Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate your testimony, Okay. Appreciate your testimony, gentlemen.<00:13:42.639> Okay.
• Uh, we've heard a lot of testimony and very confusing testimony.
• I believe that fails. >> Thank you all for your testimony.
• your testimony. your testimony.
• Molen, go ahead and proceed for testimony. testimony. testimony.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth, the whole
• So if you would stand and repeat after me, do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're
• Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth, the whole
• Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth, the whole
• Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth

Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met on June 5 and first adopted prior minutes and several committee reports. The executive committee report noted adoption of its minutes, staff updates on scheduled audits, approval of an annual financial audit for the City of Horseshoe Bend, and an update on the intern program. The Counties and Municipalities report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, compliance follow-up with towns including Denning, Gum Springs, Omer, Fargo, Jericho, and Haynes, and review of current and deferred reports; the committee filed most current reports but deferred several and referred some matters to prosecutors and the Attorney General. The Educational Institutions report said 103 education audits were reviewed, most with no findings, while several school districts had findings and one Booneville School District finding was referred to law enforcement. The State Agencies report included findings at the Department of Finance and Administration and a deferred Department of Health report, and the committee filed 13 reports. The committee then received lengthy presentations on the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report and the state single audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Legislative Audit issued unmodified opinions on the state financial statements, but identified two material weaknesses: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and improper methodology changes and documentation issues at the Division of Workforce Services affecting year-end estimates for unemployment-related accounts. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed. Auditors reported 33 findings overall, including 31 federal findings, $12.9 million in outstanding questioned costs, and qualified opinions for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Committee members questioned DHS, the broadband office, OST, DFA, Education, and Workforce Services about the findings, corrective actions, cyber protections, federal drawdowns, child care reporting, and accounting methodology changes. Several agencies described corrective steps. DHS said it had changed how it draws Summer EBT funds, addressed provider revalidation and incarceration-related Medicaid issues, and updated internal processes and staffing. The broadband office said the questioned costs reflected invoice documentation disputes rather than missing payments and expected Treasury review to resolve the issue. OST said it was expanding logging, endpoint detection, and enterprise monitoring, and described broader cybersecurity investments, training, and a roadmap. DFA and Workforce Services addressed the workers’ compensation and unemployment accounting issues, with Workforce Services saying it had updated its policy and submitted the methodology to DFA. After discussion, the committee voted to hold the two statewide audit reports over until the August meeting, with members asked to submit specific questions in advance so only needed agencies would return. The final item was a special report on the Hot Spring County Solid Waste Authority for January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. The audit reviewed compliance with laws, board procedures, bidding, payroll, permits, inspections, and cash handling. It noted prior private audit findings on segregation of duties, that recent private audit reports had not been obtained for 2023 through 2025, and that the current administrator said prior office staff and bookkeeping contractors resigned when he was hired. The authority’s operations and revenue sources were described, and the report was presented for committee review.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, if you would stand and repeat after me: Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony
• And repeat after me: Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give will be
• Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth, the whole
• Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth, the whole
• Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you’re about to give will be the truth, the whole

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that will conclude my testimony. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Any questions?
• So, Madam Chair, I will conclude my testimony there. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you very much.
• And the handout explains his testimony.
• And the handout explains his testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Mr. Goldstein, three minutes. Hi, I'm Michael Goldstein.

Bills: HB2040, HB2142, HB2255, HB2379, HB2482, HB2575, HB2600, HB2764, HB4033, HCR2015

Keywords: public education, adoption, sex education, parental rights, student health information, school safety, resource officers, mental health, training, infrastructure improvements, Arizona Teachers Academy, teacher preparation, education funding, public schools, scholarships, teacher certification, community colleges, school district, governing board, training requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony is limited to 3-4-3 against, 2-minute speaking limit. Period.
• My testimony today on House Bill 4018 is built upon one essential principle: statutory clarity is critical
• But I wasn't sure with your testimony.
• employer, or political subdivision in Arizona from retaliating against an employee for providing testimony
• I'd be happy to answer any questions on it. ...testimony or cause them not to testify.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3. HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4. HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed. The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:58.720> Also<00:04:59.120> I >> Thank you for your testimony.
• Also I >> Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony and your service to the Commonwealth. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you
• Thank you for your testimony adopted.
• Thank you for your testimony and<00:07:13.520> your<00:07:13.680> service<00:07:13.840>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 17, a cleanup bill updating Kentucky CASA statutes. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would reduce the required board size from 15 to 12 to better fit rural and regional programs, remove the ban on certain CHFS employees serving as CASA volunteers while preserving DCBS independence, and update statutory references from the National CASA Association to the Kentucky CASA Network and current national standards language. Members expressed support for the program’s child advocacy role. A committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and SB 17 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 34, which would authorize transfer-on-death deeds for a primary residence or primary vehicle. The sponsor and Uniform Law Commission witnesses said the measure is intended to let owners name a beneficiary to receive property at death without probate, while retaining full ownership and revocation rights during life. They said the bill is designed to be simple, affordable, and protective of creditors, Medicaid recovery, and surviving spouse rights, and that it has been adopted in 30 states. Questions focused on how the deed would interact with wills, revocation, and possible fraud or family disputes; witnesses said a will would not revoke a TOD deed, only a recorded revocation or later deed would, and that challenges to capacity could be brought within two years. The county clerk association requested a future floor amendment on details, and title companies and bankers were described as neutral. SB 34 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably, with some members noting they would want to review the forthcoming amendment before final floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• After questions, public testimony, and debate is conducted on pending amendments, we will then take a
• Is there any public testimony? Is there any debate on the amendments you have heard?
• Vice Chair, conduct public testimony.
• **Chair Hooper:** That concludes public testimony. We are in debate. Any debate on the amendment?
• **Chair Hooper:** That concludes public testimony. Is there debate on the bill?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fuller then we'll have public testimony Fuller then we'll have public testimony then<00:34:34.960
• I think what I would like to do is, um, have some public testimony.
• Is there have some public testimony.
• <01:25:27.120> about testimony about testimony about not<01:25:29.120> any<01:25:29.520
• <03:52:09.439> and then we'll go into public testimony and then we'll go into public testimony

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony and uh answering my questions. testimony and uh answering my questions.
• And you helped me through my testimony, and I will never forget it.
• And you helped me through my testimony And you helped me through my testimony and<01:05:52.640><
• Uh, it's really a testimony to what America's all about.
• Uh, it's really a testimony to what America's all about.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you for your testimony.
• Well, thank you for your testimony. Well, thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for hearing my testimony.
• >> Thank you for your testimony. Any questions from the committee? Great job.
• I heard the testimony that the board hasn't reviewed it yet.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, Lester testimony.
• Um so we'll next turn to uh testimony.
• <00:53:32.720> Please<00:53:33.119> identify welcome your testimony.
• Please identify welcome your testimony.
• . will take testimony presented tomorrow. will take testimony um<01:20:54.960> only<01:20:55.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much for your testimony. No one else wishes to speak.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Thank you very much for your testimony.
• :39:28.320> that<00:39:28.560> I previous testimony indicate that I previous testimony
• testimony. No one else wishes to speak. testimony. No one else wishes to speak.
• Thank you for taking the time to listen to my testimony.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any testimony from the Department of Finance or the LAO?
• Great, and very much appreciate your testimony.
• Cisneros to give testimony.
• And if you could wrap up your testimony.
• And if you could wrap up your testimony.

Summary: The committee heard a budget oversight hearing on the Department of Health Care Services, focusing first on the overall Medi-Cal budget and a March General Fund loan to cover a current-year shortfall. DHCS said the 2025-26 budget proposal totals $193.4 billion, with Medi-Cal projected at $188.1 billion total funds and $42.1 billion General Fund, driven by higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, managed care growth, and costs tied to eligibility expansions and the COVID-era redetermination unwinding. The department said the $3.44 billion loan was needed to manage cash flow and ensure timely payments to providers and plans, while the LAO noted Medi-Cal’s cash-basis budgeting creates volatility and that more detailed estimates would come with the May Revision. Members discussed federal Medicaid threats, the need for transparency on cost drivers, and the impact of pharmacy spending, long-term care, and immigration-related coverage expansions. The second major topic was family health programs, including California Children’s Services, the continuous coverage unwinding, and opioid settlement fund spending. DHCS described CCS funding methodology changes, ongoing county stakeholder work, and a delayed rollout of CCS monitoring and oversight until July 1, 2025, while county representatives and advocates argued the program is underfunded and asked for more technical assistance and a delay in implementation. On the unwinding, the department explained that federal redetermination flexibilities helped maintain coverage after the pandemic, but the Governor’s budget proposes ending them at the end of June 2025; advocates urged making the flexibilities permanent to avoid coverage losses. For opioid settlement funds, DHCS and Finance said the budget increases funding for naloxone distribution while reducing other harm-reduction spending based on updated settlement revenues, prompting criticism from members and public commenters who argued the change would weaken effective harm-reduction programs. The hearing also included an update on Proposition 35 implementation. DHCS said the voter-approved measure continuously appropriates MCO tax revenues beginning in 2025, with up to $4.6 billion annually available for specified Medi-Cal and provider investments in 2025 and 2026, but implementation depends on consultation with the required stakeholder advisory committee. The department and LAO noted uncertainty about future federal rules affecting the MCO tax after 2026. Public testimony largely supported maintaining Medi-Cal expansions, protecting immigrant coverage, preserving harm-reduction funding, and increasing support for community health workers, pediatric dental care, and CCS county administration. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony. Mr. Chair and committee members, my name is Tom Weon.
• Thank you for your testimony. I am here. Oh, thank you.
• the testimony we've heard today<00:51:36.160> there<00:51:36.240> are<00:51:36.480>
• The other thing I would just say is, you know, we heard a lot of testimony today, and I think all the
• The other thing I would just say is, you know, we heard a lot of testimony today, and I think all the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They've passed committees in the Senate with full public testimony.
• Also had a full hearing vetted by the public with testimony in a committee in this chamber. ...full hearing
• vetted by the public with testimony in a committee in this chamber, and now they're going to Rules.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we heard great testimony last week. Are there any questions from the committee members?
• This deals with trains, and we heard the testimony from the representative last week.
• We heard some excellent testimony last week on that piece of legislation.

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met in executive session after establishing a quorum and considered three measures related to commemorative observances. House Bill 2213, sponsored by Rep. Riggs, would establish Ulysses S. Grant Day; House Bill 3216, sponsored by Rep. Wilson, would establish Missouri River Runner Day; and Senate Bill 1613, sponsored by Sen. Angela Mosley, would establish Frankie Muse Freeman Day. The chair noted that the committee had heard testimony on each bill in a prior meeting, and members offered brief supportive comments, with several expressing enthusiasm for the measures. Each bill was moved for a “do pass” recommendation and approved without opposition. HB 2213 passed by a vote of 11-0, HB 3216 passed by a vote of 11-0, and SB 1613 passed by a vote of 11-0. The committee then received closing remarks from the chair thanking members for a bipartisan and collegial year of work on naming days, roads, bridges, and similar legislation, and the meeting adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• IS THERE PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THOSE TWO OFFERS?
• Hooper: ANY PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THOSE OFFERS? SEEING NONE.
• THAT CONCLUDES THE SENATE OFFER. >> Chair Bradley: ANY PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THE OFFERS? SEEING NONE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:33.280> uh the record and provide your testimony uh the record and provide your testimony
• <00:35:27.200> when uh and present your testimony when uh and present your testimony when
• Uh, thank you very much for your testimony.
• record and then present your testimony. record and then present your testimony.
• Uh, we appreciate your testimony. Thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask those who are going to testify to keep their testimony to 2 minutes.
• We ask those who are going to testify to keep their testimony to 2 minutes.
• I stand on our in testimony and support of these resolutions as comprehensive anti-discrimination laws
• I stand on our in testimony and support of these resolutions as comprehensive anti-discrimination laws

Bills: SCR11, SR9

Keywords: Civil Rights Act, discrimination, employment, housing, public accommodations, LGBTQ+ rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, Equality Act, civil rights, federally funded programs, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Transportation, and later Judiciary heard two sets of resolutions. The first, SCR 132 and SR 124, urged the City and County of Honolulu to take steps to finalize the Makakilo Drive Extension Project. Testimony from a Makakilo resident emphasized the lack of a second access route and raised safety concerns about being trapped in the area in an emergency. Both committees voted to pass the resolutions unamended. The second set, SCR 11 and SR 9, requested that the U.S. Congress amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. Supporters from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, IMUA Alliance, and Pride at Work in Hawaii argued that stronger anti-discrimination protections are needed to reduce vulnerability to violence, housing insecurity, and exploitation, and to provide federal protections that mirror state law. One senator asked whether state protections already exist and was told the resolutions seek federal-level protections because federal law can supersede state law. Both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 11 and SR 9 unamended, with votes in favor and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• After having reviewed the testimony, all of which was in support of the appointment, and other materials
• After having reviewed the testimony, all of which was in support of the appointment, and other materials
• After having reviewed the testimony, all of which was in strong support of the appointment, So Mr.
• doctor from the Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts after having reviewed the testimony

Bills: SCR8, SR10, SCR90, SR85, SCR110, SR103, SCR54, SR52, SCR107, SR101, SCR178, SR173, SR76, SCR40, SR30, SCR145, SR137, SCR62, SCR95, SR90, SCR45, SR44, SCR119, SR112, SCR63, SR57, SCR21, SR18, SCR27, SR24, SCR75, SR69, SCR7, SR7, SCR149, SCR55, SR53, SCR180, SR175, SCR86, SR77, SCR59, SCR41, SR31, HB1678, HB1824, SCR177, SR172, SCR5, SCR85, SR75, SCR139, SR131, SCR146, SR138, SR84, SCR31, SR27, SCR46, SR45, SCR48, SR47, SCR9, SR11, SCR83, SR73, SCR20, SR17, SCR56, SR54, SCR87, SCR39, SR29, SCR142, SR134, SCR203, SR191, SCR200, SR188, SCR196, SR184, SCR194, SR183, SCR114, SR107, SCR166, SR157, SCR96, SR91, SCR172, SR163, SCR109, SR102, SCR50, SR49, SCR64, SR58, SCR184, SR165, SCR81, SR71, SCR19, SR16, SCR22, SR19, SCR32, SR28, SCR57, SR55, SCR58, SR56, SCR103, SR97, SCR159, SR150, SCR163, SR154, SCR169, SR160, SCR68, SR63, SCR105, SR99, SCR112, SR105, SCR198, SR186, SCR11, SR9, SCR132, SR124, SCR189, SR179, SCR26, SR23, SCR93, SR88, SCR117, SR110, SCR164, SR155, SCR165, SR156, SCR170, SR161, SCR168, SR159, SCR173, SCR197, SCR47, SR46, SCR94, SR89, SCR99, SR93, SCR100, SR94, SCR130, SR122, SCR78, SR82, SCR154, SR145, SCR195, SR192, SCR162, SR153, SCR201, SR189, SCR202, SR190

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, older adults, disability access, healthcare, permit processing, home modifications, kupuna, accessibility, parking, business hours, aging population, parking accessibility, private business hours, affordable housing