Transcript Highlights:

• reproductive health, in addition to other sensitive information.
• critical information about people's health or immigration status.
• That information. In fact, cities and counties are increasingly being pushed to share information.
• Disclosure of private information.
• So the amendments changed the personal information.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills. AB 1405 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan would create a state registry of AI auditors and set baseline transparency and ethics requirements for auditors, with the author accepting committee amendments. Supporters said the bill would help establish independent oversight and consumer trust in AI, while some members questioned whether government should be creating the registry rather than industry groups and raised concerns about unclear standards. The bill passed the committee on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters, including grieving parents and Common Sense Media, argued that platforms know their products can contribute to addiction, self-harm, drug sales, and other harms but have not done enough to protect young users. Opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned the bill was vague, could chill speech, invite broad litigation, and raise First Amendment and Section 230 concerns. Several members expressed support for the goal but asked for changes, especially around the private right of action and clearer standards; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary. AB 410 by Assembly Member Wilson would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and not misrepresent themselves as human. Supporters said the bill would reduce deception in online interactions and help vulnerable users, while some members worried it was too broad and could affect ordinary automated responses or out-of-state users. After amendments and discussions, opposition softened or withdrew, and the bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations. AB 1327 by Assembly Member Aguirre-Currie would let consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail, with a phone-number assistance requirement added in committee; the Contractors State License Board withdrew opposition, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 566 by Assembly Member Lowenthal, which would require browsers and mobile operating systems to support one-step opt-out privacy signals across online businesses, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• and imposing strict limits on the use of sensitive personal information.
• and imposing strict limits on the use of sensitive personal information.
• They voluntarily provide their information to our members to shop for insurance for them.
• The consumer understands they're going to share that information for that purpose.
• I worry a lot about what they do with the information on the underwriting part of it.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on insurance transparency, claims handling, privacy, and regulatory enforcement. SB 877 and SB 878 by Senator Pérez addressed post-disaster claims practices: SB 877 would require insurers to disclose original and revised loss estimates and related claim materials to policyholders, while SB 878 would add automatic interest penalties for delayed claim decisions or payments and require written identification of disputed items. Fire survivors, consumer groups, AARP, the Department of Insurance, and other advocates supported both bills, while insurer groups moved to neutral after amendments. Both bills were voted out on roll call and reported to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand data sharing and reporting to improve workforce program evaluation and help counties verify work requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh using employer-reported hours worked. County officials, workforce advocates, and the Department of Insurance supported the measure, and no opposition was heard. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Labor and Employment. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, presented with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the commissioner stronger enforcement tools to require insurers to carry out corrective actions identified in market conduct examinations, including fines and hearings for noncompliance. The commissioner and author said the bill would close an enforcement gap and improve accountability; there was no opposition testimony, but the bill was left on call after the roll. The committee also heard SB 354 on insurance privacy, presented by Senator Padilla on behalf of Pro Tem Limón, which would modernize insurance privacy rules by expanding consumer rights over personal data, limiting sale and use of sensitive information, and increasing disclosure requirements. Supporters said the bill updates outdated 1980s-era rules, while insurers, agents, and business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance burdens, and small-business impacts. Members indicated the bill was still being negotiated and would return in a revised form in the Privacy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this also adds in a piece on informed this also adds in a piece on informed consent. consent. consent
• That's the informed consent.
• That's the informed consent.
• That's the informed consent.
• Information and where that's going to be held and the information security for it.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that piece of information should be very informative to the county-level party people.
• The other thing about wanting more information, you know, to inform them, you know, that it could be
• So it's very hard to inform them.
• in the public is not informed on.
• So it's very hard to inform them.

Committees: House Elections , House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Transcript Highlights:

• THE NEXT GOES INTO DATA INFORMED DECISION-MAKING.
• WE HAVE GREAT DATA, GREAT INFORMATION BUT IF YOU ONLY USE IT TO DRIVE IMPROVEMENT YOU ARE SENDING INFORMATION
• IT HELPS US TRACK INFORMATION ON STAFF AND IN ADDITION WE DON'T JUST COLLECT INFORMATION WE WANT TO MAKE
• WE USE THE INFORMATION TO INFORM OUR BUDGET REQUEST AND PROPOSALS WE BRING BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE EACH
• WE ARE INFORMING PLACEMENT.

Transcript Highlights:

• trying to get information.
• We receive a ton of information, not necessarily audited information, but more budget and financial information
• During that process, we do capture a lot of information. We gather information from Medicare.
• That information down.
• We get information from Social Security information.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met to hear interim charges on higher education transparency and on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The chair emphasized accountability for taxpayer dollars and asked witnesses to address financial reporting, audit practices, and whether more frequent or comprehensive audits would improve oversight. Legislative Budget Board staff described how public university systems and most community colleges respond to requests about internal audit practices, noting that university systems generally follow a similar annual audit timeline and that community colleges use a more varied mix of internal and external audit arrangements. Members focused on gaps in reporting, especially Texas Southern University’s missing submissions for several years and Collin County Community College’s nonresponse to the LBB survey. The State Auditor’s Office then outlined its higher education audit work, including mandatory statewide single audits, DEI compliance audits, HUB and State Use Program audits, benefits proportional audits, and discretionary audits based on risk. The auditor said the office has released 43 higher-ed audit reports since fiscal year 2021 and has two audits in progress, and explained that internal audit reports from institutions help guide future audit selection. Senators pressed the office on the lack of enforcement authority, the value of internal auditors at each institution, and whether community colleges should have more standardized reporting and audit requirements. The auditor and general counsel said the SAO can refer suspected fraud to law enforcement but cannot itself enforce findings, while several senators suggested stronger clawback authority and more robust internal audit structures. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board explained that it collects annual financial reports, sources-and-uses data, and community college finance reports, and uses them for funding formulas and other reporting. It also trains governing board members and said it has limited regulatory authority, though community colleges must certify compliance annually and can lose eligibility for state funds if they do not. Members questioned the reliability of self-attested data, the adequacy of board training, and whether a single reporting structure would be more efficient. During public testimony, a ScholarShot representative argued for clearer, student-facing financial transparency so students can see total cost of attendance and the gap they must cover before enrolling.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, surely somebody's going to have that information.
• I'm sure somebody will keep us informed of what the score is. I bet, I bet.
• Keep us informed of what the score is. I bet, I bet. Well, thank y'all so much.
• That's the information that you see on the screen now.
• And it pulls down information from different data systems.

Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met for an update from the Office of Early Childhood within the Department of Education. Members heard that the office’s goals under the LEARNS Act are to improve kindergarten readiness, support families, ensure quality providers, and expand affordable, accessible child care. Staff reviewed the local lead system, licensing, quality efforts such as CLASS and QRIS, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federal CCDF-funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of a little over 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 21,000 children with authority recently increased to 24,000 slots. A major topic was the difference between market rate surveys and cost analysis studies. Officials said the department is procuring both through an RFP, hoping to begin by August and have results by late in the year. Members pressed for current reimbursement levels, the gap between ABC and SRA funding, and whether ABC funding should be increased to better match costs. Staff explained that SRA rates are set at 75% of the market rate, while ABC per-child funding is much lower, and that ABC slots are limited by the overall allocation. They also explained that some ABC slots were increased by moving children from a discontinued federal pre-K arrangement into ABC to preserve continuity of care. Committee members raised concerns about rural access, infant and toddler shortages, provider stability, workforce pay, and communication with families and providers. Officials said local leads are now helping identify underserved areas, that no county with absolutely no care is known, and that the department is trying to get a truer statewide count of children and providers. They also described efforts to improve communication through monthly provider calls, website postings, and direct case contacts with families. Members discussed possible funding increases, including ideas to reduce the SRA wait list and raise ABC funding, but no formal vote or action was taken beyond approving prior meeting minutes and receiving the update.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've got the information they need as well.
• I do not have that information.
• I do not have that information.
• Sub-G-H became sub-G, so you have information technology training and support, but information technology
• Sub-G-H became sub-G, so you have information technology training and support, but information technology

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Informational purposes only.
• If a parent is denied access to that information, the bill recognizes the right to access that information
• Just speak very briefly for informational purposes.
• Anyone here for informational purposes only?
• Anyone here for informational purposes only?

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have all that information that we do track.
• Certainly we can provide some information to that effect.
• I would have to get that information back for you.
• Is there information on denials available?
• Again, related party information data.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee took up two bills and then continued oversight discussions with APD and AHCA. CS/HB 27, the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, was presented as a way to let Florida social workers practice in other compact states and vice versa; AARP, the Florida Chamber, and NASW Florida supported it, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1127, a child welfare bill, would create a treatment foster care pilot for children with high behavioral needs, improve DCF data collection on commercially sexually exploited children, and expand recruitment for protective investigators and case managers; the bill also passed favorably after brief supportive testimony. The committee then questioned APD at length about the iBudget waiver waitlist, enrollment pace, spending projections, and provider capacity. APD said it had sent more than 1,100 interest letters in categories 3, 4, and 5, enrolled 1,124 people so far this year, and expects to spend about 96.4% of its waiver appropriation, leaving roughly $82 million unspent. Members pressed APD on why prior discussions suggested more reserve was needed, how long the SANS process takes, whether category 6 could be expanded, and whether the agency has enough waiver support coordinators and direct support providers. APD said it has about 1,061 waiver support coordinators statewide, adequate capacity for current enrollees, but would need further analysis if the legislature directed a much larger enrollment increase. Members also asked about outreach, annual maintenance of the waitlist, portability for military families, and whether communication efforts should be privatized. Finally, AHCA walked the committee through the 2023 Achieved Savings Rebate (ASR) report for Aetna and explained how the report is used for financial monitoring, rebate calculations, and transparency. AHCA said the ASR is separate from the medical loss ratio (MLR) calculation, though both are reviewed, and that Florida uses the ASR mechanism rather than an MLR remittance requirement to recover funds from plans. Members asked about related-party disclosures, CVS/Caremark relationships, expanded benefits, encounter data, network adequacy penalties, denials and appeals reporting, interest earned on capitation payments, and whether rate increases were reaching providers. AHCA and the outside auditors said they review the plans’ reported data, reconcile it to underlying records, and can assess liquidated damages for network adequacy violations; several members requested follow-up data on rebates, interest, provider capacity, and related-party reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• My contact information is on this slide.
• And second, what information or practices can help that happen? There are...
• and information about the hazards that they pose.
• More granular data would better inform siting decisions and therefore better inform adaptation strategies
• “Source of information for folks to get started?”

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of State Auditor recommendations. JLARC staff said that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three previously unresolved recommendations from earlier years. They reported that the legislature did not convene the civil asset forfeiture work group recommended by the auditor, and took no formal action on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The committee then heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on ensuring climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The audit concluded Washington has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure to climate change by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and stronger use of vulnerability assessments. The auditors recommended expanding the Climate Impacts Group’s analyses if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory coordination office, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed with the importance of resilience but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicating current planning and SEPA processes, and concerns about funding, staffing, affordability, and preserving regulatory roles. The final audit examined fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed these mandatory fines inconsistently, collection rates varied widely, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not clearly use the money for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services as required. The audit recommended better coordination with prosecutors, improved court coding and templates, and stronger local processes for tracking and spending fine revenue. King County provided testimony thanking the auditors and describing its anti-trafficking work. The meeting ended with no votes taken and the next meeting announced for September 17.

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.320><c> the</c><00:04:20.400><c> forms</c> the information contained in the forms the information
• </c> their information on election day. their information on election day.
• </c> requests for information. requests for information.
• information, in some cases military-related<01:36:08.920><c> information.
• </c> many other states for that information. many other states for that information.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:21.919><c> thank</c> information thank information thank you<00:17:25.000><c> I</c><00:17:25.160
• information is going.
• information is going.
• information is going.
• It's just I'm going to know information. information they got I don't have a information they got I don't

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:

• So there would be a plethora of information distributed to get that information to everyone.
• To keep this information, I don't know what, I don't know what, to keep it secured, keep the information
• so that we have this information available to us, and again, for everyone to be informed of this information
• . to us, and again, for everyone to be informed of this information.
• What if they don't provide that information?

Bills: SB1226 , SB1456 , SB1462 , SB1463 , SB1980 , SB1479 , SB1608 , SB1923

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1226 by Senator Rader, which would add property damage to the state’s leaving-the-scene statute so a driver who damages property and leaves would be treated similarly to a vehicle accident. After brief questions about whether the driver would need to wait for law enforcement or the property owner, the bill advanced unanimously, 6-0. Several sunset-extension bills from Senator Burstrom were then considered. Senate Bill 1456 would extend the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence to 2036 and passed 6-1. Senate Bill 1462 would extend the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force to 2036; members questioned whether a task force created in 2023 needed such a long extension, but it still passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1463 would extend the Polygraph Examiners Board to 2036 and passed 8-1, with some members again objecting to the 10-year sunset length. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1980 by Senator Logan, which updates larceny and forgery language to cover gift cards, gift certificates, and redemption information when possessed or used with intent to defraud. Members pressed the author on whether the offense would be a misdemeanor or felony and on the bill’s scope, but the measure passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1479 by Senator Stewart, dealing with release of crime- and collision-scene information by first responders, was amended to strike the title after concerns about scope and private entities; it then passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1608 by Senator Frick, as amended, would make school location and employer information searchable in sex offender and violent offender registries, and it passed 6-2. Finally, Senate Bill 1923 by Senator Murdoch would prohibit inmates from accessing social media, prompted by a constituent’s concerns about inmates contacting victims’ families through contraband cell phones. Members questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing DOC policies and whether it should address tablets as well; an amendment was withdrawn, and the bill passed 7-1. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 1612 and concluded its Public Safety agenda for the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a background information memo. It's LC-27.9266.0.0.000.
• This is some of the information that we have in our work papers.
• Any information? Rest of restaurants. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The more we can, dense information, the better off. Yes, Mr.
• This information is from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Committee: Joint Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum and approved the prior minutes. Staff reviewed the interim work schedule, noting that most assigned studies were complete and that the final meeting would be September 29, with remaining work focused on economic development tax incentives, the stripper well exemption, and property tax reform items such as the primary residence credit. The committee then took up a referral on political subdivision compliance with state law, especially reserve limits and levy calculations. State Auditor Josh Gallion explained the audit standards used for local governments, the state auditor’s limited authority to force compliance, and the practical challenges created by a shortage of auditors. He used Stark County and Mountrail County examples to show how reserve balances affect levy calculations, including Stark County’s 2023 general fund levy issue and Mountrail County’s zero-levy approach. Stark County Commission Chair Neil Messer defended his county’s decision to keep reserves for major projects and volatility in oil-related revenues, while acknowledging the county remained out of compliance with the 75% reserve rule. Committee members and staff discussed possible enforcement mechanisms, the role of county auditors, and whether the law should be changed to better fit current fiscal conditions. Linda from the Association of Counties and Matt Gardner from the League of Cities said both organizations have been heavily training local officials on the new tax cap and reserve rules. Linda said counties and cities are using standardized worksheets for the 3% cap and levy limitations, and suggested that an affidavit certifying compliance could be attached to levy submissions. She also clarified that the primary residence credit does not reduce mill levies; it only reduces the taxpayer’s bill. Gardner said city auditors receive required finance training and that his organization was unaware of current city reserve noncompliance. The committee did not take action on the issue and planned to revisit it at the September 29 meeting. The final portion of the meeting moved into a subcommittee report on the property tax statement, where Representative Headland introduced a bill draft to remove the legislative property tax relief line from the statement for further committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this information.
• Thank you for this information.
• Thank you for this information.
• Moles will come and bring us information, adequacy information relative to teacher recruitment, retention
• Is there a reason that we're not sending that information? Can we not send that information in, or?

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:

• </c><00:04:56.440><c> to</c> criminal history records information to criminal history records information
• <00:05:18.919><c> amend</c><00:05:19.440><c> K</c> information amend K information amend K 61034<00:05
• Some of the information, again, if they're giving us the information ahead of time when we're interviewing
• , national security information.
• </c> we had all the relevant information we had all the relevant information about<00:10:00.800><c> that

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:

• ,</c><00:09:25.160><c> sets</c> control over their information, sets control over their information,
• Publicly available information means information that is made available through federal, state, or local
• available information means Publicly available information means information<00:12:05.120><c> that</
• They can package that information and sell it.
• They can that information and sell it.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have any number of information requests from the Legislature.
• How do you use that kind of information and not only qualitative and quantitative information, but qualitative
• information that you received and how to use the information that you don't have it?
• That's associates, arrest information such as demographic in charging information, criminal registration
• But the information that I'm aware of that is uses a rest to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone for information purposes?
• How can we get that information spread in the time of need?
• They're going to want that hospital to have that first aid information.
• Well, you could sunshine that information.
• The private competitors have more access to your information, right, than you have of their information

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2370, House Bill 3278, and House Bill 1638 do pass. HB 2370 passed 13-9, while HB 3278 passed 15-0 and HB 1638 passed 17-0. The committee then moved into public testimony. Senate Bill 1015, sponsored by Senator Nuremberg, was presented as a measure creating a legal process for assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Supporters, including the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, said it would reduce hospitalization and incarceration and improve access to care. The senator and witnesses emphasized collaboration with hospitals and the Department of Mental Health, and no opposition was offered. The committee also heard a detailed presentation on the STARS program from SSM Health representatives, explaining it as a Missouri-based EMS and pediatric emergency planning system that uses physician-approved, electronic care plans for children with complex needs. Members asked about costs, access, and how the program differs from the bill discussed previously; witnesses said the program is free for EMS and emergency access, but hospitals that write plans pay implementation and subscription fees. House Bill 2903, by Representative Mayhew, would give county and district hospitals relief from certain public-entity requirements, including some Sunshine Law-related burdens, board qualifications, and financial reporting timelines, to help them compete with private hospitals. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would reduce administrative burden and protect proprietary information; there was no opposition. Finally, House Bill 3379, by Representative Dolan, would expand and strengthen Missouri’s employee disqualification and mandated reporting rules for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill adds more mandated reporters, including bank personnel and first responders, creates penalties for knowingly failing to report, and requires quicker DSS follow-up to reporters. DHSS supported the bill, citing recent financial exploitation complaints, while the Missouri Bankers Association said it supports the goal but wants to work on the mandatory reporting language so banks are not exposed to liability for situations they cannot readily detect. No formal opposition was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.