Transcript Highlights:

• So one of the things that this cleans up that is needed is it allows those home care day centers to have
• Yeah, I listened to a little Iron Maiden in my day.
• Yeah, I listened to a little Iron Maiden in my day.
• It's all audited and taken care of.
• some of the authority for them It's just that it delegates some of the authority for them to make the day-to-day

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Having worked with child care... ...public opportunity to weigh in.
• So we will have several more days of rules.
• We'll do the two repeals and a rewrite: Consumer Directed Care to DDA and the LIHEAP.
• Thursday would be the foster care licensing and daycare license and then the ICCP.
• We don't spend more than we make, and we continue to save for a rainy day.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by health care professionals.
• care.
• care.
• It becomes computer care instead of patient care.
• It becomes computer care instead of patient care.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> And if the order sticks for 364 days, And if the order sticks for 364 days, that's<00:49:44.720
• , a full 364-day order.
• </c> care mental health professional granted. care mental health professional granted.
• </c> only on day two of listening to bills. only on day two of listening to bills.
• Uh we have uh uh day at the Capitol.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• services when the minor transitions out of foster care.
• bias, particularly in emergency care settings.
• professionals receive essential training in sickle cell care and treatment.
• And you just heard from people that suffer through this disease every day.
• So there's also health care initiatives and financial literacy and so many things.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to 180 days prior to an election.
• to 210 days.
• to 180 days.
• to 180 days.
• In case of primary elections, 210 days, and in case of general election, inserting the words 210 days

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a busy day to hear today.
• You mentioned specifically child care and transportation.
• So I would encourage you... ...day as the study comes back.
• Is it like 30 days after they are in this setting?
• Is it like 30 days after they are in this setting?

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then took up an interim study proposal on adult education and the Excel Center model. Representatives from Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, the Excel Center network, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities testified that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED, and argued that the Excel Center provides a supported diploma pathway for adults who struggle with GED testing. Witnesses highlighted wraparound services such as free child care, transportation assistance, tutoring, life coaching, and career services, and cited outcomes including high retention, growing enrollment, and research showing higher employment and earnings and lower criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members raised questions about the state’s role, existing adult education programs, and how the study would be structured; the motion to adopt the ISP passed, though there was some procedural disagreement about when questions should have been taken. The committee then heard a detailed adequacy funding overview from BLR staff Katie Walden and Adrian Beck on Arkansas K-12 education finance. They reviewed national funding principles and explained Arkansas’s system, including state and local revenue sources, the Public School Fund, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and the Facilities Partnership Program. Staff said K-12 state and local revenues totaled $6.6 billion in 2025, with foundation funding making up the largest share of district and charter funding, followed by additional, categorical, and supplemental funds. They also explained the matrix-based foundation formula, the role of the uniform rate of tax, and how categorical and supplemental funds support areas such as alternative learning, English learners, special education high-cost cases, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth. Members asked several follow-up questions about how specific funding categories are defined and used, including student support staff, instructional aides, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the inclusion of Excel Center amounts in state-local funding totals. Staff said some of those details would be addressed in a later presentation and offered to provide additional records, including district lists and historical information. The meeting ended after the funding overview, with no additional votes or actions beyond the ISP adoption and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a busy day to hear today.
• You mentioned specifically child care and transportation.
• But that takes care of it. That's our final piece of the funding model for Arkansas.
• Is it like 30 days after they are in this setting?
• Is it like 30 days after they are in this setting?

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which was last week, Lights Out Day in Oklahoma.
• It's my privilege to introduce our Nurse of the Day, Caitlin Simack.
• , the day that I finally give my farewell speech.
• Nobody works harder than Jared Kendricks in this building every day.
• And I asked him, I said, so what's on your plate for the day?

Bills: HCR1026 , SB1130 , SB1134 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1142 , HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions and presentations. Members honored Vice Admiral Jeff Trusler as Veteran of the Week, recognized the Prague Kolache Festival royalty and candidates, unveiled an artwork for the Capitol’s Hall of Heroes, and introduced the Doctor, Psychologist, and Nurse of the Day, along with the OSBI cold case team. The House also adopted HCR 1026, a resolution tied to Earth Day and “Lights Out Day” in Oklahoma, aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting migrating birds. A major portion of the meeting consisted of farewell remarks from Representatives Mike Osborne and Kevin West. Both reflected on their years of service, thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, and emphasized themes of public service, hard work, conviction, and working across differences. Osborne’s remarks focused on freedom, immigration, service, and doing good in public life, while West stressed standing on principle, listening to others, and choosing courage over convenience. After the presentations and personal privilege speeches, the House moved into consideration of legislation. Chairman Caldwell presented the joint committee report on Senate Bill 1130, relating to the University Hospitals Authority, saying it would help ensure Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma have one of the world’s leading pediatric cardiology units. The transcript ends as members begin considering the bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, minutes of our previous day? Minutes of the 40th legislative day.
• I don't care what the bill says.
• I don't care what is said.
• It's really my day now. See. Senator, I want to say... I know. I know. It's really my day now.
• I see it every day.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, I was glad that the Board of Nursing and federal authorities took care of that situation.
• The voluntary non-opioid directive does not alter any other advance health care directive.
• Let's take up Tab 3, Senate Bill 170 on quality care and nursing homes. You are recognized.
• Nursing homes are an important component of the health care...
• and quality of care for patients in nursing homes.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 526 on nursing education programs, sponsored by Senator Harrell, would tighten oversight of nursing schools by requiring admission criteria, exit exams, remediation plans, annual reporting, on-site inspections, and stronger action against programs with poor NCLEX results or adverse actions in other jurisdictions. After testimony from the sponsor and several committee questions, a late-filed amendment restored a two-year probation period instead of one year, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 714, also by Senator Harrell, would create a voluntary non-opioid advance directive allowing patients to document a wish not to receive opioids, including when incapacitated, with the form developed by the Department of Health and potentially included in electronic medical records. The sponsor said it would not prevent treatment discussions and would provide liability protection for providers who lack actual knowledge of the directive in emergencies. The bill drew no opposition in the meeting and was reported favorably. Senate Bill 170, sponsored by Senator Burton, would add nursing home quality and transparency measures, including consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, electronic health record requirements, reporting to the Florida Health Information Exchange, a $10,000 fine for failure to submit required financial data, and reporting on Medicaid quality payments. An amendment clarified the fine’s application to both facilities and home offices. Testimony from AARP and the Florida Health Care Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably after discussion about implementation and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• that every day.
• And perhaps you don't care, but he said this: "I don't care what the judges think. I don't care."
• And perhaps you don't care, but he said this: "I don't care what the judges think. I don't care."
• And perhaps you don't care, but he said this: "I don't care what the judges think. I don't care."
• I don't care.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I did, I still had day-to-day struggles with PTSD, anger, depression, and fear, honestly.
• I struggled every day from the day that I got out.
• from the day that I got out um every day from the day that I got out um the<01:11:53.080><c> only</c
• Have a great day. Thank you.
• Have a great day.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It's been a long day.
• </c><01:21:17.520><c> and</c> serving his constituents with care and serving his constituents with care
• Health care is Housing is affordable.
• I see it every day when I walk around my community.
• I see it every day when I walk around my community.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> expanded child independent care credit. expanded child independent care credit.
• </c> employer provided child uh care credit. employer provided child uh care credit.
• for family child care.
• Child care is essential to child care.
• </c> think our third day or I don't know. think our third day or I don't know.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes issues ranging from health care practitioners to regulating activities that have a direct
• These pharmacies are required to submit the access to care plans annually by February. 28, the Board
• and health care settings and assisted living facilities.
• We could probably do these all day every day with law enforcement.
• Members that concludes our business for the day. Thank you all so much for your attention.

Transcript Highlights:

• Omadee-Day. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Care and Education Commission.
• So, yeah, it was six days a week. And I understand that.
• And we have to be careful. And such, and we have to be careful where our role is.
• They knew I was in active labor and didn't care.

Bills: HB113 , HB342 , HB632 , HB690 , HB1003 , HB1078 , HB1132 , HB1146

Committee: House Education

Keywords: grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, special education, due process, local education agency, burden of proof, IEP, education law, data sharing, student information, privacy, education, LA FIRST, foreign adversaries, terrorism, contracting, school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the barriers within seven seven days. the barriers within seven seven days.
• </c> providers to be used by all managed care providers to be used by all managed care organizations
• care organization.
• </c> work with certain managed care work with certain managed care organizations,<00:15:59.480><c> but
• </c> work with every managed care work with every managed care organization.<00:16:02.520><c> But,</c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Health and Family Services met for its first meeting, established quorum, and heard a presentation from Department for Medicaid Services Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Becktold. The department reviewed its compliance with House Bill 695, which requires legislative approval before certain Medicaid eligibility, service, benefit, or waiver changes, along with fiscal impact reporting to the Legislative Research Commission. They described current waivers, including home and community-based waivers, managed care and transportation waivers, and the 1115 re-entry waiver, and said the community engagement waiver is in public comment and on track for submission to CMS. They also said required reports and other HB 695 tasks, including a pharmacy rebate fund, budget analyses, expenditure reports, and a behavioral health scorecard, are underway or completed as required. The CFO outlined Medicaid’s budget, saying the department has two appropriation units and projecting near-full use of state funds while leaving some federal funds unspent because of matching-rate differences. They reported roughly 211 filled positions and 11 vacancies. Members asked about the vacancy makeup, the behavioral health scorecard, and whether a provider involved in quality metrics could have a conflict if used in the scorecard process; the department said it would follow up. Members also asked about the community engagement waiver and its interaction with federal policy, and the department said CMS guidance is still pending and that it will proceed under HB 695. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on federal Medicaid policy changes under a reconciliation bill, including possible limits on provider taxes, directed payments, cost-sharing, and community engagement requirements. Department officials said the final federal impact is still uncertain because the Senate bill is not finalized, but they have modeled several scenarios and warned that any reduction in federal support or benefits would be harmful, especially for hospitals and rural hospitals. They estimated Medicaid benefits are funded about 80% federal and 20% state overall, with expansion populations closer to 90% federal funding, and said administrative costs would also rise if federal requirements change. Members also asked about work requirements and eligibility. The department said the community engagement waiver would mainly affect the expansion population, which they estimated at about 450,000 people out of roughly 1.5 million total Medicaid enrollees, and that many groups are exempt, including children, the aged, blind, disabled, and people in substance use disorder treatment. Officials said they can provide data on how many enrollees are working or work-ready and explained that their eligibility system is designed to prevent duplication by automatically placing people in the correct category and correcting errors quickly. They also noted a federal proposal to require expansion eligibility reviews every six months, compared with current annual renewals.

Transcript Highlights:

• He would send them to me because they would come to him because they knew he cared, and he cared about
• children deeply, and he cared about his community deeply.
• And we had a lot to talk about about those days.
• And I think days like today... ...members of the Senate.
• We all know the sacrifices that it takes to serve in this body 34 years, time in, time out, day in, day

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• They get health care, they get pensions, they get savings.
• care.
• housing program. of care of housing.
• I've also chaired and served on local continuums of care.
• in home ownership, there is nearly half the population in California that still struggles with their day-to-day

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all