Video & Transcript Research : 'audit'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/28/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- What we learned, basically, or what came to light really in the audit finding, there was that for all
- And the FBI CJIS audit revealed that our practice was such that division directors, hiring managers,
- :35:01.520>
our <00:35:02.000>practice CEUS audit revealed that our practice CEUS audit - What we learned, basically, or what came to light really in the audit finding, there was that for all
- And the FBI CJIS audit revealed that our practice was such that division directors, hiring managers,
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this is going to make auditing of these funds, you know, they're going instead of having to audit
- funding and and some of the auditing funding and and some of the auditing processes.<01:30:38.880
- So this is going to make auditing can.
- they're going instead of having to audit they're going instead of having to audit two<01:32:09.080
- <01:32:14.800>
So the auditing. So the auditing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- There's an audit report. A lot of different recommendations from the audit report.
- Um, so, 2021 audit—tons of stuff on here, a lot of suggestions. How did Young Brothers do?
- Do we need another audit for more benchmarks and more goals in order to control this problem, or will
- part after after the audit um was done. part after after the audit um was done.
- for more bench do we need another audit for more bench box<01:19:18.400>
and <01:19:18.520>
Keywords:
renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support.
The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- /c> uh wide-ranging audit of the 14 uh wide-ranging audit of the 14 services, services, services, um<
- That's a separate audit apart from the finding of non-compliance and the withholding.
- That's separate audit apart services.
- It's with respect to their audit of the services.
- comprehensive audit of the claims. comprehensive audit of the claims.
Keywords:
home care, licensing, fines, advisory council, grant program, client safety, healthcare regulation, HF3375, Minnesota disability waiver, waiver rate system, human services, individualized home supports, individualized home supports with training, individualized home supports with family training, positive support services, employment support services, employment development services, employment exploration services, billing limits, service authorization year
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- for internal audit.
- So another yes for internal audit. Thank you.
- And we have a legislative audit report. We have several, I believe.
- It is a striking, actually, how to see how the Office of Legislative Audit, how the series of four audits
- Um we aim to provide the and of audit.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But had MDE reviewed the audit documentation, which it had the authority to do, it would have likely
- not be considered an audit.
- This audit is complete. We have released the report.
- This audit is complete. We have released the report.
- make sure that we're you know auditing make sure that we're you know auditing to<01:17:38.199>
Summary:
The Education Policy Committee met to hear a delayed presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on MDE’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a report released in June 2024. The chair framed the hearing as an oversight review of how the Minnesota Department of Education handled the nonprofit’s participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, emphasizing that the hearing was not about criminal charges against agency staff. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Director of Special Reviews Katherine Tyson explained that their review focused on state oversight, not the underlying federal fraud case, which involved an alleged $250 million scheme and ongoing criminal proceedings.
The auditors concluded that MDE’s oversight was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. They said MDE failed to act on warning signs before the pandemic, did not effectively use its authority to hold Feeding Our Future accountable, and was ill prepared to respond to problems. Examples included approving applications despite concerns about internal controls and staffing, failing to follow up on earlier review findings, not adequately investigating at least 30 complaints, and in one case referring a complaint back to Feeding Our Future for resolution rather than conducting an independent investigation. They also said MDE deferred serious deficiencies without enough evidence that problems had been fully corrected and approved meal claims despite records showing major inconsistencies.
Tyson said MDE had made progress on all eight recommendations in the report, though one recommendation to the legislature had not yet been addressed because the session had not convened since the report’s release. The auditors recommended that the legislature establish clearer statutory criteria or give MDE rulemaking authority for sponsor applications, and that MDE strengthen verification of sponsor information, focus more on high-risk sponsors, improve complaint procedures, and emphasize program integrity if waivers reduce oversight in the future. In response to member questions, the auditors said MDE’s reported progress was partial in some areas and that further review would be needed to fully confirm implementation. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
a <03:08:50.720>long-term The audit estimates that a long-term The audit estimates that- It was mentioned that a safety audit was done. Has a traffic calming study been done?
- It was mentioned that a safety audit was done. Has a traffic calming study been done?
- This road safety audit of February 2024—what was the scope of that study?
- um road safety audit of February 2024. um road safety audit of February 2024.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I know it's administered by the Children's Scholarship Fund, which is fully audited, and their audits
- States with EFA programs require regular audits and reports to ensure transparency.
- Thank you. programs require regular audits and programs require regular audits and report<02:33:02.880
- You heard that, uh, audit is underway.
- <03:23:19.439>
the on and the they are auditing the on and the they are auditing the Department
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- These holdings would be secured with rigorous custody standards, subject to regular audits and strictly
- Bitcoin and blockchain deliver precisely that: immutable transparency, auditability, and independence
- It mandates qualified custodians with top-tier encryption, audits, and disaster recovery.
- Encryption, audits, and disaster recovery.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on 25 tax and administrative bills, with opening remarks explaining the hearing process and noting that House-filed matters must be reported by December 6. The first major topic was funding for the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial and related support for families of fallen officers. Police representatives, memorial fund advocates, and family members gave emotional testimony urging favorable action on S. 1934 and related bills, emphasizing the need for a permanent revenue stream to maintain the memorial and honor officers killed in the line of duty. Committee members and legislators responded with personal remarks of support and appreciation for law enforcement families.
The committee then heard testimony on a proposed Commonwealth Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, including S. 1967 and related bills. Senator Peter Durant and later Dennis Porter argued that the state should be allowed to invest a limited share of stabilization or other funds in Bitcoin or other regulated digital assets as a hedge against inflation and fiscal risk, with strict caps, custody rules, and audits. They described the proposal as a forward-looking, non-mandatory framework for diversifying state reserves. No vote was taken during the hearing.
Another major topic was disaster resilience funding. Dr. Paul Biddinger of Mass General Brigham supported S. 1936/H. 3030, saying climate-driven flooding, drought, and wildfire risks are increasing and that the State Disaster Relief and Resiliency Trust Fund needs a dedicated revenue source. Senator Comerford also testified in favor, explaining that the fund was created in the prior session, that recent floods showed the need for quick state response, and that the bill would dedicate a portion of capital gains revenue to the fund. Committee members asked about how the fund would accrue and be used. The committee also heard testimony on PILOT and endowment-related bills: AICUM opposed H. 3122/S. 2013 and H. 3264/S. 2016, arguing that an endowment tax and mandatory PILOTs would harm private nonprofit colleges, students, and research; and a representative from Peru supported reform of PILOT formulas for state-owned land, saying rural towns need higher reimbursements and hold-harmless protections. The hearing concluded after testimony on the digital asset bills, with no recorded votes or final actions.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
JBC-CLAIMS Apr 14th, 2026
JBC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, the Department of Corrections is undergoing audits for compliance with PREA, the Prison Rape
- now taking action to be able to make sure it doesn't happen again, or we're in the process of the audits
- It's just that the PREA audits are an additional layer on top of other things that we've done, just making
- That really doesn't have anything to do with the audits; we're just making sure that things like that
Summary:
The Joint Budget Committee’s Claims Review and Litigation Reports Oversight Subcommittee met to consider two proposed Department of Corrections litigation settlements and one appealed claim from the Claims Commission. The first settlement, Caroline Arnett v. Larry Norris et al., involved allegations of long-term sexual abuse by a corrections employee. Committee members asked about PREA audits, facility practices, and whether the inmate had been placed at the proper facility. The department said audits and other safeguards were underway, and the committee approved the settlement. The second settlement, Latasha Ridgel v. Arkansas Department of Corrections, also involved sexual harassment/assault allegations. Members questioned the seven-year delay in the case and whether the issue was systemic; the department cited attorney turnover, COVID delays, and legislative changes making inmate exposure a felony. The committee approved that settlement as well.
The committee then heard an appeal in Sharon Greer and Deanna Hayes v. Commissioner of State Lands, a denied and dismissed claim involving a tax-delinquent sale of family property in Crittenden County. Staff and the Commissioner of State Lands’ office said the property was certified in 2000, sold in 2009 after notice was sent, and that excess proceeds were available for a limited period before escheating to the county. The claimants argued they were not properly notified of the sale or the excess proceeds and only learned of the matter in 2025 after receiving the deed at a family funeral. Committee members discussed the notice process, statute of limitations, and the handling of excess proceeds, with several noting the issue may call for legislative review rather than relief in this case.
After debate, the committee voted to affirm the Claims Commission’s dismissal of the Greer/Hayes claim. Members also discussed broader concerns about how excess proceeds from tax sales are handled and whether the current statutory process should be revisited in future legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As an organization, we spend roughly 6 months out of 12 in an audit status, from August to December.
- We're very pleased to report that for the most recent fiscal year we received a clean audit from the
- slide annually we are subject to audit slide annually we are subject to audit by<00:07:30.080>
- out of 12 in an audit status from August<00:07:40.440>
to <00:07:40.879>December <00:07- fiscal year we received a clean audit fiscal year we received a clean audit from<00:07:48.639>
- out of 12 in an audit status from August<00:07:40.440>
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Property Tax Div. Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We are auditing until I'll... We are auditing until March. There's a lot of audits that we do.
- renter's refund and then we have the primary residence credit on top of that while we're trying to audit
- From April 1 to May 15, you do whatever auditing and screening of those applications.
- What additional screening and auditing are you doing between January 15 and March 15 that hasn't been
- And you guys continue your auditing process, and that doesn't change that.
Summary:
The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met to begin its study of whether the content of the real estate tax statement should be revised to improve transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive from HB 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, legacy fund share, discounts for early payment, and special assessments. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statewide statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors.
County officials from NDACO, including auditors from McKenzie and Richland counties, described the full annual property tax timeline from budgeting through mailing final statements. They explained how counties gather budgets, calculate levies, verify taxable values, handle centrally assessed property, and prepare required notices and statements. They also said public attendance at budget hearings is generally very low, though the notices and statements generate some calls, mostly about whether attendance is required or why taxes are changing. Several members questioned the usefulness of the legislative tax relief line and the complexity of the 5% discount calculation, and county officials said the current process can be confusing and depends on manual data entry and coordination among counties, vendors, and taxing districts.
The committee also discussed assessment frequency, valuation equalization, the 3% cap, and whether more frequent reassessment would reduce large jumps in taxable value. County officials said they try to use rotating reassessments and sales-ratio reviews to keep values within statutory tolerance, but staffing, training, and local market changes make the work difficult. NDACO staff estimated, based on a small county survey, that tax statement preparation and mailing costs average about 74 cents per statement, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing, and said HB 1176 added some mailing and administrative costs even if the tax statement itself did not change dramatically. Software vendors from CPT and Tyler then began presentations showing how their systems handle budgeting, valuation notices, tax statement generation, primary residence credit processing, and levy worksheets, emphasizing that many of the required calculations and reports are still manually entered or verified by county staff.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (10/08/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- My units do auditing as well as investigations for fraud and abuse benefit programs. them for you and
- My units do auditing<00:43:26.720>
as <00:43:26.960>well <00:43:27.119>as <00:43: - 27.599>
investigations <00:43:28.319>for auditing as well as investigations for auditing - Again, we're responsible to the federal level, and we're audited all the time.
- level and we're audited um all the time. level and we're audited um all the time.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee - (5-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- There's two different audits.
- There's a financial audit and a programmatic audit, and different people do each of those.
- There's a financial different uh audits.
- <00:34:58.640>
audit. - <00:34:59.200>
And audit and a programmatic audit. And audit and a programmatic audit.
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence for Representative McCool, who was absent due to a family death, then approved the April 14 minutes and noted the agenda contained 482 items totaling about $138.6 million. The first deferred item involved the Office of the Controller and a brokerage services contract. Senators questioned why the new contract was roughly $1 million a year when a prior vendor had been paid about $300,000 annually, why the procurement was rebid after years of no-bid arrangements, and why past performance was not heavily weighted. Agency witnesses said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the new RFP drew more competition, technical evaluators did not see cost until after technical scoring, and AON received the highest technical score despite being an out-of-state vendor with its closest office in Nashville. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action, and the contract advanced to the Finance Cabinet for final decision.
The committee then considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment. Members asked what funding was being redirected to cover an increase of about $265,000. DCBS explained that reduced spending on interpreter services, due to more commonly used forms being translated into other languages, freed up funds to support the contract. The committee approved the item.
Next, the committee reviewed an initial contract for the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. The board explained that its small legal staff was handling 11 active cases and needed outside counsel with investigators and additional attorneys because of ongoing litigation and disciplinary changes tied to prior legislation and a recent LOIC report. Members asked whether the contract was a not-to-exceed amount and whether the board could afford it; the board said the $50,000 was a ceiling, not an expected spend, and that the board was fully funded through licensing fees and currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing recent reforms in Senate Bills 14 and 22 and the need to help the board work through corrective action. The committee approved the contract. The Board of Pharmacy item was then deferred at the agency’s request until the June 2025 meeting, and the committee approved that deferral.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-CPN, CPN, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:30:44.559>
of <00:30:44.799>the asking for for your audit of the asking for for - your audit of the hospitals<00:30:46.080>
in <00:30:46.240>Hawaii <00:30:46.640>to< - And that's why what we're asking for is, I wouldn't classify it as an audit, as more as transparency
- So, the audit thing is going to go in there then? Well, it's not an audit thing.
- So, the audit thing is going to go in there then? Well, it's not an audit thing.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony.
The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program.
HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed.
Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-GVO, WAM-WLA Informational Briefings 01-13-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representing our audit division, we have administrator Ron Shigaki.
- So it's the audited sell bonds.
- Our audit division being requested.
- Just program ID that the audit was in?
- <02:31:37.280>
them <02:31:37.600>on Do we need to audit them on Do we need to audit
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We review various prison practices, policies, and procedures by conducting performance audits and special
- And we had our audits team, we use our auditors to help us come up with what is a representative sample
- These enhanced audits will help ensure corrective and disciplinary actions are taken.
- This increased internal auditing will be implemented in coordination and collaboration with internal
- I mentioned earlier internal auditing, and so we'll look at our progress through that process.
Summary:
The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse.
The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS-SENATE AND HOUSE May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So with regard to warning signs, is there an independent or outside agency that audits these facilities
- So the Office of Long-Term Care goes into these facilities and audits them.
- under the bus my point is why would they not have found, if the Office of Long-Term Care does these audits
- under the bus my point is why would they not have found if the office of long-term care does these audits
- I'm talking about, like, a yearly audit similar to what the consultant ultimately did.
Summary:
The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve prior minutes and then focused on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, later clarified in discussion as the Warren facility. DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after a prolonged prone restraint followed by a delayed chemical restraint, and reported that 13 staff were terminated, the superintendent was replaced, a consultant was brought in, and the agency entered a settlement with the family for $725,000. Members pressed DHS on the cause of death, restraint policies, staff training, supervision, family notification, and why the family had not been kept informed; DHS said a family-notification procedure exists but that communications during litigation had been handled through counsel. The committee also heard that six staff had been criminally charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person, and that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide with cause of death tied to physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint.
DHS officials gave broader context on the five human development centers, their licensing and accreditation, resident population, mortality review process, and training programs. They said the centers serve highly medically and behaviorally complex residents, that annual restraint training and CPI-based instruction are required, and that the mortality review committee and Office of Long-Term Care review deaths and make recommendations. Members repeatedly criticized the agency for not having complete information at the meeting and for what they saw as gaps in oversight, staffing, and chain-of-command clarity during emergencies. DHS responded that the Warren facility had not been meeting the same standards as the others, that the consultant’s root-cause analysis identified multiple failures, and that new crisis-team and chain-of-command procedures were being drafted.
A second major topic was staffing and recruitment. Members discussed low pay, turnover, use of float and on-call staff, rural staffing shortages, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based services. DHS said CNAs at the centers start at about $39,000 a year, that a broader retention and recruitment plan is being drafted for all five centers, and that a separate rate study for PASS services will be implemented in January 2027 but does not cover CNA pay. The meeting ended with testimony from Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money could not replace her son and urged stronger training, background checks, and supervision so other residents would be protected. The committee asked DHS to keep members and Stevens updated on consultant reports, recruitment efforts, and follow-up on the family communication issue, and then adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe that audit found—I'm not going to go into that.
- Last week in Joint Audit in the Education Subcommittee, we had a report.
- University of Arkansas systems had done an internal audit and had found where students had falsified
- And are you checking on the back end, in my case that I brought up from audit, as to any kind of, as
- In your audits of what they're asking for in reimbursement, how much are you catching that are really
Summary:
The committee met to consider a series of temporary appropriation requests, reserve fund transfers, federal grant appropriations, and review items. Early items included a $32 million appropriation and matching reserve transfer for the Department of Education’s educational freedom account program, a $476,000 request for the State Crime Lab, and a $90,000 assessment coordination request from DFA. Members asked questions about the assessment contract costs, and the item was approved. The committee also approved a $1 ARPA return to the CDC and a Department of Human Services reallocation package that moved general revenue and positions among divisions to meet client needs.
The most extensive discussion centered on a $32 million restricted reserve transfer for the educational freedom account program. Members questioned the growing number of participating students, the program’s long-term funding needs, and safeguards against improper purchases. Agency representatives said about 44,000 students were being funded, that reimbursements and marketplace purchases are reviewed, and that reporting and audit controls are in place, though not every instance of fraud can be prevented. The committee approved the transfer after discussion. Members also approved smaller cash and federal grant items, including funding for a teacher shortage data dashboard, All Kids Bike grants, crime lab outsourcing, veterans cemetery operations, and a podiatric medicine licensing investigation fund.
The most contentious item was a $7 million federal Forest Legacy grant request for Central Arkansas Water and the Department of Agriculture to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed, including acreage in Perry County and Pulaski County. Members debated water quality, development pressure, property tax impacts, local support, and whether Perry County had been adequately consulted. Agency and company representatives argued the acquisition would protect drinking water, preserve forested watershed land, and support recreation, while some legislators emphasized the county’s tax and development concerns. Senator Davis moved to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and to request removal of the Perry County portion; that motion passed. The committee then reviewed the remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay plan request, and adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine biomedical research, focusing on keeping America's edge in innovation. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- I do, although I was in high school at the time. time yeah yeah I wouldn't and and they audited Stanford
- Now, does NIH audit every year the way these grants are being spent? They don't audit every year.
- But every penny that we spend on overhead that's not being audited, and you know as much as I do, Doc
- The fact is that I wish we were as concerned about auditing the Department of Defense as we are about
- auditing these resources. grants.