Transcript Highlights:

• During his time as Sheriff of Williamson County, Mr.
• Board and major County Sheriffs of America Foundation Committee.
• We appreciate everything you've done for Williamson County and your Williamson County...
• Texas and the Collin County delegation to recognize and celebrate Collin County days.
• And the county could drive by your business, never look inside.

Bills: HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135 , HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Keywords: constitutional amendment, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, equipment exemption, machinery, local government finance, school district revenue, county taxes, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax relief, commercial property, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a good Jefferson County representative. House Bill 205 by Representative Underwood.
• I mean, he's a great chair, a good Jefferson County legislator, but it would be nice if he could... .

Bills: HB315 , HB152 , HB205 , SB184 , SB209 , HB309 , SB280 , SB267

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation Education

Keywords: sales tax, local exemption, Consumer Price Index, tax holiday, clothing tax exemption, school supplies, sales tax exemption, baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing, menstrual hygiene products, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications

Bills: HF2601 , HF2607 , HF2027 , HF2608

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: financial institutions, insurance regulation, insurance holding company, group capital calculation, liquidity stress test, NAIC, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, insurer solvency, affiliate transactions, groupwide supervision, internationally active insurance group, lead state commissioner, policyholder protection, hazardous financial condition, deposit or bond, contract for deed, conventional loan, cooperative apartment loan, mortgage interest rate cap, average prime offer rate

Transcript Highlights:

• Likewise, especially in your bigger counties, you're going to have specialty criminal courts, and we
• I'm the District Attorney for Galveston County, Texas.
• I'm the Judicial District Attorney for the 106th Judicial District, which covers four counties in rural
• In 1995 amendments were to add statutory county courts and statutory probate court judges.
• Some of our counties, they handled child support, they handled child protective services.

Bills: SB16 , SB76 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB827 , SB964 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1386 , SB1470 , SB2035 , SJR37

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met and heard several bills related to legislative process and court jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1386, by Senator Huffman, would change compelled legislative testimony from blanket transactional immunity to testimonial immunity, allowing compelled statements or documents to be used against a witness in criminal prosecution only if not derived from the compelled testimony, while preserving protection against perjury and false statements and retaining the right to counsel. No public witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1470, by Chairman Hughes, which would require DPS to share existing data on cross-state driver’s license cancellations with the Secretary of State for voter-roll maintenance. Hughes said the bill does not create new data collection and is intended to improve list maintenance. A DPS resource witness was present, there was no substantive opposition, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1210, also by Hughes, would address conflicts between the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals on constitutional questions by making the Supreme Court the final arbiter in limited circumstances. Chris Hilton supported the bill, but Allen Place, Jack Rohde, and Philip Furlow opposed it, arguing it was unconstitutional, unnecessary, and could create practical problems in criminal post-conviction litigation. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 311, which would conform the Government Code to the Texas Constitution by clarifying the Supreme Court’s original writ authority against lower courts and officials other than the governor. Justice Evan Young and Chris Hilton supported the bill as a clarification of existing authority, while no one testified against it; the bill was left pending. The committee then recessed to allow the chamber to rearrange for the Senate session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Homestead County, along with other counties in the state of Minnesota, rely upon scholarships to fund
• ><c> with</c><00:34:30.960><c> other</c> Olmstead County along with other Olmstead County along with
• 41:35.040><c> them</c><00:41:35.440><c> through</c> county is paying for them through county is paying
• </c> organization or municipality or county organization or municipality or county social<00:42:30.000
• :20.400><c> based</c> Counties do prioritize community- based Counties do prioritize community- based

Bills: HF2362 , HF2136 , HF1316 , HF2009 , HF1918 , HF1614

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: youth intervention, funding, mental health, education, community programs, HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a local bill for my constituents, specifically in Carroll County.

Bills: SB8 , SB650 , SB667 , SB779 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1378 , SB1585 , SB1721 , SB2312 , SB 8

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis, Lake, and Cook counties is significant, generating millions of dollars annually for local businesses
• ><00:04:19.600><c> and</c><00:04:19.799><c> cucha</c><00:04:20.280><c> Chen</c><00:04:20.560><c> counties
• </c> in St Louis Lake and cucha Chen counties in St Louis Lake and cucha Chen counties is<00:04:21.639

Bills: HF2066 , HF340 , HF341 , HF566 , HF2107 , HF2130

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: electric bicycles, tax rebate, transportation, environment, local economy, fleeing peace officer, culpable negligence, traffic laws, public safety, motor vehicle offenses, driving violations, penalties, license suspension, traffic enforcement, all-terrain vehicle, ATV, class 1 ATV, class 2 ATV, road rights-of-way, public roads

Transcript Highlights:

• There are counties in Texas that there are no neurologists.
• DPRT will provide the resources we need to expand our research efforts, reaching more counties and more
• These services have reached major cities and rural counties from El Paso to Amarillo.
• Memory Clinic at the Garrison Institute on Aging. being new, we've already expanded to serve over 20 counties

Bills: HB5 , HJR3 , HB155 , HB513 , HB5 , HB155

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: dementia, research, health care, Texas Institute, grants, medical breakthroughs, oversight, prevention, funding, healthcare, Texas, autopsy, confidentiality, public records, medical examiner, law enforcement, HB 513, surgical smoke, surgical plume, smoke evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• Judge Lewis went from Circuit Court—I forgot what county—to the Court of...
• Clair County, obviously we are a part of this particular bill, and we get certain monies and fees allocated
• I know about other parts of the state, but in Baldwin County, you can be one year getting a court date
• Because if they only have to work 120 days a year, the county may be open more than that.
• The county may be open more than that, so those are the three parts. And Mr.

Bills: HB37 , HB187 , HB177 , SB63 , HB82 , SB48 , HB33 , HB37 , HB33

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: judicial compensation, salary increase, court system, Alabama legislation, judges, HB187, court fees, docket fee, sheriff's fund, sheriff's office, jail operations, law enforcement, county sheriff, court filing fees, Alabama Code 12-19-312, solicitor's fund, clerk's fund, forensic services trust fund, budget flexibility, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• 49.520><c> system</c><00:40:50.000><c> statewide</c> As we build out our EMS system statewide, on a county-level
• invest and build that out, we'll get more lessons learned for how to spread that into the other counties

Bills: HB2246 , HB2119 , HB1929 , HB1953 , HB1572 , HB2549 , HB2594 , HB2551 , HB2595 , HB2548 , HB2459 , HB1931 , HB1604 , HB1616 , HB1736 , HB2233 , HB2241 , HB1891 , HB1803 , HB2567 , HB2534 , HB2399 , HB2172 , HB1595 , HB1811 , HB2168 , HB1780 , HB1781 , HB1785 , HB2122 , HB2012 , HB2398 , HB1779 , HB2296 , HB1894 , HB1925 , HB2019 , HB1896 , HB2294 , HB2298 , HB2300 , HB2344 , HB2345 , HB2391 , HB2037 , HB2201 , HB1941 , HB1635 , HB1943 , HB2325 , HB1926 , HB2490 , HB1710 , HB2545 , HB1976 , HB2173 , HB1804 , HB1563 , HB2015 , HB1619 , HB2475 , HB1889 , HB2367 , HB2187 , HB1765 , HB1452 , HB2231 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1626 , HB1897 , HB1642 , HB1523 , HB2593 , HB815 , HB1655 , HB1596 , HB1732 , HB1842 , HB2476 , HB2478 , HB2022 , HB1588 , HB2575 , HB1163 , HB2153 , HB772 , HB1519 , HB2050 , HB2309 , HB2147 , HB2329 , HB2274 , HB2280 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2306 , HB2148 , HB2088 , HB1764 , HB2438 , HB2117 , HB1860 , HB2604 , HB2118 , HB2017 , HB2155 , HB1832 , HB2216 , HB1601 , HB1934 , HB2297 , HB2397 , HB1893 , HB2533 , HB1890 , HB2454 , HB2004 , HB2427 , HB2207 , HB1810 , HB1840 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1946 , HB1648 , HB2324 , HB2323 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB2164 , HB2165 , HB2283 , HB1691 , HB2386 , HB2423 , HB2121 , HB1984 , HB1593 , HB1671 , HB2619 , HB1481 , HB2314 , HB2319 , HB1643 , HB2558 , HB1864 , HB1898 , HB2214 , HB2167 , HB2488 , HB2009 , HB2007 , HB322 , HB1964 , HB2218 , HB2616 , HB1535 , HB1574 , HB1977 , HB2054 , HB2046 , HB146 , HB2094 , HB2181 , HB2250 , HB2515 , HB2444 , HB2385 , HB1740 , HB1724 , HB1733 , HB1799 , HB1725 , HB2049 , HB2161 , HB1970 , HB2519 , HB1790 , HB2416 , HB1873 , HB2001 , HB2151 , HB1603 , HB1880 , HB1753 , HB2198 , HB1511 , HB1991 , HB2546 , HB1615 , HB1939 , HB2140 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1850 , HB1782 , HB2137

Keywords: agriculture, federal grants, Hawaii, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, financial support, coffee, pest control, subsidy program, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, economy, biosecurity, invasive species, Molokai, advisory board, quarantine, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband is a firefighter with the County of Maui and a member of this bargaining unit.
• ,</c> law enforcement, state and county, law enforcement, state and county, should<01:26:35.760><c> do
• Um, also there were opposition from the Maui Police Department, the Maui County, Hawaii Island County
• ,</c><01:32:53.040><c> Hawaii</c> Department, the Maui County, Hawaii Department, the Maui County, Hawaii
• ><c> prosecuting</c> Island County, and Honolulu prosecuting Island County, and Honolulu prosecuting

Bills: HB2246 , HB2119 , HB1929 , HB1953 , HB1572 , HB2549 , HB2594 , HB2551 , HB2595 , HB2548 , HB2459 , HB1931 , HB1604 , HB1616 , HB1736 , HB2233 , HB2241 , HB1891 , HB1803 , HB2567 , HB2534 , HB2399 , HB2172 , HB1595 , HB1811 , HB2168 , HB1780 , HB1781 , HB1785 , HB2122 , HB2012 , HB2398 , HB1779 , HB2296 , HB1894 , HB1925 , HB2019 , HB1896 , HB2294 , HB2298 , HB2300 , HB2344 , HB2345 , HB2391 , HB2037 , HB2201 , HB1941 , HB1635 , HB1943 , HB2325 , HB1926 , HB2490 , HB1710 , HB2545 , HB1976 , HB2173 , HB1804 , HB1563 , HB2015 , HB1619 , HB2475 , HB1889 , HB2367 , HB2187 , HB1765 , HB1452 , HB2231 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1626 , HB1897 , HB1642 , HB1523 , HB2593 , HB815 , HB1655 , HB1596 , HB1732 , HB1842 , HB2476 , HB2478 , HB2022 , HB1588 , HB2575 , HB1163 , HB2153 , HB772 , HB1519 , HB2050 , HB2309 , HB2147 , HB2329 , HB2274 , HB2280 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2306 , HB2148 , HB2088 , HB1764 , HB2438 , HB2117 , HB1860 , HB2604 , HB2118 , HB2017 , HB2155 , HB1832 , HB2216 , HB1601 , HB1934 , HB2297 , HB2397 , HB1893 , HB2533 , HB1890 , HB2454 , HB2004 , HB2427 , HB2207 , HB1810 , HB1840 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1946 , HB1648 , HB2324 , HB2323 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB2164 , HB2165 , HB2283 , HB1691 , HB2386 , HB2423 , HB2121 , HB1984 , HB1593 , HB1671 , HB2619 , HB1481 , HB2314 , HB2319 , HB1643 , HB2558 , HB1864 , HB1898 , HB2214 , HB2167 , HB2488 , HB2009 , HB2007 , HB322 , HB1964 , HB2218 , HB2616 , HB1535 , HB1574 , HB1977 , HB2054 , HB2046 , HB146 , HB2094 , HB2181 , HB2250 , HB2515 , HB2444 , HB2385 , HB1740 , HB1724 , HB1733 , HB1799 , HB1725 , HB2049 , HB2161 , HB1970 , HB2519 , HB1790 , HB2416 , HB1873 , HB2001 , HB2151 , HB1603 , HB1880 , HB1753 , HB2198 , HB1511 , HB1991 , HB2546 , HB1615 , HB1939 , HB2140 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1850 , HB1782 , HB2137

Keywords: agriculture, federal grants, Hawaii, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, financial support, coffee, pest control, subsidy program, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, economy, biosecurity, invasive species, Molokai, advisory board, quarantine, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Treasurer Ellsworth. Mr.
• Treasurer Ellsworth. Mr.
• Kootenai County, Latah County. Smaller cities are getting involved in this.
• Kootenai County, Latah County, Lincoln County, and Twin Falls County. Mr. Scher. Thank you.
• , Latah County, Lincoln County, and Twin Falls County.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee approved minutes from October 21, 2025, and after discussion and a recorded no vote from Treasurer Ellsworth, also approved the December 19, 2025 minutes. Members then received an America 250 financial update showing commemorative fund balances, grant spending, and remaining unobligated funds, followed by a subcommittee discussion about Jane Palacki’s contract. The committee clarified and then approved a motion to retain her on an as-needed basis at $125 per hour, not to exceed $8,600 per month, to help with approved projects by the committee chairs. Updates were provided on several America 250 initiatives. Secretary McGrane and Treasurer Ellsworth discussed Celebration Fund grants, the Foundations of Freedom Tour, and a proposed July 4th Capitol celebration tied to the Boise parade, with stages, exhibits, vendors, and performances planned around the Capitol grounds and rotunda. Treasurer Ellsworth also reported on ambassador programs, the Liberty Bell, flags, quilts, the Heritage Fountain, and a service challenge, and the committee extended $30,000 in spending authority for ambassador programs. The committee later approved grant disbursements for multiple counties and cities. The Institute for Advancing American Values presented a civics curriculum initiative with the State Board of Education and a public-facing “Reading the Republic” project using founding documents and student video responses. The America 250 State Agency Task Force reported on museum exhibits, an Initial Point event, and the Their Story oral-history effort. National updates covered America’s Field Trip, America Gives, federal merchandise and story-capture efforts, and a national time capsule. Idaho Parks and Recreation described America 250-related events at state parks, the Move 250 challenge, and volunteer tracking, emphasizing that it was using existing resources rather than requesting committee funding. The committee set its next meeting for February 5 and adjourned after noting written testimony from David Johnson.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Lupe Diaz, LD 19, Cochise County, Graham County, Greenlee County, part of Pima, and part
• I cover parts of Maricopa County, Yuma County, Pima County, Pinal County, 230 miles of the U.S.
• What this restriction is, is on the next treasurer, not cities or counties. But, Mr.
• What this restriction is on the next treasurer, not cities or counties. But, Mr.
• , Pima County, parts of Maricopa County.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with introductions of members and staff. The committee first considered HB 2056, which would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites. Sponsor Rep. Gail Griffin argued the state should explore use of large brackish groundwater reserves amid Colorado River concerns, while one speaker opposed the bill on aquifer-protection grounds. The committee voted 11-6-1 to give HB 2056 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2798, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials relevant to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. Rep. Carbone and others framed the bill as an economic development and national security measure, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has meaningful deposits and whether the state should fund the research. The University of Arizona testified that the Geological Survey could do the work. The committee adopted the Livingston amendment and then approved the bill 11-5-1. Next, the committee considered HB 2303, which codifies investment standards for the State Treasurer, emphasizing safety and principal preservation and prohibiting speculative investments and insider misuse. The Treasurer’s Office supported the bill, saying it reflects existing policy and ethics rules, though members asked for clearer definitions of “speculative” and how the bill would interact with other statutes. The committee passed HB 2303 15-0 with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344, which directs the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool internally and allows a third-party contract only for emergency backup, also passed after questions about local control and whether the bill was necessary; the vote was 12-2-3 with one not voting. The committee later heard HB 2759, a $500,000 appropriation to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veterans programs. Retired Navy SEAL Chief Richard Rodriguez testified about Embry-Riddle’s veteran population and emergency assistance needs for housing, travel, and equipment, while opponents objected to using state funds for a private institution and argued veterans services should be broader and statewide. The bill received a due pass recommendation 11-6-1. The committee also approved HB 2207, which funds the prison Braille transcription program at $300,000 and was described as a successful rehabilitation and service program, and HB 2224, as amended to $1 million, which funds the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP; supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Faulkner County Fair and Livestock is a nonprofit corporation that sponsors the annual Faulkner County
• Okay, continuing on page 15, Columbia County for the year ending December 31, 2024, under the county
• We had a previous treasurer, clerk treasurer, who was there in 2018 and left.
• Next on page 22 is Prairie County.
• The other was County General. With the same type of findings? The other was County General. Okay.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the county judge, the county paid $9,600 to an employee for floodplain management services using
• This is a repeat finding, and we have the recorder treasurer here to... Recorder treasure.
• Next on page 22 is Prairie County.
• money and use it for county roads.
• You can take county general money and use it for county roads, but you cannot take county road money

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee began with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that 19 of 43 original entities for the 2022 reporting year had had turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reporting year, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five still outstanding. The committee also heard that Adona had come into substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, and it voted to file that report and discontinue withholding turnback. It then voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report for Gum Springs after hearing repeated findings involving budgeting, disbursements, payroll, and Act 833 funds, with city officials saying they had begun correcting records and were seeking help from the Municipal League and a city attorney. Fargo was deferred because the mayor was absent due to illness. The committee next considered Denning, where staff described repeated and serious accounting problems over 2022-2024, including unauthorized payments, missing documentation, weak payroll controls, and improper handling of funds. The mayor and recorder-treasurer said prior records were disorganized and that they were now working with an attorney, CPA help, and new software; the committee voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report. Green Forest’s report, involving a fixed-asset listing issue after the mayor’s death, was filed. Several private water and sewer reports were either filed or deferred depending on whether responses had been received, and the committee announced its March meeting would be held in Room 149 because of renovations. The committee then reviewed a series of referred reports involving alleged financial irregularities. In Elaine, the fire chief’s questionable purchases were referred and filed. In Strong, staff described undeposited garbage-bag receipts, improper payments for private dumpster service and other expenditures, payroll tax penalties, and deficit fund balances; the mayor said controls had been improved, but the committee deferred the report to March. The Faulkner County Fair Association report found undocumented cash withdrawals, questionable disbursements, and inadequately documented cash payments to a carnival vendor; the committee filed it. Brooklyn’s report involved a fraudulent direct-deposit change, and Mineral Springs’ report involved transfers from the cemetery fund, employee loans, overpayments, and travel reimbursement issues; both were filed. Additional reports included Rondo, where the recorder-treasurer explained missing computers and fuel purchases tied to personal vehicles, and the committee filed the report; Waldo, where the mayor had been overpaid due to extra biweekly payments, which was filed; Columbia County, where a floodplain management contract lacked an authorizing ordinance, which was filed; and several private water-system reports, some filed and others deferred for lack of responses. Carlisle’s report showed large but improving misstatements in financial records, and the committee filed it after hearing that new software and training had reduced prior problems. Caddo Valley’s report prompted a lengthy discussion about CDs and interest recognition; staff explained that principal balances should be reflected as city assets and interest should be recorded when earned or reported by the bank, and the report was filed. Prairie County’s budget overrun and road-fund issues were discussed at length, with the judge explaining equipment and weather-related costs and staff clarifying the distinction between road funds and locally approved sales-tax uses; the report was filed. Finally, the committee deferred a Cross County Rural Water Association matter after learning it had not filed with Legislative Audit since 2002-2003 despite receiving significant state funding, and members expressed concern about the long gap in filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Treasurer Ellsworth? Yes.
• Treasurer Ellsbrose: Representative Bruce: Thank you. Treasurer Ellsbrose: No.
• ...in those counties?
• Thank you, Treasurer Ellsworth. Any questions for Treasurer Ellsworth? Mr.
• I want to make sure we are securing a state treasurer. Treasurer Ellsworth: Mr.

Summary: The committee approved the February 13, 2020 minutes with one correction changing “America 250 subcommittee” to “America 250 Council.” Staff then provided a financial update showing about $66,000 remaining in commemorative funds, over $200,000 in expenditures, and seven celebration grants ready for approval, with additional grants still being scored. Members also discussed an A250 “I Voted” sticker proposal costing $12,992; concerns were raised about whether counties already cover printing costs and whether funds should be reserved for later needs, and the motion ultimately failed on a 3-3 tie vote. Updates followed on the America 250 ambassador and celebration efforts, including school and community events, a growing service challenge nearing 96,900 acts of service, quilt displays, and plans to bring the Liberty Bell replica to counties. The committee heard requests for a steel transport stand not to exceed $18,500 and a custom trailer not to exceed $23,325, with discussion about safety, durability, and possible future use of the trailer. Members also received updates on the Governor’s Task Force and federal partnership activities, including the May 1 Initial Point event, a July 5 “America’s potluck,” museum exhibits, White House-related programs, and a March 30 deadline for the “America’s Field Trip” program. Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller described a “Liberty Grove” tree-planting project on endowment land, likely at one of several sites between Coeur d’Alene and McCall, to be coordinated with local leaders and timed for spring conditions. The committee then approved grant disbursements for Blaine County and the cities of Dietrich, Grace, Nespers, Orofino, Pierce, and Twin Falls. Members tentatively scheduled the next meeting for Monday, March 23, and adjourned after noting that additional grant applications were still being reviewed.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's my home county, you know.
• Faulkner County Fair and Livestock is a nonprofit corporation that sponsors the annual Faulkner County
• We have had a previous treasurer, clerk-treasurer, who was there.
• Next on page 22 is Prairie County.
• If county general needs funds to make the year, county road has given sales tax, a part of it or all

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation. The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present. Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Treasurer Ellsworth. Mr.
• Treasurer Ellsworth. Mr.
• Treasurer Ellsworth. Mr.
• , Latah County.
• , Latah County, Lincoln County, and Twin Falls County.

Summary: The committee first approved the October 21, 2025 minutes and then approved the December 19, 2025 minutes after discussing a disputed reference to a motion involving Jane Pradaki’s contract. Members clarified that the prior arrangement had been a six-month contract and that the new intent was to narrow the work to hourly, as-needed support tied to approved projects. After debate over scope, accountability, and whether the work should be competitively bid, the committee adopted a revised motion retaining Pradaki at $125 per hour, not to exceed $8,600 per month, to help with approved projects by the committee chairs. Members then received a financial update on America 250, including the commemorative fund balance and grant program status. Staff reported 74 grant applications, 41 approved to date, 22 under scoring review, and roughly $148,000 remaining in the Celebration Fund after more than $100,000 had been awarded. The committee later approved a slate of grant disbursements to multiple counties and cities, including Bingham, Bonneville, Kootenai, Latah, Lincoln, Twin Falls, and several municipalities. The bulk of the meeting focused on America 250 programming and outreach. Updates covered the Foundations of Freedom Tour, a proposed July 4 celebration at the Capitol and Andrus Park with a parade, stage performances, food vendors, and a rotunda exhibit featuring the Declaration of Independence; the Liberty Bell’s planned return and possible statewide tour; ambassador and service initiatives; and the Institute for Advancing American Values’ civics curriculum and “Reading the Republic” materials. Additional reports highlighted national America 250 efforts, state museum exhibitions, oral history collection, and Idaho Parks and Recreation’s commemorative events and volunteer programs. The committee also extended $30,000 in spending authority for ambassador programs and scheduled its next meeting for the afternoon of February 5, with members emphasizing the need to finalize event planning soon.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is not to disparage our treasurer or any treasurer in the past, but it occurs to me that an
• And this is not to disparage our treasurer or any treasurer in the past, but it occurs to me that an
• You mentioned treasurer right now.
• So as far as what that assessment is or who validates it, this is geared to be a county-by-county option
• Again, in Oklahoma County, the ADAs are doing this.

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 419, as amended to update the effective date to 2026. The bill would allow the State Treasurer and the Department of Wildlife Conservation/Wildlife Conservation Commission to employ or appoint attorneys, joining other entities already authorized to do so. Supporters argued the treasurer’s office handles highly specialized financial matters and large state assets, and that in-house counsel could provide faster, more specialized advice. Members questioned possible conflicts with the Attorney General’s role, the fiscal impact, and why Wildlife was included; the sponsor said Wildlife’s inclusion was tied to similar specialized needs and indicated willingness to remove it if needed. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-2 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 835, also amended to update the effective date to 2026. This measure would require qualifying licensing boards and commissions to submit proposed non-rulemaking actions with anti-competitive implications for review, shifting oversight from the Attorney General to the Secretary of State. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address antitrust concerns raised by the North Carolina dental board case and to provide earlier executive-branch review of potentially anti-competitive board actions. Members raised concerns about whether the Secretary of State should be the arbiter of anti-competitive conduct and whether existing court remedies or current executive-order processes were sufficient. The bill passed on an 8-2 due pass vote. Senate Bill 1618 would require courts to conduct pretrial risk assessments early in criminal cases. The sponsor said the assessments would be one tool judges could use in setting bond and determining release conditions, and that the bill was intended to make the practice available statewide rather than only in some counties. Questions focused on who would validate the assessments, whether counties already could do this, whether it would delay release in smaller counties, and whether it would add costs; the sponsor said counties could tailor the process, that it was already being done in some places, and that the fiscal impact would be minimal. The committee voted 6-4 to report the bill due pass. Finally, the chair presented Senate Bill 262, which had been amended and had its title and enacting clause struck as part of ongoing work. The bill was described as an effort to reduce county jail overcrowding by allowing certain inmates awaiting transfer to the Department of Corrections to be handled differently, with further amendments expected. Members discussed concerns about fairness and the use of factors such as community ties in release decisions, and the sponsor said the measure was still being refined and was intended to solve a practical jail-capacity problem. The committee voted 8-1 to pass the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the recorder-treasurer, and county procedures for municipalities are set forth in Arkansas Code
• It's 78.5 cents in Pulaski County, 5.9 cents in Craighead County, 1.5 cents in Faulkner County, and Benton
• Under the treasurer, county procedures from municipalities are set forth in Arkansas Code Annotated 14
• Under the treasurer, county procedures from municipalities are set forth in Arkansas Code, annotated
• Treasurer. Treasurer. No, recorder. Recorder, not treasurer. Do you have an open statement, mayor?

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Keywords: 1204, all