Transcript Highlights:

• State. Mr. State, Mr. State. Mr. Sergeant at Arms, for what purpose?
• of State Cole Jester.
• of State John Thurston, and Secretary of State Cole Jester.
• We live in the best state in the greatest country in the world, and the state of our state has never
• Trooper Bowers started in law enforcement as a state trooper in his home state of Michigan.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State. Mr. State. Mr. State. Mr. Sergeant at Arms, for what purpose?
• of State Cole Jester.
• We live in the best state in the greatest country in the world, and the state of our...
• We live in the best state in the greatest country in the world, and the state of our state has never
• Trooper Bowers started in law enforcement as a state trooper in his home state of Michigan.

Summary: The meeting was the opening of the Arkansas General Assembly’s 2026 fiscal session, beginning with quorum calls, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including law enforcement officers, a doctor of the day, nurse of the day, constitutional officers, Supreme Court justices, and family and friends of legislators. The House adopted House Resolution 1001 to convene a joint session for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s address, appointed committees to notify the Senate and the Governor, and later received the Senate into the chamber before recessing for the joint session. In the joint session, members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Stan Berry, then heard Governor Sanders’s fiscal session address. Her remarks focused heavily on the proposed budget and her administration’s priorities: fully funding education and the LEARNS Act, supporting teachers and literacy efforts, funding public safety and corrections, expanding the 1033 initiative to move people from crisis to career, and holding down government growth while pursuing further income tax cuts. She also highlighted economic development, low cost of living, and support for veterans, while emphasizing conservative policy themes and thanking several Arkansans whose stories illustrated the administration’s agenda. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on beyond the adoption of House Resolution 1001 and the procedural motions to adjourn the joint session and then adjourn the House until the next day. The House announced that Joint Budget would meet later that afternoon and again the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a code that's been adopted, I believe, by all 50 states.
• to be implemented in all the various states who have subscribed to the Uniform Commercial Code.
• we're changing state law, which supersedes the Uniform Commercial Code in other states.
• Well, if we appear before that court, we are subject to the Uniform Commercial Code in that state, and
• codes.

Summary: Senate Commerce met with a quorum, approved the March 10, 2026 minutes, and recognized page Hayden Carter with remarks from committee members and a presentation of a Capitol flag and certificate. The committee then took up several bills, generally under tight time constraints, with brief sponsor presentations and testimony from supporters and opponents. House Bill 773, a code cleanup bill related to credit unions and corporate credit unions, was presented by Rep. Ayler, received no public testimony, and was sent to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 702, which would alter Uniform Commercial Code provisions on securities ownership and creditor priority, drew extensive debate: sponsors argued it would better protect stock owners in insolvency situations and cited examples such as Lehman Brothers and MF Global, while a Uniform Law Commissioner testified that the bill would make Idaho an outlier and could disrupt the securities system and access to margin accounts and clearing liquidity. After discussion, the committee adopted a substitute motion to hold HB 702 in committee. House Bill 648, an oral anti-cancer medication parity bill, received strong support from sponsors, cancer survivors, and advocacy groups, who said it would prevent patients from facing much higher out-of-pocket costs for oral chemotherapy than for IV treatment. Members noted personal experiences with cancer treatment, and the bill was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 787, which consolidates the Medical Board of Podiatry under the Board of Medicine, also passed with a do pass recommendation after brief discussion of expected efficiencies. House Bill 790, a voluntary certification bill for interior designers that would allow sign-and-seal authority for limited nonstructural work, drew the most divided testimony: supporters said it would remove barriers and reduce costs, while architects warned it could expand into the practice of architecture and raise public-safety concerns. Despite reservations from some members, the committee voted to send HB 790 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then that is a funding source for state funds for other schools in the state.
• That was part of the state funding.
• I mean there's some states that have been... increasing spending at a higher rate, some states have been
• Children because there's various ISDs across the state. state that need help, the ISDs are clamoring
• They're not state dollars, but they are funneled through as if they are state dollars.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the flag of the United States of America.
• , but also in the southern region of our state.
• So there's zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state.
• to us and what the state means to this country.
• to us and what the state means to this country.

Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation bills. AB 107, a junior budget bill, was described as a technical measure that updates federal appropriations by about $15 million, exempts certain Proposition 4 funds from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending, and makes other technical corrections without adding new projects or General Fund spending. Some senators objected to the APA waiver as reducing transparency, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117, an early-action trailer bill for Bay Area transit, authorizes a $590 million loan from the state’s transit and intercity rail capital program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which can then lend the money to Bay Area transit agencies for operating support, with repayment and interest secured by transit revenues. Supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; opponents raised concerns about ridership recovery, accountability, and consolidation. The bill passed 28-9. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees: Sonoma County Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Riverside Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson. Both were supported by colleagues who praised their experience and backgrounds, and both confirmations passed. The body also adopted SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opposing federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Supporters argued DEI is essential to civil rights, education, public service, and equal opportunity, while criticizing the Trump administration for dismantling related federal offices and funding. The resolution passed on a largely party-line vote after extensive floor debate. Finally, the Senate adopted SCR 78, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Senators from both parties spoke about the injustice of the internment, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of remembering the history to guard against future abuses. The resolution passed unanimously, and the author then introduced survivors and guests in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• out-of-state races.
• Fund and State Bonding Fund by contract with the State of North Dakota.
• , state entities.
• I don't live in the energy-producing part of our state, oil and coal.
• I don't live in the energy producing part of our state, oil and coal.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Sheriff Clifford and the Idaho State Sheriff's Association.
• Things are changing in the state.
• We have 188,000 members in the state.
• We have 188,000 members in the state.
• What has happened is that currently in the state of Idaho, your...

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 25 and March 27, then took up Senate Bill 1359 as amended, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks/crypto ATMs. The sponsor and supporters from AARP, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill was aimed at reducing scams that target older adults by requiring operator registration, money transmitter licensing, fee and exchange-rate disclosures, fraud warnings, transaction records, and cooperation with the Department of Finance. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass recommendation, though one member noted possible Fourth Amendment concerns about blockchain analytics and data retention. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1353 as amended, a housing bill allowing twin homes and duplexes in single-family residential zones in cities over 10,000 people, with limits on local bans, lot-size restrictions, fees, and parking requirements. Supporters argued it would expand affordable “missing middle” housing, help families and older adults stay in their communities, and restore property rights; opponents, including an Eagle city council member, argued it would override local control and worsen density and traffic concerns. After testimony from residents, housing advocates, and local officials, the motion for a due-pass recommendation failed on a 7-7 tie, so the bill was held in committee. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1254, which would clarify that certain chiropractors with clinical nutrition training may prescribe the limited vitamins, minerals, fluids, epinephrine, needles, and related products they are already authorized to obtain and administer. The sponsor said the change would fix a technical problem that prevents chiropractors from buying these items from pharmacies, while some members raised concerns about scope of practice and noted opposition from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians. The committee passed the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1313 was heard, expanding Idaho’s dual-licensure naturopathic doctor provisions to include pharmacists who also meet the existing naturopathic licensing requirements. The sponsor said the bill would let pharmacists with the proper additional training practice under dual licensure without violating scope-of-practice or insurance rules, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due-pass recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Sheriff Clifford and the Idaho State Sheriff's Association.
• Things are changing in the state.
• We have 188,000 members in the state.
• What has happened is that currently in the state of Idaho, your...
• Do you know any of the states that have done this already? Mr.

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I met with state police.
• So I met with state police.
• or that state.
• And then things like zip code are not so specific in how it's used.
• And then things like zip code are not so specific in how it's used.

Committee: Senate Banks

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with Chair James Sanders Jr. and Ranking Member George Borrello opening the hearing and noting a collaborative approach to committee work. The committee first considered and advanced several bills: S.114, which would prohibit state-chartered banks from investing in or financing private prisons; S.2040, which would require money transmitters to provide a consumer warning; S.5473, which would require disclosures in advertisements involving virtual tokens; and S.8406, Sanders’ bill to amend the community bank deposit program. Each bill was moved and approved by committee, with S.8406 passing unanimously. The committee then heard from Caitlin Azar, Acting Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), who outlined her background and DFS priorities. She emphasized affordability, consumer protection, stability, and innovation, and discussed DFS-led initiatives in the governor’s budget, including Banking Development Districts, non-bank mortgage CRA regulations, CDFI investment guidance, and consumer restitution. She also said DFS plans to issue buy-now-pay-later regulations in February, expand student lending protections and borrower education, and continue work on insurance affordability, including auto and homeowners insurance reforms, anti-fraud efforts, and discounts tied to telematics, dash cameras, and safe-driving courses. Members questioned Azar about the balance between regulation and access, especially in crypto, buy-now-pay-later, and insurance markets. She said DFS aims to preserve competition while preventing discriminatory or excessive practices, and described existing oversight of virtual currency, including coordination with federal regulators. Another member asked about AI in auto insurance underwriting and pricing; Azar said DFS requires transparency, bias review, governance controls, and consumer recourse, and that credit scores cannot be used to deny or increase rates. The chair also raised concerns about foreclosure in Southeast Queens, improving BDD paperwork and data collection, and increasing the number of state-chartered credit unions. Azar said DFS is working on process improvements, community input, and maintaining open communication with the committee, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken during the DFS hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name, who you represent. Time is yours. Thank you, Mr.
• in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
• not really sure that it does relate back to those rules in this title and chapter of Idaho Code.
• She now runs a two-state, million-dollar operation.
• But there are standard food safety provisions being used in other states, especially with respect to

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as outlined in the legislation, this will be referred to the State Department of Education.
• If it isn't inappropriate according to state standards, which are virtually non-existent.
• Or does the state want me to follow this new law that says I should do what the state says versus what
• In this, we have struck out 'in accordance with state standards.'
• In this, we have struck out in accordance with state standards.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington. Senator Morris? Monroe, Louisiana. What parish is that? Washington.
• Now, you know, this office was set up by state government. State government can abolish it.
• we bring to the state.
• I come from a state that's probably just as bad as this state.
• United States.

Bills: SB256

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 256, which would combine the Orleans Parish clerks of criminal district court and civil district court into one office, with the bill taking effect upon gubernatorial signature. Senator Jay Morris said the change would align Orleans with other parishes, improve efficiency, and eventually help consolidate funding and operations, noting that Orleans is the only parish with two clerks and that the criminal side lacks the civil-side revenue streams used elsewhere. Committee members questioned the timing because the election for the next term had already been held and certified, and repeatedly raised concerns that the bill would effectively eliminate an office after voters had already chosen Calvin Duncan as criminal clerk. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill would be constitutional or fair if enacted before the new term began. Opponents argued it would disenfranchise voters, target Duncan personally, and set a dangerous precedent by abolishing an office after an election. Supporters and witnesses for Duncan said the bill was rushed, lacked a fiscal note, and would create confusion about staffing, records, training, and the transition between the two court systems. Several witnesses also argued that the criminal clerk’s office is essential to access to justice and that the data and efficiency rationale did not justify the timing or effect of the bill. Calvin Duncan testified that he ran to improve access to court records after his own wrongful conviction and incarceration, and said the bill sends the message that votes do not count. Other witnesses, including teachers, voters, attorneys, former officials, and advocacy representatives, echoed that the measure undermines democracy and appears aimed at preventing Duncan from taking office. Senator Morris denied personal targeting and said the bill was about abolishing an unnecessary office, but acknowledged litigation was likely. The committee also adopted a three-minute rule for testimony by a 10-3 vote, then began hearing public testimony, with the first witnesses overwhelmingly opposing the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is one of 28 states; out of those, 20 states do not have an emergency risk protective order or
• But this is a state that, through full faith and credit, will honor those orders issued by other states
• Under the Family Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, or any other order from a state that's related
• When an ERPO is enacted in other states, and keep in mind there are 19 states plus D.C., only two states
• Section 1B refers to the section of the Penal Code that states that a person who murders a child between

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is bring $75 million to the state.
• And they left the state.
• and operate in both states.
• So it is a state, it's a quasi-state entity, Mr. President and Senator.
• compared to any other state.

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget supports our efforts to bring more energy into the state and lower cost, expand emergency
• food assistance and tax energy into the state and lower cost, expand emergency food assistance and tax
• Now, the governor said in her State of the Commonwealth address that the mission was to bring more energy
• Because it does take a while to get new energy into the state.
• in the state.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The hearing opened with welcomes from the co-chairs and local legislators, followed by remarks from UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, who highlighted the university’s research, sustainability, transportation, and workforce contributions and thanked the administration and legislature for support of public higher education. MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, along with agency leaders, presented the administration’s transportation budget package. They described a combined funding plan through House 2, a Fair Share supplemental budget, and a Chapter 90 bill, emphasizing investments in MassDOT operations, snow and ice response, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, bridge and pavement repair, housing-related transportation improvements, sustainable aviation fuel, microtransit, and local road programs. Officials also highlighted record highway construction activity, safety initiatives such as work zone speed cameras and pedestrian protections, RMV service and equity improvements, airport and drone technology programs, and MBTA gains in reliability, accessibility, ridership, and service expansion. Committee members asked about Western Massachusetts priorities, especially Chapter 90 funding for rural road mileage, bridge repairs, and the Compass Rail/West-East Rail program. MassDOT officials said pending federal grants were moving forward, with some awards recently obligated and others expected as federal processes advance, and they said Palmer Station remains part of the long-term rail plan. Members also raised the Cape Cod bridges and the need for multi-year Chapter 90 funding. Officials said the Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, with construction targeted for 2027, and reiterated that transportation investments support jobs, local economies, and municipal infrastructure statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• Attorney General can bring legal proceedings against the state for non-compliance with federal law.
• So we also do the Department of Energy, U.S.
• Again, we're looking at the retention too in the juvenile code.
• you know if too in the juvenile code you know if they're<00:08:06.840><c> 21</c><00:08:07.479><c> 23

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard an announcement inviting members to the Kentucky National Guard’s annual legislator briefing and rotary-wing flight over Frankfort on March 10, with a Friday deadline to RSVP. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 340, sponsored by Representative Tony Hampton, with testimony from Hampton and representatives of the Kentucky sheriffs and law enforcement community. HB 340 would create a new section of KRS Chapter 13 requiring criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records information to requesting federal agencies conducting suitability or fitness assessments for federal or contractor employees under 5 U.S.C. 9101. The bill also allows a $25 fee to reimburse agencies for the cost of providing the records and makes a conforming change to juvenile justice records law. Supporters said the measure is needed to bring Kentucky into compliance with federal law, noting the state had been out of compliance and could risk federal funding; they also said sheriffs’ offices need statutory authority to charge the fee. Members asked about whether the bill covers all background checks, sealed or expunged records, and juvenile records. Testimony explained that the bill applies to federal security-related background checks, that federal law requires access to sealed or expunged records, and that juvenile information would remain in-house but could be relevant when applicants disclose past conduct. One example was given involving a juvenile firearms-related offense discovered during a federal suitability review. The committee then voted on the bill, and House Bill 340 passed with favorable expression, with the chair announcing it should do the same in the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, as we look at state agencies and how we budget state agencies, it's a little bit different.
• of the courts in our state.
• And as you may recall... ...from the justices about the state of the courts in our state.
• Controller, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer.
• Controller, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, as we look at state agencies and how we budget state agencies, it's a little bit different.
• Now, as we look at state agencies and how we budget state agencies, it's a little bit different.
• of the courts in our state.
• As you may recall, ...from the justices about the state of the courts in our state.
• Controller, Secretary of State, and the State Treasurer.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard prayer and the pledge, approved the journal, and received committee reports and messages from the Governor and House. Several bills and resolutions were moved through the calendar, including committee referrals, enrollments, and transmittals of already-passed measures. The chamber also received new first-reading bills, including appropriations measures and policy bills on elections, education, and endowment land leases. On the floor, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 117 recognizing Idaho’s ties with Italy and the opening of an Idaho office in Italy. The resolution was supported with remarks about historical Italian immigration to Idaho and wartime cooperation involving Italian POW labor in Idaho agriculture. The Senate also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 30, which directs the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel to study and provide guidance on implementing comprehensive Medicaid-managed care; that measure passed by roll call, 20-10 with one absent. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, adding a new joint rule to limit the number of bill drafts and RSs a legislator may bring in a year, with exceptions for budget bills, amendments, trailer bills, interim committee legislation, and leadership-approved exceptions; it passed 35-0. The chamber also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 115 urging federal action on pelican impacts to Idaho fisheries, and Senate Resolution 120 honoring State Police K-9 Kimber for her service. Later, House Bill 723 on child care licensing and protections for children in residential care facilities passed 32-3 after debate focused on abuse prevention, unannounced inspections, and a bill of rights notice for children. In the afternoon session, the Senate passed several appropriation bills, including Senate Bills 1380, 1381, 1382, 1383, 1384, 1385, and 1386, covering the Endowment Fund Investment Board, Idaho State Lottery, Fish and Game, Veterans Services, Public Utilities Commission, Industrial Commission, and Pardons and Parole. Most were described as enhancement or maintenance budgets funded largely through dedicated or federal funds, with debate emphasizing small hardware purchases, program restorations, and agency operating needs. Senate Bill 1382 for Fish and Game passed 23-12, and House Bill 848, the legislative branch appropriation bill, was brought up for consideration as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> be up to the state just as our be up to the state just as our neighboring<00:14:21.320><c> states
• New Hampshire Admin Code 30.05 states that non-covered Medicaid services include, in quote, cosmetic
• The federal and state equal protection clause prohibits the state, or makes it unlawful for the state
• The federal and state equal protection clause prohibits the state, or makes it unlawful for the state
• </c> state or makes it unlawful for the state state or makes it unlawful for the state to<04:48:03.000

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, we have narrowed the specific provisions of a section of code that applies to education preparation
• It makes sure that these provisions of code are actually in place so that at the certification level,
• provision to ensure that HB 2 is the governing. policy over other vehicles addressing similar sections of code
• If there was a conflict between those policies in the code, often that happens. and they reconcile quite
• How I know that you have given this important piece of legislation a timeless energy and work and consideration

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Keywords: 1185, senate, all