Transcript Highlights:

• child welfare laws by clarifying that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm
• The bill provides that if an investigation finds harm and neglect, the courts can then intervene and
• The bill expands the definition of harm and neglect in such a way that more children can be protected
• That is a 20% reduction, you know. The number is 16,800.
• That is a 20% reduction in the pre-enrollment list. Now, how did that happen?

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced several bills and confirmations. SB 1016, on medical assistance eligibility for working persons with disabilities, was amended to remove automatic enrollment and to improve information sharing between AHCA and DCF; supporters said the bill codifies an existing program that helps developmentally disabled adults work without losing Medicaid coverage, and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1002, on temporary custody of minor children, was amended to focus on substance abuse as a pathway for court intervention when parental drug abuse creates ongoing risk to a child, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1594, on veteran benefit payments for minor clients in foster care, would ensure military benefits accessed for foster youth are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare rather than used as reimbursement to agencies; it passed favorably without amendment. The committee also considered SB 1630 on aging and disability services, a broad modernization bill covering long-term care screening, emergency continuity of care, area agency oversight, Alzheimer’s services, home care, and guardianship reforms. Two amendments were adopted, including one on competitive procurement and another allowing area agencies on aging to directly provide core services during emergencies with department approval. Supporters emphasized caregiver navigation, dementia training, and service continuity, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1030 on substance abuse services/recovery residences was taken up with a substitute amendment that narrowed transfer definitions, required faster licensure action for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident medical records; stakeholders said further work was needed, but the committee still reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard the nomination of Robert Astellos to lead the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He outlined priorities including reducing the pre-enrollment list, improving transparency and family involvement, strengthening customer service, and streamlining agency processes. Several disability and provider organizations appeared in support, and the committee voted to recommend his confirmation. The committee then recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10 by a single favorable vote, and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jonsson: THANK YOU GOOD AFTERNOON , THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO PRESENT HB 697, THE PRESCRIPTION REDUCTION
• RISKING THE DRUG ADMINISTRATION CUTTING EDGE INNOVATION OF NEW TREATMENTS AND THERAPIES AND WITHOUT HARMING
• THROUGH A STATE-BASED PRICE CONTROL SYSTEM WE WOULD HAVE SIMILAR RESULTS BECAUSE YOU LOOK AT THE REDUCTION
• WE'VE SEEN OF COURSE THE REDUCTION OF INNOVATION AND CLINICAL TRIALS, SMALL MOLECULE DEVELOPMENT WITH
• THE COMMUNITY ONCOLOGY ALLIANCE WHERE THEY SAY YOUR CORE APPROACH OF FIGHTING REVENUE PRICES COULD HARM

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Maria Harms.
• the current regulatory standards and the newly proposed modifications will continue to cause serious harm
• <00:04:30.199> plans preparedness plans risk reduction plans preparedness plans risk reduction
• Thank you, Miss Harms. Is there any other member of the public who wishes to testify on this bill?
• Miss Harms, Mr. Chair and committee members, thank you for the question.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• address the seriousness of the harm address the seriousness of the harm inflicted<00:32:22.679><
• The bottom line is suspending students causes harm.
• K3 dismissal ban is going going to harm K3 dismissal ban is going going to harm black<01:10:26.640
• Punishment and banishment only perpetuate the harm by further harming the child, who will in turn more
• Punishment and banishment only perpetuate the harm by further harming the child, who will in turn more

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This has allowed a reduction of approximately 30% of ETA, or estimated time of arrival, calls—secondary
• You do not need to take a benefit reduction. Any questions for Nick? I certainly do. Yes, sir.
• to our workers. at our workers while others have threatened bodily harm to our workers and customers
• Sorry, we know our... ...state level to harm our democracy.
• Thank you. ...in reduction of pursuits, we believe. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions?

Bills: SB1046, SB1317, SB1376, SB1416, SB1448, SB1471, SB1493, SB1498, SB1502, SB1504, SB1538, SB1544, SB1550, SB1579, SB1581, SB1584, SB1624, SB1673

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The committee first approved its February 4 minutes and announced several bills would be held, including SB 1317, SB 1416, SB 1419, SB 1490, and SB 1493. It then heard SB 1579, which would appropriate about $4.7 million from the state general fund to expand a law enforcement data-sharing pilot through the Department of Administration, with funds for DPS, county sheriffs, university police, and city/town police departments. Testimony from the sponsor, Flagstaff’s mayor, Eloy’s police chief, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office staff emphasized faster records access, better coordination, and officer safety; an amendment added $125,900 for the Scottsdale Police Department after it had been omitted. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1579 a do pass recommendation by a 6-0 vote with one not voting. The committee next considered SB 1581, which appropriates about $1.4 million from the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund for pepperball equipment and about $1.316 million for public safety training simulators, with an amendment increasing the Nogales Police Department’s pepperball allocation and expanding simulator funding so Yavapai County could buy two simulators with a three-year warranty. Supporters from Navajo County, Phoenix, Glendale, Flagstaff, and Cochise County described pepperball as a de-escalation tool and simulators as important for crisis-response and use-of-force training. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1581 as amended on a 7-0 vote. SB 1673 was heard next and would appropriate $8.2 million from the general fund to the Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund, exempting the appropriation from lapsing. The sponsor and law enforcement witnesses said the automated notification system has improved victim communication, reduced workload, and sent millions of updates; committee members asked about funding sources and why a bill is needed for a constitutionally mandated program. The committee approved SB 1673 without amendment on a 7-0 vote. The committee also heard SB 1544, which would make adult probation records public on request, while requiring redaction or withholding of sensitive information such as victim data, minors’ information, medical or counseling records, active investigations, and confidential informants, and creating a process for written denials and court appeals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to increase transparency and data access, while witnesses raised concerns about risk-assessment language and confidential information; the sponsor said amendments would be brought later to clarify those provisions. The committee passed SB 1544 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, SB 1376, creating a civic leadership development special plate and fund for a youth mentoring nonprofit, passed unanimously, and SB 1550, a three-year Queen Creek pilot program to prevent runaway youth exploitation and improve investigations, also passed after testimony from Queen Creek officials and police; one senator voted no, citing concerns about how runaway youth are treated in other legislation. The committee then began hearing SB 1504, a pension bill modifying retirement dates and COLA timing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel, with supporters arguing it would improve recruitment and retention and opponents warning it would create significant unfunded liabilities, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:29:29.920> effects right we'll defeat the harmful effects right we'll defeat the harmful
• <03:55:01.239> account<03:55:01.800> to<03:55:02.040> help spending reduction
• account to help spending reduction account to help address<03:55:02.760> the<03:55:02.920>
• Act to Democrats the inflation reduction Act was<04:10:52.279> signed<04:10:52.520> into
• <04:32:20.680> accounts providing spending reduction accounts providing spending reduction

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Heather Lusk, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, in support.
• Nikos Leance for Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, members.
• Nikos Leance with Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center.
• Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center. Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center.
• I apologize for Harm Reduction Center.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Per the Tahirih... the statutory changes that we enacted in this state in 2017 led to a 95% reduction
• This is harming children right here in Texas. And let me be clear, this bill costs nothing.
• It harms no one, and it ends a human rights abuse. I ask for your favorable consent. Thank you.
• Okay, so if we were to do this, how much reduction of child marriage would you anticipate?
• No state has reported any harm caused by taking this common-sense step to protect children.

Bills: HB168, HB 1044, HB1534, HB1914, HB2240, HB2530, HB3284, HB3395, HB3515, HB3783, HB4034, HB4213, HB168

Keywords: marriage age, minors, family law, void marriage, rights of minors, Texas marriage law, marriage ceremony, authorized officiants, family code, judges, religious leaders, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, legal rights, notice requirements, HB 1914, Texas Family Code, Chapter 156, conservatorship, custody

Transcript Highlights:

• We're taking harm reduction professionals who are out there trying to reduce disease, drug abuse, and
• reduction Um we're taking harm reduction Um we're taking harm reduction professionals<00:29:24.240
• And so, this is a harm minimization bill.
• And so, this is a harm minimization bill.
• primary reason for the breast reduction primary reason for the breast reduction surgery<01:05:14.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've already seen some of the harm over the last eight months.
• We've already seen some of the harm over the last eight months.
• So invasive species are introduced pests that harm our natural ecosystems, our crops, and our working
• I actually argue we've already had irreparable harm.
• This effort has been hit by reductions in federal funding and federal staff contributions.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development held a hearing on the DRIVE Act, a proposal to invest $400 million in Massachusetts research and innovation without new taxes. Governor Healey and administration officials said the bill would direct $200 million to public higher education research and regional partnerships and $200 million to a research funding pool for hospitals, universities, and other institutions, with the goal of retaining talent, leveraging private and philanthropic dollars, and offsetting major federal R&D cuts. They argued that research is a core economic engine for the state, supporting jobs across labs, construction, services, and surrounding businesses, and said the bill would help protect the Commonwealth’s tax base and competitiveness during a period of federal uncertainty and cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether Fair Share surtax dollars should instead be used for K-12 and other community needs, whether the proposal is enough given the scale of lost federal grants, and how the money would be allocated. The governor responded that the funds are one-time surplus dollars, that most surtax revenue already supports education, and that the bill is meant as a bridge to stabilize public higher education and research. She also said the legislation includes a review board and could support a revolving or matched-fund approach in some cases. Several members pressed for more detail on selection criteria, future funding, and whether private companies and large endowments should contribute more. University of Massachusetts leaders and researchers testified that federal grant cancellations and delays are already causing layoffs, furloughs, rescinded admissions, and lost research capacity. UMass officials said the bill would help preserve faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research programs in medicine, climate science, marine science, Braille instruction, and AI decision-making. They emphasized that the funding should be merit-based and that the state needs to act quickly to prevent talent from leaving Massachusetts. Business, labor, and industry groups, including MassBio, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, AIM, the AFL-CIO, and Building Trades, supported the bill, saying it would protect jobs, sustain the innovation ecosystem, and reinforce Massachusetts’ national leadership in research and life sciences. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are three different levels of harm in our statutes, so there's death, then great bodily harm, substantial
• bodily harm, and then bodily harm.
• So I'm curious why substantial bodily harm was chosen instead of great bodily harm.
• substantial bodily harm here.
• figuring out the right level of harm figuring out the right level of harm whether<00:08:42.680><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill addresses a key issue in the workers' compensation system: unauthorized payment reductions
• Currently, providers cannot dispute these reductions through the independent bill review process.
• Every year, millions of vapes are improperly disposed of, harming our environment.
• Such tactics not only inflict harm upon the victim, ...and shield officers from liability.
• And so I'm just expressing my concern. ...bill that would cause unintentional harm.

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file of bills. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules for AB 1219, followed by consideration of numerous measures on housing, veterans, education, elections, energy, wildfire prevention, public safety, and consumer affordability. Several bills drew bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly, including AB 878 on safety accommodations for survivors of violence, AB 948 on school district facility maintenance, AB 81 and AB 88 on veterans’ mental health and student aid, AB 640 on school board fiscal training, AB 660 on housing permit timelines, AB 1048 on workers’ compensation billing disputes, AB 1119 on dual credentialing, AB 1172 on inhalable anti-seizure medication access, AB 1227 on wildfire prevention, AB 1285 and AB 696 on lithium-ion battery safety, AB 1417 on offshore wind transparency, AB 1530 on disaster recovery assistance, and AB 353 on affordable home internet. Some measures drew opposition or more divided votes, including AB 704 on sealing certain misdemeanor records, AB 1249 on early voting access, AB 1280 on thermal energy incentives, AB 1448 on offshore oil protections, AB 380 on price gouging, AB 402 on Cal Grant increases, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification, and AB 1084 on expedited gender-change and name-change court orders. The Assembly also granted reconsideration on AB 435, a child passenger safety bill, and passed it after debate on the five-step safety-seat standard. The floor debate featured recurring themes of affordability, housing, wildfire preparedness, election access, veterans’ services, and public safety. Supporters of the election bill AB 1249 argued it would simply add a Saturday early-voting option in non-VCA counties, while opponents raised concerns about verification and county staffing. AB 30, authorizing E15 gasoline in California, was presented as an urgency measure to lower fuel costs and passed unanimously on the urgency and the bill. AB 1466 on groundwater disputes was also taken up, with the author arguing it would reduce frivolous litigation and better represent all water users; the vote was 42 ayes and 17 noes. After completing the file, the Assembly recessed for lunch, later returned, and continued with additional file items, with many measures passing on strong bipartisan votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• WHICH IS THE SALES TAX RATE REDUCTION WE PASSED OFF THE FLOOR UNANIMOUSLY IN WEEK SIX.
• THIS IS THE REDUCTION OF THE STATE SALES TAX GENERAL SALES TAX FROM 6 PERCENT TO 5.25 AND SEVERAL OTHER
• THE TOTAL RECURRING REDUCTION IN TAXES IN THE BILL IS JUST UNDER $5.5 BILLION OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY
• IT WOULD LEAVE THE REST OF THE TAX PACKAGE IN PLACE JUST REMOVE WHAT I THINK ARE MORE HARMFUL PARTS.
• PACKAGE IN PLACE JUST REMOVE WHAT I THINK ARE MORE HARMFUL PARTS. >> Chair: THOSE IN FAVOR?

Transcript Highlights:

• These are typically 15- to 25-year agreements that promote carbon reduction and rate stability.
• Four, in just seven months, New Hampshire passed a law to investigate wireless harm.
• The radiation goes through walls and it's harmful to our cells.
• Thousands of peer-reviewed published studies indicate great harm from RF radiation.
• My family has been harmed by the high levels of dirty electric... S. 2306.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of energy, utility, broadband, and municipal infrastructure bills. Representative Powell supported H 3466, which would create a task force to study public ownership of utilities and alternatives to investor-owned electric and gas systems. Representative Therber supported H 3574, which would use RGGI funds to reimburse cities and towns affected by power plant decommissioning, citing lost jobs, tax revenue, and service cuts in communities such as Somerset, Plymouth, Salem, and Everett. Several witnesses from municipal light plants and related organizations testified in support of mutual aid bills, including H 3486/S 2252 and H 3330/S 2277, saying the measures would clarify protections and liability coverage for MLP workers assisting in emergencies and non-emergency work. Jim Leiden of EMWIC opposed H 3514/S 2295, saying the proposed board and governance changes would reduce local control, add burdens, and weaken confidentiality protections. A committee member asked whether the mutual aid bills had been reviewed for municipal impacts, and the witnesses said they had done due diligence. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H 3551/S 2306, the smart meter opt-out bills. Supporters argued that smart meters emit harmful wireless radiation, that some residents have developed health problems or electromagnetic sensitivity, and that opt-outs should be available without fees or penalties; several witnesses urged notification, consent, and non-transmitting analog meter options. The committee also heard testimony from municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in support of H 3462/S 2250, which would strengthen municipal authority to enforce timely removal of double utility poles, citing safety, accessibility, and construction-delay concerns. Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber opposed H 3450, saying it would improperly shift broadband deployment costs to competitors. At the end of testimony, the chair closed the hearing by motion and vote, with members voting aye and no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is well-deserved because our children are being harmed.
• Has California even had a reduction?
• You asked if they had a reduction. I don't know; there probably won't be one right off the bat.
• Additionally, this change would harm Texas medical students.
• You all have a doctrine about "do no harm," right? Well, we should apply this.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Early and frequent use harms children.
• Um, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, Nikos Leverance. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, members.
• Nikos Leins with Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center. Uh, in strong support of this bill.
• Um, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction<01:01:51.280> Center.
• Nikico Leins with Havi Health and Harm Nikico Leins with Havi Health and Harm Reduction<01:02:00.720

Bills: SB2211, SB2025, SB2038, SB2050, SB2051, SB2090

Keywords: emergency funding, food assistance, healthcare, federal shutdown, Hawaii, DHS, jury duty, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, exemption, patient care, financial hardship, medication abortion, anonymous prescription, pregnancy rights, healthcare privacy, pharmacy regulations, chiropractic education, clinical training, student supervision

Summary: The House Committee on Health held its first hearing of the session and opened with housekeeping notes, introductions of members, and an explanation that the agenda would be taken out of order to accommodate a sign language interpreter. The committee first heard HB 469, relating to parking for disabled persons. Testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill, explaining that a travel placard would help people with disabilities who must travel interisland or to the mainland for medical care. Members asked about emergency travel, misuse prevention, and how to distinguish the travel placard from existing disabled parking placards; witnesses said the bill would need to be tied to administrative rules, and agreed the placard should clearly show an expiration date and likely be a different color. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 218, relating to hospital surgical smoke. The Department of Health supported the measure, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii supported it with amendments, saying hospitals already follow existing standards but that any new policy should account for different procedures and provider safety. A committee member questioned the proposed amendment language and whether it was too flexible; the witness explained the intent was to allow case-by-case application because some procedures generate only brief exposure. Members also asked what surgical smoke is, and the witness explained it is produced when electrical or cauterizing tools are used on tissue and creates vapor or fumes. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee next took up HB 814, which would fund a public information campaign and related services on cannabis use among youth. The Department of the Attorney General said the bill should be amended to clarify whether the funding would be used for contracts or grants and to include proper grant standards if grants are intended. The Department of Health supported the bill and said the funds would expand prevention, treatment, recovery, and public education efforts, including social media outreach, PSAs, and school-based youth services. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support, emphasizing the harms of youth cannabis use and the need for prevention and treatment resources. Members asked what the department currently does, whether it is fulfilling existing law on science-based cannabis information, and what kinds of treatment would be provided; the department said services would mainly be intensive outpatient, outpatient, counseling, and related youth-focused supports. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Abandoned waste attracts additional dumping, creates fire hazards, blocks sidewalks, harms businesses
• Illegal dumping is a deliberate act that preys on vulnerable communities and disproportionately harms
• But this bill also goes further in terms of achieving those emission reductions and GHG reductions as
• Unfortunately, this bill will substantially increase air pollution and harm public health.
• We know education can reduce harm in public safety settings.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This increase helps offset reductions in federal funding and ensures continued support for essential
• We began with federal reductions. And then we were under attack...
• was intended as a previous um as... ...as Representative San Buenaventura indicated to reduce the harm
• , but the adoption of that world-changing technology also delivered a good amount of chaos, public harm
• , but the adoption of that world-changing technology also delivered a good amount of chaos, public harm

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Quality, the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, and the Office of Public Interest Counsel.
• to business, harmful to property owner rights, and so on and so forth.
• And other suggestions for reductions.
• Reduction plan so chair calls Nate Hickman and Elizabeth Cepuentes Cook and .
• I don't have the numbers in front of me to compare total emissions reductions for theirs.

Bills: HB512, HB2248, HB2679, HB2832, HB3112, HB3368, HB3490, HB3512, HB3623, HB3666, HB3700, HB3711, HB3770, HB3963

Keywords: grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2015, you can see these are delinquency cases filed statewide, a 55% reduction.
• Total delinquency cases, we looked at that: 38% reduction there on felonies, 60% reduction on misdemeanors
• , 48% reduction in revocations.
• To start, I actually think the data does show a reduction, a little reduction in commitment.
• What's important to me is total cases filed from 2015 down to 2025, a clear reduction of that.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth met to approve prior minutes, confirm Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and receive several presentations. The Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review team reported on unexpected child deaths in Arkansas, saying its 2023 review covered 148 of 170 non-natural deaths, with the remainder unavailable due to criminal investigations or missing records. Of the reviewed deaths, 69 were accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined, and members discussed how the report’s recommendations could be used by agencies and nonprofits for prevention work and grant applications. Committee members also asked about age breakdowns and how the data could be shared without identifying individual cases. The committee then took up HCR 1010 and a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Representative Shepard said the resolution was intended to confront data on juvenile incarceration and system outcomes. Senator Missy Irvin, judges Troy Braswell and Kathy Hess, and AOC Juvenile Division Director Burke Steen described the state’s long-running reform efforts, including the SAVRY risk assessment, diversion programs, and efforts to keep more youth in their communities. They said the reforms have reduced delinquency filings, DYS commitments, and revocations, while increasing diversions, but also emphasized ongoing gaps in mental health, substance abuse, and school-based supports. Members raised concerns about school data sharing, behavioral health access, and how to better identify youth with disabilities or trauma earlier. Judge Braswell and others stressed that many youth in the system have significant trauma, family instability, or unmet treatment needs, and that judges need individualized information to make decisions. Several members discussed the role of schools, the school safety dashboard, and the need for stronger community providers, especially in rural areas. The committee then heard from DYS Director Michael Crump, who provided data on commitments, facility use, demographics, offense levels, length of stay, education outcomes, recidivism, dual DCFS/DYS custody, and costs. He said commitments rose after the pandemic and then began to decline, while secure and detention costs increased with the need for more beds; he also noted that most youth in custody have behavioral health needs and that DYS works closely with DCFS, courts, and providers. No final action was taken on HCR 1010 during the discussion.