Transcript Highlights:

• On October 13th of 2024, Grayson Davis was hit head-on by a drunk driver, and three days later, succumbed
• On October 13th, 2024, my family received a gut-wrenching text about Grayson Davis.
• Well, I mean March 2025 and Belton, October 2nd, 2019, that was over in Lufkin, two weeks before.
• This is on October 13th of 2024. Has it already gone to trial?
• I currently have a 14-year-old who loves playing baseball just like Mason did.

Bills: HB1482, HB2017, HB2103, HB2341, HB2756

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• Last October, our rent was increased. $27.80. That's a 95% increase.
• expected this October.
• Last October, our rent was increased. $27.80. That's a 95% increase.
• expected this October.
• Item number 14, AB 654. Item number 14, AB 654. Tangipa? Assembly Member Wilson, aye.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > um<01:14:20.080> how<01:14:20.480> the<01:14:20.679> FTE<01:14:21.360><
• c><01:14:26.560> would<01:14:26.800> include<01:14:27.199> DCF<01:14:28.159>
• > in here<01:14:36.760> I'll<01:14:37.000> pause<01:14:37.320> I'm<01:14:
• to<01:14:41.360> catch<01:14:41.560> up<01:14:41.719> with<01:14:41.840> you
• <01:14:42.000> and<01:14:42.159> just<01:14:42.600> how<01:14:42.840> the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee convened for an opening discussion of the 2025 Human Services session, with members emphasizing bipartisan collaboration, the committee’s mission to strengthen support systems for Minnesotans, and a focus on helping vulnerable people thrive. The chair and members welcomed new and returning senators and staff, including new pages and interim committee administration, and several members briefly introduced themselves and their backgrounds in public service and human services work. Members identified the main issues they expect to address this session: workforce shortages in human services professions, long-term care, program integrity, and efforts to limit waste, fraud, and abuse so funding reaches people who need it most. The chair also previewed upcoming hearings on eligibility and redeterminations for people with disabilities, MnCHOICES reassessments, assisted living and provider payment delays, and updates on direct care and treatment, noting that more detailed discussion would come in later meetings. The committee then received a budget overview from fiscal analyst Kyle Raymond. He explained the combined Health and Human Services budget area, noted jurisdiction changes tied to the creation of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and the planned separation of Direct Care and Treatment, and said some figures may differ from the November forecast because of those shifts. He outlined the major funding sources for the budget area, including federal funds and the general fund, and said the presentation would focus on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget the legislature will be considering.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill designates October 14th each year as Charlie Kirk Day in the state of Florida.
• I'm going to strongly encourage that we observe the day of remembrance on October 14th, but not for Charlie
• My daughter, who is 14 years old, was born October 14th.
• We will now take up tab 14, CS for SB 1180 on community development districts by Senator Arrington.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered a long agenda of bills covering education, health, criminal justice, aging services, labor, and commemorative measures. Among the measures reported favorably were CS/SB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative; CS/SB 196 and CS/SB 864 establishing and protecting a Uterine Fibroid Research Database; CS/SB 432, as amended, adding restrictions on xylazine and nitrous oxide sales; CS/SB 1630 modernizing aging and disability services and guardianship oversight; SB 1112 on labor pool placement fees and registration; CS/SB 524 revising FDLE and medical examiner provisions; CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations; CS/SB 646 narrowing drug paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, analogs, and xylazine; SB 676 strengthening animal cruelty penalties and the animal abuser database; CS/SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members; CS/SB 800 increasing penalties for unlicensed engineering practice; CS/SB 1404 creating a memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities; SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force; and CS/SB 1684 and CS/SB 1686 establishing and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry. The committee also took up several high-profile commemorative bills. CS/SB 194, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and free speech and opponents criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric and the appropriateness of a state honor. The bill was reported favorably after a recorded vote. SB 174, designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue in Miami-Dade County, also drew significant opposition testimony on similar grounds and was reported favorably. A late-file amendment to a related remembrance measure was withdrawn after discussion. Other bills, including the speech and debate, fibroid research, aging services, labor pool, animal cruelty, engineering, memory care, anti-Semitism, and Parkinson’s registry measures, were generally supported by agency, advocacy, or stakeholder testimony and advanced without major opposition. Several bills were amended before passage, including substitute or delete-all amendments on SB 432, SB 524, SB 646, SB 676, SB 1180, SB 800, and SB 1404. The committee repeatedly adopted amendments by voice vote and then reported the bills favorably by recorded roll call. The meeting ended with members requesting to be recorded on specific bills, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It states that existing interlocal agreements cannot be extended if in place prior to October 2024.
• I'm here to present House Bill Representative Roach: 125, which designates October 14th as Charlie Kirk
• Whoever would like to use July 14 to remember the tragic day, they can do that.
• I support October 14 for Charlie Kirk Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• ISRAEL AS WELL AS OUR FIGHT AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM AND HATE CRIMES, WHICH DRAMATICALLY INCREASED AFTER OCTOBER
• DAVID SURVIVED OCTOBER 7. DAVID SURVIVED 4 CONCENTRATION CAMPS BY THE TIME HE WAS 15.
• REPRESENTATIVE BARTLEMAN OFFERED 552709, REMOVE LINES 14 THROUGH 16 AND INSERT AN AMENDMENT.
• I WILL REMEMBER FEBRUARY 14. I REMEMBER WHEN I GOT TO THE CAMPUS.
• The exemption will repeal on October 2 of this year unless this bill becomes law. That is the bill.

Keywords: sales tax reduction, budget cuts, boating safety, water treatment, municipal utilities, school safety, medical malpractice, firearm purchase age, cursive writing instruction, first responder support, veto overrides, veterans funding, infrastructure projects

Summary: The Florida House convened for regular business, with Speaker Perez announcing historic budget plans including the largest state tax cut in Florida history - a permanent 0.75% sales tax reduction from 6% to 5.25%, saving Floridians nearly $5 billion annually. The House will propose a budget lower than both the Governor's proposal and last year's budget. Several bills passed including Lucy's Law (boating safety), water access facilities funding, municipal utility rate corrections, hazardous walking conditions for schools, and medical malpractice 'Free Kill Law' repeal. The controversial firearm purchase age bill (HB 759) passed 78-34, lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18, despite emotional opposition citing the Parkland shooting. Other bills addressed cursive writing instruction, peer support for first responders, and government sunset reviews. Multiple veto override motions were approved unanimously, reinstating funding for veterans programs and infrastructure projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:19.240> um<00:14:20.160> the<00:14:20.800> this<00:14:20.920> bill um
• <00:14:21.560> forward<00:14:22.079> because<00:14:22.759> of<00:14:22.920><
• > that<00:14:27.720> um<00:14:28.720> for<00:14:29.079> fure<00:14:29.680
• <00:14:33.920> in<00:14:34.199> the<00:14:34.440> statutes<00:14:35.440>
• 41.360> dog<00:14:41.680> license<00:14:42.320> or<00:14:42.480> or<00:14

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on several bills, beginning with HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training. Members said the bill had been sent to the Animal Protection and Licensing Subcommittee, where Representative Kuttab is expected to schedule a meeting soon to consider possible amendments based on testimony and other ideas. The committee later returned to HB 153 and confirmed a work session was planned for February 14, with discussion also including whether to explore a task force concept raised in testimony. The committee also discussed HB 215 and HB 566, both related to landfill permitting and leachate or harm/benefit reporting. Representative Gerana said he had met with the DES director and was working on amendments that would add a preliminary screening phase for determining net public benefit and expand the list of benefits beyond capacity need to include items such as economic and infrastructure benefits. HB 566 was said to be in the same posture as HB 215, and both were slated for subcommittee review the following Tuesday morning. HB 171 was also added for subcommittee discussion, with members saying the changes would be technical rather than substantive. HB 240, which removes forfeiture penalties for non-payment of dog licenses, drew support for a simple amendment changing a statutory “shall” to “may” so municipal officials would have discretion about issuing a warrant. Representative Bixby said OLS advised that this was the cleanest way to provide flexibility, and he reported that the sponsor was agreeable to the change. The committee also discussed HB 179, concerning hazardous waste accident fees, where the sponsor proposed a revised amendment imposing a $1,000-per-day penalty after 90 days of non-payment. Members raised concerns about homeowners, hobby farmers, and whether the bill could unfairly burden people who were not negligent or whose insurance claims were delayed. The sponsor and others said the intent was to recover costs from responsible parties, especially businesses, and to protect local taxpayers and fire departments from bearing the cost of damaged hazardous materials equipment. No votes were taken; the bills were left for further subcommittee work and amendment drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• families patients that we serve is up 13% over last year and the number of encounters for us is up 14%
• We implemented a new licensing and inspection software in October 2025.
• We launched it in October.
• You had talked a bit about the portal launched in October, and there has been some difficulty with the
• That's about a 14 to 16% expansion of Our capacity more than covers for the loss of the Tallahina home

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost 14 million Americans losing their access to health care.
• Almost 14 million Americans losing their access to health care.
• Almost 14 million Americans losing their access to health care.
• It strips at least 14 million Americans of their health care.
• IT STRIPS HEALTH INSURANCE FOR NEARLY 14 MILLION PEOPLE.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A simplified paper application for ESAP was also made available in October of 2023.
• The state-funded expansion is on track to implement on October 1, 2027.
• those automation efforts are currently paused, but we'll resume again in January 2026 to hit that October
• Yet the state only serves about 14% of eligible children.
• It began on October 1, 2024, and it will continue through September 30, 2030.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:04.639> I<00:14:04.720> don't<00:14:04.839> know<00:14:05.000> where<
• <00:14:13.199> who<00:14:13.480> have<00:14:14.040> all<00:14:14.199> sorts
• <00:14:15.519> or<00:14:15.839> maybe<00:14:16.839> uh<00:14:17.000> other
• > did<00:14:40.480> not<00:14:41.199> break<00:14:41.480> it<00:14:41.639
• 14<00:14:50.600> and<00:14:51.160> 15<00:14:52.160> uh<00:14:52.360> talks

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So yeah, it's down To me, so class 14, en their speeches won't take long. It's just me.
• I go to my son's, He's 14 at the time. It's his junior high basketball game.
• It is hot in October, In that gym, and this guy comes over, sees me across the room, and comes over and
• nomination of Lisa Dalia Blanchard to the Oklahoma State Credit Union for a four-year term ending October

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• So therefore, our school October, 1st of those 1,747 completed mediation.
• So therefore, our school October, 1st of those 1747 completed mediation.
• We'll have what has happened from October 1st until January 30th.
• We'll have what has happened from October 1st until January 30th.
• Ideal planting time for camelina in the fall is mid-September through sometimes as late as mid-October

Bills: HF3692

Keywords: Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, mediation, agriculture finance, debt relief, civil law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:50.199> we<00:14:50.320> do<00:14:50.480> that<00:14:50.560> for
• > things<00:14:59.399> with<00:14:59.600> fre<00:14:59.800> free<00:14:59.959
• known as title<01:14:24.360> 2A<01:14:25.120> that's<01:14:25.239> a<01:14:25.480
• > term<01:14:25.719> that<01:14:25.840> we<01:14:25.920> all<01:14:26.080
• it can<01:14:31.840> be<01:14:32.040> used<01:14:32.520> um<01:14:32.639> for

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of School Finance provided an adequacy-funding training for Division II, led by Mark Mello. He walked the committee through the adequacy formula using Albany, Allenstown, and Alton as examples, explaining average daily membership, base adequacy aid, and differential aid for free/reduced-price meals, special education, and English language learners. He also noted a recent change requiring home-education differential aid and emphasized that these aid streams are generally unrestricted district funding rather than money tied to specific students or programs. A major focus was the ongoing litigation over the adequacy base amount and the statewide education property tax, or SWEPT. Mello explained the historical basis of the current base amount, the 2008 legislative report that set the original methodology, and the later court ruling that the adequacy amount should be $7,356, which is now before the Supreme Court. He also described how SWEPT currently raises a fixed statewide amount of $363 million and how that revenue is used to offset the state’s adequacy obligation. For the example towns, Albany and Allenstown receive state adequacy grants because their SWEPT revenue is below their calculated adequacy cost, while Alton is an excess SWEPT community because its local SWEPT revenue exceeds the cost of adequate education. The discussion then turned to the pending “excess SWEPT” issue in the Supreme Court and what would happen if excess collections had to be remitted to the state. Mello said the Department is preparing a hypothetical walkthrough and explained that, if the court upholds the Superior Court ruling, DRA would likely be directed to collect excess SWEPT. Members raised concerns about whether SWEPT must be used for educational purposes and about the cash-flow burden on towns if money had to move from municipalities to the state and then back to districts. Mello and members discussed possible administrative workarounds, such as credits against other state aid distributions, and noted that the committee would continue reviewing the mechanics if the court decision comes down during budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Session as we finalize the executive budget in October and November.
• Again, we'll revisit this in August and in October.
• This is on fiscal irregularities required by Century Code Section 54-14-03.1.
• the $13.4 million principal and the roughly $732,000 in interest, that gets us just a little over $14
• And there's a Highway 1 project from Langdon to Nekoma that is about 14 miles.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Session as we finalize the executive budget in October and November.
• Again, we'll revisit this in August and in October.
• This is on fiscal irregularities required by Century Code Section 54-14-03.1.
• the $13.4 million principal and the roughly $732,000 in interest, that gets us just a little over $14
• And there's a Highway 1 project from Langdon to Nekoma that is about 14 miles.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Session as we finalize the executive budget in October and November.
• Again, we'll revisit this in August and in October.
• This is on fiscal irregularities required by Century Code Section 54-14-03.1.
• the $13.4 million principal and the $732,000 roughly in interest, that gets us just a little over $14
• And there's a Highway 1 project from Langdon to Nekoma that is about 14 miles.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• 60 days to reach compliance with municipal accounting law as required under Arkansas Code Annotated 14
• There were 89 audit reports with no findings and 14 reports with findings.
• Non-questioned costs are reported in 14 findings and totaled 6...
• Known questioned costs are reported in 14 findings and totaled $16.6 million.
• We found that out later, and it was submitted to DF&A in October of last year.

Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met on June 5 and first adopted prior minutes and several committee reports. The executive committee report noted adoption of its minutes, staff updates on scheduled audits, approval of an annual financial audit for the City of Horseshoe Bend, and an update on the intern program. The Counties and Municipalities report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, compliance follow-up with towns including Denning, Gum Springs, Omer, Fargo, Jericho, and Haynes, and review of current and deferred reports; the committee filed most current reports but deferred several and referred some matters to prosecutors and the Attorney General. The Educational Institutions report said 103 education audits were reviewed, most with no findings, while several school districts had findings and one Booneville School District finding was referred to law enforcement. The State Agencies report included findings at the Department of Finance and Administration and a deferred Department of Health report, and the committee filed 13 reports. The committee then received lengthy presentations on the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report and the state single audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Legislative Audit issued unmodified opinions on the state financial statements, but identified two material weaknesses: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and improper methodology changes and documentation issues at the Division of Workforce Services affecting year-end estimates for unemployment-related accounts. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed. Auditors reported 33 findings overall, including 31 federal findings, $12.9 million in outstanding questioned costs, and qualified opinions for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Committee members questioned DHS, the broadband office, OST, DFA, Education, and Workforce Services about the findings, corrective actions, cyber protections, federal drawdowns, child care reporting, and accounting methodology changes. Several agencies described corrective steps. DHS said it had changed how it draws Summer EBT funds, addressed provider revalidation and incarceration-related Medicaid issues, and updated internal processes and staffing. The broadband office said the questioned costs reflected invoice documentation disputes rather than missing payments and expected Treasury review to resolve the issue. OST said it was expanding logging, endpoint detection, and enterprise monitoring, and described broader cybersecurity investments, training, and a roadmap. DFA and Workforce Services addressed the workers’ compensation and unemployment accounting issues, with Workforce Services saying it had updated its policy and submitted the methodology to DFA. After discussion, the committee voted to hold the two statewide audit reports over until the August meeting, with members asked to submit specific questions in advance so only needed agencies would return. The final item was a special report on the Hot Spring County Solid Waste Authority for January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. The audit reviewed compliance with laws, board procedures, bidding, payroll, permits, inspections, and cash handling. It noted prior private audit findings on segregation of duties, that recent private audit reports had not been obtained for 2023 through 2025, and that the current administrator said prior office staff and bookkeeping contractors resigned when he was hired. The authority’s operations and revenue sources were described, and the report was presented for committee review.

Transcript Highlights:

• 60 days to reach compliance with municipal accounting law, as required under Arkansas Code Annotated 14
• There were 89 audit reports with no findings and 14 reports with findings.
• Non-questioned costs are reported in 14 findings and totaled $6.6 million.
• Known questioned costs are reported in 14 findings and totaled $16.6 million.
• We found that out later, and it was submitted to DFNA in October of last year. Okay.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met on June 5 and first adopted the March 2026 minutes, then approved reports from the executive committee and the standing committees on counties and municipalities, educational institutions, and state agencies. The counties and municipalities report noted progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, compliance improvements by Denning and Gum Springs, and a 60-day compliance window for Omer and Fargo; several reports were deferred, while others were referred to prosecutors, the Attorney General, or the Government Bonding Board. The educational institutions committee filed 103 audit reports, including findings for several school districts, and one Booneville School District finding was referred to law enforcement. The state agencies committee filed 13 reports and deferred one Department of Health report to August. The committee then reviewed the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report and single audit for fiscal year 2025. Legislative Audit reported clean opinions on the state’s financial statements, but identified two material weaknesses: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology over threat monitoring and unauthorized access, and problems at the Division of Workforce Services with changes to year-end accounting estimates and documentation for unemployment-related receivables and payables. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed; auditors reported 33 findings, including 31 federal findings, $12.9 million in outstanding questioned costs, and qualified opinions for the Summer EBT program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Findings included improper advance draws and reporting issues in Summer EBT, documentation problems in broadband projects, and reporting/reconciliation issues in child care funding. Members questioned agency officials from DHS, the Office of State Technology, the Department of Finance and Administration, the Department of Education, and Workforce Services about the findings and corrective actions. DHS said the Summer EBT issue involved drawing funds in advance and that procedures had been changed for the 2026 cycle; it also explained several repeat findings as timing or provider-enrollment issues. OST officials said they were expanding logging, endpoint detection, and enterprise monitoring, and described cybersecurity as a moving target requiring more investment and training. DFA and Workers’ Compensation officials discussed the workers’ comp fund’s actuarial position and said it should be monitored but did not require immediate action. Education officials said the child care reconciliation problems stemmed from a former employee’s failure to reconcile reports, that staffing and checks had been strengthened, and that the federal funding cut affecting child care was a separate issue. The committee voted to hold the two major state financial reports over until the August meeting, with members asked to submit specific questions in advance, and then received a special report on the Hot Spring County Solid Waste Authority review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our routes 14, 15, 16, and 25 are UND shuttle routes.
• And then the 14-day pass and summer youth both went from $18 to $21.
• schedule their curb-to-curb or door-to-door ride at least one day in advance, but may schedule up to 14
• Myself and another one of my staff went out to the factory in California in October and had a factory
• Myself and another one of my staff went out to the factory in California in October and had a factory

Summary: The committee met as a study subcommittee on fixed-route public transportation and first approved the December 11 minutes. It then heard detailed presentations from transit leaders in Grand Forks, Bismarck/Mandan, and Fargo about their systems, including route structures, paratransit service, ridership trends, fare changes, funding sources, fleet replacement needs, and operational challenges. Grand Forks described Cities Area Transit’s 17 routes, university shuttle service, expanded paratransit coverage, a 2025 fare increase, and rising costs for labor, fuel, parts, and new buses. Bismarck/Mandan’s Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions approved for April 1, fare structure, ridership recovery since COVID, and major funding streams including mill levies, federal grants, and new local sales tax revenue. Fargo’s MATBUS representative emphasized the importance of continued state support for urban fixed-route transit. Members asked extensive questions about cost per ride, fare increases, school transportation, veteran service partnerships, app-based ticketing, local funding formulas, and whether ride-share or microtransit could replace fixed routes. Transit officials said fixed-route service remains essential because it provides reliable capacity, supports jobs and access to services, and preserves federal funding tied to public transit operations. They also said paratransit is costly but necessary for riders with disabilities, and that vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply. Minot’s transit superintendent added context on the state’s existing transit aid formula, explaining that it is weighted more toward rural and paratransit providers and that urban fixed-route systems are seeking a separate, dedicated funding source rather than changes to the current formula. The committee also heard public testimony from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy supporting both fixed-route and paratransit service for disabled riders, and from Minot staff on refurbished buses, CDL driver recruitment, and why the agency is not pursuing full electric buses. Near the end, members discussed whether to recommend additional state funding for the four urban fixed-route systems. A motion passed to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of the subcommittee’s activities for inclusion in the Government Finance Committee’s report to Legislative Management. Members then continued discussing possible recommendations, including a separate funding source for urban fixed-route transit and whether the four urban systems should meet to develop a proposed amount.