Transcript Highlights:

• Reported from the Committee on General Laws with an amendment.
• Reported from the Committee on General Laws.
• Reported from the Committee on General Laws with an amendment.
• I move that the House adopt the General Laws substitute.
• I move that the House adopt the General Laws substitute.

Keywords: March 06, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:18.480> um federal o office of Inspector General um federal o office of Inspector General
• that's dated March 11th from temporary that's dated March 11th from temporary commissioner<00:20
• be noted that that those are in general be noted that that those are in general these<01:45:49.679
• recommend to pass and place on general recommend to pass and place on general orders<01:52:09.840
• are very complex and are generally are very complex and are generally related<03:06:46.640> to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we will start with March, you'll see item one is a generic line.
• You'll see item one is a generic line, and we're just removing the brand, the ingredient generic as well
• Items 10 through 16 are used to cover the lower-cost generic and removing the brand.
• Again, we're just doing some maintenance work to prefer the generic.
• where generics are appropriate.

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. The committee approved formulary changes for March and April that favored lower-cost generics, removed some new-to-market drugs from coverage pending more evidence, and made maintenance changes to migraine and diabetes medications. Members also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would route those therapies through prior authorization rather than automatic coverage; officials said the process should not delay urgent cases and that no current members would be affected. The committee then reviewed a UAMS pharmacy benefit consultant contract amendment, but after extended discussion about the written scope and dollar amounts, the motion was approved with the understanding that any use of optional services would return to the committee for further review. The committee also reviewed the U.S. Able Mutual/Blue Advantage third-party administration contract and the CompSack employee assistance program contract, which officials said would reduce per-member costs and add services. The subcommittee approved proposed 2027 rates for state employees and public employees, with a 9.8% increase for state employees and a 4.9% increase for public school employees. Officials also reported that the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in its final negotiation stage and would return in August, with medical and pharmacy coverage split as previously recommended. In response to questions, the director said the division was considering broader preventive-care offerings, including weight-loss drug coverage, but would proceed cautiously and with strong utilization controls and holistic support if such a program were adopted. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules making prior temporary rules permanent, a contingency-fee subrogation contract, and renewals for claims management, actuarial services, and investment management. Members raised concerns about Sedgwick’s claim-adjustment timeliness and communication with school districts after severe weather events; officials said performance guarantees and communication expectations had been strengthened, but the renewal was kept at three years for continuity. Finally, the committee approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, a 10% overall rate reduction, and bucketed rate changes by entity type. Officials said the captive program was working as intended, with improved actuarial support and claims experience, and the meeting adjourned after the approvals.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows our school districts temporary flexibility on their school start time.
• Okay, generally where is that choice going to have an impact? Generally in Greater Minnesota.
• Next generation to come. Members, I ask you to vote green. Mr.
• "I do not have a temporary job. I have an important and essential job.
• Bus drivers have heard you dismiss their jobs as temporary and seasonal.

Transcript Highlights:

• So within that part, this would allow us to get more temporary delegation of positions to include in
• <00:12:55.000> delegation<00:12:55.839> of to get more uh temporary delegation of to
• get more uh temporary delegation of uh<00:12:56.440> positions<00:12:57.320> to<00:12:
• <00:27:35.480> for we have an Lopez attorney general for we have an Lopez attorney general
• I am Deputy Attorney General Jungan Ha, appearing on behalf of the department, with comments.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, this is the general revenue part of it. Is this a general revenue? Okay. All right.
• minority students, and are generally higher in districts with higher letter grades.
• Generally in the southern and eastern parts of the state.
• Retention rates are generally highest in the northern and western parts of the state.
• “We don't send it out generally other than the committees.”

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a presentation from Legislative Audit on Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions. Auditors explained that the fiscal year 2025 report summarizes $4.6 billion in grants from state, federal, and miscellaneous sources, across school districts, charter schools, education cooperatives, and other entities, and that the report only shows amounts distributed, not how recipients ultimately used the money. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; department staff clarified that the Economics Arkansas grant is written into special language and that the CDC-related funding supports student surveys used by state agencies. Questions also focused on bonus and incentive programs such as master principal and National Board Certified teacher bonuses, with department staff saying the bonuses are generally tied to completion of the program or certification rather than classroom performance, though they would follow up on details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research update on Consumer Price Index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global. Dr. Carlos Silva explained the difference between CPI-U and core CPI and said the estimates show inflation slowing over the forecast period, with some near-term variation between the two data providers. Members asked about the historical accuracy of prior projections, and he said the forecasts generally tend to move toward about 2 percent over time, though recent shocks have caused earlier estimates to understate actual inflation. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reviewed Arkansas teacher demographics, shortage areas, educator preparation pipelines, licensure exceptions, survey results from teachers and principals, and teacher support programs. They reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with an average of 11.9 years of experience and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found shortages in multiple subject areas, especially special education, math, science, foreign language, and social studies, and identified 65 districts as high-need geographically. Survey results showed school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the biggest negatives; 30 percent of responding teachers said they were considering leaving the profession. The committee also reviewed teacher salary data showing a statewide average salary of $60,254 in 2025, Arkansas ranking 45th nationally by NEA methodology, and a long-term inflation-adjusted decline in district salaries, though LEARNS Act increases improved the trend. Members asked for additional follow-up information on survey methodology, alternative licensure costs, coursework, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, exit data, and how salary comparisons are calculated.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it allows the governor to work with the Attorney General on promulgated And it allows the governor
• to work with the Attorney General on promulgating regulations to make sure that folks who are in certain
• And finally, we give enforcement over to the Attorney General to make sure that the rules and regulations
• that we put And finally, we give enforcement over to the Attorney General to make sure that the rules
• protected status: nurses, home health aides, Here lawfully under temporary protected status: nurses,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority. Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was administratively generated.
• It was<00:04:39.600> administratively<00:04:40.800> generated.
• <00:04:42.000> And<00:04:42.320> so was administratively generated.
• And so was administratively generated.
• structures fall under the code temporary structures fall under the code or<00:18:04.880> wouldn't

Keywords: 0:02 ROLL CALL 1:44 SB 145 DISCUSSION 5:15 SB 145 VOTE 6:50 HB 36 DISCUSSION 9:15 HB 36 VOTE 10:45 HB 92 DISCUSSION 13:22 HB 92 VOTE 14:30 HB 628 DISCUSSION 16:30 HB 628 VOTE 17:50 HB 245 DISCUSSION 19:20 HB 245 VOTE 20:45 HB 584 DISCUSSION 25:23 HB 584 VOTE 27:55 ADJOURNMENT, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 145, which updates Kentucky’s laws governing caterers’ licenses and related ABC regulations. Senator Julie Rocky Adams explained that the bill clarifies where and how licensed caterers may sell and serve alcohol, standardizes food-to-alcohol revenue requirements, and removes administrative barriers. A committee substitute was adopted that also changes a tobacco-related license deadline from January 1, 2026 to July 1, 2026. Members discussed ABC staffing concerns, but the sponsor said those costs had not been specifically addressed. The committee substitute and then the bill as amended both passed unanimously and were sent to the House floor. The committee then considered three interstate compact bills. House Bill 36, the respiratory care compact, was presented as a straightforward compact aimed at helping military families, protecting the public, and improving real-time disciplinary data sharing; a committee substitute correcting immunity language was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously. House Bill 92, the dietitians compact, was described as improving portability of licensure, reducing burdens on licensees and states, supporting military families, and enhancing investigative and disciplinary information sharing; the committee substitute added background checks, and the bill passed unanimously. House Bill 628, the athletic trainer compact, was presented as a new compact with enough states moving forward to meet the threshold for establishment; members noted it had become a Department of Defense priority, and it also passed unanimously after a committee substitute. House Bill 254 was then taken up as a bill to exempt certain temporary emergency housing structures from plumbing code enforcement, based on experience during disaster sheltering when new trailers could not be used quickly because of inspection delays. A committee substitute corrected a drafting issue that had unintentionally affected temporary structures, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, House Bill 584, which removes a permanent ban on a physician reapplying for DEA prescribing authority after rehabilitation and restoration of their medical license, was debated more extensively. The sponsor said the bill preserves DEA discretion while allowing a second chance after a lengthy rehabilitation process; KMA had not taken a position. Several members explained their votes, and the bill ultimately passed. The committee then recorded votes on the day’s bills and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• General Sales Tax was up by 6.1 and Investment Income was up by 10.4. Mr.
• On slide 43, our general fund revenue trend, Mr.
• Investments are adding about $250 million more to the general fund each year.
• So, what does this mean for the state's general fund?
• The income taxes went negative, and general fund revenue went negative to 13 4.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proposals moving through on an individual basis that can be passed out of committee, sent to the general
• > register,<00:04:34.400> calendared<00:04:34.880> for<00:04:35.040> the general
• register, calendared for the general register, calendared for the House<00:04:35.440> floor<00
• They need to make it to the general register. They need to get to rules to be calendared.
• at home or not to to to do a general at home or not to to to do a general strike<00:19:57.760>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Speaker Lisa Damoth and Leader Harry Niska held a press availability focused on “affordability” in Minnesota, arguing that families are being squeezed by rising costs for groceries, child care, housing, insurance, energy, and property taxes. They blamed recent DFL control for spending down an $18 billion surplus, raising taxes, and adding mandates and fees, and said House Republicans are prioritizing lower taxes and reduced mandates to help families keep more of what they earn. They outlined a package of Republican proposals, including making the state’s reinsurance program permanent, expanding direct primary care, requiring the state to pay for new health care mandates, allowing schools and local governments to opt out of some unfunded mandates, creating a property tax commission, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, repealing the retail delivery fee, ending the Social Security tax, lowering car tab and boat fees, and returning future surpluses to taxpayers. They also criticized DFL proposals such as additional health care mandates, a climate super fund, and higher car tab fees, and said they oppose any new tax increases. In response to questions, the leaders said some affordability measures could be affected by federal policy, but emphasized that many cost drivers are within state control. They said they are open to broader property tax relief, including caps, and to investments in DHS and county systems modernization to reduce fraud and improve efficiency. They also said they do not expect a large omnibus bill at the end of session, arguing that bills should move individually through committee and onto the House floor, and they accused House Democrats of delaying bills for bargaining leverage. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think in general, just even kind of looking at the landscape, the Department of Social Services (DSS
• In general, in closing, I want to stress looking at the data.
• California Food Assistance Program, General Assistance, General Relief, Welfare to Work Employment Programs
• These organizations are generally involved in the administration of other forms of low-income supportive
• appliances like portable batteries, air conditioners, and generators.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Collectively, Texas 9 HBCUs generate an annual economic impact of $1.6 billion.
• Appropriated money from the use of general governmental purposes or for the Committee on appropriation
• HB 4581 by Ian relating to a temporary emergency energy facilities for the Committee on state affairs
• AG 4713 by leisurely in amending the Texas General Arbitration Act or for the Committee Judiciary and
• HP 5001 by Dutton earlyling the imposing a tax of the generation of electricity of certain electric generations

Transcript Highlights:

• Collectively, Texas' nine HBCUs generate an annual economic impact. of $1.6 billion, creating $12,625
• we can ensure... these institutions continue to thrive, uplift communities, and shape the next generation
• Amending the Texas General Arbitration Act for the Canadian Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
• HB 4957 by Leo Wilson relating to the duty of the Attorney General and the prosecute criminal offenses
• HB 5001 by Dunn early in the imposing attacks of the generation of electricity of certain electric generations

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• update to the push for a new fraud-fighting tool, where the bill to create an Office of the Inspector General
• update to the push for a new fraud-fighting tool, where the bill to create an Office of the Inspector General
• The general fund is, I don't know the number, but $20 billion or better over the period of time and two
• The general fund is, I don't know the number, but $20 billion or better over the period of time and two
• file 11 75 allows immediate temporary file 11 75 allows immediate temporary Medicaid<00:15:02.279

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary: Senate Bill 1026 relating to the duty of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal offenses
• For decades, the Attorney General had authority to prosecute election crimes.
• He was the mastermind behind Senate Bill 8, and he got a temporary pass from the US Supreme Court, the
• out to set our country up for success, to guard against despotism, to guard against a tyranny of a temporary

Transcript Highlights:

• Please be aware that violations of these rules or other violations of general courtesy or decorum may
• AB 263 is a district bill that maintains temporary flow regulations on the Smith and the Shasta River
• Instead, this bill would allow for those temporary regulations to hold for five years or until the department
• the statistics show that undocumented immigrants have a significantly lower rate of crime than the general

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 23, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and first approved a consent calendar covering many bills. Several measures were then heard individually, with most receiving support from sponsors and stakeholder groups and no formal opposition in the room, though some bills drew respectful opposition or no votes. The committee also read and deemed approved a lengthy suspense calendar before taking up additional bills and public comment. Among the bills discussed, AB 263 would extend temporary flow regulations on the Smith and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are completed; AB 309 would remove the sunset on pharmacists’ ability to provide sterile syringes without a prescription to support HIV and hepatitis prevention; AB 631 would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; AB 792 would allow consolidation of bargaining for court interpreters; AB 867 would ban cat declawing except when medically necessary; AB 1206 would require pre-approved housing plans for small residential projects; AB 787 would require health plans to better help patients find in-network providers; AB 596 would protect workers’ right to wear face coverings unless unsafe; AB 282 would allow housing providers to prefer voucher holders without violating source-of-income discrimination law; AB 738 would create a limited rebuilding exemption for disaster survivors from newer solar requirements; AB 566 would require browsers and mobile operating systems to make global privacy opt-outs easier; and AB 622 would clarify CDCR’s authority to award credits to people serving indeterminate sentences who complete rehabilitation programming. Most of these bills were reported out on roll calls, often with bipartisan or limited dissent. AB 309, AB 631, AB 792, AB 867, AB 1206, AB 787, AB 596, AB 282, AB 738, AB 566, and AB 622 all advanced, while AB 263 also moved forward despite opposition from the Siskiyou Board of Supervisors and the California Farm Bureau. AB 622 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters emphasizing rehabilitation, parole-board review, and cost savings, and opponents warning about public safety and the impact on serious violent offenders. The meeting ended after brief public comment on several other bills on the suspense file and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• again of what cultured meat grown in a petri dish, the long-term effects of what that will be to generations
• long-term effects of what that will be long-term effects of what that will be to<00:09:09.600> generations
• to come and this is to generations to come and this is something<00:09:11.600> that's<00:09:11.920
• thing that I did notice in my research is that I believe it was the state of Texas that issued a temporary
• don't know, instead take the time to really look into the issue and make a determination after a temporary

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:25 HB 309 Discussion: 00:49 HB 308 Roll Call Vote: 11:34, 958, all

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met with a quorum and first introduced legislative interns before taking up House Bill 309, sponsored by Representative Ryan Dodson and co-sponsored by Representative Scott Sharp. The bill would ban lab-grown meat in Kentucky, with the sponsor arguing it was needed to protect Kentucky’s cattle, livestock, and broader agricultural industries, and citing uncertainty about the long-term effects of cultured meat. Supporters also said the state should defend traditional animal agriculture and that the bill had backing from livestock interests and the Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. Members raised several concerns, including whether labeling rather than a ban would be a better approach, whether the bill could conflict with the dormant commerce clause, and whether it might hinder emerging research or business opportunities in Kentucky. Some members compared the proposal to existing regulation of other products, while others said they supported the intent but were uneasy about a total ban. The sponsor responded that Kentucky should act to protect its farmers and that the issue could be revisited later if new research emerged. After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote. The bill received enough support to advance, with the chair announcing that House Bill 309 passed with favorable expression and should also pass on the House floor. Several members explained yes, no, or pass votes, reflecting a mix of support for Kentucky agriculture and concern about overbroad regulation and possible legal issues. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's 216, which is the general definition. There's a separate definition in DMV.
• there's 216 which is the general there's 216 which is the general definition<00:44:33.960> there's
• <00:44:46.240> very uh but but they're generally very uh but but they're generally very similar
• <01:03:02.559> you're driver's license and in general you're driver's license and in general
• <01:28:46.440> election<01:28:46.760> in a state general election in a state general

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• general services um that we provide. general services um that we provide.
• general fund money will be tight. general fund money will be tight. Um,<00:36:22.800> Mr.
• fiscal year 2425 from the general fund. fiscal year 2425 from the general fund.
• over the banium from the general fund. over the banium from the general fund. Okay. Okay.
• <01:35:28.159> Chair, general fund. Thank you. And Mr. Chair, general fund. Thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriately, the court gave the General Assembly until July 24th to enact a new rule.
• We are subject by a general law in our nature all his ends.
• We are subject by a general law in our natures to what is called habit.
• President, I move the Senate do now recess to the call of the President pro-temporary.
• The Senate stands in recess until the call of the President pro-temporary.

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.