Transcript Highlights:

• the request for qualifications procurement process to procure the auditing services for the state captive
• So kind of backing up a little bit, the governing statute that created the captive...
• So kind of backing up a little bit, the governing statute that created the captive does require us to
• , the uniqueness of a government managing a captive program.
• And this captive insurance is a niche. It's not like doing individual income tax returns.

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council met to consider a request from the Office of Property Risk to use a request for qualifications (RFQ) process to procure auditing services for the state captive insurance program. Grant Wallace, Director of the Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk, explained that the captive insurance statute requires an independent audit and that an RFQ was appropriate because of the program’s specialized nature and the need for auditors familiar with FASB standards and insurance-company audits. Members asked about the requirement to include a projected cost in the request, how the market research was conducted, and whether Arkansas firms could receive preference. Wallace said the cost estimate is required for approval, that the market research was nationwide, and that the solicitation could be written to give some preference or advantage to local firms if desired. Members emphasized that professional auditing standards still require qualified auditors and noted that the process should not ignore cost. Senator Hickey confirmed the contract would cover a four-year term and that the projected amount was for the full term, not annually. Wallace also clarified that the RFQ process was only the first step; any selected firm would still need approval from the State Board of Finance, the subcommittee, and the full Arkansas Legislative Council before the contract could be finalized. The subcommittee then approved the request by motion, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the request for qualifications procurement process to procure the auditing services for the state captive
• So, kind of backing up a little bit, the governing statute that created the captive...
• So, kind of backing up a little bit, the governing statute that created the captive does require us to
• , the uniqueness of a government managing a captive program.
• And this captive insurance is a niche. It's not like doing individual income tax returns.

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council met to consider one item: a request from the Office of Property Risk to use a request for qualifications (RFQ) process to procure auditing services for the state captive insurance program. Grant Wallace, Director of the Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk, explained that the captive insurance statute requires an independent audit and that an RFQ was appropriate because of the program’s unusual nature and the need for auditors familiar with FASB standards and insurance-company auditing. Members asked about the requirement to include a projected cost, the basis for the market research used to estimate the contract value, and whether Arkansas firms could receive preference. Wallace said an amount must be included in the procurement request, that the market research was nationwide, and that the solicitation could be written to give local firms some advantage if desired. Members also clarified that the proposed contract would cover four years and that the total projected cost was for the full term, not annually. The committee discussed that the RFQ process would still require later approvals from the State Board of Finance, the subcommittee, and the full Arkansas Legislative Council before any contract could be finalized. After discussion, a motion was made and approved by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sponsor, this is House Bill 59, the Earned Wage Access.
• Primary sponsor switched from Lujan. to Cadena.
• House Bill 59, primary sponsor switched from Lujan to Cadena. Thank you. Mr.
• Where Billy actively seeks innovative ways to captivate her students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Antonio Jeffstrand of Sponsored by Senator Pizzo, and Antonio Jefferson of Tallahassee, sponsored by
• I'm happy to co-sponsor it. Additional debate.
• Are there questions of the sponsor?
• Are there questions of the sponsor?
• Are there questions of the sponsor?

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing visiting groups and resolutions, including Blood Clot Awareness Month and Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with most measures passing overwhelmingly after brief explanations and debate. Among the early bills, SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5, allowing local governments to opt in to limited street use of UTVs under specified safety rules; SB 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0 to create a workforce credential program for students with autism or modified curricula; SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0; SB 130 on compensation for wrongful incarceration passed 38-0 after expanding filing timelines and easing restrictions on compensation claims; and SB 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0 to eliminate cost sharing for follow-up breast imaging under the state employee health plan. The most extended debate centered on SB 234, which sought to strengthen penalties and clarify the law regarding violent resistance to law enforcement officers and offenses against officers. Supporters argued the bill was needed after the Jason Raynor case to prevent defendants from using claims about an officer’s legal duty to justify violence, while opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment protections, racial profiling, and the bill’s mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of an officer. A Jones amendment to restore “good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill without a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 262 on trust code technical changes (36-0), SB 274 designating roadways for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson (38-0) and opening the board for 37 co-sponsors, SB 280 creating an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualifications (38-0), and SB 296 repealing the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate in favor of local decision-making and reporting requirements (38-0). Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with supporters emphasizing the need to confront antisemitism and preserve Holocaust memory; the bill was introduced and debated, with the transcript ending during remarks by President Gaetz about the recent Holocaust memorial unveiling. Throughout the meeting, senators also used debate to highlight broader policy themes such as autism workforce inclusion, breast cancer screening, wrongful incarceration reform, school district flexibility, and honoring community leaders through road designations. The chamber’s actions were largely affirmative, with several unanimous votes and one notable postponed bill after substantial disagreement."}】}]}}```

Transcript Highlights:

• Until December 31st, 2031, the measure specifies that captive insurance companies that are not risk retention
• captive insurance companies are subject to examination no later than 5 years after licensure and any
• On or after January 1, 2032, it subjects captive insurance companies that are not risk retention captive
• captive insurance companies are subject to examination no later than 5 years after licensure and any
• On or after January 1, 2032, it subjects captive insurance companies that are not risk retention captive

Bills: SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:04.280> of<01:16:04.520> this co-sponsor of this co-sponsor of this article<01:16
• and I'm happy to work with the sponsor and I'm happy to work with the sponsor and<02:39:32.960><
• the amendment that the prime sponsor the amendment that the prime sponsor presented<06:21:17.320
• <06:24:25.520> that prime prime sponsor that prime prime sponsor that the<06:24:28.558>
• expert and I did Grill the prime sponsor expert and I did Grill the prime sponsor to<06:27:13.718

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative prime sponsor first, Representative prime sponsor first, Representative Dvito.<00
• collaborative, I have offered a sponsor collaborative, I have offered a sponsor amendment.<00:11
• Um there was a suggested sponsor.
• I'm assuming the first prime sponsor I'm assuming the first prime sponsor will<01:35:38.080>
• Any sponsor not advertising driven.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, will the sponsor continue to yield? Will the sponsor yield? Yes. The sponsor yields.
• President, will the sponsor yield? >> Will the sponsor yield?
• President, will the sponsor yield? Will the sponsor yield? Yes. Sponsor yields. Through you, Mr.
• President, will the sponsor yield? >> Will the sponsor yield?
• President, will the sponsor yield? Will the sponsor yield? Yes. The sponsor yields.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and took up a series of motions to discharge identical Assembly bills to the Third Reading Calendar, along with committee reports and amendments. The chamber also received an introduction from Senator Gonzalez honoring Maria Raine and her advocacy for guardrails on AI chatbots after the death of her son, and later adopted a Rules Committee report sending several General Business Law bills directly to Third Reading. The resolution calendar was adopted with some exceptions, and the Senate recognized several previously adopted resolutions honoring individuals and observances, including Barnabas McHenry, Arthur Jones Jr., Floyd Todd Peterson III, the Lexington School for the Deaf, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Apraxia Awareness Month, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Prevention Week, Physician Anesthesiologists Week, and Golf Day in New York. The Senate then considered and passed numerous bills, many on consumer protection and public policy topics. Measures included bills on General Business Law, Public Health Law, Correction Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Executive Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Public Officers Law, Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, Public Housing Law, Education Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills were laid aside, including a Public Health Law bill by Senator Fernandez and a Public Service Law bill by Senator Parker. The chamber also passed a concurrent constitutional resolution by Senator Stec proposing an amendment to Article 14. During floor debate, senators explained votes on several measures. Senator Ramos spoke in support of paid sick leave for domestic workers, describing the bill as a long-overdue labor protection for a workforce historically excluded from such rights. Senator Fernandez described her bill as the Manufacturer Disclosure and Transparency Act, aimed at requiring notice and public disclosure of certain pharmaceutical patent settlement agreements to improve transparency and competition in prescription drug pricing. Senator Ryan and Senator Martins supported a bill restricting hidden algorithmic price manipulation online, and Senator May supported a bill limiting excessive rental car fuel charges as part of a broader consumer protection package. The Senate also passed a memorial highway bill naming a portion of Route 19 in LeRoy for Lieutenant Gary A. Scott, with Senator Borrello explaining the veteran’s service and sacrifice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Former Representative Luetkemeyer and I sponsored two bills which became law to extend the statute of
• Speaker, I thank the sponsors of the bill and I yield back the balance of my time.
• Velázquez: I yield two minutes to the main sponsor of the bill, the gentlewoman from Kansas, Ms.
• VELAZQUEZ: I YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE MAIN SPONSOR OF THE BILL, THE GENTLELADY FROM KANSAS, MS.
• Even in captivity, Harold never Wavered in his duty to his country.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• also authorized BLR to move forward with a contract with claims administration agreement for the captive
• employees' 2027 contribution rates, OPR rules concerning Arkansas school districts, and the state captive
• These 2027 contribution rates, OPR rules concerning Arkansas school districts and the state captive insurance
• Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens, Inc., and the 2026-2027 state captive
• Sedg, Claims, Management Services, actuarial advantage, and Stevens, Inc. and the 2026, 2027 state captive

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he appreciates the sponsor bringing the bill, that judges reached out to him, and that he thinks
• The next item on the agenda is House Bill 456, an act relating to driving under the influence, sponsored
• <00:07:17.319> by influence and that is sponsored by influence and that is sponsored by Representative
• She said she would get with the bill sponsor on that, and that it is a good piece of legislation.
• The sponsor is Representative Beverly Chester-Burton, and she was asked to come forward and introduce

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:02 HB 446: 00:01:44 HB 456: 00:07:08 Discussion in Opposition to HB 456: 00:15:20 HB 10: 00:26:18 HB 96: 00:36:54 HB 399: 00:56:31 HB 465: 01:03:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 446, as amended by committee substitute, which would expand third-degree assault protections to cover judges and justices of the Court of Justice and public transportation drivers. Supporters said the bill responds to violence and threats against judges and would extend protections already given to other public servants. Members generally supported the bill, though several suggested broadening it further to include circuit clerks or all officers of the court. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 446 on an 18-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 456, a DUI-related cleanup bill sponsored by Representative Patrick Flanery and presented by County Attorney Joe Ross. The bill would add fentanyl, Flexeril, and clopene to the per se DUI list, treat driving on a suspended license as an aggravating circumstance, revise implied-consent notice language, and make changes to ignition interlock rules, including suspension periods and fees. Representative Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, warning that some interlock violations and fees could unfairly extend suspensions and discourage participation, while members and the sponsor said the bill would strengthen DUI enforcement and that non-listed substances could still support DUI charges under other provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 456 by a 16-0 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, sponsored by Representatives Maryanne Proctor and Emily Callaway, with testimony from a Pacific Legal Foundation representative and a Boone County Sheriff’s Office staff attorney. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address squatting by defining squatters and improving property-owner remedies, and noted support from sheriffs and realtors. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full presentation or any committee action on HB 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you to our sponsors on that.
• President, and thank you to the sponsor. Mr.
• President, and the sponsor doesn't have to yield.
• President, and the sponsor doesn't have to yield.
• Thank you, Madam, sponsor, and Mr. President.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department's already got the ability to regulate captive cervids, so within a farming operation,
• I think the larger issue is the difference between the captive and the wild.
• got the ability to regulate captive got the ability to regulate captive cervids,<00:10:32.960>
• <00:10:45.360> So,<00:10:45.800> this the captive and the wild.
• So, this the captive and the wild.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:02 Attendance Roll Call 00:24 SB 73 Discussion 02:40 SB 73 Roll Call Vote 05:05 SB 155 Discussion 06:48 SB 155 Roll Call Vote 14:00, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the executive subcommittee met on June 9 and approved premiums and deductibles for the state captive
• also authorized BLR to move forward with a contract with claims administration agreement for the captive
• optional serving contribution rates, OPR rules concerning Arkansas school districts and the state captive
• Sedgwick's claims management services, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens, Inc., and the 2026-27 state captive
• optional serving contribution rates, OPR rules concerning Arkansas school districts and the state captive

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call, prayer, and approval of the previous minutes. Members then adopted a resolution honoring Lori McDonald of the Department of Human Services for nearly 28 years of state service, with remarks praising her legislative work, constituent services, leadership, and emergency response roles. McDonald thanked the committee, and the Senate also presented her with a citation, flag, and commemorative coin. The committee received the May 2026 revenue report, which showed gross adjusted collections of $7.76 billion year-to-date, up 4.4% from the prior year, and a projected surplus of $585.8 million. The executive subcommittee report was adopted, covering emergency rules for DHS and the Department of Education, school district waiver requests, committee fund allocations, cancellation of the July ALC meeting, and authorization for subcommittees to meet in July on urgent matters. The administrative rules report was also adopted after members noted that most rules were approved, with a few pulled by agencies or held. Members then heard a lengthy exchange on the Arkansas Education Department’s ClassWallet contract and delays in expense review for education savings account payments. Department officials said they were meeting regularly with ClassWallet, enforcing contract standards, keeping some reviews in-house, and adding staff and technology improvements to speed processing while maintaining oversight. The committee also adopted reports from Game and Fish and State Police, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Lottery Oversight, Occupational Licensing Review, Peer Review, Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and Personnel, including a Department of Commerce reallocation tied to a broader shared-services realignment. Under review of communications, members filed several retirement system investment items as reviewed, approved rural community grant funding, gave favorable advice for state park additions, approved special maintenance funding for state parks, and filed Office of State Technology service-rate changes as reviewed. The meeting concluded with no new business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the executive subcommittee met on June 9 and approved premiums and deductibles for the state captive
• also authorized BLR to move forward with a contract with claims administration agreement for the captive
• employees' 2027 contribution rates, OPR rules concerning Arkansas school districts and the state captive
• Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens, Inc., and the 2026-2027 state captive
• Sedg, Claims, Management Services, actuarial advantage, and Stevens, Inc. and the 2026, 2027 state captive

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Council met and first adopted the previous meeting minutes, then honored Lori McDonald of the Department of Human Services for nearly 28 years of state service. Members read a resolution recognizing her legislative, constituent, and leadership work at DHS, and the council adopted it unanimously. McDonald thanked members for their support, and the Senate also presented her with a citation, a flag flown over the Capitol, and a commemorative coin. The council then received the May 2026 revenue report, which showed gross adjusted collections of $7.76 billion year-to-date, up 4.4% from the prior year, and net available for distribution of $6.36 billion. The Bureau of Legislative Research noted collections were running above last year and that the updated forecast reflected a surplus. The Executive Subcommittee report was adopted after members were told it had approved captive insurance premiums and deductibles, a claims administration contract, emergency DHS rules, waiver requests, committee fund allocations, and the cancellation of the regular July ALC meeting in favor of only meeting for urgent matters. Several subcommittee reports were then adopted, including Administrative Rules, Game and Fish and State Police, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Lottery Oversight, Occupational Licensing Review, Peer Review, Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and Personnel. During the Administrative Rules discussion, members questioned the Department of Education about delays and vendor performance under the ClassWallet contract; department officials said they were meeting regularly with the vendor, keeping expense review in-house, and would consider other options if needed. In Personnel, the Department of Commerce clarified that a reallocation request was part of a broader departmental realignment and shared services move, not the Arkansas Workforce Connection waiver. The council also reviewed and took action on several communications, including filing retirement system investment summaries as reviewed, approving rural community grant funding, giving favorable advice for state park acquisitions/expansion, approving special maintenance funding for state parks, and filing proposed Office of State Technology service rates as reviewed before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any questions of the sponsor? Any questions of the sponsor? Are there any amendments?
• Other questions of the sponsor, Representative Kassel.
• Further questions of the sponsor? Further questions of the sponsor?
• And I believe the bill sponsor is well aware of this.
• Questions of the sponsor? Questions of the sponsor? Are there amendments? None on the desk, Mr.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously. The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.

Transcript Highlights:

• A skilled multi-instrumentalist, his fusion of rock and hip hop has captivated audiences worldwide.
• A skilled multi-instrumentalist, his fusion of rock and hip hop has captivated audiences worldwide.
• A skilled multi-instrumentalist, his fusion of rock and hip hop has captivated audiences worldwide.
• A skilled multi-instrumentalist, his fusion of rock and hip hop has captivated audiences worldwide.
• His fusion of rock and hip hop has captivated audiences worldwide.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and opened with a moment of contemplation honoring Bob Marley. Several senators spoke about Marley’s life, music, and activism, emphasizing his messages of peace, justice, unity, and resistance. One senator highlighted Marley’s 1979 visit to Hawaii and his influence on Hawaiian and “Jawaiian” music, while another introduced members of the Marley family and recognized their continuing musical work and cultural legacy. The Senate also recognized staff members from one senator’s office during the introductions. After the contemplative remarks and guest introductions, the presiding officer asked for a few minutes for photographs. The chamber then processed Governor’s Message No. 665, withdrawing a nomination to the Campaign Spending Commission, and Governor’s Messages Nos. 666 to 668, transmitting nominations to various boards and commissions. Those messages were referred according to the Order of the Day, and Standing Committee Reports Nos. 480 to 674 were adopted by motion without objection. In announcements, the presiding officer thanked the SMA team and legislative staff for efficient work on a record number of bills during the first lateral, noted the upcoming three-day weekend, and extended birthday wishes to Clerk Carol Taniguchi. The Senate then adjourned by motion until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the prime sponsor is here to introduce the bill. Go ahead when you're ready, Representative.
• sponsor is here to introduce<00:04:44.880> the<00:04:45.120> bill.
• All right. >> There were captive audience here.
• <01:03:18.960> the >> There were captive audience here. the >> There were captive
• I know what the prime sponsor said during the hearing, and um, you...

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• original owner shared captivating original owner shared captivating stories<00:12:39.120> about
• education caucus I'm proud to sponsor education caucus I'm proud to sponsor the<02:17:01.000>
• Chairman Smith for sponsoring this critical piece of legislation.
• I've co-sponsored it.
• amendment sign me up I've co-sponsored amendment sign me up I've co-sponsored it<08:12:13.398>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This rule package balances the concerns of captive breeders with mitigating the spread of disease across
• facilities, uh, altering identification numbers. of captive deer in an effort to manipulate our record-keeping
• commission has done is we've developed a roster. that are willing to tour to those communities and be sponsored
• And it provides grants to benefit music related educational and community programs sponsored by.
• I know it was something about- about it because I helped negotiate and I was actually a co-sponsor of

Keywords: 1184, house, all