Transcript Highlights:

• It's all accredited to national and state standards.
• It's all accredited to national and state standards.

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and heard testimony on several measures focused on agriculture, broadband, public health administration, and utility eminent domain. Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, sponsored by Senator Barbara Washington, would expand a DESE agricultural education pilot program from 20 schools to allow voluntary K-12 agriculture curriculum statewide. Washington said the bill builds on a successful pilot and is intended to help students understand agriculture as a STEM field and broader community issue. Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri N.A., Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Pork Association all testified in support; there was no opposition, and the hearing closed without a vote. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 38 from Representative Louis Riggs, which urges that Missouri’s broadband funding remain in the state and be used for deployment. Riggs said Missouri received $1.7 billion in broadband funding but that more than half had been cut or left uncertain, and he argued the money should stay in Missouri to bridge the digital divide. Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Electric Cooperatives supported the resolution, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1699 from Representative Maisie Christensen, a constituent-driven bill to clarify when county health officers/directors’ authority ends if they are not reappointed. Christensen explained the bill addresses ambiguity in older statutes governing different county public health structures; no witnesses testified for or against the bill. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2169 from Representative Brad Pollitt, which would bar electrical corporations from using eminent domain for wind or solar generation facilities while still allowing grid connection. Pollitt and Farm Bureau argued the bill closes a loophole and protects landowners from having property taken for large renewable projects; Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Corn Growers Association also supported the measure. Ameren testified for informational purposes only, saying it has no plans to use eminent domain for wind or solar and appreciates the grid-connection language. Several members debated whether the bill should also address nuclear energy or broader utility siting concerns, and one witness noted transmission and battery-storage limitations as reasons renewable projects are not built everywhere. The hearing on HB 2169 closed with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all accredited to national and state standards.
• It's all accredited to national and state standards.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also a federal grant, and this is also for more help in accrediting hospitals as heart attack
• st anthony's hospital association this is also a federal grant and this is also for more help in accrediting

Summary: The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear. Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement. The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there are 50 Minnesota-based lawyers that are accredited by the VA as required by federal law
• There are over 300 agents and representatives in the state of Minnesota that are accredited that can

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there is national accreditation for this, and are we meeting those standards now?
• So, there is national accreditation<00:21:27.720><c> for</c><00:21:27.840><c> this,</c><00:21:28.760>
• <c> and</c><00:21:28.920><c> are</c><00:21:29.000><c> we</c> accreditation for this, and are we accreditation

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed. The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines. Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• The requirements, modalities, and accreditation standards differ by school and college, and so they were
• ><00:42:24.600><c> and</c> The requirements, modalities, and The requirements, modalities, and accreditation
• standards differ by school accreditation standards differ by school and<00:42:27.880><c> college,</c
• ,</c><00:58:58.320><c> and</c><00:58:58.440><c> licensing</c> program, accreditation, and licensing program
• , accreditation, and licensing requirements.<00:59:00.240><c> We</c><00:59:00.359><c> are</c><00:59:00.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee adopted the minutes from its February 24, 2026 meeting after a motion by Vice Chair Coulter. The hearing then focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement, referred to throughout as Operation Metro Surge, on Minnesota college campuses. The chair said the purpose was to document alleged abuses, campus fear, and racial discrimination, and to hear from testifiers about effects on students, faculty, and staff. Representative Novotny briefly objected to the framing, saying the committee should be finding facts rather than making a predetermined presentation, and the chair responded that members should remain respectful and that questions would be held until after all presenters testified. Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow described what he called relentless and unprecedented disruption, including student stops and interrogations, family separations, and an ICE operation on campus in which armed masked agents allegedly detained a student without a warrant and pointed weapons at students and staff. He said the campus received bomb threats afterward, increased virtual learning options, and saw spikes in student support needs, housing assistance, and leaves of absence. Jenna Chernega of the Inter Faculty Organization said faculty across Minnesota State universities reported widespread student and colleague stress, increased workload, disappearing students, and a need for clearer sensitive-location protections and academic freedom guidance. Mark Grant of Minnesota State College Faculty said community conditions inevitably affect classrooms, that campuses have not yet had an ICE incident but are bracing for one, and that faculty want to support students and may need financial help if enrollment declines. Jennifer Irwin of AFSCME said fear from ICE activity extends beyond campus boundaries and is affecting attendance, work, and daily life for staff and students; she cited a member detained in St. Paul while trying to prove legal status. Student testifiers Brendan Frazier of Concordia University, St. Paul, Jonathan Fitzgerald of Minnesota State Mankato, Sudi Adow of Lead MN, and Will Luther of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities described panic, reduced attendance, food insecurity, disrupted classes, and fear of leaving home or commuting to campus. They urged stronger student privacy protections, support for international and immigrant students, emergency aid, and policies to keep campuses safe. No further committee action or votes were taken after the minutes approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• These centers are licensed by the Department of Health and nationally accredited by the Commission for
• the Accreditation of Birth Centers.
• 26.480><c> Health</c><00:21:26.880><c> and</c><00:21:27.039><c> nationally</c><00:21:27.520><c> accredited
• </c><00:21:28.000><c> for</c> of Health and nationally accredited for of Health and nationally accredited
• </c> by the commission for the accreditation by the commission for the accreditation of<00:21:30.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by agreement in SB 801, which basically defines the community association manager as having an accreditation
• </c><00:32:23.519><c> from</c><00:32:23.720><c> a</c><00:32:23.919><c> National</c> having an accreditation
• from a National having an accreditation from a National Organization<00:32:26.039><c> uh</c><00:32:26.200
• Requests for some type of educational accreditation program for the building managers.
• program for the building accreditation program for the building managers<01:50:59.840><c> um</c><01:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• formation of Wadley Hospital Auxiliary in the 1950s, providing funding for the Wadley Hospital Research Laboratory

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Members of the House Committee, Gwenpe A Warnemann of the Los Alamos National Laboratory

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have David Shapiro from Green Laboratory, information only. Do you want to speak?

Transcript Highlights:

• oversight on the market—products that have never been looked at by any... ...kind of licensed Texas laboratory

Transcript Highlights:

• You name it, on the market that have never been looked at by any kind of licensed Texas laboratory.

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as the laboratory, I don't see that as being in jeopardy.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider three measures, beginning with Senate Bill 2016 for Job Service. Testimony described Job Service’s workforce, unemployment insurance, and labor market functions, its long-term reduction in FTEs and budget, and its reliance on federal funding that does not keep pace with inflation. The bill included funding for an additional FTE for the H-2A housing inspection program, continued support for the JP3 offender placement pilot, and one-time funding for IT and mainframe costs tied to a system modernization effort. The committee approved the bill 20-0, with Representative Swiontek named as carrier. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 2305, which would allow family members to be paid as caregivers for certain young people with disabilities instead of only licensed outside providers. Members noted the specialized, 24-hour nature of the care, workforce shortages, waiting lists, and the potential to avoid more expensive institutional care. Questions focused on how the program would be structured, including certification requirements and whether it would remain a pilot or become part of the broader human services budget. The committee passed the bill 20-0, with Representative Roar as carrier and Representative Nelson available as backup. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2024 for the Department of Environmental Quality. The House change was limited to increased special-fund support for water and wastewater operator certification testing to expand availability, while the Senate version already included added FTEs for emerging contaminants and fuel inspection work. Members discussed federal funding uncertainty, including IIJA and ARPA-related concerns, but the department said its major projects, including the new laboratory, were not currently in jeopardy. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 22-0, with Representative Berg as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• He fired thousands of workers at our federal laboratories, in our national parks, and in our national
• He fired thousands of workers at our federal laboratories, in our national parks, in our national forests

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this morning, you heard about the accreditation process.
• The accreditation process is moving toward adding additional safeguards in how communities use their
• In this case, accreditation school districts and charter schools are now required to budget the money

Transcript Highlights:

• What steps are taken to make sure these are bona fide, accredited online curriculums and not something
• I assure you that these are accredited programs, and we monitor that very closely because we had some
• But I do see in the bill that it does say from a regional accredited institution, and so I'm assuming

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on March 24, 2026, and heard a series of bills, with members generally expressing support for measures aimed at public safety, corrections, and criminal procedure. The committee first amended and reported HB 957, which removes the 72-hour advance notice requirement for sheriffs transferring prisoners, while adding notice to the prosecuting authority as well as the court. Testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs Association said the change would help with overcrowding and security-related inmate moves, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then heard HB 106, which prohibits giving children non-prescription melatonin without parental consent. After debate over whether consent should be written, the committee rejected an amendment requiring prior written consent, but adopted a broader amendment making the bill apply to any person rather than only child care centers. Testimony from Gretna Police Chief Brett Lawson described a case involving a nanny and a one-year-old child, and child care representatives said licensed centers already require parental consent forms. HB 106 was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 111, which adds associate’s degrees to the existing sentence-reduction credits for incarcerated people who complete higher education programs; DOC said the programs are accredited and monitored, and supporters framed the bill as part of workforce reentry. Several other bills were advanced. HB 64 clarifies that judges may recall arrest warrants and requires notice to law enforcement when a warrant is recalled; former Rep. Joe Marino testified in support, describing problems with old or mistaken warrants remaining active. HB 53 adds certain gambling offenses as predicate acts under Louisiana’s racketeering law, with the Attorney General’s office citing illegal gambling operations and prison-based gambling rings. HB 152 updates the state controlled dangerous substances schedules to match federal changes, adding 13 opioids. HB 102 creates second-degree cruelty to elderly persons and persons with infirmities, with amendments adding the offense as a predicate felony and refining the penalty and affirmative-defense language; the bill drew emotional testimony from advocates and family members describing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and it was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 137, which strengthens penalties for threats against schools and adds a civil cost component for false threats; the Speaker Pro Tem said the bill is meant to deter school threats and reduce disruption and emergency response costs. HB 57 was reported favorably to clarify that courts may consider criminal histories in ex parte temporary restraining order proceedings. HB 337 increases from two to four the number of special charitable bingo events allowed each year for licensed nonprofits. Finally, HB 100 was substantially amended so that driving 100 mph or more is treated as reckless operation rather than a new felony speeding offense, and HB 155 expands the prohibition on unlawful drone use to additional Capitol grounds locations; both were reported favorably as amended. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, with several bills supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups and a few receiving limited opposition or informational cards.

Transcript Highlights:

• standard in the medical training area nationally and, in fact, that are required by some national accrediting
• organizations, ...nationally, and in fact that are required by some national accrediting organizations
• Also, we have that savings clause that does not affect accreditation and things of those natures.

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. The chamber then received messages from the Governor and Senate, including notice of several House bills signed by the Governor, Senate bills and resolutions transmitted for signature or first reading, and committee reports advancing a number of measures. The House also referred Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 to State Affairs and introduced several new bills, including House Bills 936 and 937, and Senate Bills 1297 and 1352, all of which were sent to committee. On third reading, the House passed House Bills 873, 890, 900, 928, 929, 930, 932, 879, 898, 896, 895, 856, and 911, along with Senate Bills 1321, 1224 as amended, 1347, 1380, 1381, 1383, 1384, 1385, 1386, and House Resolution 28. The bills covered election deadlines, surplus state property, insurance claims on state facilities, a merit-based health care/DEI restriction bill, patient-negotiated medical discounts, campaign finance reporting, an advisory ballot question on an official state gun, industrial hemp regulation, historic preservation office reorganization, enforcement of compliance with state law, data center water use, protection of human remains, large-load utility ratepayer protections, and several appropriations or enhancement budgets. Most passed by comfortable margins, though House Bill 928 drew the most debate and passed 56-14, and House Bill 930 passed narrowly 36-34. Several measures drew notable testimony or opposition. Supporters of House Bill 928 argued it would remove DEI-related practices from Medicaid health care and replace them with merit-based standards; opponents warned it would block anti-racism and implicit-bias training and could worsen health disparities. House Bill 896 prompted concerns that it politicized enforcement of the law by allowing selected officials to refer alleged violations to the Attorney General, while supporters said it created a needed compliance mechanism with a cure period. House Bill 895 on data centers, House Bill 911 on large-load utility protections, and House Bill 856 on human remains all emphasized transparency, resource management, or closing loopholes. The House also returned some bills to committee, sent others to general orders, made announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And must have a master's degree in counseling from an accredited university.
• for the LPC plus an additional 2,000, and you must have a master's degree in counseling from an accredited
• university. ...and must have a master's degree in counseling from an accredited university and a passing

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee approved the March 3 and March 5, 2026 minutes, then heard House Bill 750 as amended on programmable money protections. Rep. Heather Scott described the bill as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing programmable money from being used to deny transactions based on characteristics such as sex, race, political opinion, medical history, geography, or profession, while still allowing denials for criminal activity. Testimony and questions focused on whether programmable money is already operational, how it differs from ordinary digital payments, and whether the bill would conflict with the Uniform Commercial Code. After debate, the committee voted 5-3 against the motion to send HB 750 to the floor, and the bill was held in committee. The committee then heard House Bill 585, which would extend the inspection “shot clock” concept to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections. Rep. Josh Wheeler said the bill would let applicants use a private inspector and receive a refund if a local government could not complete an inspection within 48 hours, with private inspectors required to meet the same certification standards as public inspectors. With no opposition testimony, the committee unanimously moved HB 585 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 562, as amended, was next and would increase notice periods for nonrenewal or discontinuation of homeowners and fire loss policies from 30 to 60 days, and for commercial policies from 45 to 60 days. Sen. James Ruchti said the change would give policyholders more time to find replacement coverage amid wildfire-related insurance disruptions. The committee approved HB 562 unanimously and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 545, a contested bill concerning military chaplains and counseling licensure. Supporters, including Rep. Barbara Hart, chaplains Jared Gifford and Robert Morris, and others, argued that military chaplains receive extensive counseling training and should be able to use their experience toward civilian licensure without being required to take the standard national exam, citing Idaho Code provisions that they said already exempt certain military applicants from testing. Opponents, including licensed counselors and chaplain/clinician witnesses, argued that chaplain counseling is not equivalent to clinical mental health counseling, that the bill would lower licensure standards, and that diagnosis and treatment training should remain required. After a failed substitute motion to hold the bill in committee, the committee voted on the original motion to send HB 545 to the floor; that motion also failed on a 4-4 tie, so HB 545 was held in committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Requiring accreditation would allow for accountability in the scenario that there are any bad actors.
• This proposal does not require individuals to be accredited.
• There was an amendment to this bill, but it wasn't ...an amendment to make them accredited.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recorded quorum, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced several guest groups in the gallery, including the City of Maricopa Youth Council, students from Alpha School in Scottsdale, a student shadowing Sen. Gonzalez, Gilbert EduPrize students, InterWest Energy Alliance representatives, and Kingman city leaders. The chamber adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the Senate also approved a motion to request House consent to adjourn after Wednesday, March 11, until Monday, March 16. A large number of bills were introduced on first reading, and standing committee reports were ordered entered without being read aloud. The Senate then took up numerous third-reading measures. Bills passed included SB 1654 (elections funding), SB 1711 (school safety/age-appropriate information), SB 1743 (campaign contribution address privacy), SB 1747 (assistive technology content), SB 1212 (health insurance reimbursement rules), SB 1284 (moving violations), SB 1336 (State Land Department-related changes), SB 1365 (property tax exemptions/veterans park discounts), SB 1655 (juror summoning/poll worker recruitment), SB 1662 (probation), SB 1803 (veterans’ services), SB 1818 (vehicle statutes), SB 1494 and SB 1497 (school insurance-related changes), SB 1503 (pension benefit plans), SB 1584 (Department of Corrections staffing), SB 1632 (Department of Economic Security), SB 1723 (bail), SB 1206 (insurance claims on reconsideration), and SB 1827 (aviation appropriations on reconsideration). SB 1134 on political signs initially failed, but the Senate later reconsidered and passed it. SB 1544 (probation) and SB 1585 (sex offender monitoring funding) failed. Several votes were close, and members offered explanations for both support and opposition on issues such as election administration, campaign privacy, health care incentives, veterans’ claims assistance, and criminal justice policy. The chamber then resolved into the Committee of the Whole for a long series of bills, adopting committee and floor amendments and recommending do pass on SB 1009, SB 1050, SB 1054, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1317, SB 1461, and SB 1672. Testimony in committee focused on topics including high school training standards, veterans’ state park passes, local measures, Arizona Rangers oversight, AHCCCS reimbursement and workforce issues, reentry programming, allied health workforce development, and anti-psychotic drug access. Later, the Committee of the Whole also considered SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1295, and SB 1611. SB 1173 drew debate over whether additional fingerprint/background checks were needed for AHCCCS providers; SB 1234 and SB 1295 addressed juvenile court representation and inmate medical release; and SB 1611, on the American Indian Health Program, prompted extensive discussion about fraud in the program, tribal consultation, and whether the program should be moved out of AHCCCS. The committee adopted amendments and advanced these bills with do pass recommendations, while members on SB 1611 emphasized both the need for reform and concerns about consultation with Arizona tribes.