them will continue to Kenan the two of them will continue
• <04:46:34.558> to Republicans also are continuing to Republicans also are continuing to assess
• prosperity and not have the continued prosperity and not have the continued strangle<04:57:44.718
• uh killing the clergy it continued uh killing the clergy it continued through<05:46:41.320> Carl

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we have to continue to work with the cabinet to get that done.
• <00:05:00.160> Uh currently operates with open records.
• Uh currently operates with open records.
• From an operational standpoint, body armor is not simply equipment for law enforcement.
• From an operational equipment the most.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard and advanced several bills. Senate Bill 198, relating to operations of the Office of the Attorney General, was described as a cleanup measure with seven changes, including allowing the AG’s office to handle child support employee background checks and fingerprinting, updating child support guideline commission references, clarifying control of constitutional officers’ records in multistate litigation, setting a 10-year statute of limitations for certain consumer protection matters, streamlining administrative hearing appeals, and changing representation of the professional geologist board. After questions about the administrative hearing appeal language, the committee passed the bill 9-0. The committee then passed Senate Bill 323, which would require subpoenas for medical records to be served at least 14 days before production. President Stivers said the bill is intended to give health care providers reasonable time to comply with HIPAA, redact records, and avoid motions to quash when subpoenas are served on short notice. A question about appeal deadlines was answered by noting the bill would not affect the common 10-day motion-to-reconsider rule. The bill passed 9-0. Senate Bill 66, as amended by committee substitute, was also passed 9-0. The substitute addressed DUI-related issues, including preserving certain driving records for 10 years, removing urine screens from the bill, adding fentanyl and other substances to the per se controlled-substances DUI list, and clarifying that a preliminary breath test may be refused and that officers should advise drivers of that right. The committee also passed Senate Bill 221, a model-law bill making the knowing purchase, sale, transfer, or offer to sell human remains for consideration a Class D felony; members asked about whether it could affect older medical specimens or fetal remains, and sponsors said the bill is aimed at remains authorized for final disposition through cremation or burial. That bill passed 8-0. Finally, Senate Bill 312, concerning court-ordered transports in mental health cases, was presented by court security and sheriff’s association representatives. They said the bill clarifies that sheriffs may use court security staff to monitor and transport individuals undergoing 202A mental health evaluations, addressing staffing shortages and existing practice. The committee passed the bill 8-0. The committee then began hearing Senate Bill 333 on body armor grants, with the Attorney General’s office testifying that the bill would transfer administration of the Law Enforcement Protection Program to the AG and align it with the office’s existing body armor grant program, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• will continue to test how far they can go.
• for a reason for continuance.
• I will continue.
• So I will continue to make that commitment.
• You can continue.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have issues with knees where the surgeon is saying you need an operation to replace your knee, and
• We show you registered as David Whitehurst, owner/operator of Owner Operator Services, Inc., testifying
• We show you registered as David Whitehurst, owner/operator of Owner Operator Services, Inc., testifying
• I'm the president of Owner Operator Services based in Plano, Texas.
• Owner Operator Services is in favor of House Bill 5545.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the Chief Operating Officer at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
• But it would be waived if it was needed to increase their operational sufficiency.
• That's probably why they're burning out, because they continue to take care of so many patients.
• When we're making patient assignments, and that will continue to be the case.
• I work as the Chief Operating Officer for the Kiva Centers, and we would support the operation of the

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's continue with the introductions.
• So, let's<00:02:57.840> continue<00:02:58.160> with<00:02:58.400> the<00:02:58.560
• let's continue with the introductions. let's continue with the introductions.
• We're going this way. >> Let's continue with our introduction of members.
• <00:27:32.720> details too much, you know, operational details too much, you know, operational

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That provides for continuity across administrations. Thank you, Mr. Clark.
• Harvest IQ, they're moving growing operations to Albuquerque from where?
• Operating as it was designed, where we will feed the program fund.
• Infinity, because they will continue to print.
• So that's their operating model.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 112 continues the same pattern.
• This bill continues that pattern.
• In fact, costs continue to rise.
• Obviously, our challenges will continue, the work will continue, but I think that this budget is a really
• All motions shall be continued.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Senate Bill 23, and it's a continuation of the work.
• This is Senate Bill 23, and it's a continuation of the work that Senator Brantley [ID: member_13684]
• That's wonderfully contemplated in current law, and it continues.
• We'll continue to be last by many measures and be surprised by that somehow.
• So maintain, manage, operate, massage therapy, establish, license, pursue it.

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL AIMS TO ENHANCE THE OPERATIONS OF THE COUNCIL ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS.
• STATUTE SO IT CAN CONTINUE TO CHANGE LIVES.
• WE ARE CODIFYING THE OPERATIONAL FUNCTION OF WHAT ALREADY EXISTS. SENATOR POLSKY.
• CONTINUING ROLE IN EDUCATION, TOURISM, AND MILITARY SUPPORT.
• THIS SHIP IS ONE OF FIVE OPERATIONAL WORLD WAR II MERGE MERCHANT VESSELS IN THE U.S.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee has continued to work on the bill and identify maybe some little cleanup and some issues
• There is a standing committee that meets regularly to continually look at this code and make updates
• For those of you who have LLCs, and you know sometimes you have an operating agreement, a lot of times
• But now, what you can do in your operating agreement or LLC agreement is you can designate who will get
• So we're just offering a little bit of liability protection so they feel safe in order to operate in

Bills: SB76, SB35, SB116, SB119, SB118, SB129, SB32, SB31, SB115, SB75, HB27, HB40

Keywords: jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, firearm possession, domestic violence, violent offenses, criminal penalties, pretrial detention, bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• KCI operates 15 industries in 11 of our institutions. This includes four farms.
• Plant operations include clothing, license plates, furniture, embroidery, metal rail, mattresses, janitorial
• The witness added that it is kind of like operating a business and a program, and that they really seek
• so it would qualify them for operation so it would qualify them for work<00:08:48.959> with<00
• to recruit and higher Staff we continue to recruit and higher Staff in<00:16:09.319> security

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary heard an update from the Department of Corrections on Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI), sentence-credit payments for program completion, and the expansion of the Little Sandy Correctional Complex. Department officials said KCI, the department’s long-running re-entry program, operates 15 industries in 11 institutions, employs more than 400 inmates and 37 staff, and had $5.8 million in expenditures against $6.8 million in revenues through January 31. Members asked about inmate pay, the role of the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification (PIE) program, and whether KCI generates profit; the department said it aims to break even while supporting state government, with PIE participants earning prevailing wages and some programs offering certificates tied to post-release employment opportunities. The subcommittee also reviewed the budget-authorized sentence-credit program for county jails. Officials reported 37,300 program completions in fiscal year 2024 and, through January, $6.128 million paid for 90-day sentence credits and $1.6548 million for 60-day credits, with total county jail expenditures of $8.1 million and 67 jails participating. They said additional participation would require more funding and that they do not expect many more jails to join, though attendance and population levels can affect costs. Members asked how jails opt in, whether there are added costs, how inmate earnings are handled, and whether deductions are made for child support or victim compensation; the department said jails apply through an approved program matrix, inmate earnings are tracked in individual accounts, and required deductions are made when ordered. Questions from members focused on re-entry outcomes and program structure. Officials said evidence-based programming and employment opportunities are major contributors to lowering recidivism, and they cited a recent recidivism rate of 30.8 percent, down about 1 percentage point, while noting they would provide additional trend and savings data later. The department also clarified that adult education and GED programming are separate from KCI and are handled by a different education division. For the Little Sandy expansion, officials said the project remains on schedule for completion on June 25, 2025, with inmate transfers expected to begin at about 50 per week and roughly 200 additional staff eventually needed; they said hiring is being phased in as inmate population increases. The committee asked for the total construction cost of the expansion, which the witnesses said they did not have at the meeting and would report back. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for February 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Nick understands the state and how we operate at the state level.
• because you don't have to operate a big merit system bureaucracy staff in order to do so.
• So no need to operate a vast comprehensive center just to serve a handful of people.
• I mean, and that's... ...one thing we invested in and continue to do.
• We have sent a recommendation to the governor's office to continue holding the current rate.

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell. Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs. In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.