Transcript Highlights:

• previously adopted by the of procedures previously adopted by the commission<00:07:44.880> 1210
• <00:13:16.560> Uh procedures uh that we just approved.
• Uh procedures uh that we just approved.
• Chair. >> Chair Agbaje. >> Um, maybe this is where we could use our new procedures.
• Chair. >> Chair Agbaje. >> Um, maybe this is where we could use our new procedures.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Tax Expenditure Review Commission met on June 17, 2026, approved the January 20, 2026 minutes, and then adopted updated commission procedures. The procedural changes, presented by Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson, required a quorum of voting members to complete evaluations before a formal recommendation vote, and allowed members to bundle or unbundle tax expenditures for voting. The commission approved the revised procedures by roll call vote, with five ayes and four excused. The commission then reviewed member evaluation summaries for tax expenditures presented in December 2025 and January 2026. It first considered the alcoholic beverage tax credits for small brewers and microdistilleries, and after discussion voted to recommend repeal of those two expenditures, while leaving the small winery credit for a later meeting because it lacked enough member responses under the new procedures. The vote on the repeal recommendation passed 4-1, with Commissioner Marquart voting no. The commission next approved the lawful gambling bundle, which included bingo, raffle, and related exemptions. Larson reported that most members recommended continuation for each item, and the commission voted to recommend continuing all six lawful gambling expenditures. It then reviewed the residential utility services bundle—residential heating fuels, residential water services, and sewer services—where members generally favored continuation but several noted possible modifications or caps for higher-income users; the commission voted to recommend continuation of the bundle. Finally, the commission reviewed the data center equipment sales tax exemption, which Larson said had an estimated annual revenue loss of $95 million and was intended to create jobs in construction and data center industries. Members raised questions about its effectiveness and whether the exemption should be modified or capped, but the commission ultimately voted to recommend continuation. The meeting concluded with these recommendations set to be included in the commission’s 2026 annual report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Barrett on Senate bill, House Bill 222, required Medicaid to cover dental procedures for
• It requires Medicaid to cover dental if it is needed for another medically covered procedure.
• And there are procedures that people are not getting that are covered procedures because they cannot
• It would be very dangerous for them to have that procedure, so they're just going without the procedure
• If we're going to do a procedure, what does that look like?

Bills: HB12, HB145, HB222, HB291, HB430, HB821, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB979, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, when you're redrafting policies and procedures, those take time, and we wanted to make sure
• Why weren't proper verification procedures in place to begin with?
• Why is it that they have in place proper procedures, but yet...
• I understand you guys have, or are putting in place, have put in place new procedures, right?
• Putting in place, have put in place new procedures, right? But again, how did that one happen? Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met to consider Ruby Dylan Williams for Director of the Arizona Department of Housing. Chair Jay Kaufman opened with remarks about the committee’s role in scrutinizing nominees’ commitment to faithfully executing state law. Williams, who has served in housing roles since 2020 and as interim director since March 2025, described her background in both public service and the private sector and said her priorities would be expanding housing supply, preserving housing stability, and improving technology-driven operations and transparency. Members questioned Williams extensively about department oversight, fraud prevention, auditor general findings, homelessness policy, budget priorities, and the cost of affordable housing programs. She said the department had strengthened internal controls, added verbal verification steps for wire transfers, increased site inspections and grantee monitoring, and was tracking 68 performance metrics. She also defended the use of LIHTC and other federal housing programs as key public-private tools, said the department was working on a real-time homelessness data system, and explained that if state funding were cut, staffing would likely be reduced before core programs. Several members pressed her on past fraud and audit findings and on whether the department had been sufficiently proactive in preventing them. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Developers and industry representatives praised Williams’ experience, her knowledge of housing finance, and her role in streamlining the qualified allocation plan and improving the department’s responsiveness. They argued that her leadership has helped attract investment and increase housing production in Arizona. After debate, the committee voted 3-2 to recommend Williams’ confirmation to the full Senate, with Senators Kavanagh and Shope voting no and Senators Bravo and Ortiz voting yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• for consistency with House procedures for consistency with House Bill<00:07:43.440> 72<00:07:
• This emergency regulation establishes procedures for inspection, registration, operation, and compliance
• for inspection, registration, procedures for inspection, registration, operation,<00:17:46.880> and
• So that's kind of procedurally why we're here.
• So that's kind of procedurally why we're here.

Keywords: :54 – Board of Pharmacy 2:00 – Board of Social Work 3:44 – Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy 4:43 – Board of Registration for Professional Geologists 7:27 – Board of Imaging and Radiation Therapy 8:33 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 10:38 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 17:37 – Transportation Cabinet 18:37 – Department of Education 25:00 – Department of Workplace Standards 27:06 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a series of agency regulations, most of which had staff-suggested amendments. The Board of Pharmacy regulation on remote prescription processing was amended to make grammatical and KRS Chapter 13A compliance corrections, and the Board of Social Work regulation on continuing education, telehealth training, waivers, and related fees was deferred at the agency’s request. The Occupational Therapy Compact rule update and the Professional Geologists fee increase regulation both received staff amendments and were approved, with the geologists’ board explaining the increases were driven by rising oversight costs and declining revenue. The committee also reviewed emergency regulations from the Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, the Board of Emergency Medical Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and the Department of Workplace Standards. The EMS package covered licensing classifications, compliance audits, ambulance service rules, and electronic forms; the Transportation Cabinet’s emergency rule established procedures for street-legal special purpose vehicles; and Workplace Standards’ emergency rules updated Kentucky requirements to align with federal standards and House Bill 398, including shortening the discrimination complaint filing deadline from 120 days to 30 days and adjusting appeal procedures. Staff amendments were approved where offered, and members asked several clarifying questions about the rationale and effect of the workplace and EMS changes. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources explained rules on aircraft and drone use in taking wildlife and on reciprocal hunting and fishing agreements with neighboring states. The agency said the drone restriction was intended to align with federal law and address hunter complaints, while the reciprocal agreement rule was a cleanup of older agreements that had lapsed or been overlooked; the committee deferred the wildlife regulation 301 KAR 2:031 at the agency’s request. The Department of Education also presented multiple KHSAA-related and standards updates, including academic eligibility, sports timing, health and physical education standards, and career studies/financial literacy standards; staff amendments were approved, and members questioned the athletic forms and the designation of KHSAA as the state’s athletic agent. Finally, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented emergency regulations to support a pediatric teaching hospital expansion and related certificate-of-need changes, which the agency said were aimed at improving pediatric and neonatal access to care; staff amendments were approved, and the committee concluded by setting its next meeting for October 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• election night post-election procedures election night post-election procedures Etc Etc Etc and<
• Administration training and procedures Administration training and procedures in<00:22:12.039>
• includes the rigorous testing procedures includes the rigorous testing procedures that<00:25:11.399
• And so I think that there are ample processes and procedures that exist right now.
• I'm going to set my signature envelopes... procedures that exist right now that uh procedures that exist

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• act to amend the New York State Urban Development Corporation Act in relation to establishing a procedure
• This bill would establish a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon a vacancy of such
• Would establish a procedure for appointing a president and chairperson upon a vacancy of such a position
• This bill would establish a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon a vacancy of such
• a position. would establish a procedure for appointing a president and chairperson upon a vacancy of

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions met for its first convening of the 2026 session and confirmed quorum. The chair emphasized transparency in state agencies and utilities, particularly the Public Service Commission, and referenced prior work on utility affordability, nominations, and chaptered bills from the previous session. The committee considered eight bills. It advanced S.373, which would bar confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions in certain state and municipal contracts; S.1336, creating a New York State Digital Equity Plan and ConnectAll Digital Equity Grant Program; and S.2324, requiring Attorney General and Comptroller review of certain state or public authority real property sales over $250,000. It also moved S.2459 to restore earlier Public Authorities Control Board oversight provisions, and S.3736 to increase information provided to PACB members before project funding votes. Additional bills reported to the floor included S.4071A, clarifying that stormwater is included in the definition of sewage for certain water and sewer authorities; S.4576A, establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon vacancy and correcting gendered language; and S.5551, requiring recording and public posting of certain Empire State Development public hearings. The bills were moved, seconded, and reported out, with several passing unanimously and at least one receiving a negative vote or abstention noted in the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commission's operating procedure required instructors who do not teach for more than a year to repeat
• it and need to revise the operating procedure.
• The first key cause was Commerce's failure to adopt grant management rules and procedures.
• for managing contracts nor broader procedures for grant agreements.
• As Sarah said, there are escalation procedures as well.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard three State Auditor’s Office performance audits: implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act, Washington’s digital equity planning, and the Department of Commerce’s Digital Navigator Program. In the law enforcement training audit, the State Auditor found the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training content but had not developed all required topics, lacked a systematic project management approach, and had weak tools to ensure participation and compliance. Auditors said most officers had not completed the required 40 hours, patrol tactics training was a major bottleneck, and the Commission’s reporting did not clearly show statewide compliance. The Commission said it generally agreed with the recommendations and had begun implementing some changes. Committee members raised concerns about staffing, liability, incentives, and whether the law had enough enforcement “teeth.” In the digital equity audit, auditors said Washington lacked a comprehensive, unified statewide plan, a designated leader, and reliable funding for digital equity efforts. They said existing plans were fragmented, with the NTIA-approved plan the most complete but no longer fully funded after federal changes. The State Auditor recommended the legislature establish oversight authority and require a lead organization to coordinate and evaluate statewide digital equity efforts and develop a unified plan. The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity agreed with the need for clearer leadership and coordination, and a public witness described ongoing coalition and local planning work. Committee members asked about best practices from other states and whether the auditor could provide additional research on coordination models. In the Digital Navigator Program audit, the State Auditor concluded Commerce did not consistently follow core grant-management practices, including competitive award processes, vetting of grantees, clear contracts, performance monitoring, and reimbursement controls. Auditors said Commerce expanded grants without a new competition, lacked adequate documentation and reporting, and paid out millions without sufficient support; they also cited management decisions that overrode staff concerns. Commerce said it had already begun major contract-management reforms, created a new contracts and compliance structure, and was working on risk assessments, documentation standards, and staff training. Members pressed Commerce on accountability, possible recoupment of improper payments, ethics issues, and whether the agency had clear performance metrics for the program. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• She was in the waiting room, stressed out that she was burning a day of leave at the second procedure
• I was in the waiting room procedure I was in the waiting room stressed<00:08:40.279> out<00:08
• <00:08:46.080> when<00:08:46.279> we leave at the second procedure when we leave at
• the second procedure when we learned<00:08:46.720> it<00:08:46.839> was<00:08:46.959><
• failed procedure failed procedure Judy<00:09:01.240> was<00:09:01.360> born<00:09:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you look at all the different parts of this bill, with all the different new procedures, you know
• But my question is procedurally... respond, but my question is procedurally: how will I get the information
• All right, and then also the question I had was about the civil procedure part of this.
• It is understood just in general criminal procedure that the DA in that situation, because a dismissal
• Okay, um, but these are more procedural techniques, right, that... ...more procedural techniques, right

Bills: SB156, SB134, SB108, SB47, SB88, SB89, SB106, SB18, SB9, HB38, HB54

Keywords: habitual felony offender, resentencing, Alabama Department of Corrections, victim notification, criminal justice reform, life sentences, parole eligibility, pardon, parole, law enforcement, GPS monitoring, data sharing, mail theft, stolen mail, criminal penalties, personally identifying information, felony, misdemeanor, expungement, criminal records

Transcript Highlights:

• We also provide endodontic and periodontal treatments as well as surgical procedures.
• Sometimes they need anesthesia in order to have a simple procedure done.
• I could say, anecdotally, certain dental procedures cost more than others.
• So things like cleanings and x-rays are less costly than a surgical procedure with anesthesia at the
• operating room is considerably lower for dental procedures than for medical procedures.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a base budget overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was presented as a $46.8 billion starting point for the silo. Staff explained that HHS accounts for about half of the state base budget and roughly 36% of general revenue, with AHCA and Medicaid making up the largest share. The committee then reviewed the PACE program for the elderly, including its eligibility, service model, growth in applications, slot funding and reversions, and the agency’s plan to move from the federal three-way agreement to a more detailed two-party contract to improve accountability, transparency, and reporting. Members raised concerns about unfilled slots, reversions, rural access, and the need for clearer return-on-investment data; the agency said it would follow up on some of those questions. The committee also heard from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on its statewide dental program. APD described its history of appropriations, the failed January 2024 solicitation, and a new up-to-$11.5 million solicitation focused on preventive care, community partnerships, teledentistry, and coordination with other services. Members questioned overlap with Medicaid dental coverage, the effect of Medicaid unwinding on APD clients, and whether state dollars were duplicating federally supported services; APD said it tries to act as payer of last resort and that services would continue during procurement. Public testimony from an APD stakeholder and the Florida Dental Association emphasized Medicaid eligibility problems for waiver recipients, low reimbursement rates, limited access to anesthesia and hospital-based dental care, and concerns that proposed Medicaid changes could reduce access for special-needs patients. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs then presented on state veterans service officers and benefits assistance. FDVA highlighted its role in helping veterans access federal benefits, reporting about $27.9 billion in federal dollars flowing into Florida and a high return on state investment. The department said it has increased outreach, claims processing, and services, and has trained staff to identify mental health concerns through its Overwatch program. In response to questions, FDVA discussed plans to expand adult day health care at a new veterans nursing home and possibly at existing locations with additional state funding. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed its presentations and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• performed self-audit procedure performed by an independent third party, self-assessment of internal
• control procedures, and then bank reconciliation performed by an independent third party.
• So, again, as the dollar levels drop, um, the compliance procedures become a little less rigid.
• If you're not subject to the Municipal Fiscal Procedures Act, you can Municipal Fiscal Procedures Act
• .regarding violations of the Fiscal Procedures Act. >> No, thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, Members, House Bill 307 amends the Code of Criminal Procedures. criminal procedure to increase
• SB 769. 590 by Alvarado ruling the procedure resolving certain customer complaints before the Public
• SB 99.2 by Nichols ruling the procedure by which attorney.
• Employer Organizations for the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
• Administrative procedures SB 1596 by Hagan Butch relating to the prohibition of short barrel firearms

Bills: HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684, HJR99, HB1399, HJR5, HB1330, HB2110, HJR2, HJR6, HB1587, HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• range of procedures?
• <00:53:40.280> not essential life-saving procedures not essential life-saving procedures not
• Procedures and having fewer and fewer facilities that can maintain staff to do those procedures.
• > court procedural procedural changes to court procedural procedural changes to court rules<03:46
• Hampshire or the current procedures were Hampshire or the current procedures were ineffective<03:46:58.199

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232 from prime sponsor Representative Mark Pearson, who said the bill is intended to protect conscience rights for health care professionals and students, especially in relation to abortion and sterilization-related procedures. He argued that protecting ethical objections would help retain and recruit medical workers in New Hampshire, reduce moral injury, and preserve patient access to care. Pearson said the bill is not meant to allow discrimination based on protected characteristics and emphasized that it is limited to objections to specific procedures, with an amendment added to address concerns raised by Chairman Lynn. Members questioned Pearson closely about the scope of the bill and amendment, including whether it could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers or receptionists, whether a provider could refuse emergency care, and who would determine when an emergency exists. Pearson said the bill does not apply to emergency situations or to treatment after an abortion has already occurred, and he stated that emergency triage would control in obvious emergencies. He also said the intent was not to allow a person to take a job and then unexpectedly refuse duties, and he suggested the amendment could be tweaked to clarify its application to facilities and staff. Additional questions focused on whether the bill should be broader than the procedures listed, how it would interact with federal conscience protections, and whether it could affect contraception-related services, including pharmacies. Pearson responded that the bill addresses the specific issues raised by people he and his wife had spoken with, and he was open to revising the amendment to reduce ambiguity. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would have been disciplined anyway through whatever appropriate procedures we would have had.
• This bill ensures that no one's forced into a medical procedure just to participate in society.
• We were left with an injured child that required a medical procedure and no one was helping us.
• It should be the medical professional who performed the procedure to do those things.
• If there's any risk for the procedure, or if there's any procedure that needs to be done or planned to

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to seclusion, Senator Judy Seeberger and her son were introduced to the restrictive procedure
• c> The group's goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of seclusion compared to other restrictive procedures
• we train or expect because it's human beings that are doing these, you know, implementing these procedures
• these um you know<00:01:50.320> implementing<00:01:50.720> these<00:01:50.960> procedures
• these procedures in in high<00:01:52.079> stress<00:01:52.479> situations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 176 is on post-secondary education safety policies and procedures by Senator Polsky.
• Even where institutions already have relevant procedures, those procedures must be understandable and
• Next, we're going to move into our confirmation procedures.
• Next, we're going to move into our confirmation procedures. You're now in the record.
• Next, we're going to move into our confirmation procedures.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard two bills and then moved through a series of confirmations for university and college boards of trustees. Senate Bill 176, by Senator Polsky, would require public postsecondary institutions to have clear, publicly available safety policies and reporting procedures for threats to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. An amendment clarifying the bill’s scope was adopted without objection, there was no public testimony against it, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Members spoke in support, emphasizing campus safety and the need for clear reporting paths. The committee also heard Senate Bill 116, by Senator Bradley, which would establish the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes. Testimony included support from AARP and others, and members praised the institute’s research role and the growing public health importance of diabetes. The bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at FIU, UNF, UCF, USF, and Miami Dade College. Nominees and reappointees described their backgrounds and priorities, including student success, research growth, workforce development, engineering, health care, cybersecurity, and fiscal stewardship. Committee members asked several nominees about nursing NCLEX scores and university performance, and one public commenter raised concerns about campus climate and student safety. The committee then voted to report the confirmations favorably in a block and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When incidents do arise, staff report that DCYF's training and procedures do not prepare them for how
• And a lack of training and procedures can create the potential for disparate treatment.
• the procedures are followed.
• DCYF lacks consistent procedures for when RCI should be recorded between facilities.
• All staff work on complaints from all industries and follow roughly the same procedures.

Summary: The committee met on July 15, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so it could not adopt prior minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and new JLARC staff, and noted national recognition for recent JLARC reports. The meeting then moved into a series of preliminary audit presentations and an agency strategic management update, with committee members asking questions after each item. JLARC presented a preliminary audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Staff concluded that crowding, staffing shortages, weak risk assessments, and inconsistent programming combine to create unsafe conditions. The report found that most youth are housed in two large secure facilities operating near or above capacity, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessment tools are not valid for the population, and program access depends more on facility than individual need. JLARC made one recommendation to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF, including improving retention, training, incident response procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, and data quality. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the agency agreed overcrowding is a serious problem, described ongoing efforts to improve staffing and safety, and said a detailed response would be provided later. Committee members raised concerns about education access, retaliation against staff or youth who participated in the audit, and whether JR-25 has helped or worsened conditions. JLARC then presented a preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. The audit found that L&I generally meets inspection timelines for health and safety complaints, but not for wage and hour or retaliation complaints, where delays are driven largely by time before assignment to an investigator. Staff said complaint volume exceeds capacity, though the agency has added staff, created screening processes, and reorganized workloads, and 2026 legislation now allows prioritization of complaints and broader investigations. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. An L&I representative said the agency is hiring additional staff and will provide a formal response later. The committee also received a JLARC overview and Department of Health strategic management plan update on hospital data reporting, inspections, complaints, and adverse event reporting. DOH reported measurable progress on inspection compliance, new staffing and licensing systems, translated complaint forms, and plans for future work on language access, adverse event reporting, and financial data dashboards. After lunch, JLARC began its 2026 tax preference performance reviews. The first review covered the Main Street tax credit, which JLARC said has helped increase the number of Main Street communities and businesses, with positive growth near designated districts; JLARC recommended continuing the preference and improving business-count data. The second review covered the equitable access to credit program, which JLARC said appears to support underserved communities by funding loans through CDFIs; JLARC recommended continuing the preference beyond its 2027 expiration. The committee began questions on the program mechanics and the role of the Community Reinvestment Act, and the presentation was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the criminal procedure law. Is there any discussion? Is there a motion?
• An act to amend the criminal procedure law. Is there any discussion? I'll move.
• An act to amend the criminal procedure law. Is there any discussion? Yes.
• An act to amend the criminal procedure law? Is there any discussion?
• And an act to amend the criminal procedure law and the executive law. So any discussion?

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, abortion pill reversal procedures.
• <00:26:58.880> would abortion and what those procedures would abortion and what those procedures
• Previability separation procedure.
• <01:10:59.760> Um, separation procedure. Um, separation procedure.
• previability separation procedure previability separation procedure anywhere<01:11:04.560> in

Bills: HB0003, HB0004

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we ended up paying $82,000 for that procedure.
• In my much smaller company, we've got a consultant that could tell me the average cost of that procedure
• To what facilities, of which certain procedures and so forth would be conducted because to me that's
• I mean, where you have the procedure done is not just the physician performing it.
• So if you had a procedure, they should be willing to say, hey, you know what, if you will actually shop

Bills: HB139

Keywords: ad valorem tax, tax rates, voter-approval, taxing unit, property tax, local government