Transcript Highlights:

• No, because it may be changed by the task force. It could happen.
• force.
• </c> by the task force. by the task force.
• The Alabama Commission on Higher Education to our accountability task force.
• </c> to our um accountability task force. to our um accountability task force.

Bills: HB584 , HB604 , HB584 , HB604

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: marriage, religious solemnization, probate court, marriage license, traditional practices, HB604, Alabama veteran tag program, distinctive license plate, veteran license tag, radiation-exposed veterans, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, nuclear weapons cleanup, veterans affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, motor vehicle tag, special license plate, military and veterans affairs, Cold War veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• In our current environment, the task of maintaining military readiness and modernizing our armed forces
• We've got 40 folks that are part of Task Force Safe, which is at the Nogales ports of entry.
• We also have kind of our standing counter-drug task force. There's about 150 people.
• Look, I appreciate we talk about the Task Force Safe, right?
• We're also engaged in, as I said, the standing task force.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we will move over to another Senator Kalatayu bill, which is SB 1072 on anti-Semitism task force
• This bill creates the anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General's Office of Civil Rights,
• This bill creates the anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General's Office of Civil Rights,
• The task force also highlights a Jewish community member, with no mention of an Arab or Muslim member
• Thank you, Senators, for voicing your support of the creation of the Anti-Semitism Task Force.

Bills: S0436 , S0532 , S0600 , S0644 , S0682 , S0928 , S1072 , S1332 , S1632 , S1634

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have with us today a member of the Vermont Communication Task Force and a former member of the
• Force uh and a uh former member of Task Force uh and a uh former member of the<00:24:24.960><c> Howard
• </c><00:32:34.000><c> force</c> member of the communication task force member of the communication task
• </c><00:33:58.320><c> Force,</c><00:33:59.120><c> a</c> Vermont Communication Task Force, a Vermont Communication
• </c><00:34:11.280><c> force</c> The fundamental tenet of the task force is that, quote, all persons are

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:39.600><c> Jimmy</c> task force sponsored by Senator Jimmy task force sponsored by Senator
• </c><00:29:20.120><c> force</c> it to looking at within this task force it to looking at within this
• </c> a um task a um task force<00:29:46.559><c> Mr</c><00:29:47.159><c> President</c><00:29:48.159><c
• </c> and hopefully you'll support this task and hopefully you'll support this task force<00:31:16.440
• I support this task force.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we'll call the task force to order. All right, we'll call the task force to order.
• Chairman and members of the task force. Over to Levi first. Yeah, Mr.
• Chairman and members of the task force.
• Questions from the task force? Representative Bosch, thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a question.
• Chairman and members of the task force.

Summary: The task force approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, striking language about contracting with a security vendor. Members then reviewed a draft bill on concessions procurement (LC 27.0161), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, update language for vending and merchandising machines, and clarify where concession proceeds are deposited. OMB explained the bill and said it was open to further changes, including language to address artificial fragmentation, clarify which government entities are covered, and possibly set contract-length limits. Members raised questions about whether the bill would apply to school districts, park districts, airports, and other political subdivisions, and about whether concession agreements could direct proceeds to nonprofits or other secondary recipients; OMB said the statute is intended to require proceeds to go to the government entity’s operating fund or general fund. OMB also reported on other survey suggestions. It said a proposed general authority for agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is best limited to high-volume agencies. On legal notices, OMB said it had made progress with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernizing online notices, improving ADA compliance, and discussing rate and definition changes. On click-through agreements, OMB and the Attorney General’s office concluded no statutory change was needed after revising internal guidance; the $20,000 threshold was described as a practical cutoff for adhesive, nonnegotiable software terms. OMB also said issues raised by the Center for Distance Education on alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures had been resolved through policy clarification. The University System gave a brief update on its collaboration with OMB and said it was continuing to review concessions, surplus property, and capital project statutes with all institutions involved. The task force then discussed a draft bill on requirements for new or expanded spending, intended to require agencies to identify program purpose, needs, alternatives, success measures, and budget details, and to report on outcomes over time. Members and staff debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how much should be real-time versus periodic, and whether the bill should include full implementation costs for pilot programs. Legislative Council staff said the new program evaluation division is still being built out, that staffing remains limited, and that the office plans to continue working with OMB and the executive branch to refine the proposal before the next meeting. No final action was taken on the draft bills beyond directing further work and follow-up for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• U task force that they've from previous U task force that they've worked<01:46:14.880><c> on</c><01:46
• Having a task force and having the right people at the task force to develop those rules and what the
• Having a task force and having the right people at the task force to develop those rules and what the
• Having a task force and having the right people at the task force to develop those rules and what the
• Having a task force and having the right people at the task force to develop those rules and what the

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force. A motion was made and seconded.
• Does anybody here on the task force have any questions? Okay.
• Does anybody here on the task force have any questions? Okay.
• Okay, so we've got other business, and so our two task force members who are here, I want to say thank
• We are winding down this year, and if the task force had any suggestions of what we need to do to bring

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:58:22.800><c> force</c> priority emissions task force priority emissions task force recommendations
• </c><02:00:42.800><c> have</c> of the task force that um will have of the task force that um will have
• competency restoration task force before then.
• </c> task force report uh puts out there. task force report uh puts out there.
• The important last met as a task force.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• He said when the result of these things is what you end up doing, you force the individuals, you force
• He said when the result of these things is what you end up doing, you force the individuals, you force
• He said when the result of these things is what you end up doing, you force the individuals, you force
• He said when the result of these things is what you end up doing, you force the individuals, you force
• </c> Animals that do perform tasks. Animals that do perform tasks.

Transcript Highlights:

• That legislation was not a DOGE Task Force recommendation.
• That legislation was not a DOGE Task Force recommendation.
• That legislation was not a Doge Task Force recommendation. was a bit different.
• That legislation was not a Doge Task Force recommendation.
• This cost savings, this is out of the DOGE Task Force.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling to order the January 7th meeting of the H.R. 322 task force studying public health outcomes of
• Hearing none, then we will move into discussion of the draft task force report. Sure.
• Yes, the report was shared with the task force members before the holidays, and several members provided
• I also feel fortunate and privileged to have served on the task force.
• Thank you, everyone, for your participation and attention to this important task force.

Summary: The H.R. 322 task force on public health outcomes of incurable STIs in Louisiana met on January 7, established quorum, and approved the November 19 minutes. Members then reviewed the draft final report and incorporated final edits. One change removed the term “cultural competency” from recommendation 6 after concerns it could imply stigma; another discussion centered on whether to keep a reference to LDOE in recommendation 2, and the task force ultimately left it in as a nonbinding recommendation for review and cooperation. Members also made formatting and wording changes to recommendations 2, 4, 5, and 6, including clarifying the presentation of “State Fiscal Impact” and related stylistic edits. After discussion, the task force moved to approve the draft report as amended. One member abstained because of educational recommendations in the report, but there were no votes in opposition, and the report was accepted by majority vote. The task force was told the final report would be submitted to the Legislature and the Legislative Library, and each member would receive a digital PDF copy. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking members and staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Waste Tire Task Force that's listed on here. And according to the— On here.
• It's just one of those task forces. It doesn't mean the effort doesn't go on by the department.
• But I also say that you don't need a task force created by statute to work with stakeholders.
• I didn't realize you'd sat on a task force, Rep.
• You know, I didn't need a study or a task force to know that was a problem.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 338, which would recreate certain entities transferred to or placed within the Office of the Governor. Representative Carver described it as a sunset measure, and the committee quickly moved it favorable without objection. House Bill 379 followed, expanding eligibility for election commissioners to include 17-year-olds who are in the 11th grade or equivalent homeschool level rather than only the 12th grade. Members briefly discussed the bill’s youth sponsor, Owen Estey, and the bill was also reported favorable without objection. The most extensive discussion centered on House Bill 861 by Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson, which would eliminate inactive, outdated, or unnecessary state boards, commissions, and related entities. The bill came with a large amendment package that removed some entities, added others, and made technical corrections based on the legislative auditor’s annual report and follow-up review. Members questioned how entities were identified, whether they had been notified, and whether some boards should remain because they still serve a purpose, especially the Waste Tire Task Force. The sponsor said the goal was to streamline government and that he had contacted about 85% of the affected entities; he also said some items in the package were local and therefore excluded. After adopting amendments 17 and 18, the committee reported the bill favorable as amended. House Bill 202 by Representative McMakin would require job advertisements for classified state positions to include salary information and require applicants to be notified when a position is filled or they are rejected. An amendment narrowed the bill to classified positions only. State Civil Service Director Byron Deccato testified that the system already posts salary ranges and sends notices when agencies properly update the hiring system, but that compliance depends on agency staff and some agencies are slow to close out postings. Members expressed frustration that applicants can be left waiting without notice, while Deccato said Civil Service audits agencies and is willing to work on the issue. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:09:01.599><c> um</c> task force that I certainly support. um task force that I certainly support
• c> the</c> medicine task force to implement the medicine task force to implement the therapeutic<02:13
• > the</c><02:19:36.479><c> appointments</c> medicine task force, the appointments medicine task force
• That's a pretty gigantic step to take on this. task force did review, but we ultimately task force did
• </c><02:37:53.439><c> defense</c> DWI task force is not just defense DWI task force is not just defense

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• force are in other task forces.
• force are in other task force.
• When I reference that many of the people in this task force are in other task forces, that is helpful
• force members also sit on other task forces.
• force members also sit on other task forces.

Committees: Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> coming up this session with the task coming up this session with the task force<00:09:51.440><c>
• /c><00:10:04.640><c> to</c> work with the task force to form pigs to work with the task force to form
• </c> calls on OPSD to um organize a task calls on OPSD to um organize a task force,<00:14:57.120><c>
• <c> to</c><00:14:58.480><c> conduct</c><00:14:58.800><c> a</c> force, convene a task force to conduct
• a force, convene a task force to conduct a comprehensive<00:14:59.519><c> review</c><00:14:59.839><c

Bills: SB3294

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committees first took up SB 3294, a controversial measure concerning post-release assistance for people pursuing reversals of prior court decisions where innocence is in question. Members discussed keeping the bill moving on the “human side” while a House companion addressed the legal issues. The adopted amendments removed advanced compensation language and instead required DCR, with DHS, to help petitioners prepare applications for financial and medical assistance, notify DHS upon release, assign a case manager to assist with a cell phone for one year, housing, employment, mental health counseling, and expedited benefits, and provide a state ID upon release. The measure also included technical amendments and a defective date, and it passed unanimously. The joint committees then heard SB 2237 on fire prevention, which would require state agencies to create and update hazard maps and direct DNR to adopt rules and clear brush. DLNR testified that a single lead agency should develop the maps with input from other agencies, that a five-year timeline would be more reasonable, and that assigning DNR all fuels management on state lands would create an unfunded mandate. Members discussed using the newly created fire marshal’s office as the lead, and the committees ultimately deferred the bill in favor of a broader wildfire mitigation measure already moving in another committee. The final agenda included SB 2596 on government leases, SB 30002 on the Hawaii State Planning Act and green infrastructure, and SB 3067 on records and filing requirements. SB 2596 was advanced unamended to Ways and Means. On SB 30002, OPSD explained that a 2025-2027 comprehensive review of chapter 226 is underway, with a report and draft legislation due in 2027, and members debated whether to move piecemeal changes now or wait for the broader review; the bill nevertheless passed unamended. SB 3067, which updates outdated filing formats and drawing scales, also passed unamended with DAGS supporting the measure in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is just to create a first-time task force. Thank you, Mr. President.
• on Impaired Driving, to create the Governor's Task Force on Impaired Driving.
• on Impaired Driving, to create the Governor's Task Force on Impaired Driving.
• Members, this is the Governor's Task Force on DWI and vehicle homicide.
• Force, to create the task force and provide for membership and responsibilities.

Bills: SR146 , SCR12 , HB221 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR58 , HB1 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB383 , HB983 , HB1126 , HCR3 , HB2 , HB3 , SCR3 , SB56 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR72 , HCR5 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR62 , HCR64 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR86 , HCR97 , HCR102 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB476 , HB481 , HB487 , HB492 , HB549 , HB579 , HB608 , HB621 , HB624 , HB626 , HB632 , HB637 , HB656 , HB722 , HB745 , HB804 , HB818 , HB821 , HB833 , HB864 , HB867 , HB874 , HB893 , HB909 , HB951 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB979 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1005 , HB1007 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1059 , HB1077 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1112 , HB1153 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1204 , HB1218 , HB1242 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB971 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB223 , HB225 , HB387 , HB398 , HB457 , HB459 , HB540 , HB591 , HB616 , HB766 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB906 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1076 , HB1100 , HB1139 , HB1155 , HB1160 , HB1182 , HB1186 , HB1220 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1256 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB308 , HB310 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB403 , HB571 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB740 , HB750 , HB759 , HB812 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1038 , HB1107 , SB29 , SB42 , SB78 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB441 , SB449 , SB487 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB43 , SB149

Keywords: SR146, Senate Resolution 146, Louis Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, obituary, public service, St. Martinville, Cade, St. Martin Parish, police juror, mayor, community center, water system, school bus driver, school board, Louisiana Senate, sympathy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:39:22.679><c> and</c> task or task force recommendations and task or task force recommendations
• </c><01:42:36.800><c> force</c> mapping so this 2018 task force mapping so this 2018 task force recommended
• </c><01:43:58.520><c> force</c> since many of the task force since many of the task force recommendations
• </c><01:45:06.320><c> force</c> Provisions another task force Provisions another task force recommendation
• </c> resources task force that was completed resources task force that was completed in in in 2018<01

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that task force met many Force.
• </c> I as a part of the SGU uh voluntary task I as a part of the SGU uh voluntary task force, force,
• the</c> establish this task force and start the establish this task force and start the full<00:43:21.680
• </c><00:54:19.200><c> the</c> uh into a task force uh to study the uh into a task force uh to study the
• task force as well.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• word task force, I stopped again...
• Yes, another task force, which when I saw the word task force, I stopped again because I hate creating
• more task forces.
• The formation of the task force...
• So that's the other reason for the implementation of the task force. It is a one-year task force.