Transcript Highlights:

• I move adoption of that amendment. Is there a second? Second by Representative Popovici-Muller.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second. Second by Senator Rosenwald. That’s amendment 0250. Any further discussion?
• All to pass by Senator Carson and I will second by Senator Gray, and I would also like to move amendment
• . amendment. amendment.
• >> Second. >> Second. >> Second.
• Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Senator Gre. Any discussion?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second. I have an I'd offer amendment number I have an I'd offer amendment number 1805S.
• Second that. Senator Lang, you can discuss your amendment. Thank you.
• So Senator Lang's vote is cast as amended. Seconded.
• Second. So, I heard the second. So, now I want to move amendment 1836S. Hold consent. None.
• So, now I want to move heard the second. So, now I want to move amendment<00:07:53.520> 1836S.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A title amendment motion was made and seconded.
• <00:31:01.720> for Amendment have a motion and a second for Amendment have a motion and a
• Amendment we have a motion and a second Amendment we have a motion and a second on<00:32:23.080>
• to roll Amendment motion and a second to roll Amendment into into into phs2<00:32:51.320> on<
• This is a live bill with a motion, the second, on 775 as amended by the amendment presentation I've ever

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:12 SB 28 Discussion 00:01:33 SB 28 Vote 00:04:05 SJR 26 Discussion 00:05:32 SJR 26 Vote 00:07:10 HB 741 Discussion 00:08:30 HB 741 Vote 00:14:00 HB 544 Discussion 00:15:40 HB 544 Vote 00:28:15 HB 775 Discussion 00:31:20 HB 775 Vote 00:56:00 HJR 33 Discussion 01:00:25 HJR 33 Vote 01:01:40, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on March 11, 2025, with a quorum present and first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28. The bill would create a framework for using $5 million previously set aside for agricultural economic development through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, including loan and grant programs. Members asked about changes in the substitute, and the sponsor explained that it revised the board composition to include members with more experience in finance, lending, and economic development. SB 28 was approved 20-0 and reported favorably. The committee then approved Senate Joint Resolution 26, which directs the Department for Medicaid Services to provide the Legislative Research Commission a report on pharmacist pay parity and the cost of allowing independent pharmacists and pharmacies to be reimbursed by Medicaid for services within their scope of practice. The sponsor and Kentucky Pharmacists Association representative described it as a request for information rather than a policy change. The resolution passed 20-0 and was reported favorably. House Bill 741, relating to public water and wastewater systems, was next. The sponsor said the substitute incorporated Kentucky Infrastructure Authority recommendations, clarified best management practices, and allowed storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration reduction projects to be scored more fairly alongside water projects. Members discussed how the bill narrows eligibility to systems most in need and refines the scoring process for the program created last session. HB 741 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and received a title amendment. The committee also considered House Bill 544, a branch budget bill amendment creating a new SAFE fund for the most recent Eastern Kentucky flood disaster, indexed to the relevant presidential disaster declaration. The bill would allow state money and other funds to support local governments, utilities, school districts, and other eligible recipients for recovery costs, planning, and short-term liquidity, with reimbursement provisions if FEMA or other sources later pay. Members discussed the amount of available funding, the use of prior SAFE fund balances, and the emergency clause. HB 544 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and a title amendment was adopted. The committee then began House Bill 775, relating to development areas, and adopted PHS 2 and a committee amendment; the sponsor started explaining the bill’s provisions on development areas, tax increment financing, brewers’ electronic filing, distilled spirits property tax language, income tax reduction conditions, tourism development incentives, and other tax-related sections, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded.
• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded.
• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded.
• amendments.
• Second, Mr.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, I'll entertain a motion on the amendment. >> I have a motion. Do I have a second?
• >> Second. >> All those in favor accept the amendment say aye. Those opposed. >> All right.
• Do I have a second? >> I do. >> Okay, I have an amendment. >> All right.
• Motion to accept the amendment. >> I have a second. >> All those in favor accept the amendment, say aye
• I have a second. All those in amendment. I have a second.

Bills: HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB627

Keywords: Jefferson County, building regulations, zoning, public health, building commissioner, permits, construction, land use, county tax, lodging tax, Henry County, transient accommodations, hospitality industry, local act, sheriff, sheriff's office, task force, abandoned property, stolen property, unclaimed property

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll offer the amendment. >> I second it. >> Seconded by Senator Smitherman. Any discussion?
• Uh, I will offer that amendment. Is there a second?
• The amendment is adopted. Representative, we got a second amendment.
• All right, I will offer that amendment. Is there a second? Second by Senator Allen.
• Representative, we got a second Representative, we got a second amendment. amendment. amendment.

Bills: HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159, HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159

Keywords: HB125, sunset law, Alabama Sunset Committee, Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, veterinary medical examiners, veterinary board, veterinary licensing, veterinary regulation, professional licensing board, state board continuation, sunset review, regulatory board, animal health, veterinarians, disciplinary authority, HB116, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, bail bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• and offer amendment pass as uh amended and offer amendment 0733H I second the motion.
• The second amendment which is is set up.
• I second this bill before I saw this amendment.
• I second this bill before I saw this amendment.
• I second this bill before I saw this amendment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you've heard the amendment. Do I have a second on the amendment? >> Second. >> Second.
• Do I have a second on the amendment. Do I have a second on the amendment? >> Second.
• >> Second. >> Second. >> Second.<00:18:06.080> Second.
• So, do I have it's a friendly amendment. So, do I have a<00:25:19.120> second?
• a second? Second by Senator Williams. a second? Second by Senator Williams.

Keywords: Government Structure - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up an Irish trade commission bill, described as a recurring measure that had previously stalled in the other chamber. Members said prior concerns had been reconciled, no questions were raised, and the committee moved it out by voice vote. The next major item was Senator Boyd’s “People’s Access Act” (SB 2259), which would require public bodies to livestream meetings and provide a central listing of those streams. Boyd said the bill was intended to improve public access, especially for people who cannot attend in person, and noted it had passed the Senate before. Members asked whether the bill would cover subcommittees and subboards; Boyd said those meetings were not contemplated in the bill. Senator Blunt supported the transparency goal but raised concerns about small municipalities lacking staff or equipment to comply, and suggested the notice links be housed on a Department of Finance and Administration page rather than with the Secretary of State. The committee adopted that amendment. After further discussion, members added population-based implementation dates for municipalities and discussed a possible due-diligence exception for technology failures, with several senators emphasizing the need to balance transparency with practical limits for small towns. The bill was then reported out as amended. The committee then began Senator Boyd’s task force bill (SB 2260), which would direct several health and human services agencies—including Medicaid, Human Services, Child Protective Services, Health, and Mental Health—to recommend ways to reduce duplication and improve coordination in licensing and certification processes. Boyd said the bill grew out of testimony about inefficiencies in child care and mental health regulation and was intended to create a more streamlined process. Discussion began, and Senator Sparks suggested considering whether the Department of Rehabilitation Services should also be included, but no action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• seconded it is sufficiently seconded seconded it is sufficiently seconded this<01:07:35.920>
• Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. it's floor amendment to house R 64 this it's floor amendment
• If I know that this proposed amendment would limit every one of us to filing one bill in the second year
• If I know that this proposed amendment would limit every one of us to filing one bill in the second year
• This amendment will allow it to be passed over to the second committee, but only after a review and a

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment. We've got a second. In discussion on the motion...
• The second bullet point in their letter is a request to amend Senate Bill 32, which is J.A.R. 139, for
• The second bill they're requesting to amend is House Bill 1050.
• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment to House Bill 1065. We've got a second.
• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment. We've got a second.

Summary: The committee first received a report on the executive protection detail, which was filed without questions. Members were then given a long advance list of House and Senate bills ready for consideration, followed by several amendment requests from agencies. The committee adopted amendments for the Auditor of State to increase special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and several other items including local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, and local law enforcement funding. It also held one amendment on House Bill 1034 and moved a Northwest Arkansas Community College cash fund increase tied to tornado-related campus repairs. The committee then considered a series of member amendments and appropriation items, including increases for the Public Defender Commission and deputy prosecuting attorneys to cover higher bar license fees, and a $12 million federal appropriation-only item. A lengthy discussion followed on a proposal from Senator Wallace and Representative Tosh to fund a pilot program for prison cell-phone detection/jamming technology at two correctional facilities. Sponsors and Department of Corrections officials said the system would target illegal contraband phones, would be procured through an RFP, and would be a two-year pilot; members raised questions about legality, cost, scope, data, and whether the department should use existing budget authority. The committee ultimately advanced the item by motion. The committee also took up an amendment from Senator Caldwell for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, seeking a $4 million appropriation increase. Testimony emphasized that the division’s extension offices and research functions are underfunded, that salaries are not competitive, and that the request would help with staffing and flexibility; other members questioned why the division needed more appropriation authority when it already had room under current limits and noted that the request exceeded the higher education board’s recommendation. The amendment was adopted after extended debate. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a $150 million increase to the homestead property tax credit, a $23,000 reallocation for the Insurance Department’s conference costs, $100,000 for property appraisal review work, $1.5 million for career and technical education professional development, $300,000 for DFA regulatory federal spending, $5 million for Inspector General fraud investigations, a consolidation of appraiser/abstractor/home inspector appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee readiness center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation for corrections capital projects that would add special language restricting use of the $73.7 million prison-expansion reappropriation. The committee also heard a summary of a supplemental appropriations package involving fund transfers for pregnancy resource centers, senior centers, assistance grants, used tires, and UAMS pregnancy/stroke programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a first and a second. Would you like to close? But do you accept the committee amendments?
• We have a first and a second. The motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations.
• We do have a first and a second. The motion is do pass as amended. Secretary, please call the roll.
• AB 93, the motion is do pass as amended. Oh, first and a second. Who is the first?
• First and a second. The motion is do pass as amended to Appropriations. Carrillo. Aye. Pacheco.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of housing, water, and local finance bills, with the chair repeatedly reminding attendees about hearing rules and noting that several measures were being heard without a quorum at first. Early items included AB 407, which would broaden eligibility for state-run loan and financing programs to help small businesses fund environmental, seismic, and ADA upgrades, and AB 93, which would require data centers to estimate and report water use and follow state best practices. AB 93 drew support from water advocates and local government groups, while the Data Center Coalition opposed it, arguing the bill could be overly restrictive, difficult to retrofit, and raise trade secret or security concerns. The committee also heard AB 650 on housing element review, AB 1044 on creating a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency, and AB 523 on allowing proxy voting for single-representative member agencies on the Metropolitan Water District board; all drew broad support from local agencies and related stakeholders and no recorded opposition in the room. Several housing bills were presented as part of a broader fast-track housing package. AB 507 would streamline adaptive reuse of office buildings into housing, especially in downtowns with high vacancy; supporters said it would revive urban cores and help meet housing and climate goals, while the League of California Cities and a few cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about one-size-fits-all by-right approval and fee limitations. AB 1294 would create a universal housing application and limit early application requirements; it drew strong support from housing and business groups, with the American Planning Association and League of California Cities seeking more flexibility and input. AB 610 would require local governments to disclose housing constraints in their housing elements and limit new constraints after certification for three years unless disclosed; supporters said it would improve transparency and certainty, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate local policy choices and inclusionary housing requirements. Both AB 610 and AB 698, which would require analysis of the housing and property tax impacts of proposed transfer taxes, were moved out of committee on 7-0 votes after discussion and amendments. The committee also heard AB 1112, which would repeal an outdated Riverside County property tax provision affecting Rancho Mirage; the city argued it was the only qualifying no-low property tax city not receiving the standard minimum and sought equal treatment. After quorum was established, the bill was passed 6-0 with amendments and sent to Appropriations. AB 1021, heard later, would make it easier for school districts and other local education agencies to build employee housing, with the author citing teacher recruitment and retention problems and support from education stakeholders. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance housing production, local fiscal tools, and infrastructure needs, and several authors accepted committee amendments and committed to continued negotiations with opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to amend to approve question one with respect to H.J. 1 and S.J. 1. Is there a second?
• It's been moved and properly seconded that we would adopt as amended the explanation language for H.J
• It's been moved and properly seconded that we would adopt as amended the explainer language for the right
• It's been moved and properly seconded that we would amend the explanation language to include question
• Now, if I could get a motion on the actual explanation language as amended. Second.

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First time on the amendment. Second time on the amendment.
• Uh, and if we had adopted my second reading amendment, I probably would have brought this one anyway
• By your vote, you have chosen not to adopt the second section of Amendment 72 of House Bill 1, third
• um second section of the se of amendment um second section of the se of amendment number<01:25:22.400
• So, I'm on for division one. >> First time, second time, second time to the divider of the amendment.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Johnson moves that we place House Bill 1018 on second reading for the purpose of amendment
• amendment.
• amendment.
• amendment.
• amendment.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum of 98 members present, and granted leave for Representative Jack Ladyman. The chamber approved dispensing with the previous day’s journal and received committee reports from Joint Budget on several appropriations bills, along with an executive communication from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders noting approval of House Bill 1001 as Act 2. The Speaker also recognized several guests, including law enforcement personnel, physicians, a nurse, STEM students, line workers, and Council of State Governments visitors. The main business was the budget calendar. The House adopted amendments to House Bills 1018, 1023, 1036, 1041, 1055, 1068, and 1077, covering items such as title changes for East Arkansas College, DHS resource reallocations, Nursing Board positions, Capitol Police positions for the Winthrop Rockefeller building, transfer of the early childhood nutrition program to the Department of Agriculture, DFA position changes and the Rural Health Transformation Program, and DHS county office staffing reductions. The chamber then sent the amendments to engrossing. Members passed House Bill 1060, the State Library appropriation, by 77 yeas, 15 nays, and 3 present; Senate Bill 5, the Tobacco Settlement Commission appropriation, by 90 yeas, 5 nays, and 3 present; Senate Bill 13, the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission appropriation, by 98 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present; Senate Bill 39, the Arkansas State University appropriation, by 97 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present; and Senate Bill 56, the Auditor of State continuing education appropriation for local offices, by 81 yeas, 14 nays, and 3 present. The Speaker announced the House was ahead of schedule and moved next week’s floor schedule from Tuesday-Thursday to Monday-Wednesday, with a likely Monday start time around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. The House then adjourned until 1:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gonzalez, second. All those in favor. Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Okay. Ashby, second.
• Senator Gonzalez seconds. All those of favor? Aye. Opposed. Without rec?
• Senator Rosales seconds. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Without rec.
• Senator Gonzalez seconds. All those in favor. I opposed. Without rec.
• Seconded. Senator Rosales moves the bill. Senator Jackson seconds. All those in favor? Aye.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The meeting covered a long list of health and social services bills, many of them recurring proposals that had passed the Senate before or been vetoed in prior years. Topics included primary care investment, penalties for adult care facility safety violations, emergency insulin access, limited nursing services in adult care facilities, a State Medical Indemnity Fund ombudsman, hospital ownership and private equity oversight, controlled substances for people with substance use disorder, rescue inhaler information in the immunization system, nursing home closure procedures, Medicaid coverage for complex care assistance, increased personal needs allowances, parental education for minors with disabling conditions, physician and dentist loan repayment/support, higher public health penalties, direct Medicaid billing for licensed creative arts therapists, adoption registry information release, fetal and infant mortality review boards, reusable food and beverage containers, DNR and hospice decision rules, a special needs assisted living demonstration program, temporary licensure for out-of-state health professionals at a triathlon event, and lead reporting and mitigation in school water. Sponsors described most bills as straightforward efforts to improve access, transparency, or care quality, while several members noted technical fixes or fiscal concerns on a few measures, including outdated program references and the need for funding to support expanded loan repayment eligibility. Some bills were framed as responses to prior vetoes or as renewed attempts to advance previously passed Senate measures. The chair also noted the committee still lacked a budget and expected additional meetings. For each bill, members generally moved and seconded the measures, and the committee voted favorably, usually with some members recorded as without recommendation. Most bills were advanced either to first reading, finance, or higher education, depending on referral. No bill was defeated in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Johnson moves that we place House Bill 1018 on second reading for the purpose of amendment
• amendment.
• amendment.
• Back on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
• Without objection, House Bill 1077 is back on second reading for the purpose of amendment.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 98 members present, and granted leave for Representative Jack Ladyman. The chamber then received committee reports from the Joint Budget Committee recommending passage of several appropriation bills, and the Governor’s communication noting approval of House Bill 1001 (Act 2). The Speaker also recognized guests in the galleries, including law enforcement personnel, doctors, students visiting for STEM Day, line workers, and representatives from the Council of State Governments. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to budget amendments and appropriation bills. The House adopted amendments to House Bills 1018, 1023, 1036, 1041, 1055, 1068, and 1077, covering items such as title changes at East Arkansas College, DHS and Department of Health staffing adjustments, Capitol Police positions for the Winthrop Rockefeller Building, transfer of the early childhood nutrition program to the Department of Agriculture, DFA position changes and the Rural Health Transformation Program, and DHS county office reductions. The chamber then passed House Bill 1060 for the State Library, and Senate Bills 5, 13, 39, and 56, which funded the Tobacco Settlement Commission, Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, Arkansas State University, and Auditor of State continuing education/local offices. Most measures passed with strong support, though Senate Bill 56 drew 14 nays. Before adjournment, the Speaker announced the House was ahead of schedule and planned to move the following week’s calendar earlier, with a possible sine die adjournment on Wednesday if business proceeded as planned. Representative Meeks moved to adjourn until 1 p.m. the next day, and the motion carried without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got a motion to adopt, or adopt the amendment. We've got a second.
• The second bill they're requesting to amend is House Bill 1050.
• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment to House Bill 1065. We've got a second.
• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment. We've got a second.
• In discussion on the motion, ...to adopt the amendment. We've got a second.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second time on the amendment. Representative Yin. Mr. Speaker, thank you.
• Um, when we did second reading amendment, I came before you and asked for three positions for the Department
• Um, when we did second reading amendment, I came before you and asked for three positions for the Department
• So, you'll remember during the second reading we adopted an amendment that inserted the word elective
• If you look, this is the only amendment I've signed, second and third reading.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted. Bill's on second reading. Open to further amendment.
• The amendments adopted. Bill's on second reading and open to further amendment.
• The bill is on second reading and open to further amendment.
• Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. amendment 0026H. This is a roll call amendment 0026H.
• The bill is on second reading and open to further amendment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all