Transcript Highlights:

• Direct cost: $25,000.
• Our Direct Connect to UCF partnership is a promise to students. Thank you.
• Our Direct Connect to UCF partnership is a promise to students.
• to patients through clinical care.
• And will provide health care to patients through clinical care.

Summary: The subcommittee began with an informal “college day” exercise in which members described what careers and colleges they would choose if starting over, often citing factors such as program reputation, location, cost, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and family or personal interests. Members mentioned a range of possible paths including law, aviation, education, construction management, psychology, social work, criminal justice, nursing, intelligence studies, and the arts. Several also highlighted the value of historically Black colleges and universities, dual enrollment, and career/technical education. The chair used the exercise to frame the meeting’s broader focus on Florida’s higher education pathways and student outcomes. Dr. Kathleen Plinsky of Valencia College then gave an overview of the Florida College System and Valencia’s role in it, emphasizing Florida’s statewide articulation and transfer framework, open-access mission, affordability, and workforce alignment. She described Valencia’s record enrollment, high retention, large share of first-generation and working students, and partnerships such as Direct Connect to UCF, Osceola Prosper, and Open Door grants for short-term training. Members asked about guaranteed transfer, apprenticeships, enrollment trends, student demographics, out-of-state residency, county scholarship costs, dual enrollment outcomes, and barriers to expanding career dual enrollment. Dr. Plinsky said the system supports transfer and acceleration well, but funding constraints limit growth in some areas; she also noted that dual enrollment participation is high and that Valencia’s affordability and student support efforts have driven recent enrollment gains. Dr. Jim Clark of Florida State University followed with an overview of the State University System, describing its governance, performance-based funding, low tuition, and strong graduation and research outcomes. He highlighted FSU’s enrollment, research profile, transfer student success, FSU Health, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, partnerships with K-12 schools and Tallahassee State College, and efforts to expand nursing and medical education to address workforce shortages. After the presentations, the committee heard from a panel on student acceleration and mobility: Shannon Mercer of the Department of Education explained the Office of Articulation, the statewide course numbering system, FASTER records, the 2+2 transfer model, specialized AA transfer degrees, and credit for industry certifications, military, medical, and law-enforcement training. Panelists from Kaiser University, Florida State University, and Pinellas County Schools described their institutions’ roles in transfer, advising, career pathways, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• “You know, we are making strides on subsidizing child care because people can’t afford to work.
• I know, but you handle the other people in the wrong direction.
• Yes, we are moving pretty aggressively in that direction. I'd be glad to talk about that.
• Very little of that is directed toward the employer's specific needs and challenges.
• They're concerned about the care of their loved ones.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on April 9 and first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeal process. The bill, presented as a collaboration between the Attorney General’s office and trial lawyers, would require additional medical evidence submitted on appeal to be sent back to the medical director for review before court review continues. Members discussed the 30-day turnaround for the medical director and whether the process would delay injured workers’ cases. After testimony from injured workers’ representatives and support cards from several business and labor groups, the committee adopted the technical amendments and reported SB 162 favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage beginning at $12 per hour in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, the AFL-CIO, and a young witness from People’s Promise, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind costs of living, that many workers remain in poverty, and that the bill would help families, reduce reliance on public benefits, and improve economic stability. Opponents, including NFIB and small-business advocates, argued that the market should set wages, that the bill would raise labor costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or hiring, and potentially increase prices. After extended debate, the committee voted and HB 353 failed. The committee next considered Senate Bill 383 on the incumbent worker training program. Senator Bass and Louisiana Works officials said the bill would expand and make the existing program more flexible, increase available funding, shorten the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allow unused funds to roll over. Members focused on how the program would reach workers, how businesses and employees would learn about training opportunities, and how it would support workforce development in growing regions. Support came from business and economic development groups, and the committee reported SB 383 favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 382, which would repeal the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, described as the Senate version of a bill the committee had already considered. The transcript cuts off during discussion of the prior vote on the similar House version, and no final action on SB 382 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Much more seriously, businesses will invest more time and attention into the care of these animals that
• they are being paid to care for.
• See, I didn't know that I needed to exercise this care.
• That does not mean that they can't be prosecuted if they are failing to... ...exercise the care that
• And you're a prosecutor, I'm not, but if someone knowingly discharges a firearm in the direction of a

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we turn to health care after the sale of our business in 2004 in in 2022?
• Are retired from health care as a hospital administrator after serving 32 years with that, that help
• My name is Michael Cushion and I am a registered nurse approach in my 30th year of caring for adults
• I was in healthcare leadership, health Care administration for nearly 20 years here in South Florida.
• It so success is in health care, education.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So health care, housing, economic development, water, sustainability, And so just making it a place that
• You know, everything from water to health care, to housing, to economic development—they all tie together
• $10 million into the Child Care Facility Loan Fund.
• The one that I'll mention here is the linkages program with a health care authority.
• I'll direct you to the smart people that do. Thank you for that.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the health care workforce. the health care workforce.
• care.
• Now, I work in home care.
• </c> care. They left after only two years. care. They left after only two years.
• We work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and self-directed home care.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have already seen real-world consequences of inadequately regulated AI in mental health care, with
• AI therapists cannot replace the clinical judgment, training, duty of care, and human instinct that a
• the bill would significantly restrict beneficial uses of AI in health care.
• So I don't care about those apps or anything else.
• And this to me is almost like ICA negative a little bit in the wrong direction.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on AI, privacy, and surveillance. SB 903 would prohibit AI from independently providing psychotherapy or presenting itself as a licensed mental health provider, require disclosure and informed consent, and reinforce confidentiality and privacy protections for therapy records. Supporters, including a mother and therapist whose son died by suicide after extensive chats with ChatGPT, argued the bill is needed to prevent harmful, crisis-related interactions. Behavioral health groups and labor/privacy organizations supported the measure, while TechNet, the California Medical Association, and the California Hospital Association opposed unless amended, saying the bill could restrict useful clinical tools and create conflicts around triage, screening, and data use. The committee passed SB 903 4-0 to Appropriations, with members noting the need for further work on definitions and implementation. SB 1119 would create a broader framework for chatbot safety for children, including annual risk assessments, crisis response protocols, default child protections, parental controls, notice and time limits, restrictions on advertising and use of children’s data, incident reporting, audits, and a private right of action. The author and supporters again cited the death of Adam Raine as evidence that chatbots can reinforce suicidal ideation and isolate children. Common Sense Media and several labor and privacy groups supported the bill. CalChamber, TechNet, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and other industry and local government groups opposed unless amended, raising concerns about vague standards, overlap with SB 243, prescriptive design mandates, and litigation risk. The committee approved SB 1119 4-0 to Judiciary, with amendments to be taken there. The committee also heard SB 1013, which would tighten rules for automated license plate reader data by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, and a 30-day retention limit for most data. Supporters said the bill responds to documented misuse and over-retention of data that mostly belongs to innocent drivers. Law enforcement groups opposed, arguing the retention limit would hinder investigations and reduce the usefulness of ALPRs in serious or delayed cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. SB 1292, a local control bill for six cities, would allow camera or sensor-based enforcement of curb and loading zones, with a human reviewing each violation before issuance. Supporters said it would help cities manage congestion and unsafe blocking of bike lanes and loading zones; privacy advocates warned about expanding automated surveillance. It passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard SB 1101, which would require higher education institutions to notify students, faculty, and staff when personal information is shared with federal agencies and limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters framed it as a transparency and anti-doxing measure in response to recent federal investigations and subpoenas; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee then began hearing SB 951, the California Worker Technological Displacement Act, which would require advance notice and reporting when employers displace workers due to technology and give displaced workers priority for openings, but the transcript cuts off before the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Food is health care.
• Food is health care.
• , very basic care.
• indigent health care.
• to medical care through community-based care management.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the discussion around major federal changes to work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, immigrant eligibility, and financing rules, while noting the state’s own structural budget deficit and the need for a second hearing later in March on county and safety-net impacts. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center. LAO and Finance described H.R. 1 as driving major enrollment losses and cost shifts. LAO estimated that Medi-Cal work requirements and six-month redeterminations could affect 3.5 million people, with 1 to 2 million potentially disenrolled, while CalFresh changes could subject more than 800,000 people to work requirements and cause over 600,000 to lose food assistance. They also highlighted new ineligibility for certain non-citizens, reduced federal matching for emergency Medi-Cal services, tighter provider tax rules, and higher state and county administrative costs for CalFresh. Finance said the governor’s budget reflects about $1.4 billion in new General Fund costs in 2026-27 and a $2.4 billion reduction in federal funds, with larger out-year impacts and up to 2 million Medi-Cal disenrollments by 2029-30. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, though it said the state could limit losses by choosing not to apply some new requirements to state-funded populations and by keeping some immigrants in full-scope state-funded coverage. The Food Research and Action Center argued that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, homelessness risk, and health costs, while also hurting local economies and increasing administrative burden. Committee members from both parties questioned the fiscal sustainability of Medi-Cal growth, the 11% CalFresh error rate and possible $2 billion penalty, county indigent care costs, and the effect of work requirements; several Democratic members argued the federal changes and state cuts would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color, while Republican members emphasized program growth, work incentives, and the need for budget restraint. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to care.
• Savings may not be directed toward maintaining access to care, supporting providers and those safety
• We need that emergency, indigent care reality, but also that preventative care.
• I think some of where we would want to go either, like, you know, directing to clinical care guidelines
• The issue wasn't the care. It was a... Payment demand. The issue wasn't the care.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard several health-related bills, with extensive public testimony and multiple roll-call votes. SB 895, by Senator Wiener, would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support science and health research in California amid federal funding cuts. The author and UC researchers argued the measure would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership; many universities, labor groups, and patient advocates testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee members praised the bill, and it passed 6-0 to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SB 944, also by Senator Wiener, would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds. Supporters, including acupuncturists, patients, community organizations, and health access advocates, described acupuncture as effective, low-cost, and culturally important care; there was no opposition. The committee discussed access for API communities and Medi-Cal patients, and the bill passed 6-0 to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 987, by Senator Wiener, would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes cause Medi-Cal enrollment losses, with the goal of redirecting those savings to care for affected patients and providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, psychiatric, medical, and safety-net hospital groups. Committee members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and other vulnerable populations if savings materialize. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 964, by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, would limit prior authorization barriers by allowing certain dose or frequency adjustments for covered medications without repeated authorization, up to two clinically appropriate changes. The bill was supported by a Crohn’s and colitis patient and sponsor testimony describing delays in care, while health plans and insurers opposed it over safety, FDA-labeling, and cost concerns. Committee members raised questions about off-label use and clinical standards, but the author said the bill was intended to reduce delays and avoid emergency care; it passed 11-0 to Appropriations. SB 1099, by Senator Reyes, would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state and local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA-related exemptions, to reduce legal uncertainty for local safety-net programs. County counsel and city attorney representatives said the bill would preserve local flexibility to provide services such as health care, shelter, crisis response, and food distribution without unnecessary eligibility barriers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 11-0 to the Committee on Human Services. SB 1033, by Senator Padilla, would require manufacturers of protein products to test for heavy metals and disclose results. Supporters cited Consumer Reports findings of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury in protein powders and beverages, while opponents asked for narrower scope and raised concerns about naturally occurring metals and over-warning consumers. The committee discussed narrowing the bill and the need for transparency, and it passed 11-0 to the Committee on Environmental Quality. Finally, SB 1049, by Senator Weber-Pearson, would give providers a fair opportunity to correct certain claim errors after a health plan action, rather than being barred by original filing deadlines. An OBGYN testified that a missing diagnostic code led to large clawbacks and delayed payments despite appropriate care; the bill was presented as a limited fix for honest mistakes. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1049, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, how do you determine what you mean by acute care? Acute care is a word in healthcare.
• They would have an acute care situation, something that needed to be taken care of at the moment.
• by acute acute care AC acute care<02:01:34.079><c> it's</c><02:01:34.280><c> a</c><02:01:34.880><c>
• Finally, how do you determine what you mean by acute care? Acute care is a word in healthcare.
• They would have an acute care situation, something that needed to be taken care of at the moment.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials. Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:00.560><c> medical</c><00:07:00.960><c> care</c> emergency medical care medical care emergency
• </c> alternative healthc care services. alternative healthc care services.
• That informs me that if somebody says no, I can offer direction to here's a primary care profession in
• </c> careful legislative attention. careful legislative attention.
• </c> impatient residential pieces of care. impatient residential pieces of care.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That has been taken care of. Yes.
• Representative Wolfen took care of the biggest one I had, the first one I had.
• So if you're, you know, we have Mercy Care in my area.
• Most of them needed help navigating the health care system, access to primary care, drug administration
• It's about health care. It's about changing people's ability to interact with health care.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would be a major step in the wrong direction.
• I can assure you that in drafting this bill, I was very careful to make sure that we did not touch on
• Privacy is a basic expectation in health care. and personal safety.
• Privacy is a basic expectation in health care and legal processes, and transgender residents deserve
• impact on a parental right. ...but there's no direct impact on a parental right to the record, which

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings and testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 6137 would expand Washington sports wagering by allowing wagers placed over the internet to be accepted at any tribal gaming facility, not just the same tribe’s facility, and would allow wagering on collegiate events involving Washington institutions while continuing to prohibit bets on individual Washington athletes’ performance. Washington State University opposed the bill over concerns about harassment, point shaving, and broader gambling harms, while the University of Washington supported the individual prop-bet ban but urged caution. An Emerald Queen Casinos representative supported the bill, saying it would move existing illegal wagering into a regulated system with safeguards. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, which would require regular consultation with tribes on voting access and authorize a secure electronic ballot return portal for military, overseas, Native American, and disability voters. The Secretary of State’s office supported the bill’s tribal outreach and said it was more comfortable with the revised portal language, but several election-security witnesses opposed the portal sections, arguing internet ballot return is too risky and lacks adequate standards. King County Elections supported the portal as a more secure option than current email and fax methods, and said it would improve access while preserving paper trails and security checks. Substitute Senate Bill 6034 would codify the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency. The office and a tribal health liaison testified in support, saying codification would stabilize government-to-government relations with tribes and ensure continuity beyond executive preference. Substitute Senate Bill 6081 would restrict public disclosure of sex designation information in certain licensing and vital records; supporters said it would protect transgender people from doxing, harassment, and violence, while opponents argued it would make official records less accurate. Staff also briefed Senate Bill 5863 on Lakeland Village records, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 reestablishing the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, and Senate Bill 5892 on voter data protections. The committee adopted amendments to SB 5863 and SB 5892, rejected some other amendments, and reported SB 5863, SCR 8406, and SB 5892 out of committee with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you care to explain the committee sub? Sure.
• And how do we take care of that one problem itself?
• In this bill,... ...take care of that one problem itself.
• So the direct proximate cause of fire...
• I think the direct appeal is important as well.

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:

• We do so in a very direct way, so you'll see many of us on particular issues.
• So we have to be very careful about this.
• As an operator of a judicial system, that's not my direct concern.
• The legislature would care about that, for sure. Okay.
• The Health Care Authority has been a very good partner so far in this process.

Transcript Highlights:

• The courts have consistently treated direct involvement as a substantive limitation.
• I'm asking who that is directed toward.
• Is it directed toward or relating to governmental employees of a local county?
• It's one of the number one issues we have in health care for Florida.
• And I would love to see us focused on taking care of real problems in our society.

Summary: The committee first heard CS/HB 1263 on insurance regulation. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen the Office of Insurance Regulation’s tools to oversee property and auto insurance markets, including market conduct and solvency exams, mitigation discounts, storage of mitigation inspection forms, and clearer oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. An amendment narrowing fingerprinting requirements was adopted, and the bill passed favorably after supportive testimony from OIR and others. Members then considered CS/HB 527, which would require a qualified human review before an insurance claim can be denied or reduced when artificial intelligence is used in the process. After an amendment removing the word “algorithm” was adopted, insurers and trade groups testified in opposition, arguing current law already covers claims handling and that the bill could create duplicative work and slow innovation. Supporters, including a consumer and labor representative, said human judgment is needed to protect claimants. The bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/HB 637 on farm equipment “lemon law” rights, with an amendment clarifying consumer definitions, refund rights, repair-period extensions, and a July 1, 2026 effective date. CS/HB 107 on data centers also passed after an amendment narrowing the five-mile siting restriction to data centers over 50 megawatts and adding noise-study requirements; business groups supported a framework but opposed the NDA ban and siting limits, while several members raised competitiveness and local-impact concerns. Later, the committee passed CS/HB 1291 on NICA funding and solvency, CS/HB 185 on a sales tax exemption for home-hardening products, CS/HB 425 on historic African-American cemetery preservation, CS/CS/CS/HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, CS/CS/CS/HB 657 on community associations and HOA/condo reforms, and CS/CS/HB 1221, the DFS package. The final major item discussed was CS/HB 1001 on local government DEI restrictions, which drew extensive questioning about definitions, exceptions, cultural and religious observances, advisory councils, and contracting rules; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no other programs that we can direct revenue to the core function.
• Number one, access to health care. Number two, property insurance. Thank you.
• They don't really care. They care about what they're told to have to do and vote for.
• I don't really care about you. To do and vote for. I don't really care about you.
• Chairman, your question is directed at the sponsor? Yes. You're recognized. Thank you.

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account. Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost to them may not always be direct.
• So every direct deposit that they have set up, every direct ACH payment that they have set up for their
• The cost to them may not always be direct.
• So every direct deposit that they have set up, every direct ACH payment that they have set up for their
• We try to take care of them.

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members and witnesses describing scams targeting seniors, small businesses, and working families. The committee first approved the November 3, 2025 minutes, then heard from the Arkansas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, banks, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association, the State Bank and Securities Department, the Insurance Department, and AARP. Witnesses described common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, government imposter scams, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, fake job postings, gift card scams, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, identity theft, and insurance fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that cryptocurrency kiosks and crypto transfers make recovery difficult or impossible, and that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and scalable. Witnesses repeatedly stressed education, verification, and coordination among banks, law enforcement, regulators, and consumers. Bank and mortgage representatives urged consumers to slow down, independently verify wire instructions, avoid clicking unexpected links, use tap-to-pay rather than chip or swipe when possible, and never share account credentials or one-time codes. The Attorney General’s office said it investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes, works with social media platforms to remove scam ads, and recently created a Financial Fraud Task Force with bankers and other stakeholders. The State Bank and Securities Commissioner highlighted the Safe AR Act, the state’s crypto kiosk framework, and fraud education efforts such as “fraud bingo,” while the Insurance Department described its law-enforcement role and a range of insurance-related fraud schemes it prosecutes. AARP said fraud is widespread and underreported, especially among older adults. Members asked about reporting scams, how losses are handled, whether tap is safer than chip, how crypto fraud works, whether Arkansas has model legislation to address telecom and social media impersonation, and how local law enforcement and state agencies coordinate investigations. Witnesses said banks generally absorb much of the financial loss under federal rules, while consumers bear the inconvenience and account changes. Several witnesses said Arkansas should consider additional legislation to hold telecom companies and social media platforms accountable for spoofed caller IDs and impersonation ads, and one witness said a federal Scam Act is moving in Congress. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes, but witnesses agreed to share consumer education materials and model legislation with committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2102 moves us in a better direction.
• Authorized agencies may not disclose ALPR data or provide direct access to its ALPR system.
• vendors should not have direct access to data.
• It also prohibits use near health care facilities and food banks, both of which exist on our campuses
• The Driver Privacy Act is a strong step in the right direction.

Summary: On January 20, 2026, the committee held public hearings on House Bill 2102, House Bill 2161, and House Bill 2332. HB 2102 would sharply limit legal financial obligations by prohibiting courts from imposing costs unless specifically authorized by statute, repealing many fees and interest on restitution, and making eliminated debts unenforceable and satisfied. The sponsor and supporters argued that LFOs are harmful, inconsistently applied, and create uncollectable debt that burdens indigent defendants and hinders reentry. Opponents, including local government and collections representatives, warned the bill would shift costs to cities and counties, reduce accountability tools, and could cost local jurisdictions millions. No vote was taken. HB 2161 would expand the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands for possible violations involving civil rights, labor standards, jail standards, immigration-related restrictions, and police use-of-force laws. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office, labor groups, and civil rights advocates said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases, while not changing substantive enforcement authority. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and business groups argued the bill was overbroad, lacked sufficient standards, and could create due process, confidentiality, and separation-of-powers concerns. Members asked about safeguards, and staff and the AGO described court challenge procedures and internal review standards. No action was taken. HB 2332 would regulate automated license plate readers used by state and local agencies, generally limiting use to specified law enforcement, parking, toll, and transportation purposes, restricting sharing and retention, and prohibiting uses tied to immigration enforcement or protected health care. The sponsor and privacy, immigrant-rights, and reproductive-rights advocates said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of sensitive location data and to close loopholes that could allow out-of-state or federal access. Law enforcement, cities, vendors, and some business and campus representatives supported privacy guardrails but said the 72-hour retention limit, warrant requirements, and other restrictions were too strict and could hinder investigations, victim recovery, and parking enforcement. The hearing ended with testimony still underway and no vote or final action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a step in the right direction.
• It directs the Department of Social Services to pursue a waiver.
• It does not deny care in crisis situations.
• If you care about being fiscally responsible, hold the bad actors accountable.
• out to take care of us as far as public safety is concerned.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous House Journal by a 101-0 vote, and numerous special guest introductions, including student groups, robotics teams, artists, and a choir. Committee reports from Fiscal Review recommended passage of several bills, including HB 1869, HB 2387/HB 2480, HB 2061, HB 2481, and HB 2885. The chamber then took up Senate changes to HB 2016, a bill addressing anti-Semitism in educational institutions. Supporters said the Senate amendments clarified that schools should consider context, protected criticism of Israel, added charter schools, and required reporting of all Title VI complaints; opponents argued the bill was redundant, could chill speech, and did not match the state’s broader anti-discrimination rhetoric. After a successful previous-question motion, the House adopted the Senate substitute 101-19 and then gave final passage to the bill 100-17. Several third-reading bills followed. HB 2481, dealing with SNAP and Medicaid-related verification and program restrictions, drew sharp debate over fraud prevention versus added bureaucracy and harm to low-income Missourians; it passed 95-44. HB 1869, creating a process to repair veteran gravestones damaged by natural causes, passed 137-2. HB 2927, requiring written settlement demands in bad-faith liability claims to remain open for 90 days and reference the statute, passed 90-50. HB 2387/HB 2480, reinstating the presidential primary and moving it to the first Tuesday in March, passed 116-23. HB 2885, redirecting the final $1 million from boat registration fees to fund the water patrol, passed 112-27. HB 2517, a real estate wholesaler disclosure bill, passed 130-6. HB 3107 was moved to the informal calendar. Debate also began on HB 1730, which would legalize firearm suppressors in Missouri; supporters framed it as a freedom, hearing-protection, and economic bill, while opponents warned it would make gun violence harder to detect and could aid criminals, but no final vote on that bill appears in the transcript.