Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we have to consider and contemplate innovative financing methods.
• And conventionally, using conventional methods, to Senator D's question, it's going to take decades to

Summary: The committee received a report from Director Wiley of the Arkansas Department of Transportation on a series of routine and quarterly items, including the closeout of the department’s efficiency review. Wiley said all five remaining recommendations from that review had been implemented, highlighted a new public maintenance dashboard on the agency website, and reported four surplus properties sold since the last meeting. He also noted that ARDOT had obligated $3.14 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to date and reviewed the annual expenditure report tied to 2019 revenue changes, which funded $98.7 million in maintenance projects last year. Members asked about the balance between maintenance and new construction, with Wiley saying about 75% of construction dollars go to maintaining the existing system and that ARDOT’s overall spending is overwhelmingly focused on upkeep because of the size of the state highway network. He also discussed major projects and corridor priorities, including Interstate 57 and Highway 5 work in Lonoke County, Interstate 49 public meetings, passing-lane improvements on Highway 412/62 in north central Arkansas, Highway 82 widening in south Arkansas, and long-range plans to widen Interstate 40, possibly including a toll study. On the Toad Suck Bridge flood mitigation project, he said the design had been revised to reduce public impacts and would not require a long-term bridge closure. The committee also discussed safety and enforcement tools in work zones. Wiley said new work-zone cameras and cell phone detection tools were being used on projects such as I-30, I-57, and I-49, mainly to improve safety rather than issue citations. In addition, he said ARDOT spends about $8 million annually on litter control and is expanding anti-litter efforts, including a spring cleanup day involving more than 2,500 operations employees and some office staff. He also announced agency initiatives on human trafficking awareness training for field and office staff and the Street Smart education program for middle school students, with plans to expand it to high school content next year. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the director’s presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Revenue Subcommittee met on Tuesday and reviewed methods of finance, one alternate delivery construction
• The Revenue Subcommittee met on Tuesday and reviewed methods of finance, one alternate delivery construction

Summary: The committee met and opened with a prayer, then approved the prior meeting minutes and received the monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the staff noting changes driven by casino gaming transfers, income tax growth, and a lottery-related collection. No action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including the executive committee, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. Topics included a Jackson County School District cooperative purchasing waiver, rulemaking updates from several agencies, federal immigration and wildlife issues, SNAP and Medicaid waiver reimbursement rates, occupational authorization reviews, temporary appropriations and transfer requests, a tire removal contract held for later review, EBD pharmacy and medical drug recommendations, and personnel items. The PEER report also included questions to the State Broadband Director about a provider with delinquent property taxes; he said the provider would not be brought forward until the issue is resolved and that broadband grant payments are tied to performance milestones. The most extended discussion came during review of a State Insurance Department report on pharmacy benefit manager oversight. Commissioners and members questioned Navitus Health Solutions’ refusal to provide certain claims data for self-funded plans in an affiliate pricing examination. The department said the matter is being briefed and set for an administrative hearing, likely in April, and that the dispute centers on ERISA preemption and state authority to request the data. Members also asked about the status of the other PBMs under review and whether they had raised similar objections. After all reports were adopted or filed as reviewed, the meeting adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY PROPOSE A CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE A NEW METHOD TO WITH FUNDS TO PROVIDE NONRECURRING FUNDING FOR
• TO ME, THERE ARE TWO METHODS. ONE IS IF THERE IS A REVENUE SHORTFALL WHICH COULD HAPPEN ANY YEAR.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Password a string of characters or other secure method used to enable, or other secure method used to
• Any methods implemented third party. C. Any methods implemented third party. C.
• A, commercially available methods that are commercially available methods that are commercially available
• One, verify through the app store data sharing methods. I the app store data sharing methods.
• A, age verification following methods. A, age verification following methods.

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House veto override was actually one of those mathematical anomalies where it's 2/3 and not 66%,
• The House veto override was actually one of those mathematical anomalies where it's two-thirds and not

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we implemented the valuebased since we implemented the valuebased reimbursement<00:47:45.040> method
• <00:47:45.520> for<00:47:46.079> um<00:47:46.240> nursing reimbursement method
• for um nursing reimbursement method for um nursing facilities.<00:47:47.359> Prior<00:47:47.680
• This provision is saying we need to study these and see if we could come up with a standardized method
• for setting rates so standardized method for setting rates so that<01:21:26.719> we're<01:21:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2016 or 2017 or so when a new funding policy was adopted and we moved to a different amortization method
• 44.320> a<00:08:44.560> different<00:08:44.720> amortization<00:08:45.440> method
• moved to a different amortization method moved to a different amortization method referring<00:08
• is a long term and if matter what method is a long term and if you<00:57:03.359> think<00:57:
• Has the board looked at any method of having some sort of payment when someone privatizes something or

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills. Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability. Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires state leadership and flexibility, and methods to share risk and mitigations.
• things that are happening across the states, how states have supported advanced nuclear with other methods
• if we're doing a project, a research project, you know, we make sure to outline exactly what our methods
• It allows for sort of calmer conversations at a more methodical pace, but it's a choice.
• These methods remain unproven over the hundreds or thousands of years.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires state leadership and flexibility and methods to share risk and mitigations.
• things that are happening across the states, how states have supported advanced nuclear with other methods
• if we're doing a project, a research project, you know, we make sure to outline exactly what our methods
• interests and acceptance of potential energy projects requires a combination of using multiple tools, methods
• It allows for sort of calmer conversations at a more methodical pace, but it's a choice.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires state leadership and flexibility and methods to share risk and mitigations.
• things that are happening across the states, how states have supported advanced nuclear with other methods
• for example, if we're doing a project, a research project, we make sure to outline exactly what our methods
• interests and acceptance of potential energy projects requires a combination of using multiple tools, methods
• It allows for sort of calmer conversations at a more methodical pace, but it's a choice.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that a political subdivision should solely use that contracting method for a project, but
• And so I certainly think that there's room for improvement in the procurement method and how they're
• Improvement in the procurement method and how they're scored.
• But in my opinion, it is a helpful construction procurement method, especially on a larger, more complex
• This is a required scoring attribute throughout the project, but there is no qualitative method for scoring

Summary: The task force reviewed survey results from state agencies on potential statutory revisions, with Levi reporting 70 proposals from 20 agencies and noting that about 33 might become agency pre-file bills. Members discussed the need to share the survey more broadly within higher education and to better coordinate issues involving IT and other cross-agency functions. The task force then heard from the Office of Management and Budget on three topics: concessions, architect/engineering pre-qualification, and legal notices. OMB said the concessions law is outdated and inconsistent with current practice, and suggested a collaborative rewrite to allow best-value evaluation, raise the threshold, and standardize solicitation templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB proposed expanding authority beyond current state-agency limits and creating uniform templates. On legal notices, OMB proposed modernizing publication requirements, exploring online and abbreviated notices, and working with newspapers and other stakeholders on technology and accessibility improvements. Members asked about where concession revenues go, whether political subdivisions must follow the same rules, and how to move from discussion to action. The task force agreed to have OMB work with Legislative Council and affected stakeholders to develop bill drafts, and the motion passed unanimously. The University of North Dakota then presented a series of proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND asked to rework the definition of construction so routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements over $250,000 would not automatically trigger public-improvement requirements, suggested raising the threshold to $500,000, and asked for more flexibility based on project complexity and risk. UND also proposed changes to public bid advertisements to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement rules, an increase in the direct-hire design threshold, and a higher legislative-consent threshold for privately funded projects. The task force supported having UND work with counsel and OMB to develop bill drafts, and that motion also passed. The Department of Public Instruction concluded with proposed cleanup to credentialing and education statutes. DPI recommended reviewing its credential categories for relevance, possibly transferring credentialing authority to the Education Standards and Practices Board, removing outdated school safety patrol language, clarifying waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so the statute reflects current practice. Members focused mainly on whether the dyslexia reporting requirement should remain, and DPI said the screening itself would continue even if reporting language were revised. No votes were taken on DPI’s suggestions, and the task force recessed after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• and alert potential violators. allowing them to evade enforcement, expose confidential sources or methods
• They will still be protected if they use either method, right? Say that again, ma'am.
• They will still be protected if they're using either method? Well, based upon...
• , if that's not enough, each code includes. ...up front in the code under the alternate means and methods
• They're opposed to foam and methodics, because anything that is good for our industry is bad for their

Bills: HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042, HB45

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Transcript Highlights:

• must continue to improve and evolve our oversight and detection efforts as fraudsters evolve their methods
• We know bad actors continue to evolve their attack methods, and as technology capabilities evolve, we
• We know bad actors continue to evolve their attack methods, and as technology capabilities evolve, we
• We know bad actors continue to evolve their attack methods, and as technology capabilities evolve, we
• We know bad actors continue to evolve their attack methods, and as technology capabilities evolve, we

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The specific methods laid out in the rest of the Constitution are secondary to that first principle.
• So, it prescribes two methods by which somebody could be, uh, receive essentially asylum under state
• One method would be the governor; the other method would be a majority vote of the House, and that would
• That's all it would take. it prescribes two methods by which it prescribes two methods by which somebody
• would be the governor the one method would be the governor the other<02:11:18.079> method<02:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, a severe lack of available preceptors and limited methods to find them have...
• However, a severe lack of available preceptors and limited methods to find them have Lack of available
• preceptors and limited methods to find them have left students to navigate a broken system on their

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several Senate bills focused on workforce training, public safety, health, and consumer protection. SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would expand and modernize private security guard training, especially de-escalation training, and drew strong support from security workers and labor groups who described dangerous encounters and inadequate preparation. Opponents, including security firms and business groups, argued the bill would impose major costs, create staffing shortages, and push employers toward unregulated alternatives. The committee ultimately voted to pass the bill to Labor and Employment, with some members noting support contingent on future amendments about training capacity. SB 936 by Senator Blakespear would restrict retail sales of larger nitrous oxide canisters while preserving legitimate medical, culinary, and automotive uses. Supporters, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, counties, public health groups, waste agencies, and law enforcement organizations, said misuse of nitrous oxide is causing addiction, impaired driving, neurological harm, and disposal hazards. There was no organized opposition on the record, and the committee passed the bill to Public Safety. SB 1271 by Senator Reyes would require the Medical Board to collect data on licensed midwives’ capacity to serve as preceptors and train new students, with the information reported to the Legislature. Supporters said California’s midwifery pipeline is strained, especially in rural and birth-desert areas, and that more data is needed to expand training access. The committee passed the bill to Health. SB 903 by Senator Padilla would prohibit AI chatbots from being advertised or used as therapists without appropriate licensed-professional oversight and informed consent, and would reinforce confidentiality and patient-protection rules. Testimony centered on the death of a teenager after extensive interactions with an AI chatbot, with supporters urging stronger guardrails and opponents asking for amendments; the committee passed the bill to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The consent calendar item, SB 1165 by Senator Caballero, was also approved and sent to Revenue and Taxation.

Transcript Highlights:

• creates the Equalization Reserve Account to address that disparity in a fiscally responsible, stable method
• joined by Little Manila Rising, Brasmatic Research and Strategy, Californians Together, the Village Method
• So their learning method may be preferred, maybe different. Why? What? Preference may be different.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several measures, beginning with SCA 5, Senator Cortese’s proposal to create an Equalization Reserve Account to help reduce long-standing per-pupil funding disparities between basic aid and non-basic aid school districts. Supporters, including education leaders and school employees, argued the measure would provide a stable, long-term funding source to improve student services and staffing. Charter school representatives opposed the bill, saying it excluded charter schools from the benefits and could raise equal protection concerns. Senator Cortese responded that the bill only addresses district funding and does not alter charter funding formulas. After quorum was established, SCA 5 was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard S.J.R. 18, a resolution by Senator McNerney condemning the Citizens United decision and urging limits on corporate influence in elections. The author argued that corporate and dark money have overwhelmed campaign finance and weakened public trust. There was no formal witness testimony in support or opposition, and members discussed the resolution’s symbolic nature and its relationship to free speech and campaign finance rules. The resolution was adopted and referred onward. The committee then took up ACA 7, Assembly Member Jackson’s constitutional amendment to clarify Proposition 209 and allow more race-conscious tools in education to address racial equity gaps. Supporters said current law prevents targeted, evidence-based interventions and that the measure would help close persistent disparities; opponents argued it would weaken Prop. 209, invite discrimination, and likely fail at the ballot or in court. After extensive debate, the measure was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations. The committee next heard ACA 18, which would add a second student voting seat to the University of California Board of Regents, ensuring both undergraduate and graduate student representation. The author and student regent witnesses said the UC board is the only major higher education governing board in California with just one student vote, and that more student representation would improve decision-making and reflect the student body. The measure drew support from student organizations and was approved. Finally, AJR 29 was heard, opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail administration and defending California’s mail voting system as safe and secure. The author said the order would improperly interfere with state election administration. The resolution was adopted. Items 3 and 4 on consent were also approved, and the committee adjourned after all agenda items were acted upon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then you're sitting here trying to get it sent in over a very non-secure method, and it just creates
• Then you're sitting here trying to get it sent in over a very non-secure method, and it just creates
• Then you're sitting here trying to get it sent in over a very non-secure method, and it just creates

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if there's any other method that you can come up with, that university suggests, proposes a surety
• So if that's the case, insurance method, a surety bond...
• So if that's the case, insurance method, a surety bond, whether that idea will...

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, operations, enforcement, fiscal condition, and student protections. Committee leaders and DCA officials praised the Bureau’s recent improvements in data systems, licensing, inspections, and enforcement, while noting the Bureau’s role has become more important as federal higher education oversight weakens. Bureau Chief Deborah Cochran said the agency has met its inspection mandate for the first time since the law was enacted, increased citations and disciplinary actions, reduced pending complaints, and used data tools to identify risk and monitor institutions more effectively. A major portion of the hearing centered on student harm, especially school closures, transcript access, predatory recruiting, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Members asked how the Bureau protects students when schools close, whether bad actors can reopen under new entities, and whether enforcement tools are strong enough. Cochran said the Bureau can cite, fine, place schools on probation, revoke licenses, and order refunds, but it is seeking new authority to deny approval to operators who previously closed schools improperly or failed to refund students. She also said the Bureau is tracking ownership data and is concerned about institutions targeting immigrant and visa students. On STRF, Cochran explained that the fund is currently healthy, assessments are at zero because the balance is above the statutory target, and the Bureau paid about 1,100 claims totaling roughly $17 million over the last four years. Several members questioned the fairness of the assessment structure and discussed alternatives such as surety bonds, but the Bureau said STRF is working well and no change is needed at this time. Fee increases and the Bureau’s structural deficit were another major topic. Cochran said the Bureau reduced costs by eliminating positions, streamlining inspections, improving data analysis, and shifting some student-relief costs to STRF, but that legislative action is still needed to address the deficit. She said the proposed fees were based on workload analyses and that application fees generally match service costs, while annual fees are designed to cover most of the Bureau’s revenue needs. Some members and stakeholders criticized the proposed increases as too high, especially for out-of-state registration and campus fees, while others argued the Bureau needs sufficient resources to regulate effectively. Public commenters from private schools, Northeastern University, San Joaquin Valley College/Carrington College, and TICAS generally supported the Bureau’s mission and reauthorization, but urged changes such as risk-based oversight, better transcript protections, stronger limits on repeated provisional approvals, and more targeted fee and STRF reforms. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with no formal action beyond discussion and receipt of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 105 relates to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, rental payment methods, and
• accept rent and security deposit payments by check or money order and keeps the requirement for a free method
• House Bill 1208 establishes a child care access calculation, a standardized transparent method for estimating

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This just gives us another payment method to help our retailers and service our customers.
• This just gives us another payment method to help our retailers and service our customers.
• This just gives us another payment method to help our retailers and service our customers.

Bills: SF0024

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all