Transcript Highlights:

• </c><04:32:31.600><c> to</c><04:32:31.840><c> have</c><04:32:32.080><c> actual</c> them are claiming
• to have actual them are claiming to have actual psychological<04:32:33.479><c> advice.
• The only solution a chatbot or companion bot developer wishing to avoid exposure to legal risks could
• The only solution a chatbot or companion bot developer wishing to avoid exposure to legal risks could
• The only solution a chatbot or companion bot developer wishing to avoid exposure to legal risks could

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 146, which would remove the requirement that a medical examiner physically view a body before issuing a cremation certificate. The prime sponsor, Sen. Suprentice, and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jenny Duval explained that the bill would not change the death certificate process or the existing waiting period before cremation; it would only eliminate the in-person viewing step. They said the current review of death certificates already catches the vast majority of cases that should be reported to the medical examiner, and that the physical view changes outcomes in less than 1% of cremation cases. The witnesses emphasized that the bill is intended to improve efficiency and reduce delays for families and funeral homes, while freeing deputy medical examiners to focus on homicides, suicides, accidents, and unexpected natural deaths. Dr. Duval cited an example where review of a death certificate, not the body, uncovered a long-ago strangulation-related homicide, arguing that the key safeguard is review of records and cause of death, not the physical view. She also said the change would save travel time and some costs for the department. Committee members asked about how death certificates list primary and contributing causes of death, whether the low percentage of findings means the current process has a deterrent effect, why cremation is treated differently from burial, and whether identification concerns are adequately addressed. The sponsors responded that identification is handled earlier by hospitals, families, and funeral directors, and that any questionable identification would already fall under medical examiner jurisdiction. They also said the bill would not alter the two-day cremation delay or other existing safeguards. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We call it prolonged exposure. I am lucky that We call it prolonged exposure.
• We call it prolonged exposure. I am lucky that I have a family that helped me not become homeless.
• Between 2014 and 2024, investigations by the Arizona State Board of Education of educators on claims
• We then did find him, unfortunately deceased, before he even knew that he had a claims benefit waiting
• So out of fear of getting an insurance claim put on them, they will pay that fee.

Bills: HB2014 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2165 , HB2202 , HB2305 , HB2321 , HB2399 , HB2403 , HB2416 , HB2418 , HB2446 , HB2601 , HB2615 , HB2620 , HB2812 , HB2939 , HB2940 , HB2955 , HB2957 , HB2960 , HB2992 , HB4026 , HB4049

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety, traffic laws, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, agriculture, veterans, state parks, admission fees, military exemption, recreation access

Transcript Highlights:

• to the witness, can you elaborate a little bit more on how changing this definition could lead to exposure
• Standards to similar claims or deny review without ever reaching the merits of the claim.
• after an order to show cause, allowing courts to reach the merits of otherwise procedurally barred claims
• or deny review without ever reaching the merits of the claim.
• of diligence by defense counsel prior to judgment. ...where there is no longer a requirement for a claim

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• To date, we have received 19 claims for a total of $1.1 million. first claim uh on the account that many
• The claim is submitted by a farmer, uh, and then we verify that and the claim is validated using information
• And if the claim is valid, uh, the claim payment is initiated.
• And if the claim is valid, uh, the claim payment is initiated.
• </c> where exposure is is is possible. where exposure is is is possible.

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The statute preclude claims under this chapter.
• I think for the very reason that you just said, you could have your claim, there's multiple claims that
• Whatever claim is being made, it is being made to the proper authority, the proper person that would
• And as to what the claim is being made for, instead of having a mismatch of, I'm claiming this or I'm
• claiming that or I'm claiming this.

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism took up several measures, beginning with SB 1666, which would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, smart contracts, blockchain, and NFTs. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably. It also approved CS/SB 480, a proposal to create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model; the bill drew significant questions about preexisting conditions, ACA coverage, costs, and whether the plans would function like insurance, but it was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from some members and outside groups. The committee then unanimously advanced CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program; an amendment added military-spouse hiring preferences and protections for private employers that adopt them voluntarily. The committee also approved CS/SB 1400, a bill aimed at non-consensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes. The measure requires covered platforms to provide a removal process, post clear notice of that process, and remove identified content within 24 to 48 hours, with liability under the Florida Unfair Trade and Deceptive Practices Act for noncompliance; an amendment carved out internet service providers from liability. Members raised concerns about repeat uploads and the meaning of “reasonable efforts,” but the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adopted SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, despite testimony opposing it as unnecessary and constitutionally questionable. It also passed SB 1252, which would create a centralized statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies; the sponsor said the first step would be a $250,000 feasibility study, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 922, which revises Florida’s restrictive covenant laws by creating a streamlined process for certain non-compete and garden leave agreements involving employees with access to sensitive information and higher wages. The bill drew extensive debate over worker mobility, global scope, and whether it would strengthen employer leverage too much; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. The last major item was SB 1776, a Florida Whistleblowers Act revision that adds a notice-to-cure requirement, narrows retaliation and employer definitions, and limits claims where another statutory remedy exists. Members and public speakers raised concerns that it could make whistleblower claims harder to bring and give employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was amended and then reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a smarter use of existing dollars to serve more children, and it also reduces general fund exposure
• This work encompasses the health care payments data program, or HPD, the state's all-payer claims database
• We will fund summer exposure for high school or early college folks.
• has raised in its financial reviews of our program regarding cost allocation documents in order to claim
• It talks: controlling exposures to levels low enough to prevent disease is technically challenging and

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a smarter use of existing dollars to serve more children, and it also reduces general fund exposure
• This work encompasses the health care payments data program, or HPD, the state's all-payer claims database
• We will fund summer exposure for high school or early college folks.
• has raised in its financial reviews of our program regarding cost allocation documents in order to claim
• The report from CDPH talks about controlling exposures to levels low enough to prevent disease being

Summary: The hearing began with a stakeholder presentation from Let California Kids Hear urging coverage of pediatric hearing aids for children in the large group market. Advocates described the issue as a long-running developmental emergency, argued that existing state efforts have been inefficient, and said the new proposal would cover about 70% to 80% of affected children without new spending by redirecting existing dollars. Public commenters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s advocates, strongly supported the proposal and emphasized the need for timely access to sound. The chair thanked the group and noted hope for a future fix, including continued work on the exchange market. The Department of Finance then gave a broad budget warning about the state’s more than $20 billion structural deficit and said new investments must be weighed against out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with an overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, seismic hospital compliance, workforce programs, and the Data Exchange Framework. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, behavioral health pipeline programs, the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, and future CalRx products such as EpiPens and GLP-1s. HCAI also described its enforcement approach for health care spending targets, saying the board would not change the targets in response to H.R. 1, and outlined the diaper access initiative, which will distribute diapers through hospitals in higher-need areas. Several HCAI budget items were discussed and held open, including additional expenditure authority, the transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate, long-term care payment transparency staffing, and reporting on health care worker waiting periods. The department also presented its Behavioral Health Services Act workforce initiative and a proposed $100 million General Fund offset, which both the LAO and the chair questioned as unclear and potentially one-time in nature. HCAI said the final workforce plan would be adjusted after stakeholder consultation if the offset proceeds. The department also described the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying California received $233.6 million in federal funds, had to revise its proposal to satisfy CMS, and must obligate the money by October 30; the program will fund rural care models, workforce development, and technology, with grants rolled out on a phased basis. The Department of Managed Health Care then presented its budget and three legislative implementation requests: SB 41 on PBM reform, SB 306 on prior authorization transparency, and AB 1041 on provider credentialing timelines. Finally, the administration outlined a menopause care proposal requiring coverage and education for menopause-related services, provider training, and an outreach campaign, with DMHC requesting staffing and funding to implement and enforce the new requirements. Throughout the hearing, most items were held open for later action, and no final votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a smarter use of existing dollars to serve more children, and it also reduces general fund exposure
• This work encompasses the health care payments data program, or HPD, the state's all-payer claims database
• We will fund summer exposure for high school or early college folks.
• has raised in its financial reviews of our program regarding cost allocation documents in order to claim
• It talks, controlling exposures to levels low enough to prevent disease is technically challenging and

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there, I didn't see anywhere near there's a maximum of exposure to the state on this tax credit.
• Additionally, if the aggregate limit is applied without any pre-review of claimed credits by DRA, there
• </c> would receive credits simply by claiming would receive credits simply by claiming it<02:01:33.920
• credits by DRA, there would be claimed credits by DRA, there would be no<02:03:35.040><c> way</c><02
• So I understand that the business claims the credit. What does the employee get?

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Market exposure is not accounted for here.
• Market exposure is not accounted for here.
• I'll claim my vote. You may. I see three problems with this bill.
• Because there's a claim of sovereignty. So with that, I know..."
• "Because there's a claim of sovereignty. So with that, and I know... Senator Kuby?

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, a stakeholder work group, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create a Medicaid-funded long-term care option for the most disabled SMI patients, reduce costly hospital and state-only care, and improve continuity of care. A committee amendment narrowed eligibility to individuals needing a long-term SMI level of care, changed reporting to semiannual, reduced the initial cap to 250 members with possible growth tied to savings, and required AHCCCS to keep pursuing approval if CMS denies it. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1630 as amended passed 10-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1131, which originally required every school district and charter school to adopt a cardiac emergency response plan and appropriated $1 million for implementation. A Warner amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether a plan exists, while shifting the appropriation toward AED grants and limiting school spending to purchasing and maintaining AEDs. The American Heart Association supported the amendment as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, while some members questioned the funding split and the rural-school priority. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1131 as amended passed 9-1. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 1582, dealing with the school safety interoperability fund. The amendment changed the appropriation from ADE to ADOA and allocated funds to specific county sheriff’s offices to continue existing interoperable communication systems linking schools and first responders; supporters said the systems had been used in drills and some real incidents, and were important for school safety. One member raised concerns about the auditor general’s report and whether the program should continue, but sheriffs and school officials described it as a useful communication tool. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1582 as amended passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel and reduce the waiting period for cost-of-living adjustments. The sponsor, police and fire representatives, and pension consultants argued the bill would improve recruitment and retention and align benefits more closely with what employees were promised, while cities, counties, and taxpayer groups warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. The committee spent extensive time on actuarial costs, funding status, and the effect of the amendment exempting the bill from statutory pre-funding requirements; the transcript ends during that discussion before a final vote on SB 1504 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• would like to respectfully push back against my friend and colleague, Senator from Jefferson 33's claim
• </c> claim that there is none or hasn't been. claim that there is none or hasn't been.
• What it does is limit the teacher retirement system's exposure.
• What it does is limit the teacher retirement system's exposure.
• Um the cost responsibility exposure.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:39:50.319><c> I'm</c> insufficient to F meet the claims I'm insufficient to F meet the claims
• </c> where there's an a surprise of uh claims where there's an a surprise of uh claims that<02:43:47.279
• But to simply claim it's a welfare program is absurd.
• Second of all, the claim that EFAs are unaudited is also false.
• </c> maybe not um clearly it's an exposure maybe not um clearly it's an exposure level<04:08:31.840><

Summary: The committee met in executive session on HB 563, which revises the adequacy education grant formula, including differentiated aid for free and reduced-price meals, English language learners, and special education, and also restores fiscal capacity disparity aid. Members explained that for FY 26 the formula largely stays the same with the usual 2% increases, while FY 27 would raise the base cost and several aid categories, including a substantial increase in special education differentiated aid. Supporters said the bill recognizes higher special education costs and separates fiscal capacity disparity from the extraordinary needs grant, which they argued better targets property-poor communities. A major point of discussion was the fiscal capacity disparity aid component. Some members asked for more detail on how the formula affected individual towns and how much money was being allocated. The sponsors said the spreadsheet showed the impacts and estimated the fiscal capacity disparity portion at about $13.3 million, benefiting roughly 40 communities, with Manchester the only municipality expected to receive less under the new approach. They also said the change partially rebalances money that had shifted heavily toward larger cities under the extraordinary needs grant and that the special education increase is new money, not taken from the hold harmless or extraordinary needs funds. Several members supported the amendment as a good-faith step and a bipartisan compromise, while others expressed frustration that they did not have enough time or information to review the spreadsheets in detail before voting. After extended debate, the committee recessed for lunch to allow the spreadsheet to be distributed and reviewed, with the understanding that the bill would continue later in the day and then move on to the other bills on the docket.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 1827 by Assembly Member Chen, an act relating to small claims court.
• Small Claims Court was designed to provide a fast and affordable way to resolve routine disputes.
• Small businesses regularly face unpaid invoices, contract disputes, and other claims that exceed this
• allowing businesses to file up to three claims per year.
• People claiming otherwise, quite simply, and in my view, are acting in bad faith.

Transcript Highlights:

• During this time, ophthalmology has often claimed that expanding optometry scope would lead to blindness
• </c><00:04:37.919><c> that</c> opthalmology has often claimed that opthalmology has often claimed that
• Opponents claim this bill compromises patient safety.
• Opponents claim this bill provider.
• Opponents claim this bill compromises<00:14:11.600><c> patient</c><00:14:12.000><c> safety.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh after receiving uh world exposure.
• </c><01:17:20.960><c> Because</c> um environmental exposures. Because um environmental exposures.
• <01:17:37.199><c> to</c><01:17:37.440><c> non-target</c> exposure to non-target exposure to non-target
• ><c> reproductive</c> Adult exposures affect our reproductive Adult exposures affect our reproductive
• </c> cited sources for every claim they make. cited sources for every claim they make.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• This claims bill is for $4.1 million and is supported by both the claimant and Miami-Dade County, and
• They often claim the second-largest fortress capital.
• Very well may be a legitimate claim.
• I think that, you know, it's always assumed that these claims are not legitimate.
• This is a settled claim bill for $2.3 million.

Summary: The Committee on Rules met and first approved several open-government sunset repeal bills and related measures. SB 7024 and SB 7026, both sponsored by Senator Mayfield, were explained as consolidating and extending public records/public meetings exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies; both were reported favorably. SB 7020, sponsored by Senator Trumbull, reenacted an aquaculture records exemption for records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and was also reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 14 and SB 24, claims bills for relief involving Miami-Dade County, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg; all were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved CS for SB 806, a consumer right-to-repair bill creating portable wireless device and agricultural equipment repair acts, despite opposition from several industry groups, and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> boundary issues and fraudulent claims boundary issues and fraudulent claims which<00:02:51.400><
• </c> adverse possession um claims. adverse possession um claims. I<00:04:25.800><c> guess.
• </c> with with federal agencies other claims. with with federal agencies other claims.
• </c><01:22:39.360><c> that</c> quantifiably how many more claims that quantifiably how many more claims
• Um so, it's a completely exposure.

Bills: SB2041

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:22.200><c> this</c><00:26:22.360><c> bill</c> the city of Minneapolis claim this bill the
• city of Minneapolis claim this bill solves<00:26:22.960><c> the</c><00:26:23.040><c> patchwork</c><00
• claims in the future.
• and limits exposure to frivolous claims<01:05:50.280><c> in</c><01:05:50.400><c> the</c><01:05:50.480
• Revenue would be claims in the future.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• ask the cities in the dialogues and the stakeholder meetings we've had to bring to us any notice-of-claim
• we want to make sure that our eyes are on that gas line to make sure that there are no leaks, no exposure
• to the residents, because those types of exposures don’t just affect that house.
• Look at that increased liability exposure for the state, local governments, and vehicle owners, and lead
• It also classifies the act of knowingly recording a forged or groundless document asserting a claim in

Bills: SB1108 , SB1205 , SB1241 , SB1286 , SB1366 , SB1431 , SB1473 , SB1477 , SB1478 , SB1479 , SB1492 , SB1517 , SB1563 , SB1586 , SB1665 , SB1671

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: cash transactions, mandatory rounding, swedish rounding, public notice, Arizona Revised Statutes, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, SB1241, private permitting provider, private permit, private certificate of completion, building permit, building plan review, inspection, single-trade residential construction, residential construction, municipal permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• consortium concluding that comprehensive studies assessing the impact of treated produced water exposure
• So please stop claiming scientific, scientific... ...ventures.
• That's not how science works, so please stop claiming scientific conclusions for driving this bill.
• reuse to make sure that they're revised in ways that are protective of our concerns about possible exposure
• identify that yet, and the in-depth piece of this shows that just like the facility in El Paso that claims

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bill 207, as amended, which would direct the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt rules for permits allowing certain beneficial uses of treated produced water, including industrial, commercial, energy-related, infrastructure, pilot project, and other approved uses. Representative Brown presented the bill as a science-driven response to New Mexico’s water scarcity, citing the state’s 50-year water plan and research from the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the rules to be informed by credible scientific data and other evidence, including consortium research, before moving to public comment. Supporters argued the bill would create a regulated framework for reuse of treated produced water, preserve scarce freshwater, and support economic development, construction, and energy-related uses. Testimony in favor came from the bill sponsor, the consortium’s Dr. Zach Stoll, the chair of the Water Quality Control Commission, business and industry representatives, local economic development officials, and some residents. They emphasized recent peer-reviewed studies, pilot projects, and the need for the commission to act on updated science. State agencies, including the Environment Department, said the amended bill addressed some of their concerns and kept the focus on science-based rulemaking. Opponents said the bill would override the Water Quality Control Commission’s prior findings and force approval of uses that remain scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Many speakers from environmental groups, acequia and agricultural organizations, faith groups, and local residents warned about unknown contaminants, risks to groundwater, crops, roads, and human health, and the possibility of spills or long-term environmental damage. Several argued the bill would politicize a technical process and create liability or cleanup burdens for the public. No vote on final passage was taken in the portion provided; the committee recessed briefly after public comment and then returned to sponsor remarks and questions.