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minority and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act, explaining the rules were repealed by implication or duplicative of statute; all were reviewed and approved.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:

• So this makes adjustments to 2255.
• ><c> the</c><00:18:42.720><c> February</c> significantly adjusted from the February significantly adjusted
• </c> department as well as um, an adjustment department as well as um, an adjustment that<00:32:15.279
• Uh, we also have in that proposal an adjustment to the direction of how, or I'm sorry, an adjustment
• An ask for an operating adjustment.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They claimed it was to control growth, a phrase often used to control who is allowed to move into town
• They claimed it was to control growth, a phrase often used to control who is allowed to move into town
• They claimed it was to control growth, a phrase often used to control who is allowed to move into town
• They claimed it was to control growth, a phrase often used to control who is allowed to move into town
• They claimed it was to control growth, a phrase often used to control who is allowed to move into town

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Operating adjustment certainly is a highest priority for us uh for DPS is our operating adjustment.
• :05:05.199><c> highest</c> adjustment certainly is a highest adjustment certainly is a highest priority
• With a limited operating adjustment.
• </c><00:18:06.320><c> governor</c> line 45 operating adjustment governor line 45 operating adjustment
• The governor recommends adjustment.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• RS 33720 addresses private insurance claims on state property.
• back a couple of years, there were some issues around the ITD building and the way that the insurance claim
• This clarifies the process for any claims on state property where damages exceed $100,000.
• It provides for a public process to ensure that the claim is reviewed both by the Department of Administration
• Any claims on state property where damages exceed $100,000.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met to consider three RS introductions. Representative Britt Raybould presented RS 33720, which would clarify the process for private insurance claims on state property when damages exceed $100,000, including public review by the Department of Administration and the affected agency, and public process if the claim leads to operational changes such as selling property or moving agency operations. The committee moved to introduce the RS and approved it by voice vote. Raybould also presented RS 33717 as a replacement bill for House Bill 821, noting a change on page 2, line 37 that adds the year 2027 to establish the official start date and time. The committee voted to introduce the RS by voice vote. During the discussion, members joked about “attacking” Representative Manwaring, but the motion still carried. Representative Jason Monks presented RS 33727, which concerns solid waste disposal and would prohibit boards or county commissioners from using flow control to limit private-sector competition in waste management. He said the measure was intended to help facilitate negotiations among parties. The committee voted to introduce the RS by voice vote and then adjourned.

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

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> whether or not domicile might be claimed whether or not domicile might be claimed if<00:21:10.240
• claim can be<00:22:42.240><c> claimed</c><00:22:42.600><c> outside</c><00:22:42.880><c> of</c><00:22
• They can ask their parents not to claim them and sort of hope that their parents don't claim them if
• claim them and sort of hope that their parents don't claim them if asked, or respond truthfully, but
• Claim someone as a dependent? I don't claim someone as a dependent.

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in doing so will provide the creator or disseminator of that content protection in the courts from claims
• And then the way a publisher, a business, or anybody can avoid that claim of damages is by having a mark
• I guess my question that I'm trying to figure out is who's filing the claim?
• , but I just want to make sure that when a judge looks at a plaintiff, they can go, okay, you're claiming
• That would be a fair claim for damages, I would think. I would, I would hope so. Thank you.

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody comes forward who wants to make a claim.
• Crime victims' compensation fines and fees cover the first $50,000 of claims.
• Claims are processed. It's just taken a while for many of them. They're not keeping up.
• So, you know, think about citizens trying to get services and I can't get the claim filled out.
• So, you know, think about citizens trying to get services and I can't get the claim filled out.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard Senate Bill 1292, which would codify foster parent training requirements in statute and set a total of 10 hours of training, with flexibility for the department to structure the coursework. Senator Shippey said the bill is intended to make foster parents better prepared for trauma, safety, and court-system expectations while allowing online completion and exemptions for some family placements or out-of-state applicants. Deputy Director Monty Pro said the department already offers a range of training and that the measure would support foster parent retention and child safety; Senator Wintrow voiced support. The committee then voted to send SB 1292 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1293, a one-sentence fix to clarify that crime victims’ compensation is not subject to the interpretation of a prior public-benefits law. Senator Wintrow explained that confusion after House Bill 135 had slowed claims processing and created concern about added barriers for victims, especially in sensitive cases such as sexual assault and child abuse. She said the bill would restore the program to its prior practice, which is based on crime-victim eligibility criteria rather than public-assistance rules, and noted that no claims had been denied but processing had been delayed. After questions from senators about the effect of the earlier law and the backlog, the committee voted to send SB 1293 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 1309 this makes appropriation for claims 1309 this makes appropriation for claims against<00:34:
• The bill currently contains eight claims for a total of 2,338, 33575, and those claims are described
• With the new claims, there are a total of 15 claims for a total amount of 4 million 886234001. general
• </c><00:35:00.560><c> against</c> Appropriations bill for claims against Appropriations bill for claims
• SP 1309 makes an appropriation for claims against the state.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Liability claim against a provider working in a freestanding, uh, medical, uh, emergency center, uh,
• House Bill 4922 seeks an update statutory provisions regarding the health care liability claims against
• This bill specifies that initiating a claim by filing suit in a court of competent jurisdiction tolls
• the statute of limitations for arbitration of the same claim.
• This measure ensures consistency in the treatment of claims between court and arbitration proceedings

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the the chairman u has made the claim the the chairman u has made the claim that<00:53:18.640><c
• Uh, he's making a claim.
• Uh he's making a claim. Uh such a name. Uh he's making a claim.
• Cuts through the VA red tape, strengthens claims appeals process.
• When the ranking member claims the help.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 16, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The MCOs currently are 98.6% of payment of Claims that are clean claims from the providers are paid within
• In the pharmacy side, they are 99.7% of all claims paid within 14 days.
• claim means that the provider put together the information correctly as it should have been, and as
• it was stated, for the claim to be processed.
• But if the provider does the work upfront and submits a clean claim They're operating at a 98 or 99%

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rarely if uh rarely been claimed in the rarely if uh rarely been claimed in the past<00:57:50.000><c>
• </c><00:58:00.520><c> for</c> can Farmers uh there are no claims for can Farmers uh there are no claims
• </c> Veterans Affairs uh no one has claimed Veterans Affairs uh no one has claimed that<00:58:33.440>
• Just, um, are there any other tax credits that no one else has claimed, no one claiming them?
• them</c><00:59:37.559><c> yeah</c><00:59:37.720><c> I</c> has claimed no one claiming them yeah I has

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• WOULD NOT GO TO MANDATORY ARBITRATION THEN THEY PROCEED TO LITIGATION IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS A CLAIM
• MY QUESTION IS, WILL THEY BE ABLE TO GO BACK NOW AND RECLAIM A REASSESSMENT OF THEIR CLAIM?
• OR BE ABLE TO LITIGATE THEIR CLAIM BECAUSE IT WAS MANDATED? >> Rep.
• WE HAVE CITIZENS PROBABLY IN THE HUNDREDS THAT HAVE BEEN UNJUSTLY THAT HAVE BEEN UNJUSTLY SETTLED, CLAIM
• GOVERNOR THOSE REDUCTIONS OF RATES ARE POSSIBLE BECAUSE THEY ARE A LEGAL SAVING NOT NECESSARILY A CLAIM

Transcript Highlights:

• So to claim the federal EITC, if you don't have children, you have to be over 24 years old.
• To claim the state EITC, though, the working families tax credit, this bill, you can be 18 and older.
• Would still be eligible to claim the working family's 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.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any information submitted to the Commission, including the TNC annual reports, is subject to claims of
• General Order 66D provides a process for submitters to claim confidentiality over the information it
• shares with the Commission and for the Commission to evaluate these claims.
• These claims are made upon submission of information to the Commission.
• claim and you work through our insurance provider.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• health insurance claims...
• Standards for receipt and processing of claims, to provide for recoupment of health insurance claims
• clean electronic claim, ensuring consistency in how claims are defined and processed.
• One is really just to clarify on the first one, just adding in clean claims.
• So that's just going to be any claim that's just not in dispute.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We got back $3.2 million in claims on the spot, either initial claims or full claim payments right there
• We got back $3.2 million in claims on the spot, either initial claims or full claim payments right there
• So we handle all the insurance claims for those.
• ' compensation claim disputes.
• The Commission is the entry point into the administrative and civil process for those claims.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding. Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach. Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have paid 641 claims.
• We have paid 641 claims.
• We also are enrolling folks in ProviderOne and supporting them with billing and claims.
• Another recommendation is, of course, billing and claim support.
• Another recommendation is, of course, building and claim support.

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.