Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, a number of those capital costs will be spent outside the state for materials and equipment
• So when you think about every direct dollar spent on the project in-state, the actual total in-state
• And sir, is the finance situation cover the long-term cost of storage of the spent fuel?
• And that conversation often gets convoluted with some of the... ...spent fuel.
• And spent fuel can actually be a backstop or replacement to HALEU.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to hear a series of presentations on the economics, financing, workforce, and community impacts of advanced nuclear deployment in North Dakota. William Bridge of Nucleon Energy presented the committee’s economic impacts and private-sector financing report, estimating construction and operating job impacts, local spending, and state/local tax effects for hypothetical SMR projects. He said the report assumes first-of-a-kind costs are still high, used a $6 million per megawatt nth-of-a-kind proxy, and estimated peak construction workforces of about 500 for a 200-MW plant and 1,000 for a larger facility, with roughly 100 operating jobs for a 200-MW plant. Committee members questioned security costs, capital cost assumptions, water and transmission siting constraints, and whether the model included fuel and waste; Bridge said the report included initial fuel in capital cost and that waste disposal is funded through existing federal mechanisms. Lori Brady of the Nuclear Energy Institute then outlined national nuclear workforce needs and NEI’s strategic workforce planning efforts. She described declining labor-force participation, retirements, and the need for a much larger future workforce, and said NEI has organized recommendations around career awareness, pipelines, training and qualification, policy support, retention, and nontraditional recruitment. She highlighted tools such as the Nuclear Works career website, the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap, the new federal Energy and Natural Resources career cluster, and the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program for community colleges. Members asked about AI, timing for training relative to plant development, and whether advanced manufacturing would reduce staffing needs; Brady said AI is not expected to replace workers and that training timelines depend on the specific project and staffing plan. The committee also heard from Gary Yaco, mayor of Red Wing, Minnesota, who described Prairie Island’s role in his community. He said the plant provides a large share of local property tax revenue, supports well-paid jobs, contributes to emergency preparedness funding and training, and is broadly supported by the city despite periodic protests and public concerns. He emphasized the plant’s security, regular drills with local and federal responders, and the absence of problems with dry cask storage. Later, Benton Arnett of NEI discussed the current financing landscape for advanced nuclear, explaining how tax credits, federal loan support, off-take agreements, and new business models are helping projects move forward. He said early projects face high upfront costs and long lead-time procurement, but that investor confidence is improving as federal policy and regulatory streamlining continue. The committee asked about waste funding, comparisons with natural gas, the effect of political shifts on investor confidence, and whether the market will narrow to a few winning technologies; Arnett said the industry is still sorting that out, but expects clearer winners in the late 2020s and early 2030s. The meeting concluded with an introductory presentation from Julie Kazeraki of DOE’s Office of Energy Dominance Financing, who said the office is focused on accelerating nuclear deployment through financing support.

Transcript Highlights:

• benefits from your investment of public funds and ensuring accountability for how those funds are spent
• Sounds like we spent a lot of money on something that didn't work very well. Would you agree?
• been spent surcharge towards users, right?
• Is there an enduring benefit that comes from having spent that? And the short answer to that is no.
• We have spent an immense amount of And it's a promise that we've been building our systems on.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent most of my time in the Arizona Guard in multiple different statuses.
• I've spent time as a traditional guardsman.
• I spent time as a Title 32 or active duty here as an instructor pilot at the Watts.
• And then I spent time as a Title X Guardsman working in D.C.
• We have that all the time, and I spent most of my career in Joint Force headquarters.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2348, which would appropriate state funds for Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs training-center needs, including Wi-Fi for reserve units at joint facilities, a reimbursement program for service members using personal computers, lodging and kind for drill weekends, and HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Two amendments were considered: the Marquez Amendment, which filled in dollar amounts for each purpose, failed; and the Gillette Amendment, which added national-security restrictions on networking equipment, removed the reimbursement and lodging provisions from the underlying bill, and adjusted the funding language, passed. The sponsor and several military witnesses testified that reserve and Guard members at places like Buckeye lack Wi-Fi, adequate HVAC, and lodging, forcing soldiers to use public libraries, personal devices, or sleep in cars or on armory floors. After debate over whether the state should fund needs tied to federal reserve units and how the money would be sourced, the committee recommended HB 2348 as amended by a 4-3 vote. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2016, a ballot referral that would cap precinct size at 2,500 registered voters and eliminate county authority to use vote centers, emergency voting centers, and certain on-site early voting options. The sponsor said the measure was intended to restore precinct-based voting and reflect voter preference, noting the change from an earlier 1,000-voter cap to 2,500 after feedback from county officials. County and advocacy witnesses opposed the resolution, arguing that vote centers provide flexibility, are often more cost-effective, and are necessary in rural counties and large counties like Maricopa; they also said precinct voting would require many more locations, staff, and equipment, and could force some counties into central-count tabulation. Supporters argued precinct voting improves voter confidence and access. The committee approved HCR 2016 for the ballot by a 4-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2165, which exempts veterans from Arizona State Parks admission fees, and adopted the Marquez Amendment to extend the exemption to active military, National Guard, and reserve members and to broaden acceptable identification. Arizona State Parks testified in a neutral position, saying the agency is self-funded through user fees and already offers discounts to active duty, veterans, and disabled veterans, but warned that expanding free admission could affect park revenue and rural economies. The bill discussion ended with the amendment adopted and the measure moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:57.359><c> millions</c><00:41:57.760><c> in</c> example, um we spent millions in example,
• um we spent millions in scholarships<00:41:58.640><c> that</c><00:41:58.880><c> are</c><00:41:59.040>
• , u student dollars are being well spent, u student dollars are being well spent,<00:43:09.440><c> and
• , and just um I guess I would spent, and just um I guess I would request<00:43:12.560><c> a</c><00:43
• spent? spent?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will allow the money to be spent to make that happen.
• Last year, we spent $6.9 trillion.
• More than 800 billion is spent. Mr. Musk, let's talk about the waste.
• Chairman, if you use 2019 as a baseline, we spent 4.4 trillion dollars.
• In the 2024 fiscal year, we spent 6.9 trillion dollars.

Committee: Senate Senate Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• disaster<00:20:44.360><c> in</c><00:20:44.559><c> 22</c><00:20:45.480><c> we</c><00:20:45.640><c> spent
• anything near that in any prior spent anything near that in any prior you<00:20:59.640><c> know</c><
• Fast forward 22 years, myself and our Board of Education, we spent 15 months educating our community
• </c><01:00:10.000><c> 15</c><01:00:10.480><c> months</c> Board of Education we spent 15 months Board
• of Education we spent 15 months educating<01:00:12.000><c> our</c><01:00:12.200><c> community</c><01:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Senate Roll Call 00:00:00 House Roll Call 00:00:10 Discussion of Recent Disaster 00:01:18 House Adjourned 00:42:28 SB 218 Discussion 00:43:00 SB 218 Vote 00:46:46 SB 186 Discussion 00:47:22:00, 958, all

Summary: The concurrent House-Senate meeting opened with a roll call and then received a briefing from Kentucky Emergency Management and the Transportation Cabinet on the February storms and flooding. Officials described the event as ongoing and statewide in scope, beginning in western counties and then heavily affecting Eastern Kentucky, including major impacts in Perry, Letcher, Clay, Bell, Martin, Pike, and other counties. They reported widespread power and water outages, nearly 600 people initially sheltered, more than 1,500 water rescues, over 250 National Guard members activated, and substantial mutual aid from other states and FEMA. They also said 73 counties had declared emergencies, 23 fatalities had been confirmed at that point, and individual assistance had already distributed $5.5 million to residents after the federal declaration was signed. The administration emphasized that recovery needs were still being assessed but were already significant. Kentucky Emergency Management said public assistance estimates were about $58 million and rising, with about 2,005 homes and 272 businesses inspected so far. Debris removal was identified as a major issue, and officials said they had requested Category A federal assistance for debris in four counties while continuing to seek more as assessments continued. They also noted that disaster recovery centers were opening and that teams were going door to door in affected areas. On transportation, KYTC reported 39 counties affected, a peak of 355 road closures reduced to 49, 18 damaged bridges, 94 bridges with debris on them, and 579 roadway damages, while continuing to clear roads and move supplies such as water, food, blankets, and heaters. Secretary Hicks then asked lawmakers to consider additional funding mechanisms. He said the current $50 million emergency cap in the budget was likely to be exhausted, with $21.5 million already allocated, and proposed either lifting the cap or creating a new “safe fund” for this disaster, similar to prior funds used after the western Kentucky tornadoes and the 2022 eastern Kentucky floods. He said the state could redirect about $25 million from an unused western Kentucky economic development allocation and about $20 million from an eastern Kentucky transportation allocation, for a total of $45 million, to help with this response. Members and officials also discussed debris disposal, with the Pike County landfill expansion identified as a possible site to receive some of the debris and reduce costs. Representative Fugate thanked the agencies for their response and described severe local impacts, including water outages, road slides, damaged water treatment plants, and heavy debris in homes and driveways.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Heintzeman and myself spent a lot of time working with Sydney Representative Jordan.
• Chair Heintzeman and<00:15:32.440><c> myself</c><00:15:32.880><c> spent</c><00:15:33.120><c> a</c><00
• a lot of time working and myself spent a lot of time working with<00:15:34.120><c> Sydney</c><00:15:
• </c> Representative Hansen asked how much public money is spent each year on the Clean Water Fund.
• </c> public money has been spent. public money has been spent.

Bills: HF4211 , HF3426 , HF4819 , HF3466 , HF3793 , HF3339

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: air pollution, lead emissions, continuous emissions monitoring system, CEMS, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MPCA, environmental monitoring, emission compliance, air quality, public health, industrial pollution, permitted facility, residential exposure, toxic metals, emission limits, pollution control, stack monitoring, real-time emissions monitoring, natural resources, environment

Transcript Highlights:

• the way that maybe this body would like to see them spent.
• And he spent his entire career—he was at the Waltons, wasn't he? Pardon? Yes, he was, too.
• This is our last chance before they go to jail, so this is a good fund, good money spent here.
• Money is only spent out of the dedicated funds.
• Money is only spent out of the dedicated fund and then only if money exists in that fund.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EDR collects information after the money is spent. My bill, it's before the money is spent.
• Your bill collects the money before it is spent.
• The information on EDR is what's already been spent, so it's historical.
• I understand what's coming in and what is being spent.
• But God forbid we ask how the money is being spent. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and adoption of the special order report for the day. Members observed a moment of silence for several service members killed in the Middle East conflict, and the chamber also recognized visiting students, law enforcement, and later several guests in the gallery during farewell remarks. The House then moved through the special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on third reading. The first major measure was CS for CS for HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River, which sponsors described as a community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River while balancing conservation, recreation, and economic concerns. Representative Sapp opposed the bill, arguing it would harm rural communities, Rodman Reservoir interests, freshwater resources, property values, and local jobs without adequate funding or certainty. Representative Cross supported the restoration effort and its long-term environmental and community benefits. The House adopted an amendment updating planning references and expanding the advisory council, then passed the bill 107-3. The chamber next passed CS for CSHB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act after debate over state preemption of local authority, accessory dwelling units, and the removal of local opt-out provisions; supporters emphasized the statewide housing shortage and the need for more housing supply, while opponents argued the bill further limited local control. The bill passed 70-29. The House also passed CS for CSHB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and giving preference to fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. CS for HB 273 on special districts passed after extensive questioning about downtown development districts, rural areas of opportunity, budget approval, and administrative caps; an amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 88-? yeas as announced on the floor. CS for HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers passed 109-1 after sponsor testimony that it would prevent manufacturers from concentrating new vehicle inventory with one dealer group and protect competition and small businesses. CS/CS for HB 1329 on local government spending and budget transparency passed 82-28 after a lengthy debate over whether the bill would impose costs on local governments; a Cheney amendment to provide hardship assistance for smaller governments was adopted, and supporters framed the bill as improving public access to local budget information while opponents argued it duplicated existing transparency and could require new software or staff. The House then began consideration of CS/CS/CS/CS HB 1417, the Department of Environmental Protection package, with the sponsor outlining provisions on environmental regulation, septic systems, solar facility stormwater controls, coastal resiliency partnerships, and air-pollution permit timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Senator Hicks said, for every dollar spent on hazardous fuels mitigation, the return on investment
• </c><00:11:49.760><c> on</c> said, for every dollar spent on said, for every dollar spent on hazardous
• I’ve often heard it said that a dollar spent on forest management saves a $100 that needs to be spent
• </c> often heard it said that a dollar spent often heard it said that a dollar spent on<00:45:38.160>
• A dollar spent number is much different.

Bills: HB0078 , HB0087 , SF0070 , SF0068 , SF0017 , SF0043

Committee: Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• keep a limited fiscal administration in place until the project's complete and all funding has been spent
• So why hasn't GOSEP gotten to the council what Magnolia has spent on this water, on the project that
• We have not—they didn't even submit, when the legislative auditor asked them for what they spent thus
• For what they spent thus far. They haven't even submitted that to the legislative auditor.

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on the City of Tallulah’s water system and a request to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson and state officials described a long-running water crisis, including repeated failing grades from LDH, a public health emergency declaration, joint receivership efforts, and the need to expand the project beyond plant repairs to include the distribution system. They said the total cost is now estimated at about $26 million, with funding expected from USDA loans and grants, water sector funds, possible Delta Regional Authority assistance, and an emergency subfund that becomes available through limited fiscal administration. Chris Province of the Legislative Auditor’s Office explained that the system had received F grades from 2022 through 2025, that the city entered joint receivership in 2024, and that the governor declared a public health emergency in February 2025. He said the city adopted a resolution in April 2026 to enter limited fiscal administration, which was the basis for the committee’s action. Governor’s office staff and the mayor supported the request, saying the state partnership had improved water quality and that the limited administrator would help secure additional funding and move the project toward completion over roughly 24 months. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that Tallulah had recently elected a new council and that the committee should wait for new local leadership. Another said the state had mismanaged the project, questioned the use of funds and contracts, and argued that the city should receive the full amount of promised state funding without deductions. Committee members said the legal standard was met by the system’s failing grade and the emergency conditions, and they emphasized that the limited fiscal administrator would control only the water system finances. A motion to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system was made, seconded, and passed, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've spent so much money. What's going on? I just don't understand. I've spent so much money on...
• Wiping out bucks I've spent years tracking—you say it's to protect the herd, but all I see is fewer trophy
• We'd have to pay department workers, typing out bucks, I've spent years tracking.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here today in my role as an advisor to State Armor, but in my career, I've spent three decades working
• And I've spent most of those three decades tracking Chinese malign influence in the United States, particularly
• I spent most of my career in the military and in the intelligence community.
• I spent most of my career in the military and in the intelligence community.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent many sleepless nights, and as some members of the Appropriations Committee know, many 1 and 2
• doesn't go far enough in making sure we provide security for the employees of our state that have spent
• doesn't go far enough in making sure we provide security for the employees of our state that have spent
• Have spent decades of their lives working with these individuals and getting to know who they are.

Summary: The House considered Substitute Senate Bill 5393, relating to closing Rainier School by June 30, 2027. After many withdrawn amendments, the House adopted striking Amendment 1455, which changed the bill to allow current residents to remain at Rainier School as long as they choose and can live there, while also creating opportunities for community care transitions, return to Rainier if needed, and regular reporting from DHS on transition outcomes, mortality, and related data. Members speaking in favor emphasized the need to move away from institutional care, protect vulnerable residents, and improve accountability; some noted the emotional and personal significance of the issue. The bill then passed the House 76-22 and was immediately transmitted to the Senate. The House also took up several Senate-amended bills and concurred in the Senate changes before final passage. Second Substitute House Bill 1207 passed 54-44 after debate over a fee increase and whether the revenue would benefit local jurisdictions enough. Substitute House Bill 1498 passed 70-28 after a modest Senate adjustment giving more first-year flexibility. House Bill 2003 passed 53-45 despite concerns that it would reduce fishing opportunities. Substitute House Bill 2047 passed 58-40; supporters praised the Senate changes, while opponents argued it still ended a valuable employee ownership program and remained subject to appropriations. House Bill 2050 passed 56-42 after the Senate removed an apportionment shift from the bill, though some members still objected to the remaining ALE enrollment cap. The House also received messages from the Senate indicating passage of a gross substitute House Bill 249 and that the President had signed gross substitute Senate Bill 5041. The chamber then adjourned until 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27.

Transcript Highlights:

• transparency on where the money allocated from the legislature to our local school districts is being spent
• improvement that can come out of that information flow and that transparency where money actually is spent
• transparency on where the money allocated from the legislature to our local school districts is being spent
• improvement that can come out of that information full and that transparency where money actually is spent

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• To date, this biennium, we have spent a little over $202 million of our carryover.
• I'm just curious how much has been spent. I better ask the expert. I think we're at $663 million.
• We've actually spent $663 out of me. Chairman Swiontek, Senator Rebecca Dahl.
• Series D is the 2023-25; that one we are probably at about 66% spent.
• The state and Garrison have spent tens of millions of dollars studying this.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Simply put, it would take dollars that should be spent on teachers, mental health professionals, and
• I would also say I've spent some time talking to educators and people who never come to this room to
• I would also say I've spent some time talking to educators and people who never come to this room to
• I spent over 20 years teaching in special education and English learner education.
• As you know, I've spent much of my professional life serving students with disabilities.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard AB 84, a charter school accountability measure focused on non-classroom-based charter schools and fraud prevention. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to respond to the A3 charter fraud case and related scandals by strengthening audits, transparency, authorizer oversight, and funding determination rules, while ensuring public education dollars are used for public education. Supporters included FCMAT, CSEA, CTA, and CSBA, who argued the bill would improve oversight and protect taxpayers. Opponents, including the California Charter Schools Association, Green Dot, many charter parents, educators, and charter operators, said the bill was too broad, would impose major new costs and bureaucracy on all charter schools, and could reduce options for families, especially those using flexible, homeschool, or special-needs charter programs. After extensive testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations, with the item left open for additional votes. The committee then approved a consent calendar of 11 education bills, including AB 542, AB 563, AB 731, AB 753, AB 784, AB 964, AB 988, AB 1034, AB 1233, AB 1255, and AB 1381, all moving to Appropriations. The consent calendar passed unanimously. Later, the committee heard AB 1454, a literacy and reading instruction bill authored by Assembly Members Rubio and Revis. The bill would require the state to create professional development resources for evidence-based literacy instruction, update English language arts and English language development instructional materials, and revise administrator preparation standards to include literacy training. The authors and a broad coalition of supporters, including CTA, EdVoice, Families in Schools, Decoding Dyslexia, school administrators, and parent advocates, described the measure as a compromise aimed at improving reading outcomes and addressing California’s literacy crisis. There was no opposition testimony at the hearing, and members voiced strong support for the bill and its collaborative approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• For every dollar or for every ticket spent, there's an additional $35 spent in this city.
• For every dollar or for every ticket spent, there's an additional $35 spent in this city.
• For every dollar or for every ticket spent, there's an additional $35 spent in this city.
• For every dollar or for every ticket spent, there's an additional $35 spent in this city.
• "Every dollar or for every ticket spent, there's an additional $35 spent in this city.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Around the state that are displeased with the millions of dollars that are being spent.
• A million dollars has been spent on this.
• This started off as the Secretary of Corrections, and we have spent this million dollars in the last

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, recognized visiting student groups from Jonesboro High School and Hendrix College, and then moved through its agenda. Item B1 was passed over. Under item C1, Senator Rice offered an amendment to Senate Bill 30 concerning the governor’s office that would eliminate funding for a senior advisor position tied to former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri, arguing the state had spent too much on the position and citing concerns about his performance and lack of responsiveness. Representative Wooten supported the amendment, criticizing Profiri’s failure to appear before the committee. The chair referred the amendment to the personnel committee for further review and cut off further discussion in this meeting. The committee then referred item C2, an amendment by Senator Johnson to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, to special language. Item C3, House Bill 1080 by Representative Laddeman relating to the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, was also referred to special language. Under other business, Senator Dismang presented a revised special language amendment for the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEQ) waste tire program to correct a timing issue in the governor’s letter. The committee voted to suspend the rules so the revised language could be considered, then referred it to special language for the next day’s agenda. The meeting adjourned with notice to reconvene the following morning at 9:00.

Transcript Highlights:

• And have we ever spent less than $2 million on this line? Yes.
• they've got to get it spent.
• they've got to get it spent.
• This will all be spent in Missouri.
• They've been made well aware that they need to get it spent before then.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all