Transcript Highlights:

• SB15 which puts in place mandatory SB15 which puts in place mandatory minimums<01:14:56.360>
• mandatory minimums. mandatory minimums.
• mandatory mandatory minimums.<01:39:48.159> Beyond<01:39:48.560> the<01:39:48.880>
• stated, "My opposition to mandatory stated, "My opposition to mandatory minimums<01:40:33.920>
• <01:42:33.440> minimum about the impact of mandatory minimum about the impact of mandatory

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> This will be mandatory. >> This will be mandatory. >> So once it's selected, it will be mandatory.
• Is this something that's mandatory up.
• >> This will be mandatory. >> This will be mandatory.
• um um procedure um um procedure uh<01:49:38.719> in<01:49:38.960> this<01:49:39.280
• Well, entire procedure at that level.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some are mandatory reporters. another. Some are mandatory reporters.
• a mandatory requirement.
• . mandatory. mandatory.
• mandatory. And I don't know why that is. mandatory. And I don't know why that is.
• of of procedure of treatment. of of procedure of treatment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While performing the disbursement procedures, we noted the following issues.
• But even with that being said, there are certain rules and procedures and regulations.
• So what, in the past, is that procedure? Mr. White?
• I just want the procedure to be. I'm going to give you a lot of leeway.
• I don't know if that's proper procedure or not.

Summary: The committee began with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that 19 of 43 original entities for the 2022 reporting year had had turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reporting year, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five still outstanding. The committee also heard that Adona had come into substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, and it voted to file that report and discontinue withholding turnback. It then voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report for Gum Springs after hearing repeated findings involving budgeting, disbursements, payroll, and Act 833 funds, with city officials saying they had begun correcting records and were seeking help from the Municipal League and a city attorney. Fargo was deferred because the mayor was absent due to illness. The committee next considered Denning, where staff described repeated and serious accounting problems over 2022-2024, including unauthorized payments, missing documentation, weak payroll controls, and improper handling of funds. The mayor and recorder-treasurer said prior records were disorganized and that they were now working with an attorney, CPA help, and new software; the committee voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report. Green Forest’s report, involving a fixed-asset listing issue after the mayor’s death, was filed. Several private water and sewer reports were either filed or deferred depending on whether responses had been received, and the committee announced its March meeting would be held in Room 149 because of renovations. The committee then reviewed a series of referred reports involving alleged financial irregularities. In Elaine, the fire chief’s questionable purchases were referred and filed. In Strong, staff described undeposited garbage-bag receipts, improper payments for private dumpster service and other expenditures, payroll tax penalties, and deficit fund balances; the mayor said controls had been improved, but the committee deferred the report to March. The Faulkner County Fair Association report found undocumented cash withdrawals, questionable disbursements, and inadequately documented cash payments to a carnival vendor; the committee filed it. Brooklyn’s report involved a fraudulent direct-deposit change, and Mineral Springs’ report involved transfers from the cemetery fund, employee loans, overpayments, and travel reimbursement issues; both were filed. Additional reports included Rondo, where the recorder-treasurer explained missing computers and fuel purchases tied to personal vehicles, and the committee filed the report; Waldo, where the mayor had been overpaid due to extra biweekly payments, which was filed; Columbia County, where a floodplain management contract lacked an authorizing ordinance, which was filed; and several private water-system reports, some filed and others deferred for lack of responses. Carlisle’s report showed large but improving misstatements in financial records, and the committee filed it after hearing that new software and training had reduced prior problems. Caddo Valley’s report prompted a lengthy discussion about CDs and interest recognition; staff explained that principal balances should be reflected as city assets and interest should be recorded when earned or reported by the bank, and the report was filed. Prairie County’s budget overrun and road-fund issues were discussed at length, with the judge explaining equipment and weather-related costs and staff clarifying the distinction between road funds and locally approved sales-tax uses; the report was filed. Finally, the committee deferred a Cross County Rural Water Association matter after learning it had not filed with Legislative Audit since 2002-2003 despite receiving significant state funding, and members expressed concern about the long gap in filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• not included or not changed in the LCC book include Senate-specific policies, Senate compensation procedures
• Senate specific policies, Senate Senate specific policies, Senate compensation<00:02:13.760> procedures
• <00:02:14.319> and<00:02:14.560> salary compensation procedures and salary compensation
• procedures and salary ranges,<00:02:15.440> job<00:02:15.760> classifications<00:02:17.040
• , the types of leave that are mandatory, the types of leave that are mandatory, optional,<00:05:09.440

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed. Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed. The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved. After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the bill before you establishes the crime of grooming and makes specific changes to the mandatory
• Uh the bill before you establishes the crime of grooming and makes specific changes to the mandatory
• Uh the bill before you establishes the crime of grooming and makes specific changes to the mandatory
• Uh the bill before you establishes the crime of grooming and makes specific changes to the mandatory
• training on boundaries and mandatory training on boundaries and mandatory reporting. reporting.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . mandatory removal to the DAP.
• Mandatory. Whether there's any...
• I thought it was mandatory DAEP. That is correct. Okay.
• However, I support repealing mandatory.
• We think that there is room for conversation about whether or not that's mandatory or not mandatory,

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB 123, HB210, HB213, HB222, HB610, HB 1085, HB1481, HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, financial literacy, high school education, curriculum requirements, economics, personal finance, HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to call to order the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee meeting for February 3rd,
• An existing rule associated with health care licensing procedures and the various places where licenses
• Another rule concerns procedures for the administration of Sections 408, which deals with the Health
• Instead of a mandatory sunset, that determination would be part of the rule review.
• . ...within that particular agency and in the administrative procedures.

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee met on February 3, 2025, with a quorum present and took up three main items. First, the committee considered a large set of recommended objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules, all centered on sunset provisions stating the rules would expire after five years. AHCA asked for another deferral while it reviewed the rules, arguing the sunset language was a form of self-restraint rather than an invalid exercise of rulemaking authority. Committee leadership disagreed that further delay would resolve the issue and moved to a single vote covering all objections. The motion passed by roll call, and the committee informed AHCA that an objection would be filed unless the agency amended the rules within 30 days. The committee then heard an informational briefing from the Department of Environmental Protection on its Outstanding Florida Springs rule and stormwater rule. DEP explained that it did not prepare a statement of estimated regulatory cost for the springs rule because the proposed standards largely mirror existing water management district rules and the Central Florida Water Initiative framework, so DEP said there was no new regulatory burden. Members asked about permit authority, costs, and whether the rules were functionally different from prior rules. DEP maintained the rules set minimum standards and did not add costs beyond what regulated parties were already doing. DEP also described implementation of the stormwater rule adopted under the 2020 Clean Waterways Act and later ratified by the Legislature in 2024. DEP said the rule was the product of years of workshops and technical advisory committee meetings, and that the final version included lower-cost alternatives, grandfathering, and phased implementation. DEP estimated the rule’s cost at about $2,600 per acre in the revised CERC, while industry witnesses said the real cost could be much higher, especially if land costs are included. A home builders representative argued the estimate understated impacts, while a stormwater engineer said the rule gives more flexible, performance-based tools and could become more cost-effective over time. Finally, Senator Graal presented proposed Chapter 120 changes in SB 108, aimed at tightening and modernizing rulemaking. The proposal would require five-year rule reviews, annual agency reporting, faster notice of proposed rulemaking after authorizing legislation, electronic filing, public access to incorporated materials, clearer tracking of technical changes, and limits on how long rules can remain pending ratification. Members discussed whether the Legislature should be more specific in statutes about rulemaking deadlines and whether agencies should be more accountable when rules stall. No formal action was taken on the Chapter 120 proposals, and the committee adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• refusing to perform a known mandatory refusing to perform a known mandatory non-discretionary<00
• He said he does not see any reference to procedural mistakes in the existing statute.
• quote procedural mistakes. quote procedural mistakes.
• I don't see any reference to procedural<00:09:44.360> mistakes.
• Again, I will read procedural mistakes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And he surgical procedures on his spine.
• Um and make it a mandatory vaccine.
• <01:17:06.159> and around the two words mandatory and around the two words mandatory and effectiveness
• Mandatory administration of any medical intervention is a very serious matter.
• <04:43:11.280> be only medically valid procedures be only medically valid procedures be funded

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Different counties have different procedures.
• It then conforms this statute to the Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 194A.2H and makes them consistent
• Um, as you all know, a reporter could be a mandatory reporter who's a teacher or a doctor or some other
• One thing I did want to point out to the committee is under Section 301.151, this issues a mandatory
• We believe the change will significantly improve Texas adoption procedures and ultimately serve the best

Transcript Highlights:

• >> GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO THE JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES COMMITTEE.
• AS I EXPLAINED ON FEBRUARY 3rd A RULE IS MANDATORY, REQUIRED BY STATUTE, BUT CAN BE APPROPRIATED WHERE
• IN THEM THAT HAVE PROCEDURES IN THEM THAT THERE ARE SUFFICIENT PROCEDURES IN THE STATUTE THAT IF THE
• YOU DETERMINED THAT THE RULES HERE WERE JUST DISCRETIONARY AS OPPOSED TO MANDATORY.
• TO THE MINIMUM DEFAULT PROCEDURES OF THE STATUTE PROVIDES FOR.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a mandatory goal. It is not a quota. It is a mandatory goal that the contractor must hit.
• That is a mandatory goal. It is not a quota. It is a mandatory goal that the contractor must hit.
• That is a mandatory goal. It is not a quota. It is a mandatory goal that the contractor must hit.
• In addition, we created a mandatory small business...
• In addition, we created a mandatory small business program on our state-funded-only contracts.

Summary: The committee heard a work session on voting access on tribal lands, beginning with a presentation from Dr. Chelsea Jones of the Brennan Center. She described barriers affecting Native voters and voters on tribal lands, including long travel distances to polling places and drop boxes, nontraditional addresses, unreliable postal service, language access, and limited broadband. Citing research, she said turnout on tribal lands trails turnout off tribal lands by about 10 percentage points nationally and about 10% in Washington, with larger gaps in some convenience voting measures. Members asked about the meaning of “lost votes,” the role of tribal leadership and community trust, and whether outreach by election officials and candidates could help; Dr. Jones emphasized that the study measured missed voting opportunities, not missing ballots, and that partnerships with trusted community leaders are important. The University of Washington Elections Database then presented data on voter registration, turnout, signature challenges, curing, and ballot rejection for voters whose addresses fall within tribal reservation boundaries. The presenters said registration on reservations increased from about 107,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2024, turnout on reservations remained about 8 to 9 percentage points lower than outside reservations in recent general elections, and signature-challenge and rejection rates were generally low but somewhat higher in off-year elections. They reported that about 60% to two-thirds of signature-challenged ballots are cured, with cure rates similar inside and outside reservations, and that late return is the most common reason for primary ballot rejection while signature mismatch is the leading cause in general elections. A question was raised about USPS postmarking issues and how those might affect future data; the presenters said they plan to track return method and cure timing more closely. The committee also received an overview of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Staff reviewed the office’s history, the Centennial Accord, the Millennium Agreement, and related state-tribal frameworks, and GOIA Director Tim Rainan described the office’s role as a bridge between the state and tribal governments, including consultation, policy coordination, training, and convening work groups. He said GOIA now has six positions, is part of the governor’s executive cabinet, and is working on a statewide tribal relations training module and consultation handbook. In response to a question, he said tribal voting is not a major topic at the Centennial Accord but is discussed more extensively through ATNI. The committee then shifted to contracting equity, hearing from WSDOT, DES, OMWBE, and the Office of Equity. WSDOT described its race-neutral small business and veteran goals, mentorship and support programs, and its response to the federal suspension of the DBE program; DES discussed statewide contracting spend, the EDGE pilot for small construction firms, and efforts to improve procurement access; OMWBE reported growth in certified firms and about $371 million in state spend with certified firms in the most recent year, while noting ongoing impacts from federal DBE changes; and the Office of Equity outlined its broader work on agency consultation, dashboards, and systems change. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just so you know, clergy are mandatory reporters as well.
• A typical procedure like this in a hospital is $2,000.
• What it does is remove dental surgeries procedures from the bill. Okay.
• The hospital may only get paid $350 for that procedure.
• I've never seen a hospital. and perform that procedure. I don't know.

Bills: HB165, HB175, HB198, HB272, HB457, HB488, HB566, HB603, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• safeguards, and encourage districts to pursue litigation rather than work through the existing procedures
• Mandatory referrals failed to address the root cause of substance use and instead, um.
• Um, I also want to touch on the expansion of mandatory removals to DAPs and mandatory expulsions for
• To start, we are also disappointed with the removal of the repeal for the mandatory DAP placements for
• Lead schools to sidestep well established special education procedures such as manifestation determination

Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• Three, we have meticulously implemented fair process and procedure.
• There apparently was no policy or procedure for per diem for travel.
• It's become much more mandatory in most of the state.
• I find it laughable that CAMTC Establishing mandatory statewide licensure.
• It is effectively mandatory and not voluntary.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE IS A PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING WHAT THAT INFORMATION IS.
• IT'S A PROCEDURE FOR A COURT TO MAKE IT NOT EXEMPT.
• I ASK YOU AGAIN WHY DO WE NEED THIS BILL IF WE HAVE ALL THESE SYSTEMS AND MANUALS AND PROCEDURES IN PLACE
• IT IS NOT A MANDATORY SYSTEM. >> Rep.
• IT IS NOT MANDATORY FOR FDOT TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH IT.

Transcript Highlights:

• We put contract vehicles in place to buy from, including mandatory state term contracts and optional
• So state term contracts are considered mandatory for state agencies.
• And so that's why we make it a mandatory requirement for agencies to purchase from those contract vehicles
• Contracts are mandatory in nature. And then optional alternate contracts.
• So for some reason they're not purchasing off that mandatory state term contract.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can come back answer question for Senator Pizzo the if you know the process and procedure for
• member, all the work we've done in this space over the last couple years, there's no process or procedure
• I know that your bill is imposing a mandatory minimum sentence on these crimes.
• And if so, how effective has that mandatory minimum sentence been at curbing the the the committee at
• >> And mandatory meant to fit or mandatory minimums are used frequently in drug cases.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet under current statute they must follow the same procedural requirements that are intended for contested
• A father can contest paternity, genetic tests are allowed, and so all of those same procedures would
• A father can contest paternity, genetic tests are allowed, and so all of those same procedures would
• It prevents procedural technicalities from silencing safety concerns. Even case law, Hays v.
• A voice for my daughter and my grandson, who are victims of a system that chooses procedural secrecy

Bills: HB2041, HB2144, HB2239, HB2321, HB2371, HB2594, HB2661, HB2662, HB2793, HB2968, HB2995

Keywords: child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, child support, preborn children, retroactive support, medical expenses, child welfare, child care, grant program, low-income, early learning, infrastructure, economic growth, security freeze, credit reporting, dependent children, parental notification

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2793, which would let cities and towns expedite annexations when 100% of the property owners request it, waive the 30-day waiting period and public hearing in those cases, and allow electronic newspaper notice and a single on-site posting for small single-parcel annexations. Buckeye testified in support, saying the bill would streamline uncontested annexations and reduce delay and cost, while a Tucson-area senator raised concerns that faster annexation can limit public awareness and input. The bill passed 4-3 for a due pass recommendation. HB 2041, which would prohibit a parent, guardian, or custodian from being treated as abusing or neglecting a child solely because poverty prevents them from providing supervision, clothing, food, shelter, or medical care, drew strong support from child welfare and anti-poverty advocates. Opponents argued the bill still leaves room for investigations based on poverty and should more fully remove poverty from the neglect definition. The committee also heard HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund at DES; witnesses from northern Arizona and child care providers described shortages, workforce challenges, and the need for facilities and support. An amendment adding tax-credit language and opening eligibility to entities seeking to open child care facilities was adopted, and the amended bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then approved HB 2321, requiring DCS to place a credit freeze on a child’s credit report when the child enters care, by a 7-0 vote. HB 2371, allowing consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration and adding a separate amendment on therapeutic interventions in parenting cases, prompted questions about whether AI arbitration is currently used and whether the amendment was germane; it passed 4-3. HB 2594, concerning the Address Confidentiality Program in family court and making attempts to obtain protected address information a felony, passed unanimously after testimony from a survivor and advocates. HB 2661, which requires DCS to inform parents under investigation that they may delegate temporary guardianship and seek court relief, passed 4-3 after amendment removed attestation and documentation requirements. Finally, HB 2995, a major domestic-violence custody bill, was heard with extensive testimony from survivors, attorneys, and legal aid advocates. The bill removes the “significant” domestic violence threshold, adds coercive control to the analysis, requires domestic violence to be treated as contrary to the child’s best interests, and mandates detailed court findings; supporters said it addresses cases where abuse was minimized in custody decisions, while members raised concerns about evidentiary standards, implementation, and the risk of false allegations. The committee adopted a 13-page amendment and then gave the amended bill a due pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.