Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1904 prohibits performing declawing procedures on cats.
• The performance of a declawing procedure on a cat is prohibited unless it is necessary for therapeutic
• The unlawful performance of a declawing procedure on a cat is subject to a $1,000 fine for the first
• Persons who perform declawing procedures on cats must report to the veterinary board of governors the
• number of procedures performed on an annual basis.

Bills: HB1904 , HB2106 , HB2211 , HB2247 , HB2329 , HB2339

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: animal welfare, cats, declawing, animal rights, pet care, healthcare, contract modifications, provider notifications, insurance carriers, health facilities, HB 2211, medically tailored meals, medical nutrition therapy, medical assistance, Medicaid, Health Care Authority, Department of Social and Health Services, nutrition support, chronic disease, dietary accommodations

Transcript Highlights:

• Incentive funding will be distributed through a pay-for-performance model, where payments are linked
• to specific performance criteria and predetermined outcomes.
• Incentive funding will be distributed through a pay-for-performance model, where payments are linked
• to specific performance criteria and predetermined outcomes.
• to specific performance criteria and predetermined outcomes.

Summary: The committee approved the November 3 minutes and then received an extensive presentation from Arkansas education and workforce officials on how the LEARNS and ACCESS Acts are affecting career and technical education, concurrent enrollment, and postsecondary readiness. Officials said the state’s goal is for students to leave high school employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment from about 161,000 to 171,000 students and concurrent CTE enrollment from about 12,000 to 16,000. They also described the new success-ready pathways, merit and distinction designations, and how those measures tie into school accountability and graduation outcomes. The discussion then turned to scholarships and grants. Officials explained that ACCESS expanded concurrent credit support, increased funding per credit hour, and broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar programs by adding diploma-of-merit and diploma-of-distinction pathways. They said the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself did not change, but the non-distinguished Governor’s Scholar award now includes diploma of distinction as an additional eligibility route. Members raised concerns about how these requirements apply to private school and homeschool students, and officials said the intent is to ensure those students can qualify if they meet the same standards, though some implementation details are still being worked out. Questions also focused on whether students who explore multiple pathways could be penalized in school letter grades; officials said the system allows multiple ways to earn credit, including AP, IB, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships. Officials also reviewed workforce scholarships and short-term training funding. They said the state is developing policy for the Workforce Challenge and related professional skills training to set an 80-hour minimum and tiered funding, and they discussed the new federal Workforce Pell rules, which they said are very narrow and will likely apply to only a small number of Arkansas programs unless providers repackage training into stackable, credit-bearing pathways. Members asked for lists of eliminated programs, apprenticeships, and data on scholarship recipients, and staff said they could provide those. The committee also heard from Cody Waites on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, which Arkansas will administer nationally. He said the grant will support advanced manufacturing apprenticeships, use a pay-for-performance model, and be distributed to sponsors after apprentices are employed for 90 days, with applications opening January 28 and the state expecting to keep administrative costs under 8-9%.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, the problem really becomes worse for our union contractors when they're asked to perform
• change orders or additional work, as they must perform that work at their collective bargain rate and
• not the rate within the... ...as they must perform that work at their collective bargaining rate and
• The Grooming Academy trains employees to perform the job that they were hired to do.
• Instead, those workers are paid undermarket wages to perform work for Smoothstack's clients.

Summary: The committee heard a series of labor-related bills, with most measures focused on worker training, privacy, wages, and safety. AB 296 would require schools or districts to host apprenticeship fairs at least once a year, with flexibility on how they are run and whether programs outside the county can participate. Supporters said it would help connect students to skilled trades and address workforce shortages; school administrators opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate that could be impractical for elementary schools. The bill was later moved on call, with the committee noting it could not vote until quorum was established. AB 1221 and AB 1331 both addressed workplace surveillance. AB 1221 would restrict invasive monitoring tools, require notice to workers, limit the use and sharing of worker data, and require human review before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor groups supported the bill as a response to AI-driven monitoring, while business groups raised concerns about broad definitions, security cameras, investigations, and data-access provisions. AB 1331 focused more narrowly on privacy in off-duty and private spaces, limiting surveillance in places like restrooms, break areas, vehicles, and homes; hospitals and business groups opposed it as too broad and potentially disruptive to safety, cybersecurity, and facility monitoring. Both bills were advanced by committee vote. The committee also heard AB 1181, which would require firefighter turnout gear to be free of cancer-causing chemicals such as PFAS by 2027, and AB 1198, which would require prevailing wage rates on public works to reflect the wage in effect when the work is performed rather than when the project was first advertised. Firefighter representatives strongly supported AB 1181, while the chemical industry asked to continue working on scope and timelines. AB 1198 drew support from labor and contractor groups but opposition from local governments and housing groups concerned about mid-project cost increases; it was passed to Appropriations after a roll-call vote. Other measures approved included AB 1235 on skilled-and-trained workers for CSU construction, AB 1251 on ghost job postings, AB 552 on locating the Agricultural Labor Relations Board office outside Sacramento, AB 1110 on updating Cal/OSHA workplace posters, AB 1136 on expanding high road training partnerships, and AB 1234 on wage claim enforcement. AB 692, which would ban employer debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave a job, drew strong support from nurses and labor advocates and opposition from business and health care groups; it was also passed on a roll-call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this does is it formalizes that in a little better way and focuses more on performance outcomes.
• The public charter school may use its performance certificate toward fulfilling requirements of this
• The public charter school may use its performance certificate toward fulfilling requirements of this
• What I really like about what this is doing is it's moving it to the focus of performance, and it also
• So it's something that I learned back in my nuclear days, that as you have facilities that perform well

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the March 11 journal and received routine communications, including notice of a temporary substitute senator and several committee reports. The chamber also received a gubernatorial message transmitting signed Senate bills and House messages on enrolled bills and new legislation. Committee reports moved a number of bills forward, including measures on finance, judiciary, resources, education, local government, agriculture, and transportation, with some bills held for amendment or one legislative day. On the floor, the Senate considered several third-reading bills. Senate Bill 1351, concerning state office vacancies and limits on reappointed gubernatorial appointees, passed 34-0. Senate Bill 1364, revising the expiration of temporary administrative rules, passed 35-0. Senate Bill 1370, amending the abortion trafficking statute by removing the word “recruiting” after constitutional concerns raised by the Attorney General’s office, passed 28-6. Senate Bill 1337, allowing limited flexibility for small irrigation district boards, passed 34-0, and Senate Bill 1339, replacing continuous improvement plans with multi-year strategic performance plans for schools and reducing reporting requirements, also passed on a 34-0 vote. The Senate also passed House Bill 576 on the Consumer Asset Recovery Fund, House Bill 731 on participation in the federal tax credit scholarship program, House Bill 591 cleaning up obsolete indigent eligibility law, House Bill 663 shifting agricultural license plate design authority, House Bill 543 updating retirement system Roth contribution language, House Bill 563 revising CPA licensure pathways, and House Bill 652 designating hunting as Idaho’s state sport. Senate Bill 1303, revising provisions related to renewable/sustainable energy resources and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, passed 27-8. House Bill 822 was introduced, and Senate Bill 1227 received House amendments that the Senate concurred in. The major defeat of the day was Senate Bill 1375, the fiscal year 2027 Health and Human Services maintenance appropriation bill. After extensive debate over Medicaid rate reductions, provider impacts, federal funding losses, and the use of reserves versus cuts, the bill failed 10-25 and was retained by the Secretary. The Senate then returned to committee reports, received additional House and Senate messages, and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, it may be less expensive if CYFD was performing the transportation.
• However, it may be less expensive if CYFD was performing the transportation.
• In the performance report card, fourth quarter, FY25, the current six-year graduation rate for the two
• athletic facilities specifically, tying eligibility for funding for those facilities to academic performance
• and the nutritional needs to allow our student athletes to perform.

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• If a person who performed a chemical test or a toxicologist from the laboratory where the test was performed
• If a person who performed a chemical test or a toxicologist from the laboratory where the test was performed
• for streamlined court processes, but will permit critical laboratory analysts and toxicologists to perform
• I think you're on actually the first page of a party subpoena as a person who performs or analyzes chemical
• numerous times, and we're not referring to the defendant or the chemical tester or the person who performed

Summary: The committee first heard HB 206, which would expand eligibility under the Crime Victims Reparation Act to cover additional offenses: simple assault, simple battery, criminal sexual contact, and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. The sponsor, the Crime Victims Reparation Commission, and multiple supporters said the change would help victims access compensation for medical care, counseling, lost income, and related costs, with no added state administrative burden. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then took up HB 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people who provide proof of membership in a federally recognized tribe. Sponsors and tribal supporters said the designation could help with identification, Turquoise Alert notifications, and jurisdictional issues, while also serving as a voluntary option for tribal members. Some members raised concerns about possible profiling, lack of consultation with every tribe, and the absence of data from other states; supporters responded that the designation is optional and intended to assist, not harm. The bill passed 4-2. HB 52, a technical cleanup bill correcting statutory cross-references after prior competency-law amendments, passed unanimously 6-0. HB 58, which updates the telephone harassment statute to include electronic communications such as texts and social media, also passed 6-0 after supporters said the current law is outdated and too limited for modern harassment cases; committee members discussed possible definitional refinements. HB 57, allowing certain lab analysts and toxicologists to testify by interactive video in misdemeanor and DWI cases, drew support for efficiency and reducing travel burdens, but also concerns about confrontation rights and technical drafting issues; it passed 6-0 with a no recommendation. Finally, HB 79, which would lower the burden of proof for juvenile probation violation hearings to a preponderance standard, drew strong opposition from defense advocates and a law student who argued it would reduce due process protections for youth; after debate, the committee tabled the bill on a 4-2 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Agencies are required to report certain performance data about the permits it issues to the Office for
• Every even-numbered year, the agency publishes a report on the performance of agencies in tracking permit
• Agencies are required to report certain performance data about the permits it issues to the Office for
• By setting clear performance goals and improving transparency, this bill helps create predictability,
• This concerns the classification of WATech employees that perform network and security system duties.

Bills: HB2198 , HB2401 , HB2462 , HB2419 , HB2210 , HB2205 , HB2249

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: regulatory efficiency, permitting, licensing, executive order, state government, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, unpiloted aircraft, drones, regulation, airspace safety, privacy, address confidentiality, administrative law judges, privacy protection, staff employment

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is really about how do we measure our performance and how do we make sure that we're driving
• We’ve worked with our advisory committee to establish some performance metrics, and the three to mention
• The legislature also required JLARC to conduct a performance audit, and the 2025 report also recommended
• And I think it makes sense to say that people performing a particular job, it doesn't matter who their
• And I think it makes sense to say that people performing a particular job, it doesn't matter who their

Summary: The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee opened its 2026 session with member introductions and a work session on the Employment Security Department’s structure and programs. ESD officials described their roles and reviewed paid family and medical leave, WA Cares, unemployment insurance, workforce services, and agricultural worker outreach. Senators raised concerns about call volume, program solvency, fraud detection, employer access to information, and whether workers can receive leave benefits while working other jobs. ESD said WA Cares is in a limited pilot, PFML has seen rapid growth, UI trust fund solvency is projected to be near the statutory trigger level, and they would follow up with more detailed information on eligibility, fraud referrals, and employer scenarios. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5292, which would replace the current PFML rate-setting formula with a forward-looking actuarial model and require a four-month reserve beginning in 2030. Supporters, including the sponsor, JLARC staff, labor advocates, and employer groups, said the change would improve stability and follow JLARC recommendations; opponents warned it could lead to higher payroll taxes and argued the program is already too costly. The chair said she intended to keep the bill narrow as it moved forward. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6014, a technical bill on pregnancy-related accommodations that would preserve the ability of pregnant workers to request certain accommodations without a doctor’s note and create a public records exemption for sensitive complaint and investigation records; the sponsor and supporters said it corrects a drafting error and protects privacy. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5972, which would remove the population threshold limiting interest arbitration for correctional officers in jails, and Senate Bill 5869, which would make permanent and expand from residential to all building construction sites a requirement that L&I notify employers or owners within 10 working days when a hazard is identified. Correctional officers’ representatives and labor groups supported SB 5972 as a fairness and safety measure, while the sponsor said it would create consistency across jurisdictions. Construction industry groups supported SB 5869, and L&I said it had no concerns but wanted the bill kept narrow; the chair noted the bill’s purpose was to speed hazard communication. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5874, which would allow ESD to waive penalties for minor errors in quarterly unemployment reports, especially missing SOC/job-title information. The sponsor said small businesses were being hit with unnecessary fines, and ESD said it had identified a sharp rise in penalties and was working with the sponsor on possible fixes. The committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• assessment of special health care needs, which is based on clinical eligibility determination as performed
• " CMS plan] just as the Agency for Health Care Administration has the managed Medicare plan, they perform
• The Department of Health remains to continue to perform clinical eligibility functions.
• TO PERFORM CLINICAL ELIGIBILITY FUNCTIONS. THIS DID NOT TRANSFER.
• There is notifications advising them for past services performed they will be reimbursed for that, but

Summary: The Health Facilities Subcommittee met to receive implementation updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration on three bills passed in prior sessions. First, Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer reported on the transfer of the Children’s Medical Services managed care plan from the Department of Health to AHCA under HB 1085. He said the move was administrative only, with no change to enrollment, providers, services, or clinical eligibility functions, and that it was intended to create efficiencies by aligning procurement and shifting staff resources between agencies. Members then questioned AHCA about reports of reductions in private duty nursing and therapy services for medically fragile children, including concerns about appeals, provider credentialing, and whether families were losing services or being transitioned appropriately. AHCA said it was reviewing denials, monitoring the plan, and using contractual remedies while focusing on maintaining access for members. The committee also reviewed implementation of a bill creating permanent Medicaid eligibility for individuals with permanent disabilities. AHCA staff explained that the agency had submitted a federal 1115 waiver request after public comment and stakeholder meetings, but CMS had indicated it did not anticipate approving the requested authority. Members pressed AHCA on why the waiver was submitted later than the bill’s directive date and on whether the delay was avoidable. AHCA said the waiver was complex and required review, drafting, and public input, and noted that DCF already has a specialized unit to help with redeterminations while the agencies work on operational changes. The committee discussed the practical impact on families who struggle with annual eligibility renewals and the need for clearer communication and faster follow-up from the agency. Finally, AHCA presented on the home health aide program for medically fragile children and related Medicaid eligibility changes. The agency described the 2023 law that created a family caregiver provider type and the 2025 changes that increased the hourly rate, expanded hours, reduced training requirements, and removed caregiver earnings from Medicaid eligibility calculations, subject to federal approval. AHCA said it had completed state public comment, submitted the waiver amendment to CMS, and was awaiting federal action. Members raised concerns that some families may have enrolled or begun work before the eligibility fix was in place and may have lost benefits, especially in Broward County. AHCA said it would work with affected families and plans, review outreach through DCF and the health plans, and continue rulemaking, system updates, and provider training. The meeting ended with the chair noting that the committee had received the updates and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• amount—but when we look at the state of English learners in K-12, for example, they are the lowest-performing
• amount—but when we look at the state of English learners in K-12, for example, they are the lowest-performing
• amount—but when we look at the state of English learners in K-12, for example, they are the lowest-performing
• amount—but when we look at the state of English learners in K-12, for example, they are the lowest-performing
• The lowest-performing students in the state.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Something was discovered for technical correction and a cleanup, and so that's why we performed this.
• Something was discovered for technical correction and a cleanup, and so that's why we performed this.
• that's</c><00:01:53.320><c> why</c><00:01:53.520><c> we</c><00:01:54.040><c> we</c><00:01:54.360><c> performed
• </c><00:01:55.000><c> this</c> and so that's why we we performed this and so that's why we we performed
• At least that's how, you know, my background indicates the ease at which you could perform this activity

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• in HB 1, our deep gratitude that our request to fund our mission-specific formula based on our performance
• out very carefully. in conjunction with the LBB as a basis to really tie the appropriation to the performance
• I hope you'll find this reassuring. that the legislature has indeed found a mechanism to drive. performance
• . next-generation microelectronics manufacturing program to develop the next generation of high-performing
• It really is necessary that we do this in order to be able to perform the type of research. research

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is that recommendations include a change to the key efficiency measure used to measure performance
• The 87th legislature allocated additional funding while the 88th performed three method of finance swaps
• I take this mission seriously, and the Office of the Attorney General is committed to performing its
• reversing it that they've cut our budget by $38 million in areas where the original swap was not performed
• Price**: ...that they've cut our budget by $38 million in areas where the original swap was not performed

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I understand why it exhausts them in a way that is simply not fair to them to ask them to perform
• I can't tell you if there's one key performance metric I'd love to deliver.
• So that's a really critical thing in terms of key performance metrics.
• As a merit-based salary adjuster, I think those are the ones that you really have some super performers
• Agency goals and key performance metrics: the goal is increased automation processes.

Committee: House A&B Judiciary Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A top-performing school, Cocohead Elementary is honored as a Blue Ribbon School.
• top</c><00:20:41.039><c> per</c> 16 percentage points a top per 16 percentage points a top per Performing
• school</c><00:20:42.679><c> cocohead</c><00:20:43.120><c> elementary</c><00:20:44.080><c> is</c> Performing
• school cocohead elementary is Performing school cocohead elementary is honored<00:20:44.760><c> as</
• Award criteria for exemplary high-performing schools.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is the song being performed in Boise. Here's our band, the people that wrote it.
• responders, the marching bands, the civic organizations, businesses, churches, youth groups, and the performers
• I will note the performances were great.
• The performances were great.
• And we're scrambling to find people to come down to string the flag back up for the performance and celebration

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 24 minutes, and received a financial update showing a projected $75,171.57 remaining in the commemoration fund based on approved expenditures and accrued revenue, with additional funds expected to return after final celebration invoices are reconciled. Members then heard a lengthy update from Treasurer Julie Ellsworth on the America 250 ambassador program, including statewide Fourth of July and related events, the Liberty Bell tour, the service challenge, the to-go activity packs, and the planned Liberty Heritage Fountain. She reported strong public participation, donated in-kind support, and that the committee’s float won third place in the Boise parade, earning $1,000. The committee considered and adopted a motion to use all currently unallocated funds for implementation of the council-approved ambassador projects, with spending coordinated through the ambassador co-chairs and approved by the council co-chairs. The motion also requested that any leftover funds be directed, through the legislature, toward a savings account for the America 300 celebration rather than reverting to the general fund. Members discussed clarifying the motion’s language and the role of the speaker and pro tem, but ultimately approved it unanimously. A subcommittee update highlighted the success of the Boise Fourth of July celebration, the extensive volunteer and staff effort behind the event, and the positive public response to the refurbished Liberty Bell and related exhibits. Director Gallimore reported on additional America 250 activities, including the Spirit of America event, the Twin Peaks Ranch State Park opening, the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo’s Smithsonian recognition, and the Great American State Fair Showcase in Washington, D.C. The committee also discussed reducing meeting frequency and set the next meeting for August 18 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is the song being performed in Boise. Here's our band, the people that wrote it.
• responders, the marching bands, the civic organizations, businesses, churches, youth groups, and the performers
• I will note the performances were great.
• The performances were great.
• six guys,' and we're scrambling to find people to come down to string the flag back up for the performance

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 24 minutes, and received a financial update showing about $75,171.57 currently unobligated in the commemoration fund, with additional money expected back after celebration invoices are finalized. Members also heard a detailed update on the America 250 ambassador program and related statewide events, including the Liberty Bell tour, the service challenge, to-go activity packs, community celebrations, and the planned Liberty Heritage Fountain. Testimony emphasized broad volunteer participation, donated in-kind support, and strong public turnout across Idaho communities. The committee then considered and adopted a motion directing all currently unallocated funds to be used for implementation of council-approved ambassador projects, coordinated through the ambassador co-chairs, the pro tem, and the speaker, with approval by the council co-chairs. The motion also requested that any leftover funds be considered for transfer to a savings account for America 300, subject to legislative action. Members discussed clarifying the motion’s language and the role of the co-chairs, but ultimately supported the spending framework. A subcommittee update highlighted the Boise Fourth of July/America 250 celebration, the Liberty Bell display and parade, the many volunteers and agencies involved, and the use of leftover water for wildland firefighters. The governor’s task force update reviewed other America 250-related events, including Spirit of America, the Twin Peaks Ranch State Park opening, the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, and the Great American State Fair Showcase in Washington, D.C. The committee ended by scheduling its next meeting for August 18 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• remove liability for injuries or damages caused by the negligence of a public water system while performing
• remove liability for injuries or damages caused by the negligence of a public water system while performing
• A public water system while performing its intended functions. That remains intact.
• public expectations and contributed to perceptions that some of these water systems may not have performed
• In both of these wildfires, our water system was placed under extraordinary circumstances and performed

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The ASRS Board supervises the program, performs fiduciary duties, and determines the rights, benefits
• long-term disability benefits for 24 months within a five-year period and the member is unable to perform
• member to have a disability after receiving LTD benefits for a total of 24 months and being unable to perform
• long-term disability benefits for 24 months within a five-year period and the member is unable to perform
• member to have a disability after receiving LTD benefits for a total of 24 months and being unable to perform

Bills: HB2089 , HB2090 , HB2092 , HB2120 , HB2138 , HB2173 , HB2273 , HB2693 , HB2786

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: retirement benefits, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• presumption into a de facto shield based purely on policy adoption rather than actual security performance
• You'll notice starting on page 10 of the bill, the bill outlines specific performance metrics to be indicated
• amendment also authorizes disclosure of the name of a law enforcement officer who is victimized in the performance
• of official duties, Of the name of a law enforcement officer who is victimized in the performance of
• A state agency may still contract with the DMS to perform these functions if the agency does not wish

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: 999, senate, all