Video & Transcript Research : 'antemortem testing'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Finance - 03/04/25

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • They're taking, I think, tests every two weeks to check the oxygen levels, what's going on, many more
  • They're taking, I think, tests every two weeks to check the oxygen levels, what's going on, many more
  • They're taking, I think, tests every two weeks to check the oxygen levels, what's going on, many more
  • it every two weeks they they are testing it every two weeks they have<01:03:16.920> those<01:
  • it and Mr chair can I they are testing it and Mr chair can I just<01:03:40.119> follow<01:03:
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • And I know in some of my schools in APS they're teaching to the test again.
  • So the tests are raising because they're taking AMIRA materials.
  • Do you just have any quick perspectives on this testing and use of AMIRA?
  • One of the things that was surprising to me coming here is that there's a lot of testing that we do,
  • Chair, as a coach, I always told people to save all the former systems of testing.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/10/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • sore throat two weeks ago and was able to go to a clinic based on the ability for a pharmacy to help test
  • throat two weeks ago, and I was able to go to a clinic based on the ability for a pharmacy to help test
  • that will now have the ability to that will now have the ability to charge you out of pocket for the test
  • society and unfortunately I believe that we make it over the top for everybody with a sniffle to get tested
  • And I do believe that this bill meets that test in terms of spending other people's money more carefully
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and several personal privilege remarks, including a proclamation recognizing March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and teen suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from local governments, schools, and the medical community, and the chamber received routine committee and Senate messages. The House then considered several bills in Committee of the Whole. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do-pass recommendations, with HB 2946 receiving a floor amendment tied to housing cost concerns. On the main calendar, HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 were amended and advanced; HB 2389, dealing with energy and environmental review, drew debate over utility costs versus environmental oversight and was also advanced. The House retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar. During third reading, the House passed HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on local government investment pools, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 on state investment in gold and silver, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2620 on veterans’ services funding, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on long-term care cameras, HB 2968 on child custody evidence, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of US 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2123 on financial institutions failed on reconsideration, and HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment devices failed. Several measures passed with notable split votes and floor explanations focused on housing, licensing, health care access, veterans, family court reform, and tribal sovereignty. The House then adjourned until Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Test your come back Department of Finance, so just you know want to provide the clarity And we do not
  • mental health professionals employed by CDCR and then trailer bill language that limits tuberculosis testing
  • individuals who work inside prisons, and then allows those employees who are new to complete their testing
  • We also had a testing contract for the employees that was being underutilized.
  • We feel that these budget actions taken together represent a significant stress test of California's
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Environmental Regulation Apr 17th, 2025

Environmental Regulation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Emissions testing due to federal mandates under the Clean Air Act.
  • And so we're kind of estimating that half of, half of the emissions tests currently have, were either
  • NCT COG in, in 2023, 35% of that came from vehicles that are subject to the emissions testing program
  • to go get their car tested once a year.
  • Well, there's, there is no emissions testing for commercial vehicles for, for medium duty.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 20, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have built a state-of-the-art technology testing facility in Auburndale. It's known as SunTrax.
  • We have a state materials lab in Gainesville, which uses all the latest and greatest technology to test
  • ... ...high test and threshold not only for the contractors that are doing the work because there's a
  • , and it has a very negative impact on the traveling public, but there's also a high threshold and test
  • you know, I think that it's something that I value personally as the secretary, and having a high test
Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee heard an overview from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the state’s transportation work program, with emphasis on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, major roadway projects, workforce needs, seaports, airports, spaceport infrastructure, and the role of MPOs/TPOs in planning. He said the $4 billion general revenue investment in Moving Florida Forward has been leveraged into a roughly $7 billion-plus program, with 20 projects underway and about 70% of the initiative expected to be under construction by year’s end. He highlighted I-4 as the centerpiece, describing a new procurement approach, phased delivery, and added lanes intended to provide congestion relief during construction. He also discussed a projected 38% growth in transportation workforce needs and proposed a Florida Transportation Academy and a research institute to support training and innovation. Tiffany King of the Florida Airports Council said Florida’s 128 public-use airports have about $5.7 billion in unfunded projects through 2029, and stressed that airport priorities include not only terminals and passenger capacity but also safety, security, gates, and environmental work. Michael Rubin of the Florida Ports Council said Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports now have a $195.9 billion economic impact, support about 1.2 million jobs, and generate $7.4 billion in state and local taxes; he noted that ports still have about $4 billion in project needs, including dredging and intermodal connections. Jeff Sheffield of the North Florida TPO described the value of regional, community-based planning and said his four-county TPO has helped align local priorities with FDOT funding. Members asked about whether the state is planning for advanced air mobility and “flying cars,” whether Moving Florida Forward bypassed MPOs, how long major projects take, cost escalation, regionalization of MPOs, port governance, airport governance, and the contractor qualification system. FDOT and the witnesses said the state is working on policy and planning for advanced air mobility, that Moving Florida Forward did not bypass MPOs because the projects were already locally prioritized, and that the main delay is funding rather than the planning process. They said long-range plans are updated regularly and can be amended when priorities change, and that regional MPO structures can improve coordination. The committee took no formal vote; the meeting concluded after questions and comments, including discussion of workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals and a motion to adjourn by the ranking member.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 5th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • We must also strive to provide the testing that assists most in solving cases.
  • Excuse me. tools that continue to be developed, such as improvements in cold case testing, identifying
  • Our alcohol testing program ensures the alcohol testing instruments used across the state by our law
  • each case is unique, and its complexity requires more attention to specific details and types of testing
  • If testing needs to be completed or if training needs to be completed by the staff of the agency, there
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to continue its review of performance measurement in the criminal justice system. The first presentation, from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure, described how the court system uses multiple data sources to track filings, dispositions, clearance rates, workload, and support services, and how those data inform judge need, budget requests, resource allocation, and court administration. He also discussed ongoing efforts to improve case-level reporting, the use of case management systems in trial and appellate courts, and performance efforts in problem-solving courts and civil case management. McClure noted that the legislature provides dedicated funding for problem-solving courts and for medication-assisted treatment, and that the courts are required to report outcomes and monitor compliance with contract requirements. Melanie Brown-Whor of the Florida Behavioral Health Association then reviewed the medication-assisted treatment program funded through the courts budget. She said the program combines medication with counseling and behavioral supports, serves people involved in or at risk of criminal justice involvement, and has expanded over time to include additional medications and more counties. She reported improved engagement and retention, with more than 10,000 people screened over five years, about 9,200 receiving medication, and over 6,600 successfully discharged. Senators asked about racial and ethnic demographics, hospital referrals, and how services are delivered; Brown-Whor explained that local community providers deliver treatment under contract and that the program is working to improve data reporting and consistency. The Department of Law Enforcement then presented on investigations, forensics, and criminal justice information services. Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard outlined FDLE’s strategic plan and major investigative priorities, including cybercrime, targeted violence, crimes against children, mutual aid, and the SAFE fentanyl eradication program. He said SAFE has led to major seizures, arrests, and a reported decline in fentanyl deaths. Director Jason Bundy described FDLE’s forensic laboratory operations, DNA and rapid DNA capabilities, cold case and missing persons work, and the staffing and turnaround-time challenges tied to complex evidence testing. Director Lucy Saunders reviewed FDLE’s criminal history, biometric, incident-based crime reporting, and criminal justice transparency systems, noting that Florida is still transitioning agencies from summary reporting to incident-based reporting. The committee raised questions about Rapid DNA deployment, cold case coordination, and the slow pace of NIBRS/FIBRS adoption. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP-TOU Joint Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • year approach and wish list forward test year approach and and<01:18:48.719> so<01:18:48.960>
  • <01:20:45.920> And<01:20:46.560> as do a forward test year uh system.
  • And as do a forward test year uh system.
  • >> Can you explain what a four-year test year approach? >> Right.
  • But the four test controlling costs.
Bills: HB1617
Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (05/06/2025)

Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, Senator Gray is a great term to call an acid test, right?
  • Every citizen must pass the acid test to vote, right?
  • Test it, see how it works, then enter the data for all of the cities before the November election.
  • Test it, see October Franklin elections.
  • Test it, see how<00:24:31.039> it<00:24:31.279> works,<00:24:31.840> then<00:24:
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • that would prompt and necessary testing that would prompt and allow<00:42:22.240> criminal<00
  • and I know you later on say that tested and I know you later on say that you<01:04:35.880> know
  • > screening<01:04:44.359> test<01:04:45.359> and<01:04:45.559> newborn a
  • newborn screening test and newborn a newborn screening test and newborn screening<01:04:46.359> tests
  • for I think they're over screening tests for I think they're over 60<01:04:48.960> different<
Keywords: 1183, house
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division II (03/07/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's called a standardized test, either the statewide assessment or a standardized test that's nationally
  • It's called a standardized test, either the statewide assessment or a standardized test that's nationally
  • It's called a standardized test, either the statewide assessment or a standardized test that's nationally
  • We don't make value judgments on what the... test either the Statewide assessment or test either the
  • <04:24:05.199> and parents who use standardized tests and parents who use standardized tests
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Sep 9th, 2025

New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • New Mexico's spaceport is a viable and valuable place for aerospace testing and operations.
  • Other companies are planning various activities, including hypersonic tests, rocket tests, and aviation
  • tests.
  • The ships are being assembled, as I said, in Phoenix, and they will be ground tested there.
  • For example, we are currently looking at some electromagnetic testing facilities that could be at the
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Mar 25th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, genetic and DNA testing, which is critical in identifying pre-existing conditions, However,
  • genetic and DNA testing, which is critical in identifying pre-existing conditions, can take three to
  • In many cases, multiple siblings must also undergo testing, further delaying reunification.
  • He suspected osteogenesis imperfecta, and he ordered genetic testing.
  • He never received that genetic testing.
Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain pre-existing genetic or medical conditions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to prevent children from being wrongly removed from their families when symptoms of conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, rickets, or vitamin deficiencies are mistaken for abuse. Several parents and advocates testified in support, describing long dependency cases and removals they said were caused by misdiagnosis. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language requiring certain medical personnel to provide differential-diagnosis analysis, and the bill then passed favorably with unanimous support. The committee then heard SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, sponsored by Senator Collins, who described the long effort by U.S. victims of the FARC to enforce a federal judgment and recover assets. The bill would clarify procedures for terrorism-related judgments, modernize intangible asset law, and help prevent terrorists from hiding assets or blocking wire transfers. After one supportive appearance form and no debate, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 96, a local claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and SB 382, an affordable housing rent bill that was amended to define base rent and apply to certain shorter-term rental agreements entered after July 1, 2026; SB 382 drew support from housing advocates and some opposition, but passed unanimously. Several claims bills were also approved: SB 4 for Patricia Armini, SB 6 for Jose Correa, SB 28 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., SB 30 for the estate of M.N., and SB 24 for Mandy Penny Lemon, each involving injuries or damages caused by local government or hospital district negligence and each reported favorably after brief testimony and roll calls. The committee also passed SB 658 on waiver or release of liens after discussion about form language and enforceability. SB 72, which would allow campaign funds to pay certain child care expenses incurred while a candidate is actively campaigning, prompted questions about definitions and safeguards; the sponsor said the bill would require the expense to exist only because of campaign activity, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, which would create a statewide process for releasing certain small, low-value parcels from conservation easements if mitigation credits are secured elsewhere. The bill drew support from the sponsor and a property representative, but environmental advocates and President Passidomo raised concerns about flood control, wildlife corridors, and whether the bill was too property-specific; the sponsor said he would continue working on the language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1622, which would repeal the 2018 customary use law and restore local authority over public beach access. Supporters argued the current law has privatized beaches, hurt tourism, and led to harassment and conflict, while opponents defended private property rights and warned against taking away owners’ ability to exclude others. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1622, before a final vote is shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - Part 2 - 04/02/25

Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • the following tests: Medical College Admission Test, Law School Admission Test, Graduate Record Examination
  • the following tests: Medical College Admission Test, Law School Admission Test, Graduate Record Examination
  • Some of you might remember when I was taking the LSAT and all these other tests; we didn’t need any test
  • prep, we just took the test.
  • You test me all right. Thank you.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Policy - 02/24/25

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bailey—the testing thing for section 7, getting rid of the testing: is there a reason for that?
  • that you just have to attempt the test that you just have to attempt the test so<00:36:50.880>
  • We passed the test under the time limit, which to all of us was a big relief.
  • There should be more rigorous testing.
  • <01:28:14.000> there should be more rigorous testing there should be more rigorous testing
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • My son tested number two out of over 800 applicants on his apprenticeship test.
  • So, right now we're in the testing phase.
  • <01:49:55.040> uh something that we're testing uh something that we're testing uh throughout
  • Are they building out that testing<01:50:36.000> license? testing license? testing license?
  • They should be expected because we are testing the limits and we're going through a rigorous testing
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Education Committee, February 13, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • uh evidence of pass rates on on tests uh evidence of pass rates on on tests where<01:39:24.400><
  • But the archery test was all memory.
  • I also brought up the ACT test scores to show that in Wyoming, 100% of graduates tested, 37% were meeting
  • Um, I also brought up the ACT test Um, I also brought up the ACT test scores<01:55:49.360> to
  • ,<01:55:53.280> 37% graduates tested, 37% graduates tested, 37% um<01:55:55.280> were
Bills: HB0076, HB0102, HB0115
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Info Briefing - Thu Jan 29, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • if they test positive, maybe.
  • <00:58:54.799> if<00:58:55.040> they<00:58:55.200> test increased uh drug testing
  • if they test increased uh drug testing if they test positive<00:58:56.480> maybe.
  • defendant will be drug testing defendant will be drug testing throughout<00:59:09.920> his
  • <01:15:57.840> Then testing, many options there. Then testing, many options there.
Keywords: 910, house, all
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations - Room 409, 22 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M.

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:21:13.840> opportunities and expanded testing opportunities and expanded testing opportunities
  • This is how we evaluators for testing.
  • time and we pay their travel to test. time and we pay their travel to test.
  • Uh when we lost inspections to testing.
  • <01:50:28.800> field our testing evaluators, those field our testing evaluators, those field
Summary: The committee first heard from the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission, which requested level funding. PJ Lindsay reported the agency granted 29 new auctioneer applications and 9 new firm applications, received 3 complaints, resolved 1, signed 1 consent order, and issued 1 suspension. Members questioned the commission about its cash balance, reserve levels, and a large variance between prior spending and the FY26 request; staff explained the difference was tied to technology and contractual costs, including planned computer system updates and out-of-state conference travel for board members. The commission also noted that auctioneering oversight is important because an estimated $4.5 billion will flow through Mississippi escrow accounts in 2025. The Board of Optometry then presented its budget and organizational changes. Board leaders said the board had transitioned away from a state employee model to a management company arrangement with JBAR/Cornerstone, which they said saved about $43,000 and improved service and efficiency. They described the creation of a licensing database and a new back-end system, and said the board was generally seeking level funding with a small increase for computer equipment tied to the new system. Committee members asked about the impact on PERS contributions, the former employee’s retirement, the board’s cash balance, lease arrangements, and whether licensees had complained; the board said the change required legislative approval, the former employee retired, the cash balance was about $399,900, and service complaints had decreased. The Mississippi Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors reported a busy FY2025, including moving most licensure applications online, accepting supporting documents by email, expanding K-12 and college outreach, hosting student interns, visiting ABET-accredited schools, decoupling the surveyor exam registration process, and awarding about $400,000 in grants to engineering programs. The board said it licenses about 15,000 engineers and surveyors plus 8,500 interns, with most registrants from out of state, and that its fees are among the lowest nationally. For the budget, the board requested level funding overall but also sought a new investigator position, 5% salary progressions, increased travel funding for national meetings and STEM outreach, more contractual money for internships and IT modifications, additional supplies, and restoration of a $600,000 grant program that is funded every other year to support university and community college engineering and surveying programs. The board said its operations are supported by fees and that its cash balance is about $1.6 million.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Mar 12th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the second finding, during current year testing of 15 asset retirements, we identified one asset totaling
  • Also, during current year testing of 42 items, we discovered two cameras valued at about $8,500 that
  • If we notice errors in our testing, we will expand our testing, and if we stop seeing errors, we'll stop
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then heard audit reports from Tom Bullington, including two reports with findings and three without findings, which were filed without objection. The Department of Public Safety FY24 audit had two findings: a duplicate vendor payment of nearly $3,700 that was later recouped, and a $2.5 million collateral shortfall tied to bank-held cash funds because securities were not properly pledged in the State Police’s name. Agency representatives from Arkansas State Police and the Department of Public Safety answered questions, and members discussed how collateralization works for deposits above FDIC coverage. The committee next reviewed the Department of Transformation and Shared Services FY24 audit, which contained five findings. These included an $800 career service overpayment caused by a rehire data entry error, delayed deactivation and inventory issues for assets including stolen cameras, a double count of more than $940,000 in year-end cash records, $10.3 million in health claims that should have been recorded as fiscal year 2024 payables, and repeated deficiencies in vehicle mileage logs. Agency officials explained that the stolen cameras were recovered through restitution, that inventory reviews are being expanded, and that the vehicle log problems are expected to be addressed through a statewide electronic GPS/telematics system. Members asked about the scope of audit testing, asset tracking, vehicle oversight, and whether the new vehicle system would allow monitoring of use, fuel purchases, geofencing, and possible sharing of vehicles across agencies. Shared Administrative Services said it would administer the statewide system, with departments retaining operational responsibility and access controls. After discussion, the committee filed the report without objection and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be held June 4.