Video & Transcript : 'University of Montevallo' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To the flag of the United States of America.
- at a variety of U.S. universities.
- It's a lot of fun.
- Conference of Mayors for the purpose of changing the country.
- And one of the things about him that was so remarkable was how out of place and out of time he was compared
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and heard opening prayer and pledge. Members also welcomed Hubert Humphrey Fellows from several countries and received introductions of guests, including California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia and Congressman Jim Clyburn. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment.
The main floor item was Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Lunar New Year. Senators from several caucuses and districts spoke in support, describing the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and prosperity, and California’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Senator Wiener also highlighted the history of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and the contributions of Chinese immigrants and workers to California. The resolution passed by a 37-0 roll call vote.
At the end of the session, members offered adjournment memorials for Niles Telenius, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, and Terence Allen, with tributes describing their public service, community leadership, and personal impact. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- of the State Board of— Mr.
- I can imagine that for most of us, across every side of every aisle, we recognize the impact of out-of-state
- I can imagine that for most of us across every side of every aisle, we recognize the impact of out-of-state
- In that same time, she moved to another job at the University of Arizona Health Plans.
- She moved to another job at the University of Arizona Health Plans, where she was a document and training
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and messages. Committee actions included referral of a large group of newly printed Senate bills to the appropriate standing committees, a do-pass report on House Bill 55 from Health and Welfare, and referral of Senate Bills 1270 and 1271 for possible amendment. The Senate also received a gubernatorial appointment of Jeff Seelich to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Board and House bills 576, 577, 632, and 607 for introduction.
In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 114 on Education Committee rules and Senate Resolution 115 on temporary and pending rules for several state agencies, both without opposition. It also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 109, which urged Congress to address campaign finance concerns and out-of-state influence in Idaho elections, and House Joint Memorial 9, which asked Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the governing framework for federal land management and exchanges. House Joint Memorial 11 was also adopted, calling on Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40% level; supporters emphasized the burden on state and local budgets and property taxpayers, while opponents argued the state should resist federal overreach and dependency.
The Senate confirmed the committee report recommending Ryan Lanham as State Athletic Commissioner, with supportive testimony highlighting his combat sports background and experience. It also adopted the committee report confirming Juliet Sharon as Director of the Department of Health and Welfare, with senators citing her Medicaid and program integrity experience and the size and complexity of the agency. In first and second reading, the Senate referred House Bills 576 and 577 to Transportation and House Bills 632 and 607 to State Affairs, and advanced House Bill 533, Senate Bill 1258, and House Bill 502 to third reading. The chamber then heard announcements about caucus and lunch events before adjourning until the next day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- that all temporary and pending rules of the State Board of- Mr.
- I can imagine that for most of us, across every side of every aisle, we recognize the impact of out-of-state
- a joint memorial to the President of the United States, the Senate and the House of Representatives of
- Sharon as Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
- Around that same time, she moved to another job at the University of Arizona Health Plans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
- the City of Irvine.
- Corps, you may go to the rear of the chamber. members of the year.
- She's a licensed marriage and family therapist and also an assistant professor at the University of San
- of my journey.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several floor recognitions and ceremonial presentations. Senator Perez presented SR 81, declaring March 2, 2026, as Read Across America Day. Senators Choi and Rubio spoke in support, emphasizing literacy, libraries, volunteer reading programs, and the importance of diverse books and student engagement. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call vote, 37-0, and Perez introduced guests from the California Teachers Association.
The chamber then honored the 50th anniversary of the California Conservation Corps, with Senator Laird leading the recognition and several senators praising the Corps’ service, conservation work, disaster response, and job-training role for young adults and veterans. The Senate also welcomed the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agriculture Leadership Class and the College of San Mateo Bulldogs, including the 2025 state championship football team and a coach from the women’s softball team. Later, the Senate confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes.
Senator Wahab presented SCR 125 recognizing the beginning of Ramadan, with Senator Becker offering supportive remarks about an iftar dinner and the meaning of the holiday. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate then took up several adjournments in memory, including Stephen Cassidy, John Joseph Zoria, Crystal Schoenfelder, and Belinda Baraghani, with multiple senators sharing personal tributes to their public service, community leadership, and mentorship. The session concluded with remarks on Ramadan and the Senate entering recess, with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the City of Irvine.
- Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I also rise in strong support of SR 81.
- She's a licensed marriage and family therapist and also an assistant professor at the University of San
- at the age of 77.
- It hurts so many of us.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor recognitions and resolutions. Senators also welcomed guests including California Conservation Corps members, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo agriculture leadership students, and College of San Mateo championship athletes. The chamber approved the journals, stricken items from the daily file, and referred SCR 112 back to the Assembly floor.
The main legislative actions were on two resolutions and two gubernatorial appointments. SR 81 by Senator Pérez, designating March 2, 2026 as Read Across America Day, was supported by Senators Choi and Rubio, emphasizing literacy, libraries, and reading access; it passed 37-0. SCR 125 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Ramadan, was supported by Senator Becker and adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes.
Much of the remainder of the session consisted of adjournments in memory. Senators honored Stephen Cassidy, former San Leandro school board member and mayor; John Joseph Zoria, a San Jose farmer and community figure; Crystal Schoenfelder, a workers’ compensation attorney and advocate; and Belinda Baraghani, a prominent Latina political strategist and community leader. The session ended with remarks about Ramadan’s themes of empathy and community, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We do not have the workforce to continue meeting the demand of the needs of the people of our state.
- This concept of physician oversight is a false sense of security and a steady stream of income for the
- And what I learned is not just the difference in the number of hours of training, but the quality of
- My name is Ryan Shores of ACR in and tenured associate professor and chair of the University North Florida
- So as an educator and administrator of one of the state University system's now gotten worse anesthesiology
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget REVISED: Start time changed to 12:00 PM for Oklahoma State Department of Education
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- of gas getting to that pump in the form of resources.
- would roughly be the same, regardless of the number of school districts.
- Many of you I'm sure have heard our mantra: if you're not taking care of the students, take care of someone
- Do you have the number of the average of years of experience from what you totaled for slide four for
- about all of that.
Committee:
House Appropriations and Budget
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, with lots of pride and lots of love, please join me in today's Pledge of Allegiance.
- First, on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus in support of HR 43 in celebration of the
- It's a moment of solidarity for all of us who believe in human dignity, civil rights, and the power of
- Another important part of pride is joy, joy in the form of resistance, joy in the face of injustice,
- Mario is a graduate of Los Angeles Film School and Full Sail University.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Commonwealth.
- the chair of the commission.
- A 2022 study from Johns Hopkins University found that roughly 76% of hemp-derived beverages were mislabeled
- parcels of land to the City of Lowell, H. 4772.
- Foutou of Newton. Stephen P. Foutou of Newton passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 76.
Summary:
The Senate took up floor debate on H. 4206, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth Cannabis Laws, with repeated amendment votes focused largely on cannabis regulation, transparency, youth access, and the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Early motions included suspending Senate Rule 38A to continue past 8 p.m., which passed by standing vote. Most amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on possession limits, CCC executive director appointment and removal, legislative control over medical marijuana licenses, a multi-agency task force on illegal cannabis, annual CCC hearings and reports, an ombudsman, a legislative liaison, a youth-cannabis study commission, supply-and-demand study, and increased penalties for distribution to minors. Amendment 33 by Senator Driscoll, directing the CCC and other agencies to study regulation of intoxicating hemp products, was adopted. Amendment 7 by Senator Brownsberger, allowing cannabis discount and loyalty advertising to existing customers and opt-in email lists, was also adopted. Amendment 29 by Senator O’Connor, allowing the CCC to temporarily suspend or revoke medical marijuana licenses during investigations of illegal sales, was adopted as well.
Several other amendments were debated and defeated, including Senator O’Connor’s billboard advertising restriction for cannabis and Senator Tarr’s proposal to increase penalties for selling marijuana to minors. The chamber then took up the bill’s corrective and Ways and Means amendment, adopted both, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The final vote showed the bill advancing despite some opposition, including from several senators who voted no on engrossment.
After the cannabis bill, the Senate considered and passed two land-related bills by roll call: H. 4772, authorizing easements in Lowell, and H. 4362, authorizing release of agricultural preservation restrictions in Westford. The Senate also adopted a motion that when it adjourned, it would do so in memory of Stephen P. Foutou of Newton, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber then adopted an adjournment order and recessed until the next meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Charlie Cullen, director of the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, and Dr
- We have Charlie Cullen, director of the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, and Dr
- We have Charlie Cullen, director of the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, Dr.
- April 17 of this year marked the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge perpetrating one of the greatest
- When you think of Hollywood, the people of Hollywood think of Officer Jordan.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer honoring Pope Francis, and then proceeded through routine motions, guest introductions, and floor business. Members welcomed several groups, including youth art contest winners, local city officials for Cal Cities Week, emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 youth heroes, a school group from Northridge Community School, and Sheriff Michael Johnson. The body also handled procedural actions such as re-referring bills, withdrawing AB 16 from Appropriations because it was no longer fiscal, and allowing committees to notice bills pending re-referral.
On the floor, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 44, proclaiming April 20–26 as California Cities Week, was adopted by voice vote after opening the roll for co-authors. The Assembly then passed several bills, including AB 793 on dog dangerousness proceedings and AB 533 reauthorizing health care districts’ use of design-build for health facility construction, both by unanimous roll call. AB 764, which would add mute swans to the list of exotic non-game birds that can be legally managed, also passed unanimously. House Resolution 32, recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, drew extensive remarks from multiple members about the historical tragedy and the Cambodian American community; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, followed by a moment of silence.
The consent calendar was then taken up and adopted 69-0, including AB 369 and a series of other bills and resolutions. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Officer Paul Philip Jordan, a longtime LAPD officer who served the Hollywood community, and the House adjourned until Monday, April 28 at 1 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- May we grow in awareness of the violence of some of our words as we listen to those who have long been
- That moment is a reminder of both the cost of standing up for justice and the power of refusing to be
- Dolores is working tirelessly at 96 years of age, showing the kind of resolve that the rest of us must
- courts of a Legal aid funding, judicial branch overview, the continuation of courts of appeals workload
- She grew up with her family in Oklahoma and later attended the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through several gubernatorial confirmations. The chamber confirmed Irena Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board, Monica Erickson as director of the Department of Human Services, Armin Mayor as senior deputy commissioner in the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and Uca Dunkay to the California State Lottery Commission. All four appointments were approved overwhelmingly, with final confirmation votes taken after the calls were lifted.
The main floor debate centered on SCR 152, designating April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day. Senators spoke at length about Huerta’s leadership in the farmworker movement, civil rights advocacy, nonviolent organizing, and ongoing influence, with several members sharing personal reflections and noting the role of Filipino farmworkers and Larry Itliong in the broader movement. The resolution passed unanimously. The Senate also adopted SR 91 recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, SCR 149 marking World Autism Awareness Day, SCR 150 honoring National Librarian Day, and SR 98 designating Heat Pump Week in California.
The chamber also passed SB 1078, an urgency tax measure giving Santa Cruz County voters the opportunity to approve a local tax above the 2% combined rate to help fund services, including medical services. The bill passed 29-9 on both the urgency and the bill itself. Later, the Senate approved the consent calendar and special consent calendar without objection, and members made committee announcements about upcoming budget subcommittee hearings.
The session ended with an adjournment in memory of Deanna Mooney, a longtime San Francisco nurse, labor advocate, and community figure. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, April 20, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- May we grow in awareness of the violence of some of our words as we listen to those who have long been
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
- That moment is a reminder of both the cost of standing up for justice and the power of refusing to be
- As a son and grandson of farmworkers, I learned at a young age of the legacy of the United Farm Workers
- She grew up with her family in Oklahoma and later attended the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- of training in.
- So kind of to continue that, a lot of these wait lists, they are very time sensitive.
- these licenses taken care of.
- So speech pathologists, of course, do a number of things, many of which are sort of in line with audiology
- But there’s a fair amount of nuance, I guess, as my point, to what kind of variety of folks and training
Committee:
All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly.
Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism.
The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 19th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Damath, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Honorable Bobby Joe Champion, President of the
- The report is signed by four of the four members on the part of the House and five of the five members
- of the body today.
- Universal Meals is one of the governor's main priorities, so we can't touch that.
- none of us do.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A couple of important bills.
- Without a universally recognizable authorization system, lines of communication between parties can fail
- , leading to hours, maybe even days, of delay or complete denial of access.
- And so hopefully this will be one of many that we kind of finally figure out.
- some of these fires.
Summary:
The Senate Emergency Management Committee held its first meeting and adopted committee rules for the 2025-26 session. SB 1020 was pulled from the agenda for a future hearing. The committee heard SB 1001, which would direct the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to issue standardized identification cards for essential utility workers so they can more easily access evacuation zones during emergencies. The author and supporters, including Rowland Water District and the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority, described a breakdown during the 2025 Eaton Fire when utility crews were denied access despite having credentials, causing delays in shutting off water at damaged homes. No opposition was present, and members broadly supported the bill as a practical emergency response measure. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 1001 to the Senate Public Safety Committee, with the measure held on call until all members voted.
The committee also heard SB 1153, a wildfire preparedness bill from Senator Caballero. The bill would require urban retail water suppliers in high-risk areas to include wildfire-specific response procedures in their emergency response plans, and it includes findings clarifying that public water systems are not designed to function as wildfire suppression systems. The author accepted committee amendments clarifying that the bill does not limit liability for negligence, and witnesses from water agencies and industry groups supported the measure, citing the need for better planning and the financial strain of post-fire claims. Members discussed the balance between improving preparedness and avoiding language that could create a liability safe harbor or shift responsibility away from needed infrastructure investments. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 1153 as amended to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, also held on call until all members voted.
A consent item, SB 870, was also approved. After the committee reconvened and all members present voted, SB 870, SB 1001, and SB 1153 each received unanimous 8-0 votes and were reported out of committee. The meeting then adjourned.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this day and for the privilege of serving the people of this
- As we got Gift of this day and for the privilege of serving the people of this great Commonwealth.
- The hour of 2:30 having arrived. The hour of 2:30 having arrived.
- This bill provides for Millersville University conveyance, with the inclusion of other conveyances.
- This bill provides for Millersville University conveyance, with the inclusion of other conveyances.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approvals, quorum call, and a series of guest recognitions, including students, interns, local officials, and advocates visiting the chamber. Members also announced caucus and committee meetings, and the House recessed before returning later in the day for floor action.
After reconvening, the House adopted several committee reports and then considered a series of resolutions and bills. It adopted House Resolution 462, designating May 17, 2026, as World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day, and House Resolution 553, designating May 19, 2026, as Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day, both by 200-2 votes. The chamber also agreed to House Bill 733 on marriage ceremony law, House Bill 2529 on scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule 3 controlled substance, and Senate Bill 1294 on civil penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools.
The House then debated House Bill 2359 on data center nondisclosure agreements and related amendments. One amendment requiring hyperscale data centers to pay their own energy and infrastructure costs failed on a 101-101 tie, while another amendment to make the bill effective immediately passed 201-1 and a third amendment to protect trade secrets failed 87-115. The bill itself was agreed to after amendment. The House also approved House Bill 2455 on collective bargaining rights for Pittsburgh school administrators, House Bill 2499 on State Workers Insurance Fund investment authority, Senate Bill 604 joining the Counseling Compact, and House Bill 1006 on penalties against abusive towing practices, with one agreed-to amendment added.
Several measures then passed finally by recorded vote: House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors in emergency service organizations, House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency-related ethics restrictions for public officials, House Bill 2512 prohibiting ride-share pricing based on certain device conditions, House Bill 2644 authorizing capital bridge projects, and House Bill 2559 on Millersville University and other conveyances. House Bill 2559 drew floor criticism from Representative Conklin over the state land conveyance process, though it still passed 154-48. Before adjournment, the House recommitted several bills to Appropriations, removed additional Senate bills from the table calendar, and adjourned until June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Postsecondary Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's quite a number of days of remembrance. There's quite a number of days of remembrance.
- Thank you for the testimony we heard from some of the opponents of the bill.
- What it caused was folks to come out of the woodwork, out of the shadows, on some of our more liberal
- bastions of our communities, our university campuses, and say, you know what?
- Should there be a day of remembrance? I don’t care about a day of remembrance.
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary took up SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s LINE Fund for health workforce shortages beyond nursing to include broader health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit spending on scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which career paths would qualify, saying the bill should be narrowed to target particular shortage areas. Senator Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility while still focusing on health care and career technical programs, and noted the measure would not require additional state funding because the LINE Fund already has about $44 million, with another $30 million proposed. The bill was supported by several appearance forms and was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday or closing offices. Supporters, including Florida Voice for the Unborn and others, said Kirk was a significant advocate for free speech and unborn rights. Opponents from Equal Ground argued that Kirk had made racist and divisive statements and that the state should not honor him with a public commemoration. Senators also debated whether a statutory day of remembrance was appropriate and whether it could set a precedent for future requests.
Senator Jones offered a late-filed amendment to add George Floyd to the remembrance, arguing that if the legislature was going to memorialize Kirk, it should not do so selectively. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated the bill at length, with Senators Berman and Jones opposing it as an inappropriate endorsement of Kirk’s views, while Senator Simon and Senator Martin defended it as a recognition of his role in encouraging public debate and civic participation. SB 194 was ultimately reported favorably on a party-line vote, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones opposed, Senator Rodriguez and Senator Simon in support, and Chair Claudio voting yes.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- There's quite a number of days of remembrance.
- There are quite a number of days of remembrance.
- Of a free society.
- What it caused was folks to come out of the woodwork, out of the shadows, on some of our more liberal
- bastions of our communities, our university campuses, and say, you know what?
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- But like I said, there was a small gap of time where Act 656 of 2021 was passed.
- Act 656 of 2021 was passed.
- So kind of to continue that, a lot of these wait lists, they are very time sensitive.
- So speech pathologists, of course, do a number of things, many of which are sort of in line with audiology
- , as my point, to what kind of variety of folks and training you can have under each of those labels,
Committee:
All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and discussed several vacant membership slots, including positions tied to the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian appointments. Members said they would try to fill the vacancies and, if not, include the issue in the legislative report and consider statutory changes in the next General Assembly.
The task force then heard from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association and Civitan Services about DDPA’s role in supporting 80 provider organizations serving more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 75 counties. They described services such as early intervention day programs, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services, and said autism falls within the populations they serve. They also shared survey information on services used by older adults with IDD and offered contact information for providers.
Members also heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to add licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while noting that Arkansas Medicaid already pays for some of these evaluations. Task force members and Dr. Scott discussed the roles of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and the possibility of using training or board oversight to ensure evaluators are properly qualified, with some noting that speech pathologists’ inclusion has historical and clinical roots. The task force also said it still needs a future discussion on fraud, plans to invite the Attorney General’s office, and wants to identify priorities for the 2027 session before adjourning.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- So kind of to continue that, a lot of these wait lists, they are very time sensitive.
- But I certainly have an in-depth sort of day-to-day understanding of how those...
- So speech pathologists, of course, do a number of things, many of which are sort of in line with audiology
- and sort of sound production, communication, oral motor skills, that sort of stuff.
- But there's a fair amount of nuance, I guess, as my point, to what kind of variety of folks and training
Committee:
All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM