Transcript Highlights:

• carrier where we can spread the risk, that minimizes the instances where we have two or three large claims
• Pocatello, we're finding that on occasion we'll have years where we have just two or three large claims
• It's that they, in a year where they have one or two large claims, it has a huge impact on their plan
• Whereas when you're in a large plan like the state, we have a few large claims.
• We haven't had anyone with serious high claims experience. So we haven't had to do that to date.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Thursday, March 12, and then held House Joint Memorial 19 subject to the call of the chair because Superintendent Critchfield was unavailable. The main item of business was House Bill 725, which would allow Idaho cities to apply to join the state employee health insurance pool through the Office of Group Insurance. Representative Cheatham said the bill is intended to give cities an option to seek lower and more predictable health insurance costs, with all expenses paid by the participating cities. Supporters, including the mayors of Pocatello and Idaho Falls and an Idaho Falls firefighters representative, said rising premiums are straining city budgets, and that joining a larger pool could improve predictability, recruitment, and retention. Committee members questioned whether the bill would shift costs to state taxpayers or attract only higher-risk groups; the Office of Group Insurance administrator said cities would pay 100% of costs, the state general fund would not be affected, and each city would undergo an actuarial review. The committee then voted to send HB 725 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee next considered RS 33618, a draft bill from Representative Crane to prohibit foreign persons, foreign corporations, foreign governments, foreign REITs, and certain SEC-registered companies from purchasing single-family homes in Idaho. Crane said the measure was meant to prioritize Idahoans in the housing market and limit purchases by large outside entities. Members raised concerns about the breadth of the proposal and how it would affect noncitizens, temporary workers, foreign-owned businesses, and people tied to mining or other industries. The Office of Group Insurance administrator was not involved in this item, but the discussion focused on definitions, enforcement, and whether the bill could be too broad. After debate, the committee voted to introduce RS 33618 with a technical change on page 2, line 13, changing “and” to “or.”

Transcript Highlights:

• This phone number is far from transparent I website is barely useable and it is false claims to how much
• Second, pattern or practice claim review.
• Pattern or practice claims.
• Pattern or practice claims alleging systematic delay delays or denials are difficult to win.
• , Congress enacted the foreseeable harm requirement that exemptions not be claimed merely because they

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• So to claim the federal EITC, if you don't have children, you have to be over 24 years old.
• Would still be eligible to claim the working families tax credit. Thank you for that.
• It is one, again, easier for taxpayers to claim for TRD to administer.
• Currently, it's about 145 days for a decision to be made on fully developed claims.
• Currently, it's about 145 days for a decision to be made on fully developed claims.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 296, which would double New Mexico’s working families tax credit. The sponsor said the bill would increase work incentives, reduce poverty, and could provide families up to about $1,900 more per year, with benefits concentrated among families with children and lower earners. Public testimony from advocacy groups and faith organizations supported the bill. Members asked about foster family eligibility, age eligibility, refundability, and how the credit compared with a prior vetoed proposal. After discussion, a member moved to table the bill, and HB 296 was tabled. The committee then took up the committee substitute for House Bill 77, a tax credit for rehabilitating vacant or blighted buildings into affordable multifamily housing, with at least half of the credit reserved for rural New Mexico. Supporters from housing, business, construction, local government, and advocacy groups said it would expand housing supply, revitalize downtowns and vacant properties, and help rural communities. Members questioned the certification and recertification process, affordability requirements, and the role of the Mortgage Finance Authority. The sponsor asked to roll the bill to Friday so an amendment could be considered, and the committee agreed to roll HB 77 rather than vote on it. House Bill 275, authorizing revenue bonds for Hila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator used for radiation cancer treatment, was heard next. The sponsor and supporters said the equipment is essential for cancer care in southwest New Mexico and that patients would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. An amendment extending the bond term from 20 to 30 years was adopted after the New Mexico Finance Authority explained declining tobacco-tax revenues and the need to protect against default risk. The committee then gave HB 275, as amended, a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 285, as amended, which clarifies and streamlines the disabled veteran property tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill limits the exemption to a primary residence, clarifies how it applies to multiple owners, and gives veterans more time and clearer procedures to claim or protest the exemption while they await VA certification. County assessors and realtor representatives supported the measure, saying it would reduce administrative confusion and ensure eligible veterans receive the benefit consistently. The committee adopted the bill on a do pass motion. The meeting then adjourned with notice that work would continue on Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.B. 6523 is a settled claims bill that provides relief of $6.1 million for Darlene Engerville and her
• This is a settled claim bill for $200,000 by Eric Miles and Jennifer Miles.
• This is a settled claim bill for $200,000 by Eric Miles and Jennifer Miles.
• This claim is for an additional $400,000, which again the master found favorable. That's the bill.
• This claim is for an additional $400,000, which again the master found favorable finding.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it seems like we're explicitly forbidding and employee from filing with sir whistleblower claim if
• There's there's multiple claims that could be made.
• that would be made would be made with clear and compelling evidence and has to has to what the claim
• is being made for instead of we, you know, haven't mismatch of them claim in this room claiming that
• claim in this.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Claims </font> <font color="aaaaaa">decision when pursuing their </font> <font color="aaaaaa">claim and
• Claims </font> <font color="aaaaaa">Using veterans log in </font> <font color="aaaaaa">claim and prohibits
• Claims </font> <font color="aaaaaa">Using veterans log in </font> <font color="aaaaaa">credentials.
• That is over </font> <font color="aaaaaa">There are 952,173 claims that </font> <font color="aaaaaa">
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">There are 241,601 claims </font> <font color="aaaaaa">backlog.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House does not concur. concur house adjustment AGS concur house adjustment AGS 22223<01:00:21.079
• <01:02:42.160><c> modified</c><01:02:42.640><c> to</c> adjustment modified to adjustment modified to
• The House concurs. $465,900 in FY 27 house adjustments buff $465,900 in FY 27 house adjustments buff
• Page 256, EDN 600, sequence 1001: per-pupil adjustments.
• House adjustment follows.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You could have a negligent claim with that.
• I think you do have to prove the case that you have been injured in the way that you are claiming you
• The presentation of evidence is necessary to adjudicate a tort claim.
• When there is that claim and a negligent claim, certainly evidence presented to that would be admissible
• The committee substitute, that claim, I think, is not a valid claim based upon.

Bills: SB1540 , SB2225 , SB2284 , SB2382 , SB2487 , SB2514 , SB2595 , SB2876 , SB2877 , SB3031 , SB2753

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, public safety, spirit beverages, alcoholic beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, distribution, taxation, firearms, local regulation, archery equipment, weapons, voter registration, statewide list, county requirements, election integrity, computer services contracts, mental health

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard Senate Bill 3031, which would expand aggravated assault to cover certain road-rage shootings involving a person in or traveling to or from a motor vehicle, when a firearm is discharged and causes injury, property damage, or fear of serious bodily injury. Senator Schwertner laid out the bill for the author, described it as closing a gap in the law, and there was no public testimony; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2514, a measure by Chairman Hughes aimed at creating a DPS unit to identify, investigate, and monitor hostile foreign influence operations and to require ethics training for state employees. Supportive invited testimony from Dr. Jacqueline Deal, Ambassador Kelly Curry, and Michael Lucci emphasized threats from the Chinese Communist Party, transnational repression, cyber intrusion, and state-level influence efforts, and argued Texas should take a leading role. Public testimony included opposition from speakers who raised concerns about free speech, privacy, and potential overbreadth. The bill was left pending after testimony closed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 30 as pending business and discussed a committee substitute. Senator Schwertner explained that the substitute would limit admissible medical expense evidence to amounts paid or up to 300% of Medicare, clarify treatment of provider testimony and attorney-referred providers, remove a requirement that plaintiffs use available health insurance to mitigate damages, strike a unanimous-verdict requirement for non-economic damages, and delete a remittitur provision. Senators questioned the impact on sexual assault and child abuse survivors, the use of Medicare as a benchmark, and whether the bill would still allow fair compensation. After discussion, SB 30 was left pending and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have a tails adjustment for the Supreme Court.
• </c> operating adjustment of $250,000. operating adjustment of $250,000.
• </c><00:04:01.400><c> um</c> And then we have a tails adjustment um And then we have a tails adjustment
• </c> tails adjustment that I just explained. tails adjustment that I just explained.
• </c><00:05:20.600><c> $1,600,000,</c> adjustment one time of $1,600,000, adjustment one time of $1,600,000

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beneficiaries can claim the credits in the year after Revenue approves them.
• Beneficiaries can claim the credits in the year after Revenue approves them, and between 2019 and 2024
• , they claimed $19.2 million in credits.
• There are some instances where not all the credits are claimed.
• Tenants at the four qualifying facilities have claimed an additional six exemptions.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some will claim, unbelievably, that these tech giants can't make these tech giants protect our environment
• And just like worker bees adjust their activity depending on the needs of the hive, VPPs can respond
• And just like worker bees adjust their activity depending on the needs of the hive, VPPs can respond
• And just like worker bees adjust their activity depending on the needs of the hive, VPPs can respond
• And just like worker bees adjust their activity depending on the needs of the hive, VPPs can respond

Bills: HF2928 , HF2912 , HF2297

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• allow workers' compensation coverage of PTSD treatment up to a specified amount of sessions before claims
• adjudication and after claims coverage, and that is 11 treatments within 90 days of filing the claim
• and up to 12 treatments if the claim has not been adjudicated within 90 days and up to six sessions
• within one year of claim closure as necessary to maintain the worker's level of functioning at the time
• It also estimates that there'll be an additional $1.2 million in new claims costs for additional treatment

Bills: HB1526

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: liquor license, snack bar, state regulations, alcohol sales, business licensing, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Usually their preference is a quit claim deed.
• Have you read the words in a quit claim deed, what it says? Yes, you have? Yes.
• So what a quit claim deed says is that, Okay, so what a quit claim deed says is that, essentially, I'll
• If I quit claim any interest, Okay, so of what a quick claim deed says is that essentially I'll summarize
• The old joke is I can quit claim you the courthouse doesn't mean you own it.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House met after a quorum was established and began with several introductions of special guests, including job shadows, 4-H participants, and interns. The chamber then moved to House Bills for Perfection, taking up HB 1707, which would stop sales tax from being imposed on credit card processing fees charged to vendors. Members asked for clarification about the bill’s scope and the title amendment, and the bill sponsor explained that the measure simply prevents tax from being charged on those fees. HB 1707 was then ordered perfected and printed. The House next considered HB 2819, a bill responding to the end of penny minting by authorizing rounding of cash sales to the nearest five cents. Supporters said the bill would give businesses a clear legal framework and reduce compliance risk. The chamber adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then took up HB 2103, a property-fraud and notary-fraud bill aimed at strengthening penalties, requiring warning signs in recorder of deeds offices, and speeding court review for alleged victims. Supporters said it was needed to deter fraudulent deed filings and protect homeowners, while opponents argued it focused too much on notaries and recorders rather than the people committing the fraud. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. The House also debated HB 1800, which would lower the inflationary cap on certain property-tax revenue growth from 5% to 3%. The discussion centered on whether the change would protect taxpayers or reduce funding for schools, fire districts, libraries, and other local services. An amendment was adopted that broadened the title and added property-assessment language, and the bill was then ordered perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered HB 2600, dealing with ambulance district consolidation and governance. The bill was described as a response to struggling rural EMS systems, with provisions for consolidation plans, public hearings, and voter involvement. An amendment modified the process for subdistricts, at-large districts, timing, and merger procedures, and the committee substitute as amended was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then moved to announcements and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we know, these lawsuits can have substantial claims attached to them.
• Claims can still be brought to their attention, and there would still be limited liability.
• And it takes one wildfire claim, a substantial wildfire claim, to wipe it out.
• Wildfire claims can be particularly complex.
• Wildfire claims can be particularly complex, wildfire claims can be particularly complex because of the

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 55, which would expand New Mexico’s solar market development income tax credit from 10% to 30% after the federal solar credit expired, raise the per-credit cap from $6,000 to $15,000, and keep the existing overall $30 million cap with a sunset in 2032. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the bill would help stabilize the residential solar sector, protect jobs, and support consumers, small businesses, small agriculture, and tribal communities. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, though some members raised questions about fiscal capacity and the bill’s impact. The committee passed SB 55 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 267, the Wildfire Mitigation and Liability Act, on a committee substitute. The bill would require utilities to file and maintain wildfire mitigation plans, obtain PRC approval, and receive a rebuttable presumption in civil actions if they substantially comply; it also includes access provisions for mitigation work on private and public property, cost recovery, damage limits, and a one-year statute of limitations. Utilities and co-op representatives supported the bill as a way to reduce wildfire risk and address rising insurance costs, while insurers, OSI, and wildfire-victim advocates opposed it, arguing it overly limits liability, shifts losses to homeowners and insurers, and does not fully compensate victims. Several committee members expressed concern about the liability standards, deemed approval, access to property, and the short limitations period, but the bill ultimately passed on an 8-3 vote after the chair corrected the motion and revote. Next, House Bill 320, the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, was presented. It would create production incentives and capital grants for industrial materials made at least 40% cleaner than the industry average, with clawbacks for underperformance and competitive review by EDD and Environment. Supporters from the gas company and chambers of commerce said it uses performance-based incentives to encourage cleaner manufacturing, attract investment, and create jobs. One member raised an anti-donation clause concern, but the sponsor said the bill’s performance requirements and clawbacks address that issue. The committee passed HB 320 on a 10-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 104, a follow-up to last year’s wildlife agency reform bill. It would replace vetoed language by creating a process for a governor’s removal of a wildlife commissioner that includes notice, a hearing, and direct review by the New Mexico Supreme Court, while keeping the governor’s removal authority for cause. Ranching, angling, outfitter, and conservation groups supported the bill as a bipartisan fix that adds accountability and avoids political retaliation. Members asked about the removal process and direct Supreme Court review, and some who had initially been skeptical said the testimony changed their view. The bill was moving forward with support at the end of the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it seems The statute preclude claims under this chapter.
• I think for the very reason that you just said, you could have your claim, there's multiple claims that
• So it's not difficult to do that, but what we want to make sure is that whatever claim is being made,
• And as to what the claim is being made for, instead of having a mismatch of, I'm claiming this or I'm
• claiming that or I'm claiming this.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted. The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the impending claims bill as well. the impending claims bill as well.
• </c> have the meeting of the claims have the meeting of the claims subcommittee.<00:03:27.440><c> Uh,
• </c> subcommittee on on claims. subcommittee on on claims.
• Uh so the claims subcommittee uh is purpose is to oversee any tort claims against the state.
• </c> be smaller property claims. be smaller property claims.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how you have to submit claims, and that's kind of now become standard, right?
• Claims submitted by the state's Medicaid MCOs represent 97% of all claims.
• then come back and tell us to recoup on those provider claims.
• The sub takes that to a one-year time period, lets us go after those claims.
• But if we are currently auditing those claims and letting the OIG know we're auditing those claims, they

Bills: SB500 , SB719 , SB912 , SB1232 , SB1467 , SB1777 , SB1864 , SB2023 , SB2119 , SB2458

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data. Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed. The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• That act required DFA to provide a method for reporting and claiming this credit, and we simply took
• our existing beer excise tax reporting form and allowed you to deduct and claim it right on the form.
• "...claim the tax credit, how do we then verify that they're actually using Arkansas rice?
• So they will claim the credit on their report. They will provide a copy of the grain bill.
• And so I just..." "...of the grain bill and sourcing the claims.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a series of agency rules and related requests. The Department of Corrections and Post-Prison Transfer Board reported quarterly updates and had no questions, so both were filed. The Department of Commerce sought repeal of rules tied to the minority and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act, explaining the rules were repealed by implication or duplicative of statute; all were reviewed and approved. The Insurance Department presented a new rule implementing Act 426 of 2025 for online marketplace guarantee providers, using Airbnb-style host damage protection as an example, and it was approved. The Department of Education updated the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program rule to reflect statutory payment amounts for milestones and diplomas, and it was approved. DFA presented a rule creating a reporting method for the Arkansas rice beer and sake excise tax credit; members asked about verification of Arkansas rice use, and the rule was approved. DHS presented a SNAP rule implementing federal changes to work requirements and energy assistance counting, including raising the able-bodied adult without dependents age limit to 64 and removing some exemptions; it was approved after questions about terminology and waiver-related issues. The committee also approved DHS Medicaid rules allowing rehab hospitals to bill for psychiatric units and exempting Arkansas from the federal recovery audit contractor requirement, citing other program integrity measures already in place. The State Board of Public Accountancy, under Labor and Licensing, presented rules implementing Act 428 of 2025, including a new CPA licensure pathway with a bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience, substantial equivalency for out-of-state CPAs, and removal of the government not-for-profit accounting requirement; despite some negative comments, both rules were approved. The committee then granted the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from certain reporting requirements, and approved its request to retain all 18 Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation rules under Act 781 review. Remaining outstanding 2023-session rulemaking and monthly updates were noted in packets with no questions, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• claimed their tags by the deadline.
• of the claims.
• On the depredation claims, there were a lot more claims than there were funds to cover the claims, if
• We are budgeted at $1.8 million to pay depredation claims on a given year.
• How does that square with your claim that logging promotes forest health?

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Medicare adjusted base rate is what the reference-based pricing price is.
• So if there's an adjustment for the wages...
• If there's an adjustment for the wages in a certain geographic area, can that adjustment only be up,
• But, um, just to put a fine point on the question, could the board adjust down from the Medicare adjusted
• Medicare adjusted base rate or only up?

Keywords: 927, senate, all