Transcript Highlights:

• The first two pages are basically the base budget.
• Uh, the first two pages are basically the base budget.
• </c><00:05:16.000><c> on</c> bonds debt service payments uh based on bonds debt service payments uh based
• And just to be clear, but we will touch base with Senator Her and you about it as well.
• And just to be clear, but we will touch base with Senator Her and you about it as well.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• You would like a projection based on the current payment methodology, which is payment based on attendance
• You would like a projection based on the current payment methodology, which is payment based on attendance
• So it's based on the location of the daycare. Okay, that's good.
• You maybe pick up skills you don't want to pick up.
• You maybe pick up skills you don't want to pick up.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• of this to start Um we had a good base of this to start because<00:44:28.960><c> we</c><00:44:29.080
• </c><00:45:48.960><c> and</c> identified some key skills and identified some key skills and competencies
• </c><01:14:39.920><c> on</c><01:14:40.040><c> their</c> um of for SNAP benefits based on their um of
• for SNAP benefits based on their payment<01:14:40.760><c> error</c><01:14:41.000><c> rate.
• Like, is there a formula so that based on the amount of fraud in counties, they get more or less?

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to say, I think your comedy skill is a huge bonus as well.
• And this is because we can no longer rely on CDC to be that singular evidence-based voice.
• Is really based on science and to ensure the trust and safety and health of our communities.
• , science-based, fact-based information to issue guidance based upon, is the workload more so now because
• And all of those things, and then, of course, workforce, just base workforce.

Committee: Joint Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight

Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who introduced herself and described her background in public service, federal and state legislative work, and health and human services leadership. Members emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with her and noted her focus on protecting services, using strategic approaches in a tight budget environment, and improving partnerships with the Legislature. Ramirez said she wanted to keep communication open and that her priorities would be shaped by what she learns from lawmakers and agency partners. The next work session focused on the West Coast Health Alliance and the broader Governor’s Public Health Alliance. Department of Health and governor’s office staff said the West Coast alliance, involving Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, was formed to coordinate science-based public health guidance, especially around vaccines, return-to-work guidance, and responses to federal changes. They said the alliance is intended to reduce confusion, counter misinformation, and preserve access to evidence-based recommendations, with early actions including vaccine guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, a statement rejecting any vaccine-autism link, and preparation for possible ACIP changes. Members asked about workload and coordination with other regional alliances, and staff said there is informal coordination but no formal regular meetings. The committee then heard from the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange about open enrollment and the effects of federal policy changes. Exchange leaders said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, HR1 provisions, and immigration-related eligibility changes are affecting affordability and enrollment, with some customers facing large premium increases and some counties becoming harder to serve. They reported early open-enrollment traffic increases, nearly 10,000 new sign-ups, and nearly 12,000 active coverage drops so far, while noting that many more people may disenroll later if subsidies are not extended. They also described mitigation efforts such as silver loading, Cascade Care Savings, outreach through navigators and community partners, and planning for future HR1 requirements like ending auto-renewal and adding verification steps. In the final work session, staff from the Health Care Authority and Insurance Commissioner’s office reviewed Washington’s health reform history and the state’s current affordability and access efforts. They highlighted past ACA-related coverage gains, continued work on prescription drug affordability, PBM oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, and a pending legislative proposal to preserve access to preventive services. They also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and the exchange, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, and the need to coordinate across agencies to implement new rules. Members raised concerns about network adequacy, provider access, and the complexity of the health care system, while staff said they are trying to mitigate harm, simplify administration, and keep coverage and access as stable as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had no skin in the game on that other than we built it.
• You ask about the cost of insurance based on the litigious environment we live in. I don't know.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Archerado Gill, Archiletta, Out of Game, Ashby, Becker, Blakespeare, Cabaldon, Caballero, so— Adigine
• radar and air These soldiers retrieved down U.S. pilots behind enemy lines, guarded U.S. radar and air bases

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on past voter turnout, approximately how many Oklahoma voters engage in a special election in August
• the same benefits as the 25-year-old who just finds reasons not to go work and rather go play video games

Bills: HB4440 , HJR1067 , HJR1087 , HJR1089

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• But ultimately, the priorities are going to ebb and flow based on what I learn from this room.
• I'm going to say, I think your comedy skill is a huge bonus as well.
• some examples. ...based position statements, policy recommendations, and guidance, and I'll give some
• on science and to ensure trust. ...is really based on science and to ensure the trust and safety and
• , science-based, fact-based information to issue guidance based upon.

Committee: Joint Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight

Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who described her background in public service and emphasized collaboration, relationships, and responsiveness to legislators as she begins her tenure. Members thanked her and noted they looked forward to working with her on the governor’s priorities and the state’s budget and service challenges. The committee then heard a presentation on the West Coast Health Alliance from Governor’s Office, Department of Health, and state health leadership. Witnesses said the alliance was formed by Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii to provide unified, science-based public health guidance, especially on vaccines, amid federal instability and misinformation. They said the alliance has already issued vaccine recommendations and statements rejecting a vaccine-autism link, and is working on return-to-work guidance and responses to federal ACIP actions. Members asked about workload and coordination with an East Coast public health group; witnesses said the main challenge is communicating unified guidance rather than reviewing studies themselves. Next, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange reported on open enrollment and the effects of federal changes, including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and HR1 provisions affecting immigrant eligibility and future auto-renewal rules. Officials said premium increases are driving some customers to drop coverage, while state actions such as silver loading and Cascade Care Savings are helping blunt the impact for many enrollees. They also described outreach through navigators, brokers, tribal organizations, and community groups, and noted rising website traffic and more customer questions during open enrollment. Members asked about enrollment trends, carrier participation, and how to communicate upcoming federal changes. Finally, the Health Care Authority and Office of the Insurance Commissioner reviewed the state’s health reform history and the impact of federal changes on Medicaid and the individual market. They highlighted ongoing state efforts on affordability, prescription drug oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, preventive services, and rural health funding. Witnesses said agencies are coordinating across DSHS, HCA, OIC, the Exchange, Employment Security, and others to prepare for Medicaid work requirements and other HR1 changes, while also trying to reduce administrative burden and preserve access to care. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• last year we had the framework of an agreement that had support from all, if not all, most of the gaming
• stakeholders at least no gaming stakeholders at least no opposition<00:16:22.160><c> from</c><00:16:
• I'd rather be in the game with all the wisdom here.
• </c> take us out of the game, Mr. President. take us out of the game, Mr. President.
• with all the I'd rather be in the game with all the wisdom<01:53:18.400><c> here.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you all have been into any of our Cardinals games, but it would help with phase three
• I don't know if you all have been into any of our Cardinals games, but it would help with phase three
• just looking at my notes, I see, for example, the Power and Light District and Ballpark Village were game-changing

Summary: The Legislative Rules Committee held a public hearing and then executive session on Senate Bill 1694, along with related Senate Bill 1688, which together would modernize and expand the Missouri Downtown and Rural Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA). Senator Steve Roberts said the bills would increase flexibility for redevelopment projects, broaden financing tools, extend timelines, and expand residential incentives, with no general fund risk. Supporters, including lobbyists for the Cordish Companies, the City of Kansas City, the City of St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc., Historic Revitalization for Missouri, and BioSTL/Next Missouri, argued the program has already helped transform downtown Kansas City and St. Louis and could spur major redevelopment such as Ballpark Village, Power & Light, the Millennium Hotel area, the AT&T Tower, and the Railway Exchange Building. They emphasized private investment, local control, and the potential to bring vacant buildings back onto the tax rolls. One witness, the state public advocate, opposed SB 1694, arguing it would create more bureaucracy and political subdivisions, rely on tax abatements and TIF-like tools, and shift costs to taxpayers. Committee members asked questions about the bill’s residential language, the history of MODESA projects, the fiscal note, and whether the incentives could apply to other downtown sites. Supporters clarified that the committee substitute removed a proposed income-tax incentive, reduced some escalators, and retained a voluntary, opt-in structure for cities. The chair also noted that stadiums themselves are excluded, though surrounding areas may qualify. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and voted 10-0 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1694 and 1688. The committee then voted 8-2 to do pass Senate Substitute Number 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Brown, and 8-0 with two present votes to do pass House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 889, which the chair described as a large cleanup bill removing obsolete statutes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• marketplace, particularly products through cell cultivation outside of the traditional livestock or wild game
• It's any animal cell-based protein produced or derived from culturing animal cells outside the animal's
• At the end of the day, though, Food Northwest does not support state-based labeling.
• Because we've seen so many different efforts on state-based labeling laws over the last few years, an
• But state labeling costs consumers, and that's why we don't ever support a state-based labeling requirement

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• up to 8,000 people every single month, and so often in this building, you know, we make decisions based
• But based on the information that I have, I am not going to vote to limit services to mothers and children
• But based on the information that I have, I am not going to vote to limit services to mothers and children
• And based on the information that I've been given and the request for this ...intent, and based on the
• functions of government, where we are elected to have oversight, and instead hiding it into shell games

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several measures. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 2787, a one-time $2 million supplemental for the Choosing Childbirth program through the State Department of Health. Supporters said the money would prevent a lapse in services for more than 4,000 mothers and children, especially in rural areas, until the organization can reenter the bidding process in 2028. Opponents questioned the nonprofit’s transparency, donor base, leadership, and prior use of state funds, arguing the Legislature should not provide another supplemental without clearer accountability. The bill passed 70-19, and the emergency clause also passed. The House also considered Senate Bill 546 on data privacy. After floor amendments removed the emergency clause and set a January 1, 2027 effective date, the bill was explained as a comprehensive consumer data privacy measure applying to certain businesses operating in Oklahoma. It would give consumers rights to access, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal data, with enforcement through the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and civil penalties for violations. The bill passed 84-4. In addition, House Bill 2786 received a joint committee report and passed with no debate; it provides supplemental funding to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to complete fiscal year 2025 payments to CCBHCs and other vendors, and its emergency clause also passed. The House adopted House Resolution 1034 recognizing February as Black History Month. The chamber also heard several introductions and announcements before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no fiscal would be based.
• I’m just basing off my wholesale price.
• I'm just basing off my wholesale all. I'm just basing off my wholesale price. price. price.
• We said you cannot discriminate based on source of income.
• We said you cannot discriminate based on source of income.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, based on the medical adage, when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.
• So, based on the medical adage, when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.
• So, based on the medical adage, when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.
• So, based on the medical adage, when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.
• today, we can easily have it online game today, we can easily have it online database<01:20:02.960><

Bills: HF3373 , HF4449 , HF3486 , HF4180 , HF4227 , HF2505

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Everything makai is fair game, but also, as you can see, everything makai is taken off the table by Act
• um but also as you Makai is is fair game um but also as you can<00:10:48.560><c> see</c><00:10:48.800
• So we think that, just based on the water level data—and this is not on groundwater modeling, I want
• So there's clearly a lot of potential for a lot of impact just based on those volumes.
• So, based on that, have you identified... We're looking at 150 acres, right?

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before the Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Chair Nicole Lowen and other legislators opened the meeting by framing the issue as important statewide and encouraging recycling, composting, and proper use of the curbside bins. The city’s Department of Environmental Services, led by Director Roger Babcock and Deputy Director Mike O’Keefe, then presented the background and siting process. ENV explained the legal and technical constraints that shaped the search, including the 2019 Land Use Commission decision requiring closure of Waimanalo Gulch by March 2, 2028, and the 2020 Act 73 restrictions on landfill siting near residences, schools, hospitals, conservation districts, airports, and tsunami inundation areas. They said a landfill advisory committee reviewed six candidate sites in 2021-2022 and rejected them because they fell within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. After further evaluation and an extension of the naming deadline, the city selected a site in central Oahu near Wahiawa, on agricultural land currently used as a Dole pineapple field. City officials said the selected site was chosen as the best of the evaluated options and, in their view, could be permitted under state and federal law. They described planned environmental protections, including a modern sanitary landfill design with double liners, leachate collection systems, monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring, and said the existing Waimanalo Gulch landfill has operated for 35 years without leachate leaks. They also emphasized that the site would still require a special use permit, Department of Health approvals, an environmental impact statement, and other public permitting processes, and that public engagement would continue over the next several years.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start with university-based alternative programs, followed by non-university-based alternative
• It required a minimum base salary of at least $50,000.
• It required a minimum-based salary of at least 50,000.
• Again, a survey is just based on who answers it.
• non-IHE-based programs.

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a Legislative Audit presentation summarizing Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors said the department distributed about $4.6 billion in grants overall, including $3.2 billion from the Public School Fund, $1.1 billion in federal funds, and $268 million from other state and miscellaneous sources, across 56 Public School Fund programs, 14 other state programs, and 29 federal programs. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; audit staff and Department of Education representatives explained that the report was only a distribution summary and not a recipient-level audit. Members also questioned why many districts showed lower funding, and staff said the decline was largely due to reduced federal and one-time COVID-related funds. Senators and representatives also discussed whether some incentive programs, such as master principal and national board bonuses, were tied to student outcomes, and whether Economics Arkansas was the sole entity named in special language for financial literacy funding; department staff said they would follow up on several details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on consumer price index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, with discussion of CPI-U and core CPI estimates for future fiscal years. Dr. Carlos Silva explained that the forecasts generally trend toward about 2 percent over time and that recent projections may have understated actual inflation because of recent shocks. Members asked about the accuracy of past projections, and he said he would provide more detail later if needed. The bulk of the meeting focused on the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with a statewide student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1, average teaching experience of 11.9 years, and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found that districts with higher poverty and minority concentrations generally had less experienced teachers, and that teacher shortages remained widespread, especially in special education, math, science, and foreign language. Members asked about licensure exceptions, alternative preparation pathways, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and the cost and return on investment of traditional versus alternative routes. Staff said some licensure exceptions are being phased out under Act 304 of 2025 and that they would follow up on several requested details. The report also found that teacher retention averaged 87 percent statewide in 2025, with districts retaining teachers at higher rates than charters, and that 30 percent of surveyed teachers were considering leaving the profession. Principals and teachers identified school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the strongest negative factors. On salaries, BLR reported a statewide average teacher salary of $60,254 in 2025, with districts averaging $60,458 and charters $55,724. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average teacher salary in 2025, though its cost-adjusted ranking improved to 36th; among SREB states it ranked 12th, and among neighboring states it ranked fourth. Members asked about starting salaries, salary compression, district step increases, and whether the report should be shared more broadly with educators and school leaders. Staff said they would provide follow-up information on several questions, and the committee took no formal action beyond receiving the presentations and asking for additional data.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the number of pupils calculated based on the number of pupils or<00:30:25.120><c> based</c><00:30
• </c><00:33:46.399><c> on</c> would increase based on would increase based on inflation<00:33:48.720><
• </c><00:36:28.800><c> of</c> 24 and 25 it has a base of 24 and 25 it has a base of $16.3 $16.3 $16.3
• </c> billion fiscal years 26 and 27 the base billion fiscal years 26 and 27 the base is<00:36:34.560>
• </c> essentially right and other cost based essentially right and other cost based changes<01:03:20.680

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• yeah, maybe some kind of overall entity or agency that I don't want to say doesn't have skin in the game
• yeah, maybe some kind of overall entity or agency that I don't want to say doesn't have skin in the game
• We do it based on their need and desire to build out renewable energy.
• :15:28.720><c> and</c><00:15:29.319><c> desire</c><00:15:30.319><c> uh</c><00:15:30.399><c> to</c> based
• on their need and desire uh to based on their need and desire uh to build<00:15:30.880><c> out</c><00

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're just a little late to the ball game right now. The process is Game right now.

Bills: HB491 , SB85

Committee: House Health

Keywords: HB491, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school lunch, cafeteria, artificial dyes, food additives, food coloring, synthetic dyes, Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, school fundraising, vending, snacks

Transcript Highlights:

• history in the world of skateboarding, representing the United States on the biggest stage, the Olympic Games
• Her journey from the skate parks of Petaluma to the Olympic Games is a testament to her hard work and