Transcript Highlights:

• It's a collegial practice.
• As attorneys, we would like to be able to support candidates for office in the way in which the practice
• envisions." ...way in which the practice envisions, and that is where you have a strong legislature,
• Beyond primary prevention, we provide critical early intervention, peer support, and assessment services
• intervention services, and equip local task forces and coalitions with the technical assistance and best practices

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cicero Institute works across the country, bringing best practices from different states as well as the
• And that's going to be, once you start to see that snowball moving, and from a best-practice perspective
• And then finally, being able to share best practices for templates and scaling of these within the agencies
• And I think the best-practice way to reap the best rewards, to your point, who's closest...
• Is that your assessment as well? Yeah, absolutely.

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued AI should be treated as software, with agencies proactively identifying use cases, tracking outcomes, and avoiding unnecessary agency-level regulation or new bureaucratic structures. Members questioned him about workforce impacts, privacy, agency involvement, and the balance between innovation and guardrails; he said AI would likely augment workers in the short term and create new jobs over time, while legislative oversight should focus on specific harms and gaps in law rather than broad agency rules. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Arizona Department of Administration to require budget units to identify AI opportunities, reduce administrative duties, streamline procurement, and establish AI governance, while also sending emergency or temporary AI rules to the legislature for approval. An amendment added reporting requirements to the governor, legislative leaders, and Secretary of State on efficiency measures and barriers encountered. After limited testimony, including support from Jeannie Magdua of Conservative Ladies of America, the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill as amended on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent. The final bill, HB 2452, would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning considerations and adjust county planning requirements for land use and energy-related development. Supporters, including Russell Smolden of the Arizona Municipal Power Users Association and Dave Morris of Americans for Prosperity Arizona, said the bill would improve long-term planning for data centers, energy infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The County Supervisors Association opposed it, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred comprehensive planning with zoning, and reduced local control. The committee passed HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to find out the practice here shortly. Why don't you go ahead and hang there?
• County Central Hospital District to improve efficiency, accountability, and alignment with best practices
• In short, this bill provides a practical... ...narrowly tailored solution that balances the original
• public with a very good tool to use to remain informed about possible future tax increases. ...to assess
• This is something that we've actually been practicing in Harris County for a number of years, even before

Bills: HB103

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In practical terms, this fund provides the state share needed to draw down federal airport infrastructure
• Amendment number six removes certain definitions of arbitrary assessments.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered Senate Bill 436 by Senator Cloud, which revises how annual aviation fuel estimates are calculated for the Aviation Trust Fund. Senator Cloud explained that the fund supports airport and aviation projects and is used to draw down federal matching dollars, but its credited amount has remained flat for years despite changing fuel sales. The committee adopted a set of amendments allowing DOTD’s Office of Multimodal Commerce to use federal and other public data sources, requiring annual sales tax collection reports from the Department of Revenue, and making a technical change. The bill was then reported favorably as amended, with several supporters’ cards entered into the record. The committee next took up House Bill 1039 by Representative Desotel, dealing with local sales and use tax audit procedures. Desotel said the bill was intended to improve fairness, transparency, and consistency in local audits, especially where businesses face multiple simultaneous audits by different parishes. A nine-amendment set was offered; after discussion, the committee adopted all amendments except Amendment 4, which would have required private auditing firms to be domiciled in Louisiana, and authorized staff to make technical changes. Members raised concerns about whether the bill could unintentionally encourage delays in audits and about whether audits in one parish could trigger audits in others. Desotel said the goal was to add guardrails without harming parish taxing authority, and the bill was reported as amended. Several witnesses and committee members spoke in support of stronger limits on repeated parish audits, describing the burden on businesses and the need for a more uniform process. Support cards were read into the record from multiple individuals and organizations, including the Louisiana Retailers Association and NFIB. Senate Bill 423 was then voluntarily deferred, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• had done in which we evaluated the weights that are applied to different kinds of cases in order to assess
• It implemented evidence-based practices, data, informed decisions and youth academic achievement.

Transcript Highlights:

• UNDER LEADERSHIP OF OUR FIRST LADY THIS IDEA WAS PUT INTO PRACTICE WITH THE HOPE FLORIDA INITIATIVE THAT
• AT THE STATE LEVEL IN THE NATION BUT OUR CITIZENS HAVE BEEN SQUEEZED BY ESCALATING PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alabama LP Gas Board has been successful with integrating higher safety standards and reducing unsafe practices
• Board is responsible for administering the dry cleaners' self-insured fund for the investigation, assessment

Bills: HB407 , SB306 , SB320 , SB321

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: local redevelopment, tax payments, transient occupancy, state revenue, authority powers, transparency, discretionary accounts, government accountability, public access, online publication, liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulations, public gathering places, cylinder storage, proximity regulations, drycleaning, environmental remediation, pollution, hazardous waste, trust fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Best practice.”
• I practice medicine and public health in Olympia for 33 years.
• I practice medicine and public health in Olympia for 33 years.
• So we're concerned about this limited exception rolling into a routine practice, I guess.
• And so, you know, ...exception rolling into a routine practice, I guess.

Bills: HB2267 , HB2183 , HB2174 , HB1529

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: urban forestry, local government, environmental policy, tree management, community planning, heat response, counties, public health, emergency management, climate action, crash prevention, traffic safety, roadside regulations, emergency zones, public safety, state legislation, infrastructure, county resources, road construction, maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, we run assessments in our city of danger areas, and um, there are places where there are problems
• . that's already adopted as part of best practice for the safe system approach that would reduce the
• Creating a model forestry ordinance with sustainable practices and ongoing technical support written
• I practice medicine and public health in Olympia for 33 years.
• So we're concerned about this limited exception rolling into a routine practice, I guess.

Summary: The House Local Government Committee held public hearings on four bills. HB 2174 would allow counties, cities, towns, or the Department of Transportation to designate accident risk zones on roads with repeated crashes, hold a public hearing, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, and use half of traffic fine revenue for safety improvements. The sponsor and local officials from Pasco and Colotis described serious crashes and fatalities on U.S. 12 and U.S. 395 and said the bill could provide a temporary safety tool while long-term fixes are pursued. Testifiers generally supported the concept but raised concerns about liability, implementation, youth penalties, and possible targeted enforcement, especially for motorcyclists; several suggested amendments and the committee discussed possible alignment with safe system practices. HB 2267 would direct the Department of Commerce to create a model urban forest management ordinance, update it every 10 years, provide guidance on tree retention and mitigation, and create a grant program for local governments that adopt or substantially adopt the model. Supporters from Washington Conservation Action, The Nature Conservancy, FutureWise, and the Puget Sound Partnership said trees are important for stormwater, heat reduction, air quality, public health, and climate resilience, and argued the bill could help balance housing growth with canopy protection. Opposition from the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Master Builders Association focused on the grant condition tied to adoption of the model ordinance, concerns that the bill would effectively mandate local policy, and worries that prioritizing tree retention could constrain housing production and increase legal risk. HB 2183 would require counties planning under the Growth Management Act to adopt extreme heat response plans by July 1, 2027, covering immediate response, long-term mitigation, protection of high-risk populations, tribal coordination, and public education. The sponsor and physicians from Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility cited the 2021 heat dome as a deadly disaster that overwhelmed emergency services and killed many people in their homes, arguing counties need coordinated planning for future heat events. Local public health officials supported the goal but asked for amendments to reduce duplication with existing emergency and mitigation plans and to clarify leadership roles; L&I requested that the bill reference existing worker-protection rules for outdoor workers. HB 1529 would let counties perform city roadway striping and paving work without counting it against city public works limits or bidding thresholds, if the county can do the work more cheaply or no bids are received. Supporters from Pasco and the Association of Counties said it would help cities use existing county equipment and crews more efficiently, while contractors and labor groups opposed it, warning about reduced competition, quality and oversight concerns, and the loss of prevailing-wage and small-business opportunities. No votes were taken on any of the bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the center is now conducting a study, a needs assessment, expected to be completed this spring to
• collaboration between DDS and DMH on implementing the new rule to ensure that our respective agency practices
• Again, we still want to be mindful of privacy practices and privacy.
• I also participate in a monthly National State as a Model Employer community of practice.
• This group brings states together to share strategies and best practices around improving disability

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual meeting and approved the September minutes. Chair Denise Garlick opened with updates on the commission’s first “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Needham, reporting strong attendance, a large resource fair, and mostly positive survey feedback. Commissioners said the event was valuable for connecting advocates, providers, and people with disabilities, while also noting lessons learned about accessibility, timing, and the need for more networking time and advance materials. The chair said the commission is planning future forums in other regions, including possible sites in Lowell, Northampton, and the South Shore. A major item was the new advisory council. Oz Osmondahar and Eman described the outreach and screening process, which drew roughly 60 nominations and emphasized lived experience, sector expertise, geographic diversity, and connections to broader networks. The council will serve as strategic advisors and thought partners, meet twice a year, and hold its first in-person orientation on January 30 at the State House Members Lounge. Commissioners were encouraged to stay engaged with the council and use it to strengthen commission and subcommittee work. Subcommittee reports covered employment, workforce supports, and long-term services and supports/health equity. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported collaboration with SEED, a presentation at the Employment Matters Conference, a discussion with a disability employee resource group, and upcoming work with CED and veterans advocates. The Workforce Supports Subcommittee heard from the MassHealth Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center about workforce data gaps and an upcoming needs assessment, and plans to host ADDP on 2025 workforce metrics. The long-term services and supports committee discussed the Housing Navigator program, barriers to accessible housing, and concerns about how federal cuts could affect disability services and health equity. The commission also heard from DDS Deputy General Counsel Erin Brown and Associate Commissioner Chris Klaskin on a new law expanding access to records from former state institutions, including new notification and privacy procedures and a forthcoming regulatory process with public input. Commissioners welcomed the law as a step toward transparency and dignity. Amen gave an executive director update on the annual report, recent collaboration with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, a national state-employer practice group, and the IDD/Autism Alliance working group. The meeting also included a moment of reflection for disability activist Alice Wong, a commissioner announcement about Work Without Limits’ virtual career fair, and adjournment after a motion and second were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• The better Idaho prepares for this idea and practicality of longevity, the stronger our communities will
• So our Age-friendly communities network helps policymakers prepare for this reality through best practices
• And I just want to call out this is a state-of-the-art innovative practice.
• And they're really focused on evaluating and assessing our program alignment and compliance... ...with
• the Medicaid program at CMS, to be part of a small group kind of offering them guidance on best practices

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the January 21 and January 22, 2026 minutes, then heard a presentation from AARP Idaho on aging issues. AARP described Idaho’s growing 50-plus population, emphasizing concerns about Social Security, affordable health insurance, caregiving, housing, transportation, and fraud/scams. The presenter highlighted AARP’s age-friendly community work and grant program, and said older Idahoans are a major voting bloc whose needs should be considered across policy areas. In response to questions, AARP discussed education efforts on scams, including scam jams and outreach with law enforcement, and noted support for measures such as a bill targeting fraud through crypto kiosks. The committee then received a detailed Department of Health and Welfare update from Director Juliet Sharon on program integrity, fraud, waste, and abuse prevention. She said the department had recently created a department-wide fraud policy, an anonymous reporting line, a compliance committee, and mandatory staff training, and launched “impact reviews” to evaluate whether programs are still solving the intended problems. She also described ongoing fraud work in Medicaid, self-reliance programs, and the Idaho Child Care Program, including a 360-degree review of 775 child care providers that had already led to nine terminations and further investigations. Sharon said the department has limited staff and backlogs, and asked for additional resources, including five new child care staff and a contractor to assist with Medicaid provider reviews. Members raised concerns about child care providers receiving public funds while not registered with the Secretary of State, recovery of overpayments, and the visibility of recovery data. Sharon said the department is working with the Tax Commission and plans to codify child care program requirements and create a broader Title 56 program integrity chapter. She said recovered funds are returned to the appropriate program bucket, with federal shares returned as required, and that the department is working to improve public reporting. The committee also discussed single audit findings, the use of technology and possible AI tools to improve oversight, and the department’s efforts to reduce compliance problems before they become public issues. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• More recently, she's been helping me with the lobbying practice as a part of the law firm.
• My legal practice focuses mainly on environmental and natural resources law.
• He's definitely more the face of our lobbying practice.
• Do you have a way to provide that or assess that from the information that you’re extrapolating from?
• To follow up on the point you made, I think you’re spot on about something just from practical experience

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We had our peer review, which is when your colleagues come in and check your audit practices.
• The lawsuit alleges that for decades, Deere's unlawful practices have limited the ability of farmers
• The federal agency that administers the Medicaid program does regular assessments of state Medicaid programs
• The practice has always been that the Chair of Ways and Means has sort of delegated that authority to
• to the debt report date, my own bill, House File 1836, which made changes to the Government Data Practices

Bills: HF627 , HF474 , HF361 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• entire structural program for our children to virtual learning with they did with little to no best practice
• I can practice on the same court every day, travel to out of town tournaments, and still get good sleep
• After those late practices.
• You can go to the doctor, you can take tutoring, you can do extra sports or practice, and you can do
• So Section 9 would allow school districts to Assess the appropriateness and feasibility of virtual learning

Bills: HB117

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• instructional program for our children into virtual learning, which they did with little to no best practice
• I can practice on the same court every day, travel to out-of-town tournaments, and still get good sleep
• after those late practices.
• You can go to the doctor, you can take breaks, you can do extra sports or practice, and you can do your
• Section 9 would allow school districts to... assess the appropriateness and feasibility of virtual learning

Bills: HB 117 , HB2196 , HB2689 , HCR64 , HB117

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: early childhood education, task force, governance, Texas Education Agency, child care, education policy, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance, education technology, remote learning, education legislation, workforce development, adult education, high school diploma, industry certification, pilot program, gifted education, education support

Transcript Highlights:

• switching out photos, that would definitely be something noted and something that's not an acceptable practice
• these licensed professionals must navigate additional training, education, and fees before legally practicing
• Adopt clear procedures for assessing the equivalency of other states' licensing requirements, focusing
• on training standards, scopes of practice, and complaint resolution processes.
• workforce integration for newly arrived professionals and opens opportunities for Texans seeking to practice

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a standard practice within the office, I know when I started at least, we gave a seven-day grace
• , and as a part of that law was a requirement for the State Fire Marshal's Office to create best practices
• And as far as we're concerned, those best practices and rules have been a home run.
• Who better than to write new best practices and offer guidance and recommendations and encouragement
• It includes language expanding the cancer decontamination best practices to include education on the

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony. The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• learn have how what we do benefits the environment and the consumer understand that these Regina to practices
• The watermelon example is sort of similar except a whole different set of production practices.
• and then stop the injection of blue dye and let the former just go back and whatever irrigation practices
• And on a farm, it takes years to make those cultural practice changes is not like to turn of the dial
• Some of our assessments would suggest that we're ahead of target for the time frame that where we need

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will train teachers, foster cultural competence, and create a best practices framework that directly
• </c><00:21:19.679><c> framework</c><00:21:20.200><c> that</c> create a best practices framework that
• guide that the state can practice guide that the state can leverage<00:21:41.480><c> towards</c><00:
• needed for the environmental assessment needed for the native<03:54:25.120><c> Hine</c><03:54:25.399
• I also learned many Hawaiian culture practices.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last but not least, we have HB 883, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice, by Representative
• But current law allows for advanced practice registered nurses to engage in autonomous practice of primary
• autonomous practice for psychiatric nurses.
• We assess diagnosed diseases, prescribe medications.
• In Maryland, full practice authority since 2015...

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced several health care bills. HB 909, joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, was presented with a strike-all amendment and reported favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. HB 911, the related public records exemption protecting certain biological information, was also adopted and reported favorably as amended by a 14-0 vote. CS for HB 597, allowing schools to procure and administer glucagon for students with diabetes under trained personnel, passed unanimously 14-0 after a technical amendment. HB 519, aligning state law with federal language on controlled substances administered by paramedics, passed as amended 14-0. The committee then took up HB 919 on nursing education programs. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf argued the bill would create accountability for underperforming nursing schools by requiring remediation, tuition refunds in the lowest-performing programs, and public reporting of passage rates. Supporters said it would improve quality and protect students from debt without licensure success, while opponents from private nursing schools warned it could close programs and reduce nurse supply. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably 15-0. HB 1553, which would require health care providers to submit identified uterine fibroid data so the Department of Health can implement the research database previously authorized by law, passed unanimously 15-0. The final bill, HB 883, would allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to practice autonomously; supporters said it would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents raised concerns about quality and physician oversight. After lengthy testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 14-3.