Transcript Highlights:

• And DBA is supporting the international And DBA is supporting the international trade,<00:34:05.919><
• ,<00:39:06.079> not that risk analysis um internally, not that risk analysis um internally
• rule or quarantine methodology.
• rule or quarantine methodology.
• [snorts] existing intern rule or quarantine existing intern rule or quarantine methodology methodology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Florida Supreme Court ruling, 1.510C, that went into effect 1/25, gives the homeowners the tools
• need them to get the word out that things are starting to work based on the Florida Supreme Court ruling
• So, just a quick comment on the LBMA: we set standards for the international gold and silver market.
• They would be simply money, and that's a taxable asset under the estate tax rules.
• Those are the international standards. So I think all of those are the critical components.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 794, as amended by a late-filed strike-all, which would require a human being to make insurance claim denial decisions and prohibit artificial intelligence from being the sole basis for a denial. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve human oversight while allowing innovation in claims processing. Public testimony included support from the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate and the Florida Medical Association, along with one speaker urging additional protections for homeowners. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported SB 794 favorably with committee substitutes. Members then heard SB 134, which removes the $500 threshold on the sales tax exemption for bullion, making sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion fully exempt and eliminating certain dealer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the change would reduce a regressive tax and help consumers preserve savings; the sponsor estimated a revenue impact of about $300,000. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all on SB 888, which directs the Office of Insurance Regulation to create a more consumer-friendly homeowners insurance website with premium comparison information, market data, rate filing access, and educational resources. The sponsor and Leader Boyd said the goal was to improve transparency and help consumers navigate a stabilizing market. SB 888 was reported favorably with committee substitutes. The final bill heard was SB 1578, covering mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screenings. The sponsor said it would expand coverage requirements in ACA plans and private insurance policies, including annual mammograms for women ages 40 to 50 and supplemental screening coverage, while noting Medicaid already provides these services. The Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. After the bills, the committee held a lengthy panel discussion on gold and silver as legal tender and transactional money, with testimony from officials from Utah and Florida, industry representatives, and advocacy groups. Panelists discussed constitutional authority, consumer protections, depository oversight, taxation issues, and possible transactional platforms for precious metals. No further action was taken after the discussion, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just for a quick little bit of background. ...rule change for the committee's review.
• Legislative Management, that's why you're seeing this rule in front of you today.
• So this rule, again, just by way of background, what this relates to is the deadline.
• Right now, as we read the statute, subsection 1 is the general rule, the main rule, that says these individuals
• We also don't do housing allowance or travel things for our legal interns.

Summary: The committee met to organize upcoming legislative session arrangements and staffing, and to review several rule and security-related items. It first approved a Joint Rule 211 change, recommended by the Employee Benefits Committee, that clarifies the deadline and statutory references for introducing health insurance mandate bills so required cost-benefit materials can be completed in time. Members noted the change would streamline the process, though it would not solve all timing and mandate-determination issues. The committee then discussed a draft bill on confidentiality protections for certain public officials and candidates, but members raised concerns about the statute’s complexity, the practical difficulty of administering it, and whether it would meaningfully improve safety; no action was taken and the topic was set aside for further discussion. The committee received an update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is in process to apply for grant funding that could reimburse up to about $200 per legislator for personal security-related expenses such as home cameras, locks, lighting, or monitoring services, with reimbursement handled through Legislative Council and subject to Emergency Commission approval. Members asked about eligible expenses, timing, and whether new legislators would be included, and staff said the program would likely cover current legislators only for this round. The committee also approved the 2027 joint session schedule for the State of the State, tribal-state message, and State of the Judiciary on January 5, with the tribal and judiciary addresses in the morning and the governor’s address later in the day. The committee next approved the statutory reporting schedule for the Commerce Commissioner and agricultural commodity groups, setting the Commerce report for January 13, 2027, and the agriculture reports and pesticide container disposal update for January 14, 2027. Members questioned the usefulness of some of these recurring reports, but agreed to follow the existing statutory requirements. The largest discussion centered on Legislative Council staffing for the 2027 session: the committee approved reducing session staff to 36 Senate and 41 House employees, eliminating procedural clerk positions in standing committees in favor of permanent policy analysts, while retaining quality assurance clerks and adding a House parking lot attendant. It also approved a 3% salary increase for those staff positions, matching the increase given to state employees. Finally, the committee reviewed a revised organizational session and new legislator training agenda. Staff proposed moving some orientation content into a separate pre-session training day for new legislators on November 30, including laptop setup, mock committee and floor sessions, parliamentary procedure, and HR/benefits training, while adding more security and budgeting instruction. Members strongly supported earlier and more practical training, including follow-up reinforcement during the first week of session, and suggested using experienced or term-limited former legislators as mentors. Staff also described efforts to expand training materials into podcasts, flowcharts, and other formats, and Legislative Council leadership outlined the office’s remaining vacancies and a proposed expansion of policy analysts, program evaluators, legal staff, and training support to better serve the legislature and improve oversight of state programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So first, we have the Florida International University doctor, Bridget Cram vice president of academic
• Florida International University is proud to be a preeminent state research university and we are deeply
• And then one once once they're cleared to the students, the students understand the rules.
• So rule 6, a dash and a 0, 3, 4, to Austin in CT Audit Rule and Florida has a stylish clear procedures
• The rule programs in accordance with Florida statute.

Transcript Highlights:

• To strengthen internal controls, credit card statements are now reviewed monthly by the CFSD business
• These measures are intended to strengthen internal controls and ensure constitutional compliance.
• And a follow-up: no rules, no laws have changed that would And a follow-up: no rules, no laws have changed
• We've got some interns that are joining the legislative audit team.
• that are interning for the Legislative Audit team.

Summary: The committee met to review education audit reports and adopted the minutes. Legislative Audit reported 103 education audits total, with 89 having no findings and 14 containing findings. The committee first heard from Camden Fairview School District, which had findings for spending operating funds on an end-of-year employee banquet and for unauthorized credit card charges. District officials said they had implemented stronger internal controls, stopped using the affected card, and would limit future events to comply with state law and constitutional requirements. Members questioned the district about prior practices, donated funds, and how teacher appreciation could continue without using operating funds; the report was filed as reviewed. The committee then reviewed Forest City School District, which had a finding for spending $33,000 in operating funds on an off-campus end-of-year celebration and entertainment event. District representatives said the money came from a long-standing Pepsi-related donation fund, but acknowledged confusion over whether it should be treated as operational funds and said they would stop using it that way and provide training to staff and the board. Members discussed whether the funds were private donations or operating funds, the lack of a formal board vote, and whether the event was intended to recognize staff and growth; the report was filed as reviewed. The committee also received notice of more serious findings that were referred to the prosecuting attorney and attorney general, including Conway School District for misuse of district funds and resources by former maintenance employees, Magnolia School District for undeposited activity funds, Westside School District for undocumented and personal credit card charges, and Boonville School District for paying a board member’s son in excess of the statutory limit without an approved exemption. The remaining eight reports with findings were filed en masse as reviewed, and the 89 reports with no findings were also filed en masse. The committee adjourned after noting that most districts reviewed had no findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• To strengthen internal controls, credit card statements are now reviewed monthly by the CFSD business
• These measures are intended to strengthen internal controls and ensure constitutional compliance.
• And a follow-up: no rules, no laws have changed that would ...and a follow-up: no rules, no laws have
• We've got some interns that are joining the legislative audit team.
• that are interning for the legislative audit team.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee met to review education audit reports, beginning with approval of the minutes and then hearing several school districts with findings. Camden Fairview School District addressed two findings: use of operating funds for an end-of-year employee banquet and unauthorized credit card charges that resulted in a small loss. District officials said they had changed credit cards, increased monthly review and reconciliation, stopped using operating funds for off-campus celebrations, and would limit future meals and events to district business. Members questioned whether the prior administration was still involved, whether the charges were from an outside hacker, and how the district would continue teacher appreciation without violating state law. Forest City School District then discussed a $33,000 off-campus staff celebration funded through what the district described as long-standing Pepsi-related funds. The district said it believed the money was discretionary private donation revenue, but audit staff said the funds were treated as operating funds because they were in a general fund account and subject to constitutional limits. The district said it would stop using the fund that way, provide staff and board training, and ensure future expenditures comply with the law. Members also asked about the lack of a formal board vote, the amount remaining in the account, and whether the event was meant to recognize staff growth and service. The committee next reviewed additional findings: Conway School District’s former maintenance employees allegedly misused district funds and resources, with a separate investigative report still pending; Magnolia School District had undeposited activity funds totaling more than $21,000; Westside School District had about $9,500 in credit card charges that could not be substantiated, along with weak internal controls and some personal charges; and Boonville School District paid a board member’s son more than $5,000 for groundskeeping without the required exemption, which DESE later denied. The committee filed the reports as reviewed, including eight other findings not referred for prosecution and 89 audits with no findings, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• pursuant to rule 40.7. pursuant to rule 40.7.
• pursuant to rule 40.7. pursuant to rule 40.7.
• pursuant to rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr. pursuant to rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr.
• For those voting under rule<02:38:48.160> 40.7. rule 40.7. rule 40.7.
• pursuant to rule 40.7. pursuant to rule 40.7.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'll give the senator an opportunity to close before we take rule.
• It could be interpreted to block any rule that reduces emissions.
• cargo movement, even rules supporting clean infrastructure.
• ...the warehouse indirect source rule.
• Because it's setting the rules from the top.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the rules don't let you do that. You put a plan together.
• take advantage of these new rules?
• So the rules don't let you do that. You put a plan together.
• take advantage of these new rules?
• The rules haven't been released yet.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They resigned during or under Internal Affairs investigation or a criminal investigation.
• So the rules were, let's just say, gray, left up for interpretation.
• That ruling came out, or that opinion came out, two and a half years ago.
• Our rules and regulations don't allow for just a...
• Our rules and regulations don't allow for just a ton of action or reaction to the citizen complaint,

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Guillen for a motion Thank you mr. speaker members I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and
• The rules are suspended. Read the resolution.
• Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules. to take up and consider House Resolution 501.
• I'd like to suspend all of the rules, the necessary ones and the unnecessary ones.
• The quality, validity, and applicability of the state agency's administrative rules for the Committee

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> If if you have a workflow system that is run by 8 business rule, that is a strict business rule.
• If it's a business rule that can be identified in the computer can do that repetitively faster, better
• The few we hang out primarily an internal dispute.
• Another position being filled by internal higher were processing the paperwork for that person.
• That's an internal dispute resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE RESPONSIBILITIES BASICALLY DEFINES RULES OF REQUESTING AND RESPONDING AGENCIES.
• TO HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL RULES.
• WE HAD A LOT OF DEBRIS IN FLORIDA AND WE HAD DEPLOYED ALL OUR INTERNAL RESOURCES AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT
• ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AND MIAMI INTERNATIONAL OR HARD TO BUSIEST PASSENGER AIRPORTS IN THE STATE AND
• LITTLE BIT ABOUT DRIVING EFFICIENCIES INTERNALLY. I WILL GIVE YOU A COUPLE OF HIGH POINTS HERE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, I'm not worried about international competition; I'm focused on California.
• Moore most recently served as President and CEO of Cameron International Corporation from April 2008
• Prior to joining Cameron International, Mr.
• We're all... ...sitting in there and we're CPAs, so we're interested in how that rule comes out.
• Why the hell do we have that rule? We could not answer that, so we got rid of that rule. Very good.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the rules will be suspended, and the Senate will dispense with the reading of the
• Senate Resolution 40, by Senator Penzo, to recognize the winners of the IBLA Grand Prize International
• So this resolution is to recognize the winners of the IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition
• Whereas IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition and Festival is an annual music competition
• president for Sister Cities International, which was started by President Eisenhower in 1956.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a rule for DHS.
• So we did not have that ability prior to this rule.
• So if we would, I think you guys have the next rule and the next rule.
• This rule also stands reviewed without objection. Next rule, please.
• The last rule we have on the agenda today is a rule to allow us to be exempt from the recovery audit

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee met briefly, approved the January 7 minutes, and heard several Department of Human Services rules. DHS explained a rule allowing rehabilitative hospitals to open psychiatric units, provide acute psychiatric services, and receive Medicaid reimbursement, noting the service is needed and already being provided in Jefferson County. Members also reviewed a rule allowing DHS to participate in the CMS cell and gene therapy model for value-based payment agreements to treat sickle cell disorder with CGT therapy. A third DHS rule would exempt the state from the CMS recovery audit contractor requirement. DHS said recovery audit contractors typically work on contingency to identify fraud, waste, abuse, or overpayments, but Arkansas law prevents contingency arrangements, so the state uses other program-integrity layers instead. Those layers include internal retrospective reviews, an external payment integrity office, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Members asked for clarification on the contractor role, and DHS responded that the exemption has no cost and was approved by CMS. During new business, Representative Pilkington asked about a reported increase in uninsured postpartum cases in a DHS quarterly report. DHS representatives said they were not prepared to answer at the meeting and would follow up offline. Representative Johnson also asked about a handout related to program integrity and Arkansas Medicaid. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a rule for DHS.
• So we did not have that ability prior to this rule.
• So if we would, I think you guys have the next rule and the next rule.
• This rule also stands reviewed without objection. Next rule, please.
• The last rule we have on the agenda today is a rule to allow us to be exempt from the recovery audit

Summary: The committee opened with prayer, approved the January 7 meeting minutes, and then reviewed several Department of Human Services rules. One rule would allow rehabilitative hospitals to open psychiatric units, provide acute psychiatric services, and receive Medicaid reimbursement, addressing a service gap, especially in Jefferson County. Another rule would let DHS participate in a CMS cell and gene therapy model to support value-based payment agreements for treating sickle cell disorder with CGT therapy. A third DHS rule would exempt the state from the CMS recovery audit contractor requirement. DHS explained that recovery audit contractors typically work on contingency to identify fraud, waste, abuse, or overpayments, but Arkansas law prohibits contingency arrangements of that kind. DHS said the state already has multiple other program integrity layers, including internal reviews, an external payment integrity office, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Members asked for clarification on the role of recovery audit contractors, and DHS responded that they perform post-payment audits and recoveries. All three DHS rules were reviewed without objection. Near the end of the meeting, Representative Pilkington asked about a reported increase in uninsured individuals in a DHS postpartum report, but DHS said it was not prepared to answer and would follow up offline. Representative Johnson also asked about a handout related to program integrity and Arkansas Medicaid. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2012, there have been over 3,000 interns placed.
• Statewide in 2024 alone 255 interns were Statewide in 2024 alone 255 interns were placed<00:27:45.880
• I also share that the city hosts many interns, and so this year we've committed to hosting 15 interns
• I also share that the city hosts many interns, and so this year we've committed to hosting 15 interns
• we obviously have compliance rules and we obviously have compliance rules and uh<01:38:38.719> aside

Bills: HF1936, HF849, HF989, HF1130, HF1223, HF1907, HF1847, HF1957

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an FDA federal-level act, and then several rules associated with it.
• It's an FDA federal-level act, and then several rules associated with it.
• We do a lot in the sphere of international market collaborations, trying to sell more product that's
• So that's kind of in a nutshell what we've been doing internally.
• So I won't reiterate, but there's a lot of things we're doing internally to try to help.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, workforce, and competitiveness. Director Derek Sanderson of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and WSU Dean Raj Kosla described the size and diversity of the state’s farm sector, declining farm numbers, major export markets, and pressures from labor costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pests and disease. Kosla emphasized WSU’s land-grant role in education, research, and extension, including precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the need for state support to help producers adopt new technologies and train the next generation of agricultural workers. Members asked about retaining farmland, increasing workforce capacity, and the role of precision agriculture. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages and water scarcity, but adoption is limited by cost and rural broadband gaps. He explained precision agriculture as tailoring inputs to the right place, time, amount, and manner, and said WSU is working on low-cost sensor technologies and other innovations. Members also asked about how widely precision agriculture is used and whether it improves farm bottom lines; Kosla said adoption varies by tool and that he would follow up with more data. The committee then heard from Dr. Randy Fortenberry of WSU’s Impact Center on an agricultural competitiveness study and the effects of tariffs and trade. He reported that Washington’s competitiveness has generally declined relative to peer states in dairy, grapes, hops, apples, and wheat, with potatoes as the main bright spot. Surveyed producers said a substantial share of revenue is tied to regulatory compliance, with labor-related costs a major driver, and small diversified farms reported land access, capital, and profitability as bigger barriers than regulation. On trade, Fortenberry said Washington agriculture is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted markets, while noting current uncertainty around China and India. The committee asked follow-up questions about compliance time, peer-state comparisons, and regulatory burdens; no votes were taken, and the department said it plans an interim report by the end of the year and a final report by June 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule.
• <02:29:11.760> mining not going to make international mining not going to make international
• rule 20, further proceedings clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on<02:42:30.800> this<02
• Trump rule, arguing, and I quote, "The Trump rule, arguing, and I quote, "The district<02:46:33.120><
• international health authorities The international health authorities have<04:04:05.600> concluded

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all