Transcript Highlights:

• Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and more than 1,000 institutions licensed by the Commission
• plastics that are now out in the ocean, as well as looking at other impacts, aquaculture and food security
• And obviously its roles are in coastal and food security, environmental monitoring, clean energy, drugs
• And obviously its roles are in coastal and food security, environmental monitoring, clean energy, drugs

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee held its first meeting and focused on state university centers and institutes, with an overview from the Board of Governors on how the more than 500 centers and institutes across Florida’s public universities are categorized, overseen, and reported. The Board described three categories: state-level centers, legislatively established centers, and university-established centers. Members were told universities must maintain policies, notify the Board of changes, publish public inventories, and submit annual reports and compliance certifications. Senator Harrell asked about funding sources and whether underperforming centers are reviewed for elimination; the response was that funding varies by center and that universities decide whether to maintain or disband centers under their own policies, with annual reporting and audit findings shared with the Board. Four university presentations followed. Florida Atlantic University highlighted its Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, describing research in marine-derived drug discovery, genomics, imaging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and ocean sustainability, along with spin-off institutes and partnerships that have generated significant grant and contract support. FIU presented its Center of Excellence for Hurricane Damage Mitigation and Product Development, emphasizing the Wall of Wind facility, hurricane and water intrusion testing, code and product innovation, insurance modeling, and future expansion toward higher wind speeds and flood simulation. Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute described work in advanced materials, aerospace composites, sensors, nanocomposites, and AI-enabled materials development, along with patents, industry partnerships, and new facilities tied to economic development. The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning outlined its work on teacher professional learning, literacy, New Worlds Reading, tutoring, and mathematics supports, including microcredentials, statewide book distribution, and early results showing improved reading confidence and growth. Members generally praised the centers for their research, commercialization, workforce development, and education impacts. Senator Jones and Senator Harrell commended the Lastinger Center’s literacy work and the broader return on investment from these programs, while Senator Berman noted the value of the synergies across institutions. The chair emphasized that future funding requests should clearly show measurable success, commercialization, and statewide impact. The committee then adjourned without any formal votes on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, land use commission. Does any of this particular land areas go to the land use commission?
• Um, land use commission. Does any of this particular land areas go to the land use commission?
• Um, land use commission. Does any of this particular land areas go to the land use commission?
• Chair. through the land use commission process. through the land use commission process.
• . commission. commission.

Bills: SB2706 , SB2320

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation

Summary: The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers. The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG. The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.

Transcript Highlights:

• there is a commission.
• I am aware that there is a commission. I did not work with it.
• I don't represent the commission, but a couple of us are here.
• I don't represent the commission, but a couple of us are here.
• I don't represent the commission, but a couple of us are here.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility. Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability. Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, where public utilities commission.
• </c><01:05:15.280><c> our</c> Hawaii Public Utilities Commission our Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
• So the securization to finance the 450?
• I hear it public utility commission.
• </c><01:09:40.880><c> I</c> here on behalf of the commission. I here on behalf of the commission.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you Davis for doing that that commission you Davis for doing that that commission report<00:06:15.800
• </c> properties and um that that commission properties and um that that commission did<00:28:17.240><
• </c> um uh constituencies on that commission um uh constituencies on that commission which<00:28:24.760
• We took that up again, and those first two commissions I chaired; the third commission came last year
• first two commissions I chaired third<00:32:46.720><c> commission</c><00:32:47.200><c> came</c><00:32

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's also essential to safeguarding tribal food security and upholding tribal treaty rights.
• I'm on the audit commission. Mr. Mueller is right.
• :23.040><c> decides</c><02:09:23.440><c> which</c> separate commission that decides which separate commission
• </c><02:11:52.639><c> Mueller</c><02:11:52.960><c> is</c> audit commission. I Mr.
• Mueller is audit commission. I Mr.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > for</c><01:12:41.239><c> persons</c><01:12:41.840><c> in</c><01:12:42.159><c> this</c> state to secure
• The Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission will be created to recommend candidates to the
• The Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission will be created to recommend candidates to the
• </c><01:42:46.040><c> to</c> legislative advisory commission to legislative advisory commission to recommend
• to determine the candidates commission to determine the candidates for<01:51:14.639><c> that</c><01:

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:46.720><c> requires</c> County Planning Commission requires County Planning Commission requires
• </c><01:04:43.440><c> to</c> subsection e the Planning Commission to subsection e the Planning Commission
• </c><02:11:14.520><c> USA</c><02:11:15.320><c> on</c> have for commission USA on have for commission
• Um, on section A1, we will add the commission, so we will include the commission as a receiver of the
• so we will include the commission so we will include the commission<02:59:48.279><c> um</c><02:59:48.920

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• this<00:01:01.520><c> is</c><00:01:01.760><c> the</c><00:01:02.399><c> cyber</c><00:01:02.800><c> security
• ,<00:32:41.200><c> assistant</c><00:32:41.519><c> commissioner</c> commission, assistant commissioner
• commission, assistant commissioner Robinson<00:32:42.480><c> would</c><00:32:42.640><c> come</c><00:
• They enroll typically through a stolen Social Security identity. They apply for financial aid.
• identity. uh they apply for security identity. uh they apply for financial<01:06:13.200><c> aid.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of “same and similar” provisions between the House and Senate higher education bills and adopted them one by one, with brief explanations from members and staff. The items included a cybersecurity addition for a doctoral degree program, Northstar Promise definitions and eligibility limits, self-loan provisions on institution eligibility and data disclosure, and dual training language requiring certificates, diplomas, or degrees to come from accredited postsecondary institutions. The committee also adopted an amendment to the private career school provisions that clarified exempt institutions remain within the act, and removed certain limited-license and renewal fees for institutions participating in dual training grants or the eligible training provider list. Each of these motions prevailed by voice vote. The committee then moved into policy differences between the House and Senate bills, beginning with emergency grants and hunger-free campus grants. Members discussed shifting funding from OHE-administered competitive grants to direct appropriations for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, while the Senate retained competitive grant access for private and tribal colleges and added reporting requirements. OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said the added reporting would be an extra administrative task but raised no significant concerns. Testifiers from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the private college sector supported faster, more direct funding and described the grants as important for emergency housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other student basic needs. A LeadMN representative also supported the changes, saying campus staff and students wanted funds delivered more quickly. The committee also discussed direct admissions on R31. The Senate proposal would require public and charter high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by the 2029-2030 school year. Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson said OHE supports statewide expansion and that the program has improved FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and student retention in Minnesota. Members noted the bill had bipartisan support and heard from advocates such as Ed Allies and Students United. No votes were taken on the policy-difference items during this portion of the meeting, and the chair said further discussion of state grant and sexual misconduct policy differences would be held at a later hearing with additional OHE staff present.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, on Zoom. Dr.
• Kathleen Odell, Chair of the State LGBTQ+ Commission, said the commission stands on its written testimony
• for other keiki and sacrificing bonding with my child for some sense of financial stability and security
• for other keiki and sacrificing bonding with my child for some sense of financial stability and security
• so we lost our rental and security so we lost our rental apartment<01:13:10.480><c> we</c><01:13:10.600

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee met on February 12 and heard several bills. HB 97, relating to travel insurance, drew only brief testimony: the Insurance Division stood on written testimony, one industry witness supported the bill and requested a minor amendment, and no one else testified or asked questions. HB 226, relating to window tinting, received support from the Department of Transportation, while the Honolulu Police Department offered comments on the proposed amendments, asking for clearer language on what it means to roll windows down, when the requirement applies, how it handles bad weather, and what sanctions would apply for noncompliance. No further testimony was offered on that measure. The committee also heard HB 1179, relating to rural emergency hospitals. The Department of Human Services stood on written testimony, and Maui Health Systems strongly supported the bill, saying it would help critical access hospitals better serve kūpuna and provide long-term care beds. There were no questions or additional testimony. HB 420, relating to remedies and the contractor repair act, generated extensive and sharply divided testimony. Opponents, including attorneys representing homeowners and AARP Hawaii, argued the bill was anti-consumer, would weaken homeowners’ ability to recover for construction defects, and would shift costs and risk to consumers. Supporters, including builders, realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and D.R. Horton Hawaii, said the bill would create a more balanced and efficient process, reduce unnecessary litigation, and help builders address legitimate defects more quickly. Testimony on HB 420 focused heavily on whether the contractor repair process and class actions help or hinder repairs. Opponents said the bill would delay or limit homeowner recovery, especially for life and safety defects, while supporters said current class-action litigation can prevent direct communication with homeowners and slow repairs. Committee members asked questions about when communication with homeowners stops and whether repairs could be made before a class is certified. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND PROVIDES AN EXCEPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY OF CROWDS AND SECURITY OF AN ELECTED
• SURVIVORS OF DECEASED HOSPICE PATIENTS ARE EXPERIENCING DELAYS IN SECURING DEATH CERTIFICATES TO IMPORT
• Ingoglia: I WOULD SAY NO BECAUSE SO MANY MEDIA PLATFORMS HAVE SECURE STORAGE THAT CAN BE TURNED ON BY
• ENCRYPTION IS VITAL TO THE PROTECTION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION AND SECURE DATA.
• THIS UNDERMINES PRIVACY AND SECURITY FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE MINORS THIS LEGISLATION AIMS TO PROTECT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:49:32.000><c> act</c> um the Hawai homes commission act um the Hawai homes commission act predates
• </c><01:49:35.920><c> act</c> and so the hawaian homes commission act and so the hawaian homes commission
• </c> Homes commission Homes commission act<01:50:04.880><c> and</c> act and act and then<01:50:07.440
• </c> state public charter school commission state public charter school commission as<03:09:20.680><c
• The commission supports this bill.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Corporation to work in conjunction with the Division of Administration and the State Civil Service Commission
• She noted there is a process for that through the Bond Commission, LAC, and others that utilize bonds
• We do it all the time through bond commission and with LAC and others that utilize both. commission and
• on average, 15.8% of Louisiana households, that's roughly 293,000 all have experienced food and securities
• that we've done multiple commissions, and I'm thinking of the Early Ed Commission, which I was a large

Bills: HR3 , HR80 , HB4 , HB172 , HB189 , HB623 , HB944 , HB1185 , HB1199 , HB1222 , SB105 , SB125 , SB461

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: housing assistance, state-owned property, cost-burdened, state employees, affordable housing, fiscal audit, higher education, public funds, underrepresented minorities, Board of Regents, Louisiana legislation, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, airport authority, fire protection, supplemental pay, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And take up tab 21, CS for CS for SB 758 on Justice Administrative Commission.
• Senators, the Justice Administration Commission is the administrative office supporting court-related
• file Form 10 with the Commission on Ethics rather than electronically with their Form 1 or Form 6.
• Carrie Stillman, Florida Commission on Ethics, would like to speak. Thank you. Waves in support.
• The proposal will allow a business that is in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission standards

Summary: The committee first confirmed six appointees on a single roll-call vote, then took up a series of bills, many of them on land use, housing, public safety, child welfare, education, and professional licensing. Early debate centered on CS/SB 208, which would require development fees to better reflect review costs and impose objective compatibility findings for residential projects. An amendment folded in additional housing-related provisions, including manufactured housing and a study of urban development boundaries, prompting extended discussion about Miami-Dade’s Everglades protection area and local control. A late-filed rural-boundary amendment was withdrawn. The bill was reported favorably after support from business, housing, and advocacy groups, with some senators voicing district-specific concerns. The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after amendments added conservation easement, wildlife corridor, and critical state concern protections, plus a further Everglades-related amendment. Members discussed balancing smart growth, infrastructure costs, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Other land-use and growth bills also advanced, including CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment, CS/SB 1138 on qualified contractor pre-application review, and SB 218 limiting the reach of prior hurricane recovery zoning protections in counties not affected by the 2024 storms. SB 1474 on biosolids management was amended to reduce the distance threshold for land application restrictions and delay the effective date, and SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent-practice requirement to address shortages. Several public safety, health, and family-related measures also passed. CS/CS/SB 436 expanded felony battery enhancement to include resisting an officer with violence and certain law-enforcement battery offenses. SB 830 extended public-records protections to county and city administrators and related family information. CS/CS/CS/SB 600 revised bail bond rules, and an amendment preserved the current treatment of charitable bail funds and nonprofits; the committee heard testimony from The Bail Project and others on both sides. CS/SB 914 expanded dry-needling supervision options for occupational therapists, CS/SB 1092 clarified podiatric use of certain cellular/tissue products, and SB 1504 and SB 1718 updated insurance licensing and educator certification pathways. On the education side, CS/CS/SB 7038 made broad postsecondary changes, including tuition waivers, residency clarification, and licensure rules, while CS/SB 186 required seizure-response training and action plans in schools. The committee also advanced multiple child welfare and health bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 560 streamlined psychotropic medication procedures for children in state custody and added youth-voice and insurance-review provisions. CS/CS/CS/SB 902 combined several Department of Health changes, including medical marijuana distance rules, autism microcredential eligibility, a neurofibromatosis grant program, and NICU nutrition information. SB 1002 expanded child welfare definitions to address parental drug abuse and neglect, and SB 1708 eased endorsement licensure for out-of-state veterinarians. Most bills were reported favorably on roll-call votes, with several amendments adopted along the way and limited opposition or abstentions noted on some measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Frank Zubia with the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission.
• Okay, I think Sergeant our security. Can you pass her the microphone? That's funny. I don't know.
• We're talking about the Higher Education or Higher Learning Commission.
• And then my last question is: I know we're changing the word "commission" to "department."
• Was there previously a commission that looked over this?

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also consult with the judicial conduct commission anytime we have a question.
• said it would be uh Judicial Commission said it would be okay. okay. okay.
• </c> on the Judicial Selection Commission on the Judicial Selection Commission application<01:31:45.480
• Um, Justice, do you believe that the facilities of the judiciary are secure?
• I know there's a bill going right now to see if we can get supplemental security.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• commission.
• wouldn't trigger a commission review, like a... ...over that threshold, it wouldn't trigger a commission
• This is Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission. Ms.
• So there does appear to be a lot of fees and licensing and commissions—5% commission on the toll back
• to the commission.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed a long agenda of agency rules, with most items approved without objection after brief presentations and no public comment. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s electronic odometer disclosure rule, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and RV parks, lead-based paint, counseling board revisions, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental examiners, nursing, pharmacy, medical board, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these changes were described as updates to match recent acts, federal standards, compact participation, fee adjustments, or cleanup/clarification, and the committee repeatedly approved them without objection. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s broad set of rule changes implementing multiple 2025 acts. Those changes included creating a dialysis patient care technician registry, updating contact information requirements, expanding APRN authority to delegate certain tasks, clarifying death certificate and pronouncement authority, allowing substitution of therapeutically equivalent medications, permitting purchase of compounded products, and updating certified medication assistant rules and training standards. Members asked detailed questions about the meaning of therapeutically equivalent substitutions, delegation limits, compounded products, and how often medication lists would be updated; the board said it would review rules annually and use future rulemaking as needed. The committee also approved new nursing rules for declaratory orders and the new dialysis registry. The Department of Education’s rules drew the most discussion, especially the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify eligible expenses, and streamline approvals. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting certain technology purchases and requiring extra justification over $1,000, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about oversight, appeal timelines, sports equipment, provider credentialing, and whether the rules were too restrictive; department officials said the rules were meant to protect taxpayer funds while preserving flexibility, and they noted the program had received extensive public comment. The committee also approved Education rules for scholarships, residency classification, teacher programs, accelerated learning, and graduate medical education, as well as Labor and Licensing rules on wage and hour standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Three years ago, the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development commissioned a study on
• Three years ago, the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development commissioned a study on
• Three years ago, the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development commissioned a study on
• When you call the hotline to give an anonymous tip, it goes to the Kansas City Crime Commission.
• This crime commission does a lot of good.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that's going to help lower some of the construction costs ultimately because they will have those secured
• some of the other things that you talked about, we had brought up all these different boards of commissions
• And then all these boards and commissions that have half a million dollars each.
• this list that would fall under targeted recurring agency savings are some of these boards and commissions
• only as good as whether the data is interoperable, going to your point, within the systems, and the security

Transcript Highlights:

• mean, they've got ventilation problems in their building, fire suppression's an issue, lighting, security
• mean, they've got ventilation problems in their building, fire suppression's an issue, lighting, security
• ><c> lighting,</c> fire suppression's an issue, lighting, fire suppression's an issue, lighting, security
• , security, security, functionality<01:02:01.760><c> of</c><01:02:02.000><c> their</c><01:02:02.240><
• and then they list out their commission and then they list out their priorities<01:31:28.560><c> and

Keywords: 916, all