Transcript Highlights:

• hand<00:32:18.320> them<00:32:18.440> a<00:32:18.760> a<00:32:18.800> check
• a a check or an account<00:32:20.360> or<00:32:20.440> something,<00:32:20.880> I
• I anticipate they have somebody in the background looking to be able to expand the child care services
• I anticipate they have somebody in the<00:38:29.560> background<00:38:30.040> looking<00
• looking to be able to the background looking to be able to expand<00:38:31.920> the expand the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Debit cards, straight out checking account, piece of cake.
• If I may, quick background. Um expansion of gaming is going to come up.
• cards, their credit card bills, debit cards, straight<00:09:09.279> out<00:09:09.519> checking
• account, piece of straight out checking account, piece of cake.<00:09:11.360> The<00:09:11.519
• If I may, quick background. Um issues. If I may, quick background.

Bills: SF0024

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, just by way of a little bit of background concerning where we are with our child care program.
• <00:16:22.720> concerning of a little bit of background concerning of a little bit of background
• And that's the background. First of all, we had been awarded $399 million in ARPA funding.
• We have a SNAP quality control program where we pull a sample each month and check our homework.
• Basically, if we check our homework.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3, a certificate-of-need measure that had passed last year but was vetoed by the governor because of one objectionable provision. The chair explained that the House had just passed the bill unanimously and urged quick Senate action so it could be sent to the governor again. He said the bill is intended to restore the prior law, with the main policy focus on rural hospitals and other future certificate-of-need changes. A question was raised about language affecting the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s academic exemption; the chair said the intent was to preserve the teaching hospital’s core exemption around its main campus while requiring certificate-of-need review for facilities it operates elsewhere, and the committee then voted title sufficient, due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2476, requested by the Board of Pharmacy. Senator Hill explained that it would let licensed pharmacists self-report substance abuse or mental health issues and enter treatment before disciplinary action, similar to programs already available for nurses and with comparable provisions for physicians and dentists. Board representatives said participants would have to stop practicing until cleared, and that failure to comply would trigger discipline; the bill was described as an alternative to professional discipline, not immunity from criminal law. After questions about definitions and how many times a person could use the program, the committee voted title sufficient, due pass. The meeting concluded with an informational presentation from Mr. Anderson on child care funding and program operations. He said the state used ARPA funds during the pandemic to support child care certificates and providers, but those funds were exhausted, leading to a pause and a waiting list of about 20,000 families; the program currently serves about 18,000 children. He said the department is continuing $15 million in state support, is converting 30% of the TANF state assistance grant to child care, and is exploring additional TANF direct-assistance options, though cautiously because the state has not done that before. He also discussed child care tax credits, employer-based child care, and efforts to expand capacity through provider support and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to share information about my background and education history.
• provided to those students are no less than those provided to students with accounts and uncashed checks
• are accounts and uncashed checks are handled. handled. handled.
• Could you give some background on that?
• I was curious what the background was on needing to bring that change forward.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:03.360> And<00:27:03.520> it background checks, and teleaalth.
• And it background checks, and teleaalth.
• House Bill 657, Representative Dietz, an act relating to professional licensing background checks.
• <01:18:04.719> House<01:18:05.040> Bill<01:18:05.280> 658, background checks
• House Bill 658, background checks.

Keywords: Convene 00:00:00 Senate Message 00:04:53 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:27 Report of Committees 00:06:16 Orders of the Day 00:08:42 SB 172 00:08:54 HB 392 00:11:47 HB 529 00:16:02 HB 456 00:22:04 HB 424 00:25:27 HJR 50 00:30:04 HB 577 00:32:29 HB 213 00:36:10 HB 58 00:40:22 HB 10 00:45:23 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 01:04:32 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:17:33 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 01:20:15 ConC/Rules Report 01:25:00 Floor Amendments 01:26:56 Adjournment 01:27:21, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum of 96 members, excused absent members, and approved the prior journal. The chamber also received Senate messages transmitting Senate Bills 969 and 141. Several bills were reported from committee and placed on the calendar, including measures on on-farm animal health, insurance regulation, crimes and punishments, employment, artificial intelligence, utility fuel adjustments, education, and addictive online platforms. The House then took up and passed Senate Bill 172, which allows the Public Service Commission to spread sudden fuel cost spikes over several months to reduce consumer bill shock. It passed 95-0. House Bill 392, dealing with local public agency transactions and procurement, was amended by committee substitute to remove disputed best-value procurement and residential bidder preference provisions, lower the small purchase threshold increase to $50,000, and add indexing and other local purchasing changes; it passed 97-0. House Bill 529, concerning the parole board, was amended to stagger board terms, allow limited term extensions, authorize panel hearings, and adjust parole review timing; it passed 99-0. House Bill 456, relating to unclaimed property and the state treasurer, was passed 100-0 after adding an unclaimed property awareness week, removing a residency requirement for the treasurer, clarifying mineral royalty reporting, and tightening reporting requirements. The House also passed House Bill 424 on social work licensure, which exempts student interns and trainees, sets supervision standards, updates licensure rules including multi-state licensure, background checks, and telehealth, and requires board representation from social work education; it passed 94-0. House Joint Resolution 50, directing a study of child care regulations and processes by the Auditor of Public Accounts, was adopted 98-0. House Bill 577, modernizing economic development statutes by renaming and updating innovation programs, expanding the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, allowing certain out-of-state companies to qualify if they relocate within 180 days, and broadening angel investor participation, passed 98-0. House Bill 213, reducing the service requirement for rehiring retired police officers from 20 to 15 years and allowing local employers to offer health benefits, passed 98-0. House Bill 58, on privacy protection and automated license plate reader data, was taken up with a committee substitute and floor amendment allowing limited data retention and training use under redactions; the transcript cuts off during explanation of the bill after the amendment was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yavapai County Sheriff's Office does not utilize the Arizona Rangers because we do not have background
• We've had some that get flushed in the background because they're not a good fit, whether it's their
• So with that, we have a lot of concern with their current vetting and background processes, and there's
• Okay, let me double check. I apologize. Is there anyone else? Let me double check. I apologize.
• We're here really to give you some information, some background on the Turquoise Alert.

Bills: SB1071, SB1315, SB1317, SB1416, SB1493, SB1537, SB1542, SB1584, SB1626, SB1740, SB1751, SB1804, SCR1047, SCR1049

Keywords: Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, school safety, interoperable communications, law enforcement, emergency response, funding, reentry programs, criminal justice, grants, recidivism, attorney general, missing children, kidnapping, reporting requirements, child safety, training

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1071, which would repeal the statutory framework for the Arizona Rangers. The sponsor argued the bill was about accountability and transparency, citing concerns about missing training and firearms qualification records; Arizona Rangers representatives and several sheriffs opposed the bill, saying the Rangers provide valuable volunteer support and that the real issue was adding oversight rather than eliminating protections. After discussion, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1071 a do pass recommendation, with members noting they expected amendments later. The committee then heard SB 1315, requiring school districts and charter schools to maintain interoperable emergency communications with law enforcement and to submit annual affidavits confirming testing and compliance. Testimony from school safety officials and sheriffs emphasized the value of real-time communication during emergencies and the need for secure sharing of campus maps and floor plans; concerns about cost and information security were addressed by supporters. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0. The committee also advanced SB 1317, which appropriates opioid settlement funds for county reentry planning programs; sheriffs and association representatives supported it, citing reduced recidivism and jail populations, and it passed 7-0. Several public safety and missing-children measures were considered next. SB 1416, as amended, revises missing child reporting requirements, adds runaway children back into reporting, requires faster photo and information sharing, and expands training requirements; advocates for missing children and law enforcement supported the compromise language, and the bill passed 7-0. SB 1740, which updates Turquoise Alert training and procedures, was also advanced 7-0 after discussion about statewide versus geographically targeted alerts and the need to keep alerts effective. Later, SB 1493, a strike-everything amendment affecting police officer termination appeals and fee shifting when an employer rejects a favorable administrative ruling, passed 5-2 despite opposition from chiefs’ representatives. SB 1537, renaming the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund and repealing its advisory commission, passed 5-2. The committee also approved SB 1751 and SCR 1049, which expand execution methods to include lethal gas and firing squad and make firing squad mandatory in certain cases involving the murder of a law enforcement officer; opponents raised constitutional, ethical, and practical concerns, while supporters framed the measures as aligning Arizona with other states and providing additional options. Both measures passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1542, which would create a framework and funding for MDMA research and treatment for PTSD in first responders and peace officers contingent on FDA approval, was heard with testimony describing promising clinical trial results and the need for Arizona research; the bill was then moved forward, though the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, let me just say this is my lack of energy training, but my background is teaching writing.
• is uh pretty much today my background is uh pretty much all<00:40:34.920> safety<00:40:35.920
• I just wanted to give you a little background of why I got involved on this bill.
• of why I got involved on this background of why I got involved on this bill<01:03:25.640> uh<
• So just want to give a little background, maybe a little insight into the minutes that are not always

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• check and the responsible vendor training.
• Our company spends thousands of dollars each year managing background checks, notarized releases, and
• I'm going to have to pay another, like, 250 bucks for another background check that's going to, again
• I'm going to have to pay another, like, 250 bucks for another background check that's going to, again
• We deal with fees, background checks, trainings, reports.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its first hearing of the 194th session to take public testimony on 21 cannabis-related bills. Chairs Donahue and Gómez outlined hearing procedures and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Much of the hearing focused on the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), with Senator Mike Moore urging support for S. 90 to create an inspector general unit within the CCC. He argued the commission has suffered from dysfunction, workplace harassment allegations, delayed governance reforms, missed fee collections, and high legal costs, and said stronger legislative oversight is needed. Committee members largely agreed the CCC needs reform, though some expressed hope that new leadership would improve operations. A major theme was market structure and business viability. Representative Tyler testified for H. 183 to raise adult-use purchase limits from one ounce to two ounces, saying the change would reduce confusion and help retailers compete with neighboring states. Senator Payano supported S. 100, which would require a study of cannabis supply and demand to guide cultivation licensing, warning that oversupply is driving down prices and threatening cultivators. The Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, represented by Ryan Dominguez, backed a package of bills aimed at increasing revenue, reducing regulatory burdens, attracting investment, and stabilizing the market, including higher purchase limits, simpler badge and testing rules, and a phased increase in the retail license cap. Attorneys Kevin Conroy and Mike Ross also supported raising the cap, arguing that the industry lacks capital and that more investment and exit opportunities are needed for provisional and distressed licensees. The most contentious issue was whether to raise the retail license cap from three to six. Supporters, including several business owners and industry advocates such as Peyton Shubrick, Tito Jackson, Armani White, Sean Burt, and others, said the current cap traps owners in declining businesses, prevents exits, and limits access to capital. They argued that many social equity and economic empowerment operators are struggling, that oversupply has pushed prices down, and that allowing more ownership could help businesses scale or sell. Opponents, including Senator Liz Miranda and several social equity operators, warned that lifting the cap now would let larger operators and multi-state companies dominate the market and harm equity-owned businesses. Miranda’s S. 88 would instead strengthen enforcement of ownership limits through audits, whistleblower protections, an anonymous tip line, and greater transparency. Another major topic was worker and consumer safety: Laura Bruno, Danny Carson, Al Vega, and others supported H. 194 after the death of Lorna McMurray, arguing for a CCC workplace and consumer safety department, better ventilation and PPE standards, stronger testing oversight, and retaliation protections for workers. The hearing ended without votes, with members thanking testifiers and indicating the committee would continue reviewing the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to just share a little bit about your background and identify yourself and why you want to
• <00:03:36.560> and<00:03:37.440> identify bit about your background and identify bit
• about your background and identify yourself<00:03:38.080> and<00:03:38.319> why<00:03:
• So I see that beyond merely checking boxes for compliance, I think we could convene and work toward a
• > and background in construction and background in construction and construction<00:58:17.359>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR FDLE SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS WHICH SUPPORT ALL THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES AND PROVIDES THE BACKGROUND
• SCREENING SERVICES FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS AND ALL THAT STUFF SO IT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF WHAT THEY
• Garcia: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Ricky Dixon: I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE FAIRLY CONSISTENT BUT I WOULD CHECK
• I GET THAT BACKGROUND BECAUSE ELEVATION IS SOMETHING THAT'S IMPORTANT TO ME AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE
• I HAVE SOMETHING CALLED DATA CHECK INS AND I TALK ABOUT THAT AS WELL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It serves people from different backgrounds, experiences, and communities coming together.
• People from different backgrounds, experiences, and communities, coming together, bringing their strength
• you do, men and women across the board, regardless of where they were born, regardless of their background
• Unfortunately, they even ripped out the money from my checking accounts and the many that he had already
• Unfortunately, they even ripped out the money from my checking accounts and the money that he had already

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These machines go through background checks, and machines that go back are highly regulated, and they
• There's background checks on myself, on David, who's an operator, on the locations, and to make sure
• There will be mandatory background checks, independent audits, and tough penalties for anyone who violates
• Background checks, independent audits, and tough penalties for anyone who violates the law.
• Technology has not kept problem gambling in check.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies. The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools. The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• reported them for attendance for that welfare check.
• Those checks and balances that we have are important.
• We need those checks and balances.
• What this bill does is basically strengthens and expands the background checks for massage businesses
• I didn't trust myself, so I had somebody else check; they confirmed it.

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports licensed growers who have paid the required fees and passed FBI background checks.
• And once they're licensed, once they pass a background check and those things, they come back in and
• You check their ID. If I see you're not checking... IDs.
• With those licenses, you require a background check, as well as fingerprints for the manufacturing license
• and the hemp grower's license, but you're not required to have any background checks on the retail side

Bills: HB5

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just checking for the license number 35, I think. That's after the 32, correct? That's correct.
• Well, we're certainly not going into their homes and checking their items.
• out. but, you know, all these behind-the-scenes conversations needs to be checked out.
• But we could check into it if you want us to. All right, members.
• Part of my background is forestry. And so we do a longer-term rotation.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I checked the Constitution and in my opinion there is no data saying showing that this is unconstitutional
• c><00:05:09.440> I constitutionality of this bill uh I constitutionality of this bill uh I checked
• the Constitution and in my checked the Constitution and in my opinion<00:05:13.280> there<00:
• We look for a background in working with children, youth, and families to bring that work into ours.
• So I just want to give you guys the background.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on House Bill 553, which concerns the definitions of child abuse and neglect in RSA 169-C, including psychological maltreatment and the rebuttable presumption of harm. The chair and members emphasized that the bill is intended to clarify definitions rather than create punishments, and they discussed concerns that had arisen after the bill’s earlier drafting. Representative Eimon stated his view that the bill is constitutional, citing case law, and members noted that amendment 114 would restore language refined by the prior study committee and address trauma-informed wording, especially around substance use disorder and newborns. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill could be read to treat ordinary parental discipline or disagreements with a child—such as grounding, taking away car keys or a phone, or refusing gender-affirming care—as abuse or neglect. DCF Deputy Director Jen Ross explained that screeners look at the nature of the allegation and whether the parent’s conduct is likely to cause serious psychological or emotional harm; she said routine discipline or prudent parenting would not be screened in, while persistent ridiculing, terrorizing, bullying, isolating, threats, or similar conduct could qualify. She also said that denial of gender-affirming care, by itself, would not be treated as neglect, but the agency would consider the full context and any resulting harm or need for mental health care. DCF General Counsel Susan Larby added that the legislature’s earlier definition of psychological maltreatment and related policy already focus on pervasive emotionally abusive behavior, and that the bill is meant to make the statute more understandable and transparent, not to change the core neglect standard. She and other speakers said the goal is to identify serious harm and provide services, not to remove children for ordinary parental decisions. Lisa Massio of the Office of the Child Advocate said the bill and related placement language are intended to preserve family unity and fill gaps where courts have interpreted neglect too narrowly or inconsistently. Members also discussed a proposed concise analysis from Representative Maral and asked about CPSW qualifications and training; DCF said staff generally have backgrounds in human services, social work, psychology, or education and receive a 12-week Core Academy on policy, law, investigations, and family engagement. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and members indicated they wanted to continue refining the amendment before sending anything to the Office of Legislative Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• , every motan, no matter their background, every motan, no matter their background, they<00:16:10.320
• immigrants have no criminal background immigrants have no criminal background whatsoever.<02:39:
• And so we need those checks<03:02:10.399> and checks and checks and balances<03:02:12.080>
• And what this bill does is basically strengthens and expands the background checks for massage businesses
• background checks for massage businesses background checks for massage businesses and<03:14:04.800

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Just for your information, my training and background is as a food and agricultural economist.
• When it comes to the soil science, just so you know, my background is a soil scientist.
• That check has not been fertilized since it was broke out.
• Labs mean a lot less than a good certified lab with a second check lab.
• Checked.

Summary: The meeting focused on the use of biosolids on farm and ranch land, with testimony from Oklahoma State University experts, a conservation official, and an engineering representative about the benefits, risks, and regulatory implications. Dr. Lusk described OSU’s long history of soil fertility research and said biosolids can provide nutrients and organic matter, but also may carry contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and pathogens. He emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, especially about contaminant uptake into soil, crops, livestock, and humans, and said existing EPA and Oklahoma DEQ regulations address some treatment and application standards but may not fully cover PFAS. Dr. Arnell expanded on nutrient management, explaining that biosolids can function similarly to manure as a fertilizer source, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, but should be tested, incorporated into soil, and applied under permit conditions to reduce runoff and other losses. He said PFAS testing methods are not yet standardized and that more research is needed to determine sampling protocols, movement in soil, and long-term effects. Committee members asked whether farmers and ranchers should be notified of risks, whether PFAS is currently tested, how many counties use biosolids, and what research would be needed for a dissertation-level study. The witnesses generally agreed that landowners should be informed of known risks and uncertainties, but said the science is still developing. Dr. Arnell said a unified testing method is needed before reliable PFAS monitoring can be done, and suggested that a multi-year study would be required to understand soil movement, crop uptake, and livestock impacts. Greg Scott of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission framed the issue as a waste-management problem, noting that human waste streams contain contaminants and that soil type affects how pollutants move; he said sandy soils pose greater movement risks than clay soils and that current best practice is incorporation, careful timing, and avoiding steep or sensitive sites. He also said PFAS are widespread and not naturally occurring in the way some other compounds are, and that liability and cleanup costs are major concerns. Mary Elizabeth Mock of Garver Engineering focused on the practical and financial consequences of a possible moratorium on land application, saying most of Oklahoma’s biosolids are currently land applied and would otherwise have to go to landfills. She warned that many landfills are nearing capacity, tipping fees could rise sharply, and cities such as Tulsa and Norman could face large increases in disposal costs, which would ultimately be borne by ratepayers and taxpayers. She also said septic system maintenance costs could rise if land application options shrink, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and system failures. Mock urged a tiered, data-driven approach to PFAS regulation and said advanced treatment technologies may help in the future, but they are still emerging and expensive. No votes were taken; the session consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that was always a real concern in law enforcement, that there was no check and balance as
• We're conducting about 250 agency compliance checks per year. And it's not punitive.
• What that is is we're going in and checking their records, making sure they're holding themselves to
• But, you know, just to hear one of those things that you, with your background, you would enjoy a lot
• Background, you would enjoy a lot more than I did waiting on what I had to do.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police Director Mike Hager and other agency leaders about vehicle pursuits and tactical vehicle interventions (TVIs, formerly PIT maneuvers). Hager said Acts 734 of 2020 and 82 of 2022, which increased penalties for fleeing in a vehicle, along with a public campaign and work with prosecutors, helped reduce pursuits by 29% from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. He said the agency also added 120 troopers during that period and that the goal is to protect innocent civilians, officers, and suspects. Members asked about where pursuits occur most often, prosecution practices, the possibility of making fleeing charges non-pleadable like DWI, and a recent mistaken TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; Hager said no one was injured in that incident and called it inexcusable. The committee also discussed the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Hager explained that the foundation is a private support group made up largely of businesses and citizens that raises money for trooper-family scholarships, emergency relief for troopers affected by disasters or family hospitalizations, and facilities and training support, including the driving track. He said he was not aware of any lobbying activity by the foundation and praised its staff and leadership for supporting the agency beyond what the state budget can provide. Next, Director Chris Chapman of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training described the state’s decertification and officer accountability process. He said every separation from an agency must be reported, and if an officer leaves under circumstances that may warrant decertification, the file is flagged so any future hiring agency must be told the full history before the officer can be added to a roster. Chapman said the commission has increased decertification requests from 158 in the prior three years to 256 in the last three years, with 147 officers currently pending hearings, and that the backlog has been reduced from about four and a half years to about a year and a half. Members asked about resignations during investigations, appeal rights, citizen complaints, and FOIA access to decertification records; Chapman said those matters can trigger review, appeals go to circuit court, and the records are generally public. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee visit to a fish hatchery in Lonoke County.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you go through the next background check, when you get approved to add on an additional 10-day waiting
• If they've passed that background check and there is no other reason to delay, this is a constitutional

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met with Chair Senator Zellnor Myrie presiding and noted that several majority members were absent due to blizzard-related travel disruptions, though quorum was established through submitted votes. The committee took up a series of bills, mostly criminal justice and public safety measures, including Senate Prints 205, 362, 490, 630, 1192, 1285A, 2491, 3909, 4757, and 6121. Senator Murray participated in moving bills while making clear that his seconding did not necessarily indicate support, and Senator Salazar joined partway through the meeting. Several bills drew discussion or opposition. Senator Murray strongly opposed Senate Print 362, warning that its added waiting period for firearm-related approval could endanger people seeking protection from domestic violence or stalking. On Senate Print 490, counsel and members discussed whether the bill’s language required an additional incident after age 13, and Murray ultimately voted without recommendation pending clarification. Senate Print 2491, addressing peremptory challenges, was described as important because of the racial history of such challenges, though Murray voted in the negative. Senate Print 3909, the Phoenix Act relating to domestic violence responses, also drew criticism from Murray over language he viewed as overly racial and political, though the committee advanced it. The committee also highlighted support for Senate Print 4757, which would codify the SNUG violence-prevention program in law; members praised its success in communities and noted it would reduce reliance on annual budget negotiations. Actions taken included reporting several bills, referring Senate Print 1192 and 4757 to finance, and reporting Senate Print 6121 with Senator Murray recorded without recommendation. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were addressed.