Transcript Highlights:

• When they emailed the information to him, they gave him my personal address, my email, and my phone number
• We had no contact, no child support, and no phone calls, nothing.
• I keep wondering: what we're trying to get at is to allow parents to set up a phone, and that phone cannot
• I’ve spoken with a number of folks that are subject to these agreements in the last number of weeks,
• really over the last number of years.

Bills: SB1176, SB1186, SB1235, SB1286, SB1446, SB1458, SB1515, SB1616, SB1641, SB1668, SB1670, SB1678, SB1747, SB1787

Keywords: stormwater, water storage, replenishment credits, groundwater, aquifer, Arizona Revised Statutes, disclosure, state contracts, procurement records, donations, transparency, EMS, reciprocity, interstate compact, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, licensure, public safety, military personnel, veterinary telemedicine

Transcript Highlights:

• Countless Texans will attempt to fix a phone, repair a broken laptop, or get their...
• If you try to look up in the phone book, they're not in the phone book.
• My issue is that the number one thing that people want from us is, number one, they want us to help with
• That's the number one thing I get calls for.
• When you get your phone, you put in your age and you put in your credit card, they verified.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence your cell phones.
• We are required that the only way a referral can be done is by providing a phone number or, I'm sorry
• , the name or a phone number for the individual.
• The first set of amendments is number 2658, as identified in the top right-hand corner.
• The first set of amendments is number 2658, as identified in the top right hand corner.

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on Tuesday, March 31, with 11 members present for a quorum. The committee first took up House Bill 826, which would modernize insurance referral rules to allow referrals by website or email address rather than only by name or phone number. After adopting a technical amendment set, the bill’s sponsor’s representative said the measure had been worked out with independent agents and that prior concerns had been addressed; the committee reported HB 826 as amended without objection. The committee then considered House Bill 591, a bill creating a voluntary private-market paid family leave insurance product. The sponsor explained it would not create a state program or use taxpayer dollars, but would allow insurers to offer coverage for wage replacement tied to birth, adoption, caregiving, or military-related leave. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then a second amendment clarifying that benefit payments are not wages in lieu of workers’ compensation and do not interrupt claim prescription; after that, HB 591 was reported with amendments without objection. Before adjourning, the committee announced that House Bill 625 would be voluntarily deferred to the following week, and House Bills 751 and 771 would also be deferred until next week or possibly the next day if the sponsor provided notice. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My mom last year, I came home from a day of work here, went home and told me how she was on the phone
• Here's a pamphlet for you and a phone number to call so that you can report.
• Here's a pamphlet for you and a phone number to call so that you can report.
• But it's not how... ...here's a pamphlet for you and a phone number to call so that you can report, but

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance met and initially lacked a quorum, so it began as a subcommittee before later obtaining enough members to act. The committee took up a consent calendar containing AB 501, AB 683, and AB 1278, all of which were approved for passage to their next committees, with AB 501 sent to Judiciary and AB 683 and AB 1278 sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 871, which was presented as a measure to strengthen protections against elder financial abuse and scams by improving reporting and training requirements for financial institutions and mandated reporters. The author described the bill as a response to widespread elder fraud, including a personal family experience, and explained that the bill would add reporting guidance to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission. Supporters, including the California Welfare Directors Association and several local government and advocacy representatives, said the bill would help identify patterns, improve coordination, and potentially stop fraudulent transfers more quickly. The California Bankers Association did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about whether IC3 is the right reporting channel in every case, whether a dollar threshold should apply, and how institutions would operationalize customer notification requirements. Several committee members spoke in support, emphasizing the prevalence and sophistication of scams targeting older adults and the need to avoid imposing civil penalties or undue liability on financial institutions. The author said she was working with stakeholders to address concerns and keep the bill effective. AB 871 was then approved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee, and the roll was left open briefly for absent members before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's just, you know, let's use just even numbers.
• Let's just, you know, let's use just even numbers.
• That is a very low number.
• And we were all on the phone together until 9:30 at night.
• As Director Guthrie said, we're number one in the country.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Appropriations met with a quorum present and took up four bills. SB 434, relating to assessment of residential property, was presented as a measure to prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation improvements; it was reported favorably. CS for SB 110, concerning homestead exemption eligibility for 98-year or longer residential leases that terminate at death, was described as a clarifying, remedial change for long-term leaseholders and was also reported favorably. SB 856, which requires online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and local government groups. Senators emphasized consumer transparency and the problem of buyers being surprised by post-sale tax increases. The bill was reported favorably after discussion about where the estimates would appear and whether realtors already have disclosure duties. The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Executive Office of the Governor and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, other disasters, and emergency response operations, and that reimbursements from federal or other sources are returned to the fund. Opponents, including the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, SPLC, Florida for All, and others, argued the fund has been used too broadly for immigration enforcement and detention-related activities, lacks sufficient oversight, and should be narrowed to true disasters. Senators questioned spending levels, reimbursements, detention facilities, State Guard involvement, and oversight; no final action on SPB 7040 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• number.
• So if somebody filed a business and they used their right name, address, phone number, and they went
• </c><00:08:02.400><c> number,</c><00:08:02.800><c> and</c> right name, address, phone number, and right
• name, address, phone number, and they<00:08:03.280><c> went</c><00:08:03.440><c> and</c><00:08:03.680
• I don't have that exact number documented, but I know we started seeing this issue a couple years ago

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 216, 2 March, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence your phones; elected officials included.
• Please silence your phones; elected officials included.
• But these are not just numbers. They represent traumatic, life-altering events.
• But these are not just numbers. They represent traumatic, life-altering events.
• The number of officers is certainly down from what it was when I started back in 2005.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public safety bills, with strong support from law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders. Several measures focused on police and correctional officer wellness and protections, including bills on critical incident leave and post-incident support for officers, a bill to improve POST Commission representation, and a bill to protect correctional officers from assaults and exposure to synthetic drugs like K2. Witnesses described traumatic incidents, rising assaults in prisons, staffing shortages, and the need for confidentiality in peer-support debriefings. Committee members asked questions about assault classifications, K2 smuggling, tablet-related contraband, and whether counseling records would remain confidential. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to canine-related bills. Testimony supported creating a fund for retired police dogs and expanding emergency care training for working dogs injured in the line of duty. Speakers described police dogs as partners who locate suspects, missing persons, drugs, and weapons, and said retirement and medical costs are currently borne by handlers or nonprofits. The committee also heard testimony in favor of a purple alert system for missing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with advocates citing wandering risks, drowning dangers, and data from other states showing faster recovery times. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the definition of sexual assault by an officer to cover situations beyond formal custody, including investigations and other encounters where police have coercive power. Advocates for sex workers and anti-trafficking organizations said the change would close a loophole, protect vulnerable people, and address documented abuses. In addition, testimony was taken on a bill to protect Massachusetts residents from federal surveillance through fusion centers, with critics calling for stronger oversight of BRIC and related databases. Representative Jeff Turco also testified on bills to change POST Commission membership, arguing for more law enforcement representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the homicide number, and it doesn't include the number of children who are terribly abused by
• We had to have a number of social services come into the home for help.
• If we have issues in the rural areas, I know I have my sheriff's cell phone number.
• Like, does that number exist?
• Whether you make a phone call on animals or whether you make phone calls, whoever's making the phone

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on Urban Issues held a public hearing on House Bill 2292, sponsored by Representative Holly Jones. The bill is intended to encourage cross-reporting between child, elder, and companion animal abuse investigations, and to require related training for investigators and mandated reporters. Jones said the revised bill would limit the animal definition to dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, exclude livestock, and increase the training time from one hour to one and a half hours. She argued the measure would improve early detection of abuse and use existing agencies more efficiently. Supporters included representatives from Humane World for Animals, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the Missouri Animal Control Association, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Wayside Waifs, and the St. Louis County Police Association. They said animal abuse often co-occurs with child, elder, and domestic abuse, and that animal control officers and social service workers are often the first to see warning signs. Several witnesses described cases where animal abuse revealed broader household violence, and some said the bill would improve reporting, collaboration, and early intervention. A Missouri Animal Control Association witness also said animal control officers are not law enforcement and need training to recognize hidden signs of abuse, while another witness said cross-training can be done at low cost. Opponents included the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, and Missouri Animal Husbandry Association. Their main concerns were that the bill could be read to affect commercial breeders or rural property owners, could create or expand authority for humane investigators or animal rights groups, and could impose unnecessary training and administrative costs. They argued animal abuse is already reported to law enforcement and that the bill should more clearly exempt livestock and commercial breeders. Some opponents also said the state should rely on law enforcement and the state veterinarian rather than animal welfare associations. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd be reluctant to put a percentage on that, but we know that it's a large number based on the number
• </c> but um we know that it's a large number but um we know that it's a large number based<00:21:22.640
• ,</c> case and in there is docket numbers, case and in there is docket numbers, source<01:07:07.760><
• , phone, phone, cameras<02:24:35.200><c> in</c><02:24:35.359><c> the</c><02:24:35.520><c> house,</c><
• </c> this day still have that phone. this day still have that phone.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1651, which would create a civil sexual assault protective order for survivors who do not have a domestic violence or stalking relationship with the offender, and would also update the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights regarding evidence kit retention and tracking. Representative Jennifer Rhodes, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to fill gaps for survivors assaulted by strangers, acquaintances, or others outside existing protective-order categories, and to ensure evidence is preserved for the longer of the statute of limitations or the retention period. Committee members asked whether the new order could be misused and how the bill would prevent frivolous petitions; the sponsor said the same legal process would apply and a victim would still have to prove they were actually assaulted. Representative Eileen Kelly and Lynn Shallet of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence testified in support, saying current law leaves many sexual assault survivors without a meaningful civil remedy unless they qualify for domestic violence or stalking relief. Shallet said the gap has existed for decades and noted that other states already have standalone sexual assault protective orders. She also said the bill would clarify survivors’ rights to know the status and location of their evidence kits. Shauna Foster of New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse described local cases where survivors were denied protective orders because they lacked the required relationship with the offender, including a co-worker assault and an assault involving an unhoused survivor. Lisa Curtis, a survivor and founder of Safe Haven Ballet, gave emotional testimony in support, describing her own sexual assault and the difficulty of seeking protection and justice. She said survivors need safety to recover and that the bill would better align the justice system with trauma-informed support. Janet Carroll, a sexual assault nurse examiner and advisory board co-chair, testified that the bill’s evidence-kit provisions reflect federal changes and existing tracking practices. She explained that New Hampshire uses a kit tracking system that lets patients and professionals follow kits through the process, and said the bill would codify the right to be informed of a kit’s status and location. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have adopted amendment number one.
• We have a vendor right now that does this in a number of states.
• For the bottom number? For the very first? For the bottom number, for the very first offense?
• I guess she had her phone. It was distracted.
• It's still, you know, we have a put-your-cell-phone-down law.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 1853, which was described as allowing counties and cities to use memorial signs while rolling back several pages of existing statute. It then took up House Bill 2145, where Representative Mayhew offered an amendment that had been used in prior years to allow population on city limit signs and to permit high schools to sell advertising on outfield fences visible from highways if the audience is the patrons. The amendment was adopted, the committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was voted do pass by 11 ayes and 2 present. The committee then heard House Bill 2951, sponsored by Representative Lewis, addressing motor vehicle registration and tax evasion through out-of-state LLCs and plates, especially Montana and South Dakota registrations used by Missouri residents. Testimony from the Department of Revenue said the bill would strengthen enforcement by tying residency to Missouri driver’s licenses and voting records, create a presumption that resident-owned vehicles must be registered in Missouri, and impose a 25% penalty on the vehicle’s purchase price or fair market value if taxes were evaded. Members raised concerns about snowbirds, over-the-road truckers, enforcement, payment plans, and whether the bill could affect legitimate multi-state residents or commercial fleets; the Missouri Trucking Association asked that commercial trucking be excluded. The department said it already investigates such cases, uses citizen complaints and field observations, and is working on broader system changes including real-time insurance checks, elimination of temp tags, and dealer-based title and tax processing expected around early 2027. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2742, sponsored by Representative Jones, to address school bus stop-arm violations. The bill would authorize school bus safety cameras, make recorded images admissible in court, and strengthen penalties by adding mandatory minimum fines, possible license suspension, and points for violations. Representative Jones cited 143 documented violations in Platte County R-3 alone so far this school year and said current penalties are too weak to deter dangerous passing. School district transportation director J.T. Thomas testified in support, saying the district has seen rising violations, uses stop-arm cameras, and has had drivers willing to testify in court; he described multiple recent violations and said the cameras have helped document the problem. Members discussed camera retention rules, whether the bill should address autonomous vehicles, whether the camera provisions are necessary, and how fines and suspensions would be enforced.

Transcript Highlights:

• number, who their parents are, um.
• of citations, the number of warnings.
• Uh, sometimes we had no phone because my mother couldn't afford to pay the phone bill, so if you tried
• Actual numbers have, although because we have more people, even though actual numbers of crimes may have
• Other cities with larger numbers tell a different story.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my understanding a good number of the people who have decided to leave were probationary employees
• If that happens, the VA is going to have an even harder time hiring the appropriate number of nurses,
• So we're talking about a diminution in the number of people.
• And what was that number? It was less than... It was 64,751. Okay. So... 64,751. Okay.
• There are a number of policies that only you and the secretary are going to be familiar with.

Keywords: veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is roll call number 232. The voting stations of Representative by 232.
• Sufficient number having arisen. The vote will be taken by a call of the yeas and nays.
• On roll call number 232, Ms. Arriaga of Chicopee votes yes. The Chair recognizes Rep.
• On roll call number 232, Mr. Rogers. Chair: Is there objection? Chair: There is none.
• On roll call number 232, Mr. Rogers of Norwood votes yes. Ms.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed several guests and birthday celebrants, and adopted a resolution honoring the Jeller family for 100 years of service to Plymouth. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing a lease for Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. The chamber then took up Senate No. 3028, the omnibus animal welfare bill titled “An act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety,” which Ways and Means recommended ought to pass with a House amendment and an emergency preamble. During debate on S. 3028, members described the bill as a package of animal welfare reforms covering veterinary technician regulation, expanded oversight of veterinary medicine, pet insurance disclosures and cancellation rights, changes to the Beagle Bill adoption process, a ban on animal testing for household products when alternatives exist, requirements for reporting found dogs to law enforcement, protections for service dogs in transportation, stronger kennel licensing enforcement, and limits on discrimination against companion animals in public and senior housing. Several members spoke in support, especially of Section 25, which creates a civil process for animal neglect cases so authorities can seek care or removal without relying solely on felony prosecution; supporters said it better balances animal protection with due process and human crises. The House rejected two proposed amendments, adopted two others, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-1. The House also passed Senate No. 2577, increasing parking fees in the town of Scituate, and House No. 2250, dissolving the Whately Water District, by roll call vote of 150-0. In addition, the House declined to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 4361, a bill concerning benefits for teachers, and instead ordered a Committee of Conference, appointing Representatives Ryan of Boston, Gonzales of Springfield, and Ferguson of Holden. Finally, the House passed House No. 5492, authorizing Billerica to transfer land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we're hearing a number of different bills on various issues.
• I would not read titles; you can look up the numbers yourselves.
• In our stands, the grab-and-goes, there's no phone.
• , mobile phones cross state boundaries all the time.
• House 3940, an act relative to restricting telemarketers' phone numbers.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 452, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment. Farm Bureau and several manufacturers’ representatives opposed the bill, arguing that existing memorandums of understanding already provide farmers access to parts, diagnostics, and repair information, and warning that broader software access could increase emissions tampering and safety risks. Supporters, including repair advocates, a legislator, and a farmer representative, argued that the MOUs are not binding, that farmers need enforceable repair rights to avoid costly delays during critical harvest periods, and that owners should be able to repair equipment they bought without dealer lock-in. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills to limit or eliminate “grab-and-go” alcohol sales at large venues, including House Bill 325 and Senate Bill 225. Union workers from Fenway Park and the TD Garden described self-checkout alcohol kiosks as creating public safety and compliance problems, including underage access, over-serving, theft, and difficulty monitoring intoxication in crowded settings. They said workers are often understaffed and bear discipline when violations occur. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox and Aramark defended the supervised self-checkout model, saying it speeds service, is widely used, and operates with multiple layers of supervision, training, and regulatory oversight; they said they had not received violation notices and that any incidents are isolated. Senator Edwards also testified in support of House Bill 369, aimed at restricting marketing of certain harsh cosmetic products to children, and in support of the grab-and-go bill. She argued that children should not be targeted with products containing toxic chemicals and that alcohol service should remain supervised by trained staff to protect consumers and jobs. Senator Collins and other legislators also spoke in favor of restricting grab-and-go alcohol service, citing concerns about underage drinking and overconsumption. The hearing additionally included a separate bill on Sunday morning alcohol service, with Representatives Scanlon and Lewis arguing for allowing sales beginning at 8 a.m. on Sundays rather than 10 a.m., but that bill was only discussed briefly and no action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The number of people that are living on the streets, experiencing homelessness, continues to rise in
• Why did nobody pick up the phone before $2 million Arizona taxpayer dollars went out the door? Mr.
• You should know that number, okay. You should know that number, okay?
• Because the reason why I ask is that number is, I'm sure, astronomical, right?
• But So you're... ultimately limiting the number or quality of housing units built.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations met to consider Ruby Dylan Williams for Director of the Arizona Department of Housing. Williams described her long career at the department, her work on operational improvements, housing development, manufactured housing, and efforts to expand supply, preserve existing housing, and improve transparency through data and technology. She also said she would work with the legislature, local governments, tribal nations, nonprofits, and private partners, and emphasized the department’s role in addressing housing affordability and homelessness across the housing continuum. Members questioned her about the department’s response to Auditor General findings, including fraud prevention, payment verification, site inspections, and oversight of grantees. Williams said the department had rewritten policies, retrained staff, added stronger controls, and implemented verbal verification steps for wire transfers after a fraud incident. Senators also pressed her on budget priorities, possible cuts, and her view of homelessness policy, with some members characterizing her approach as closer to shelter or transitional housing before permanent placement. Williams said interventions should be individualized and that the department works with local jurisdictions and service providers to match people with appropriate support. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Developers, housing industry representatives, and nonprofit partners praised Williams’ private-sector housing finance experience, her knowledge of LIHTC and the QAP process, and her leadership in making the agency more efficient and business-friendly. After debate, the committee voted 3-2 to recommend her confirmation to the full Senate. Two members voted no, citing concerns about her answers on fraud oversight, cost controls, and homelessness policy, while the majority supported advancing her nomination.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we look at the total number of cases that have been filed, there's been a number of cases.
• But could you argue that the number of commitments to DYS is not keeping up proportionally with the number
• But you can see in that second graph that our numbers, that's the residential numbers in those five secure
• Our numbers were really low.
• I can get you some numbers.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth approved the December 10 minutes and confirmed Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee. The committee then heard the annual Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review report, which said the state reviewed 148 of 170 non-natural child deaths in 2023; the reviewed deaths included 69 accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined causes. Members asked about how the report’s recommendations could be used, grant opportunities tied to prevention work, and whether the data could be broken down by age; presenters said the report is intended as a prevention tool for agencies and nonprofits and that some age detail is available in later pages of the report. The committee next took up HCR 1010 and then a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Senator Missy Irvin, judges, and Administrative Office of the Courts staff described Arkansas’s use of validated risk assessments, including SAVRY, the Ohio Youth Assessment Tool, MAYSI, and substance-abuse screening, as part of a long-running effort to reduce juvenile incarceration and tailor services to individual youth and families. They said the reforms have contributed to fewer delinquency filings, fewer DYS commitments, and more diversions, while also emphasizing that mental health, substance abuse, school issues, and trauma often drive juvenile court involvement. Several members raised concerns about data gaps, school collaboration, and whether community-based services are sufficient, and presenters said more shared data and stronger school use of safety dashboards could help intervene earlier. Division of Youth Services Director Michael Crump then presented custody, education, recidivism, and cost data. He said DYS commitments rose after the pandemic, secure residential populations remain high, and detention-center use increased when intake beds filled; he also noted that DYS pays about $320 per day for secure custody and that detention beds cost roughly $90 to $100 per day. Crump said most youth in custody are older teens, about 80 percent are male, and many have behavioral-health needs or educational deficits; he reported 222 GEDs and 102 high school diplomas over six years. He also said about 15 to 19 percent of youth return to DYS within three years and that a larger share later enter the Department of Corrections, while members pressed him on how assessments relate to commitments, how low-risk cases are handled, and how to improve mental health and substance-abuse services statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• concerned, and nine times out of 10, after I walk through it with them or they maybe send me a cell phone
• picture it turns out that cell phone picture it turns out that it's<00:01:15.520><c> just</c><00:01:
• A disclosure on the envelope and on the forms would greatly reduce the number of calls.
• I don’t have that number.
• I don’t have that number.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Am I getting my numbers right?
• Do I have that right, number one?
• And we've also conducted a number of interviews and interacted with a number of different stakeholders
• Do you have their phone number?
• Assemblymember Hart, thank you for the additional numbers, very different than our previous numbers,

Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go to item number one.
• Number one, nobody had a plan. Number two, we cannot wait.
• Number<01:02:15.520><c> one,</c> Number one, Number one, &gt;&gt; nobody<01:02:18.559><c> had</c><01:
• Number<01:02:21.440><c> two,</c> Number two, Number two, we<01:02:23.760><c> cannot</c><01:02:24.240>
• </c> number 25, Senate bill number 2110. number 25, Senate bill number 2110.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So sustainable funding would be the number one significant barrier for us.
• So sustainable funding would be the number one significant barrier for us.
• So sustainable funding would be the number one significant barrier for us.
• So we have partnered with them for a number of years on... appropriate direct treatment.
• So we have partnered with them for a number of years on. Out of hospital care back to the home.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain. Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them. The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation. Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.