Transcript Highlights:

• , and over the last two years you've delivered the most significant housing regulatory and zoning reforms
• Strong for speaking up in this way, we passed legislation together to empower the counties to reform
• initiatives in the years ahead, such as building a modern stadium for our people, pursuing restorative reforms
• In the years ahead, such as building a modern stadium for our people, pursuing restorative reforms to

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh is a a larger piece that is uh is a a larger piece that is uh permitting<00:04:29.360> reform
• and these are the uh permitting reform and these are the uh items<00:04:31.280> in<00:04:31.520
• There's also a to uh permitting reform.
• And then the piece of permitting reform.
• ,<01:30:45.679> and tomorrow on on permitting reform, and tomorrow on on permitting reform

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is good, but it should be made permanent, or we have to think about permanent kinds of changes to reform
• So, with this positive and negative, I think we have to get to a place where we look at structural reform
• With these positives and negatives, I think we have to get to a place where we look at structural reforms
• and we actually can keep a flat spending level, but do it because we have reforms, not do it because
• to see the steps towards that, particularly on the side of both revenue increases and reasonable reforms

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• hearing matters relating to consumer protection, health-related matters, and professional licensure reform
• Both of these bills would implement common sense reforms that would benefit wheelchair consumers.
• but on behalf of DPC and the many wheelchair users across Massachusetts whose lives depend on these reforms
• but on behalf of DPC and the many wheelchair users across Massachusetts whose lives depend on these reforms
• I would like to share one such experience with you to demonstrate how vital reforming this process is

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• budgeting, making these investments in a manner that are cost-neutral, and we include a set of fiscal reforms
• Along with these funding provisions, we include reform on policy provisions that aim to create more transparency
• Uh, but with the set of reforms and transparency we include in this bill, uh, we're giving the legislature
• Uh, but with the set of reforms and transparency we include in this bill, uh, we're giving the legislature
• It’s why we need to continue working on reform items.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 1141, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency supplemental budget bill. Representative Howard described it as a bipartisan housing package aimed at addressing Minnesota’s housing shortage by funding housing infrastructure bonds, Greater Minnesota workforce housing, homeowner education, a senior housing pilot, and family homelessness assistance and prevention. He said the bill is budget-neutral, using unspent interest earnings and other redirected funds, and includes transparency and accountability reforms for MHFA. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing supply, affordability, and the need for more homes across the state. The main floor debate centered on the Norris A6 amendment and the Igo A1 amendment to it. Norris proposed changing rent-increase limits in low-income housing tax credit properties from area median income to the lower of area median income or the consumer price index, arguing that seniors on fixed incomes were being priced out as rents rose faster than Social Security COLAs. Igo’s A1 amendment instead would have preempted cities, counties, and townships from adopting or renewing rent control ordinances statewide, with supporters arguing rent control harms development and affordability. Opponents said the proposal had not been fully vetted in committee and that public subsidies justify rent limits. Both the A1 amendment to the amendment and the underlying A6 amendment failed on tied 67-67 votes. After the amendments were defeated, the bill received its third reading and further discussion. Howard and other supporters reiterated that the bill would help produce an estimated 2,000 to 2,200 housing units, with HIB-funded projects historically spread across the metro and Greater Minnesota. Members also highlighted the bill’s support for first-time homebuyers, manufactured housing, senior housing, and homelessness prevention. No final passage vote is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Practice approach in our best practice thinking as we consider some of these reforms.
• Broad and restrictive reforms such as those proposed by this bill are neither necessary nor prudent.
• these folks to end up impoverished as a result of the workers' compensation system that we create and reform
• Association of Self-Insured Employers, the Louisiana workers' comp watchdog group, for decades on both tort reform
• and workers' compensation reform.

Summary: The committee first voluntarily deferred House Bills 460 and 561, then took up House Bill 1101 on workers’ compensation. The sponsor said the bill would define maximum medical improvement, adjust fraud provisions, shorten temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit periods, and revise vocational rehabilitation rules; an amendment removed proposed age-based termination language for benefits. Business groups including LABI supported the bill as a way to reduce Louisiana’s comparatively high indemnity costs and align the state with regional norms, while injured-worker advocates and attorneys strongly opposed it, arguing it would cut benefits, shift medical and disability decisions away from treating physicians and judges, broaden fraud too far, and potentially push costs onto public programs. After debate, the committee voted to report HB 1101 with amendments. House Bill 282 was voluntarily deferred. House Bill 293, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Louisiana employment discrimination protections, drew generally supportive testimony from the sponsor and supporters, with some members raising questions about religious exemptions and federal law. The committee ultimately voted against reporting HB 293 favorably. House Bill 390, providing unpaid leave protections for domestic abuse survivors at larger employers, was presented as a tool for survivors, but the committee split 6-6 on a motion to report it favorably; the tie resulted in the bill being voluntarily deferred. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand workers’ compensation petition requirements and allow employers or payers broader access to file disputed claims and seek discovery. Supporters argued employers currently lack a practical way to obtain records and challenge claims without first cutting off benefits, while opponents said the bill would revive a rejected 2012 approach, increase litigation, and undermine the no-fault workers’ compensation bargain. The discussion centered on whether the bill would preserve benefits while allowing discovery or instead encourage more disputes and penalties. The transcript ends with testimony still underway on HB 456, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's work with the Air Force and do those types of things to get their regulatory base reforming nuclear
• There's work with the Air Force and do those types of things to get their regulatory base reforming nuclear
• There's work with the Air Force and do those types of things to get their regulatory base reforming nuclear
• You won't fundamentally reform the process.
• coming out, I think by the end of this month or early next month, is our critical minerals policy reform

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's going to be your vehicle to do some of the provider reforms uh in a very uh broad, inclusive
• There's a lot of good reforms that a lot of good fraud improvement to do there.
• :46:52.160> provider vehicle to do some of the provider vehicle to do some of the provider reforms
• <00:46:54.200> in<00:46:54.400> a<00:46:55.040> very<00:46:55.680> uh reforms
• uh in a very uh reforms uh in a very uh broad,<00:46:57.280> inclusive<00:46:57.800> manner

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we are in an affordability crisis, and he thanked people for working on Yes to Homes, zoning reform
• that we are in an affordability crisis, and he thanked people for working on Yes to Homes, zoning reform
• 55.919> zoning working on Yes to Homes and our zoning working on Yes to Homes and our zoning reform
• reform and a lot of the pieces in here. reform and a lot of the pieces in here.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Representative Mecklin moved House File 3545 to the general register and offered a DE amendment that removed the commissioner’s authority to choose a more efficient standard and removed the requirement that the 2038 residential energy code achieve a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption compared with the 2006 energy use index. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was then discussed as amended. Mecklin said the bill was intended to address home affordability, arguing that energy code requirements add to housing costs and make it harder for younger Minnesotans to buy homes. Several testifiers opposed the bill, including representatives from the Center for Energy and the Environment, AIA Minnesota, Sierra Club, Fresh Energy, Housing First Minnesota, and ARXUS. They argued that energy codes are not a primary driver of housing costs, that stronger codes do not slow housing production, and that more efficient homes lower utility bills and improve comfort, safety, resilience, and climate outcomes. Testifiers cited studies and examples showing payback over time, including estimates that efficiency upgrades could pay for themselves in five to nine years and save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over 30 years. The Department of Labor and Industry said it had concerns about the bill because it would move away from a more energy-efficient standard and could create unintended consequences in the code adoption process, though it said the current technical advisory group process already considers cost concerns. Members questioned the cost and savings estimates, especially the comparison between higher upfront mortgage costs and lower utility bills. Fresh Energy explained that its figures were based on Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Slipstream analyses using a typical Minnesota home and that the savings were modeled over time. Representative Johnson expressed skepticism about the assumptions behind the savings numbers and argued that utility costs are not the main barrier to homeownership. The chair said the committee intended to take a vote on the bill that day, but the transcript ends before any final vote or disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Encouraging cities to reform local zoning regulations to accommodate more housing is an important pathway
• One benefit of encouraging these reforms is that it may make it more efficiently and effectively deploy
• important way for the state to encourage local governments that currently control land use to undertake reforms
• In many communities, reform may require an incentive like this approach.
• For cities that do the hard work of enacting local reforms, they will in exchange be rewarded with points

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am asking you for the greater good to have some finally meaningful reform on psychedelics.
• So I am asking you for the greater good to have some finally meaningful reform on psychedelics.
• <01:18:37.920> on finally have some meaningful reform on finally have some meaningful reform
• But what this bill now has in it is real psychedelic reform for the citizens of New Hampshire.
• <05:44:21.440> And again is to reform the statute. And again is to reform the statute.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does three things: it does school funding reform, not just tweaking the same package that we've got
• not just tweaking the same you reform not just tweaking the same you know<04:37:16.520> um<04
• <04:37:23.320> it<04:37:23.520> does place now school funding reform it does place
• now school funding reform it does it<04:37:24.160> reforms<04:37:24.680> the<04:37:24.840
• > Statewide<04:37:25.359> education it reforms the Statewide education it reforms the Statewide

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which limits the maximum credits per course eligible for the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program. Representative Ladd said the bill clarifies that eligible courses may not exceed four credits and was requested by the community college system. Representative Earth offered an amendment to make the bill effective on passage, which the committee adopted 18-0. The committee then approved HB 193 as amended by an 18-0 OTPA vote and placed it on the consent calendar. The committee next retained HB 295, concerning School Building Aid program funds, after Representative Spillsbury said the building aid bills were complex and needed more work. The motion to retain passed 18-0, with the chair explaining that retained bills can be revisited later and that related language could be moved among building aid bills. HB 354 was not acted on because the chair said the Department of Education and others had suggested possible changes that should be worked out first. HB 366, another school building aid bill, was also retained 18-0 for the same reasons as HB 295. The committee then considered HB 494, which funds the math learning communities program. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program, reducing the proposed increase by a net $50,000 and keeping funding at current levels for the biennium. After discussion about budget pressures and the program’s role in supporting math instruction and professional development, the amendment passed 18-0, and the bill as amended was approved 18-0 and placed on consent. Finally, the committee took up HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid. Representative Popovici-Muller moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing charter schools should not be treated differently from other public schools, while Representatives Luno and Damon opposed the motion, saying charter schools differ in governance and financial risk and should not receive limited state building aid. The motion failed 10-8, so HB 515 was sent to the regular calendar. The committee assigned Representative Damon to the minority report and Representative Popovici-Muller to the majority report, with a noon deadline the next day. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program. Representative Ladd described the program as a successful affordability measure that saves families money and supports college access. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program at current levels, reducing the proposed increase by $500,000 in each year of the biennium. Shannon Reed of the Community College System said the change could limit enrollment or the number of funded courses, though students could still take additional courses at their own expense. Representative Ladd explained the program’s tuition structure and said the funding would help meet demand; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 716.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do a lot of work on zoning reform, also on eminent domain, and some other issues like that. up<03:
• <03:49:15.399> that<03:49:15.520> need lots of IND individual reforms that need lots
• <03:49:20.239> adus thing whether that's reforming adus thing whether that's reforming adus
• We need broad, sweeping zoning reforms that can start to solve this crisis now.
• Zoning reforms such as those proposed in this bill are an integral part of solving the housing crisis

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was because of a landmark police reform bill in 2020 that a facial recognition commission was formed
• that package initially sent to Governor Baker's desk, there were really robust facial recognition reforms
• Governor Baker pushed back on those reforms, and so the legislature reached a compromise with the Baker
• And we do urge the legislature to consider not just this as criminal justice reform, but as a public
• new use of forcing—I'm sorry, use of forced training or certification required by the 2020 Police Reform

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened with procedural guidance for a very large hearing, explaining testimony limits, written testimony procedures, and rules for maintaining order. Members then heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including proposals to define antisemitism using the IHRA definition, regulate facial recognition technology, restrict weaponized robotics and drone use, expand protections for journalists’ confidential sources, address access to decedents’ email accounts, and create or adjust rules around municipal enforcement and animal cruelty fines. Several sponsors and advocates asked for favorable reports, and committee members asked clarifying questions on implementation, costs, and how the bills would interact with existing law. On facial recognition, sponsors and advocates described the technology as a threat to privacy, due process, and civil liberties, and urged adoption of the Special Commission’s recommendations, including warrant requirements, notice to defendants, and limits on untargeted surveillance. Support came from legislators, the ACLU, CDT, EFF, and a UMass professor, while committee members asked about current state law and municipal bans. On robotics, Senator Moore and industry witnesses from MassRobotics, Boston Dynamics, and AUVSI supported a bill prohibiting weaponized robots and requiring warrants for certain law enforcement uses, describing it as a public-safety and trust-building measure. On the shield law bill, newspaper publishers, journalists, NEFAC, and the Reporters Committee argued Massachusetts needs statutory protection for confidential sources, citing costly subpoenas and chilling effects on reporting. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the right of publicity to cover image and voice, with SAG-AFTRA members supporting protections against AI-driven exploitation and some discussion about viral content and consent. Another bill would allow limited access to a decedent’s email accounts, with one witness describing a family’s inability to use a deceased relative’s email to notify friends. The committee then took testimony on psilocybin-related bills: supporters described medical and personal benefits and argued for narrow decriminalization or study, while an opponent warned of public-health risks, impaired driving, and youth exposure; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society supported limited, safety-based decriminalization. Finally, the committee heard strong support for a “safe reporting” bill for sex workers and trafficking survivors, with advocates saying immunity would encourage victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of arrest, and members raised questions about how the immunity would work in practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony in support by Bob Merse, Chair of the Correctional Reform Working Group.
• <00:41:17.840> We Correctional Reform Working Group.
• We Correctional Reform Working Group.
• I'm with the Correctional Reform Working Group. >> Thank you. Thank you.
• Correctional Reform Working Group. We came together in 2023.

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota reformer is coming out with another person that is going to be homeless.
• Minnesota<00:03:39.920> reform<00:03:40.840> reformer<00:03:41.400> is<00:03:41.520
• > coming<00:03:41.800> out Minnesota reform reformer is coming out Minnesota reform reformer

Bills: HF4491, HF4338, HF4288, HF4566

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, prepayment review, claims review, fee-for-service, provider integrity, high-risk provider, high-risk service, fraud prevention, program integrity, Department of Human Services, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care billing, medical claims, provider enrollment, Indian Health Service, Minnesota Statutes chapter 256B, human services, medical assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• I truly feel that the House has delivered to you a balanced reform package designed to modernize Louisiana's
• The inspector process is in reform at the plumbing board.

Bills: SB147, SB414, HB220, HB750, HB799, HB827, HB952, HB953

Keywords: roof standards, construction code, residential property, fortified roofs, insurance, medical debt, interest rate, healthcare services, consumer protection, debt collection, Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act, child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, automatic renewal, cancellation policy, subscription service, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• hurting the haves—and I won't even get into the details now, but I think we have some opportunities to reform
• our local sales tax system and... ...opportunities to reform our local sales tax system that will do

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the final day of the fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly, with routine introductions and recognitions of guests, students, athletes, and staff. Members also received notice of several bills already signed by the governor and House-passed Senate bills returned for enrollment. The chamber then moved into its budget agenda, where Senator Dismang presented House Bill 1100, the Revenue Stabilization Law measure that creates funds, makes transfers, and carries an emergency clause. Senator Penzo explained his procedural vote on the companion Senate bill, and Senator King spoke against the bill, arguing that declining turnback percentages have reduced funding for counties and cities and worsened local fiscal pressures. Despite that criticism, HB 1100 passed 32-0 and its emergency clause was adopted. The Senate next approved a batch of House budget bills by a 34-0 vote, including appropriations for the Department of Education, Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Department of Human Services, Treasurer of State, Department of Health programs, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, DFA Disbursing Officer, and the Department of Energy and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality. Members then adopted House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001 honoring Bishop Kenneth Lindell Robinson, Sr., with remarks from Senator Love and a brief statement from Dr. Robinson. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 32 recognizing the Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School boys basketball team as the 2006 Class 5A state champions, followed by comments from Coach Jason Harrison and a short recess for photographs. After returning to session, the Senate moved into Committee of the Whole to select its President pro tempore designee for the 96th General Assembly. Senator Blake Johnson nominated Senator Breanne Davis, and Senator Ron Caldwell also announced his candidacy. On a division vote, 20 members stood in support of Senator Davis, and she was declared the President pro tempore designee. She thanked members for their support and emphasized cooperation among senators. The Senate then reported back into session and moved to adjourn sine die, with leaders noting that a special session was expected early the following week and that staff and outgoing members would be honored then.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> YOU BROUGHT UP SEVERAL REFORMS AS YOUR TIME AS THE CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION.
• YOU HIGHLIGHTED THOSE REFORMS, NOW I WANT TO FOCUS ON THE FUTURE AND MOVING FORWARD, WHAT ARE SOME OF

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Association of Manufacturers and 72 of the Fortune 100 companies have come out nationally for PBM reform
• Some even buying TV ads trying to promote its passage because PBM reform is a big issue nationally.

Bills: SB502, SB513, SB622, SB670, SB731, SB732, SB916, SB961, SB1122

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare