Video & Transcript Research : 'mandatory drill'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are those drills with the students included, or are those just drills that the staff have in maybe not
- I do appreciate, I heard something about drills. Are those drills with the students included?
- a drill or even active shooter training.
- of those drills.
- out of those drills.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on active and mass shootings in California, focusing on prevention, response, training, communications, and gaps in preparedness across law enforcement, schools, campuses, fire, EMS, and state agencies. Opening remarks emphasized the frequency and impact of gun violence, the need for faster coordinated response, and the importance of learning from recent tragedies such as the Stockton-area mass shooting described by Sheriff Patrick Withrow. The first panel included representatives from police, sheriff, and campus public safety agencies, who discussed incident command, interoperable communications, next-generation 911, threat assessment, emergency notification systems, and the value of joint drills and cross-agency planning.
Witnesses also highlighted differences in training and authority across jurisdictions, especially for private university public safety departments versus public campus police. Campus representatives said they rely heavily on municipal law enforcement for armed response, while also using run-hide-fight protocols, text alerts, surveillance, and threat assessment teams. Members raised concerns about standardized training, after-action reviews, mental health resources, school resource officers, and whether campus safety plans and drills are sufficiently consistent or workable. Sheriff Withrow argued that early intervention and accountability are being weakened by well-intentioned laws, while other witnesses stressed prevention through relationships, diversion, and coordinated support services.
The second panel from Cal OES, the Department of Education, POST, and EMSA described statewide systems and standards. Cal OES outlined its Reduce the Risk initiative, gun violence restraining orders, mutual aid, unified command, after-action reporting, and nonprofit security grants. The Department of Education explained California’s statutory school safety framework, annual safety plans, regulated armed assailant drills, and local flexibility, while acknowledging compliance gaps and the need for more mental health support. POST described the new requirement for 16 hours of standardized active shooter training for recruits and ongoing local training options. EMSA explained its role in medical response and terrorism training standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:28:28.239>
John, It's a two-minute drill. John, It's a two-minute drill. - You know, isn't there certain times where there's mandatory disclosures of insurance?
- So, I mean, we have some scenarios where we do make mandatory disclosures.
- all the time, things that were drilled all the time, things that were drilled into<01:53:17.199>
- First, I'd like to drill down a briefly.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 28th, 2026
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This is mainly utilized during drills, so all school districts utilize the same drills.
- The first one is on these multi-agency complex drills.
- You all know the drill? Just take off in whatever order y'all want to go. Y'all know the drill?
- All right, y'all probably know the drill from watching all day.
- Y'all probably heard the drill enough today.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- regulation of law enforcement across the state of Texas, the agency standards, as well as ensuring that mandatory
- Training ensures that officers adhere to the mandatory training in their two-year training cycle, along
- Well, you know the drill.
- I was a drill sergeant back in 2008.
- They travel a few hours to get to their drill. That means they're not near any facilities.
Bills:
SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023
Keywords:
transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 9:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So you’re telling me that if we really won’t get to the drilling of any sort of wells, not with this
- <01:30:56.520>
of <01:30:56.719>any really won't get to the drilling of any really - won't get to the drilling of any sort<01:30:57.159>
of <01:30:57.560>Wells <01:30:58.560 - So it’s $9 million total prior to any drilling. So I guess, yes, that is correct.
- So it’s $9 million total prior to any drilling. So I guess, yes, that is correct.
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing.
The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- He was stricken during a non-contact drill.
- We have mandatory training for coaches and assistant coaches.
- We have mandatory training for coaches and assistant coaches.
- The bill does not take students out of class, unlike other mandatory school drills, which we had to run
- we<01:08:33.120>
had <01:08:33.279>to mandatory School drills which we had to mandatory
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, in Parker County, we have more wells being drilled. Don't have that.
- As well as drilling the wells for the water that are being used. Thank you.
- You know the drill. Yes, thank you, Chairman.
- So maybe a policy recommendation as we think about water reporting being mandatory, it also be mandatory
- Thirdly, we're asking for mandatory public hearings as part of the process, ...asking for mandatory public
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on agency oversight, program capacity, and the state water plan from Texas Water Development Board staff and several water policy stakeholders. TWDB described how it is deploying HB 500 appropriations, including more than $1 billion in one-time water supply and infrastructure grants, $581 million in general revenue grants, a separate grant opportunity for water supply corporations, flash flood siren grants under SB 3, groundwater conservation district grants, a statewide water awareness campaign, and a phased update to the state water plan. Staff also explained the new conveyance coordination initiative, the Texas Water Fund and Proposition 4 framework, and how the board is handling implementation timelines and public comment on draft plans.
TWDB and members discussed the draft state water plan’s findings, including projected shortages of about 3.6 million acre-feet in the 2030 planning decade and an estimated $174 billion cost to implement recommended projects. Members asked about conflicts between regional plans, the most expensive strategies, project cost inflation, labor and materials pressures, and how local implementation barriers such as permitting, contracting, and financing affect delivery. TWDB said the plan remains locally driven, that the most costly project in the current plan is a conveyance from Toledo Bend, and that the agency can provide unit-cost comparisons and more detailed implementation data later.
A major focus was program capacity and oversubscription. TWDB reported that SWIFT received $4.3 billion in requests for the 2026 cycle and had to set a funding line for the first time; the Clean Water SRF was about 10 times oversubscribed, the Drinking Water SRF about nine times oversubscribed, the Flood Infrastructure Fund about six times oversubscribed, and the agricultural water conservation program also exceeded available funding. Stakeholders from Texas 2036, the Texas Water Association, Texas Water Infrastructure Network, and Texas Water Supply Partners urged recapitalizing SWIFT, bridging the gap before Proposition 4 revenue begins flowing in 2028, and preserving leveraging through state financing tools rather than relying on grant-only funding. Members also raised concerns about rising project costs, delays, and whether the state should collect more data on cost escalation and project readiness.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill prohibits the construction of drilling structures within specific...
- I hope you'll continue to do so and go forward and kill the drill. Thank you, committee.
- A year and a half ago, you helped coin the term “kill the drill.”
- And the possibility of potential drilling upriver... ...everything aquaculture.
- We really need to match the same language as the House bill to really kill the drill.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft systems. The bill increases penalties for flying drones over critical infrastructure, prohibits drones equipped with weapons or explosives, creates a first-degree felony for drones carrying a weapon of mass destruction, and includes a law enforcement exception. A lay-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo warning against the use of force to shoot down drones was debated but failed, and the bill was then reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SB 846 addressing notary public fraud in immigration-related services, SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions for school transportation, SB 922 on employment agreements including non-compete and garden leave provisions, and SB 1820 on motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer relations, covering performance measures, retaliation, and franchise termination standards.
Several bills focused on education, health care, and disability issues. SB 540, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, would require disability history and awareness instruction across grade levels; it drew emotional testimony from the bill sponsor, family members, and supporters, and was reported favorably. SB 998 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to certify deaths and file death certificates in hospice settings under physician protocol, and SB 1412 would modernize home health agency rules by expanding administrative flexibility and contract service use; both passed. SB 1736 would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities, and it was also reported favorably.
The committee also advanced several regulatory and court-related measures. SB 1650 expands Florida’s vexatious litigant law, including allowing designation based on conduct in a single case and extending the look-back period, while SB 1652 creates a public records exemption for certain stricken non-criminal court filings; both were approved. SB 1076 on roofing contractors was amended to require continuing education for roof-to-wall connections and then passed, and SB 1078 on fire prevention was amended with stakeholder-agreed language before being reported favorably. SB 1080 on local government land regulations, after multiple amendments and significant debate over agricultural enclaves and local control, was also approved.
Other major measures included SB 818 on utility relocation, which creates a relocation fund funded by a portion of communications services tax revenue and was supported by multiple industry and local-government groups after a compromise amendment; SB 868 on social media use by minors, which would require a decryption mechanism for law enforcement access under subpoena and prohibit disappearing messages for minors, remained under discussion as the transcript ended. The committee also heard SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers against the City of Gainesville, and reported it favorably after testimony that the city would pay the settlement amount.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/27/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Our goal through 2026 was to conserve an additional 3 million acre-feet over and above the mandatory
- It wasn't a mandatory function by the federal government; it was a best effort.
- We would be forced to drill deeper.
- The last time we drilled a well down to 1,500 feet, it was $1.3 million.
- The last time we drilled a well down to 1,500 feet, it was $1.3 million.
Keywords:
solar radiation management, environment, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, public health, complaint process, Attorney General, groundwater management, water conservation, irrigation, water supply, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, brackish water, groundwater, water resources
Summary:
The committee first received an update from Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzky on Colorado River negotiations and post-2026 operating rules. He described the legal framework governing Arizona’s allocation, argued that Arizona and the lower basin have already made substantial conservation cuts, and said the upper basin is pressing positions Arizona views as inconsistent with prior Supreme Court rulings. He emphasized the need to move water from upstream reservoirs to Lake Mead, warned of continued shortage risk, and said the state is seeking an equitable deal through ongoing federal and interstate negotiations. Members asked about outside water use, tourism and recreation impacts, and tribal water rights, including the Navajo-Hopi-San Juan Southern Paiute settlement. Buschatzky said the state’s delegation and bipartisan support have been helpful and urged continued public and legislative backing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2758, which would expand McMullen Valley groundwater transportation authority and add related requirements and guardrails, including an amendment increasing the La Paz County transportation cap from 10% to 50% of the annual volume and adding conditions for sales or leases from historically irrigated acres. Supporters, including bill sponsor advocates, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, and the Home Builders Association, said the bill would create a lawful, regulated transfer option similar to the Harquahala model, support housing growth, and include oversight through hydrologic studies, pumping limits, and monthly reporting to ADWR. Opponents, including La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin’s statement, local residents, Sierra Club, and rural advocates, argued the bill would accelerate aquifer depletion, harm private wells and subsidence conditions, and benefit a New York hedge fund at the expense of rural communities. After debate, the committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2758 as amended on a 6-4 due-pass vote.
The committee next took up House Bill 2098, which would modify bonding authority and public hearing notice requirements for county water augmentation authorities and allow local repayment agreements with WIFA. Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller and other supporters said the bill would clean up statutory language so the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority can finance future water augmentation and infrastructure projects, including potential Bartlett Dam-related work, and better prepare for future Colorado River uncertainty. The Home Builders Association also supported the bill, saying it included proportionality protections for private utility water charges. The bill was moved for a due-pass recommendation and the committee proceeded to a roll call vote, with the transcript ending before the final vote result was shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I want to drill down a little bit deeper into the other models that you highlight here, the 52 CP
- Same drill: say your name, who you're with, and give us your opening comments.
- Mandatory curtailment is a new domain.
- Same drill. All right, **Mr. English**. We're going to start with you. Same drill.
- It's not the mandatory training, I need...
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2025
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- wells drilled in New Mexico.
- zone. prohibits permits to drill.
- Chair, Representative, they would have to seek a permit to drill if they want to apply to drill within
- So it's essentially testing before the drilling and then after the drilling to attempt to address that
- after they drill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There were never drills, no drills of any kind.
- And you look at what we do in schools and have been doing for years with tornado drills and fire drills
- and active shooter drills.
- In the fire drill, this is in the binder, in the fire drills: one counselor should be in front of the
- You know, I was doing tornado drills in 1970. Um, campers shall be instructed.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- of law enforcement across the state of Texas, uh, the agency standards, as well as ensuring that mandatory
- training is, uh, that officers adhere to the mandatory training in their, uh, Uh, every 2-year training
- Well, you know the drill.
- Um, I was a drill sergeant back in 2008, so I was the one that was screaming in people's faces, trying
- Some of them travel a few hours to get to their drill. That means they're not near.
Bills:
SB 36
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is because of the interaction with Proposition 2's cap on mandatory deposits.
- Our proposal seeks to raise the mandatory deposit from 10% to 20%, as well as the exempt deposits to
- Increasing the ceiling on the mandatory deposits from percent to 20 percent would be prudent.
- So currently, we're running drills and looking at programs, doing something similar to what I believe
- That is what I'm going to really drill down on as we get into subcommittee conversations as well, and
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Mandatory overtime, burnout, and turnover are draining our systems.
- Written in an era of nuclear drills and air raid sirens, it was fit for purpose then; it is dangerously
- There's also the Follies case, where the SJC invalidated mandatory GPS monitoring for a large group of
- Please have drills in EMS.
- I used to say this: there's no point having a drill for it.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing on a wide range of bills affecting law enforcement, corrections, fire services, emergency management, telecommunicators, and sex offender policy. Testimony strongly focused on proposals to restore an education incentive for Massachusetts State Police troopers hired after the Quinn Bill was repealed, with State Police Association witnesses arguing the current system creates unfair pay disparities, hurts recruitment and retention, and leaves newer troopers earning less than some supervisors with the same or less education. They urged favorable reports on H. 2651, S. 1759, and S. 1783. A separate witness also supported H. 2627, a sheriff’s pay-parity bill, while suggesting amendments to avoid distinctions between correction officers and jail officers and warning that the proposal should not be viewed as a funding issue alone.
The committee also heard testimony on public safety and oversight bills. A rape survivor testified in support of S. 1663, arguing that municipal fire or police personnel convicted of sex offenses should not remain in positions of public trust. Senator Miranda testified in support of S. 1723, S. 1724, and S. 1727, which would create correctional officer training/accountability standards, a correctional inspector general, and privileged communication with legislators for incarcerated people; he said the bills respond to misconduct and lack of independent oversight in the Department of Correction. In contrast, the Fire Chiefs Association and Professional Fire Fighters opposed H. 2572/S. 1668/S. 1740 on emergency management, saying the bill was developed without enough collaboration, lacked local-control safeguards, and could undermine incident command and local decision-making during disasters.
Several panels supported other public safety measures. The Fire Chiefs Association and PFFM backed S. 1641 and S. 1744 to create a Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help fund fire station and municipal public safety building projects, and supported S. 1647 to implement the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot works and welding safety, including tougher penalties and training requirements. Witnesses also supported H. 2664/S. 1736 to create a hoisting machinery regulations board, saying current licensing standards for heavy equipment are too minimal. Another panel backed H. 2663/S. 1761 to classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, citing stress, burnout, and the expanding role of dispatchers. Finally, an attorney from CPCS testified in opposition to S. 1752, warning that expanded sex offender residency restrictions would likely increase homelessness, make supervision harder, and raise constitutional concerns based on prior court rulings.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1275, mandatory prison sentences and judicial credentials — Judiciary and Elections.
- SB 1298, well drilling application location GPS — Natural Resources. SB 1299, bleed control.
- SB 1298, well drilling application location GPS — Natural Resources.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and approved the journal from January 21, 2026. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize guests and groups in the gallery, including Chaplain Ron Lagata, an anti-human-trafficking proclamation for Not in Our State, an active-duty Air Force apprentice from Davis-Monthan, Space Force and aerospace guests, and Special Olympics Arizona. Senator Bolick’s proclamation emphasized Arizona’s commitment to combating human trafficking and invited members to an upcoming event.
Senator Tothley delivered a somber statement about the death of eight-year-old Malika, Molly Boone, in his community and criticized delays in the Turquoise Alert system. He urged statewide changes so alerts go out more quickly and more broadly, and the Senate observed a moment of silence in her memory. The President Pro Tem expressed condolences and said he would continue working on solutions.
The chamber then moved through the day’s legislative calendar, reading a long list of bills and resolutions for second reading and introducing several new bills for first reading and committee referral, including measures on election procedures, voting security, prison sentencing, water supply, unemployment benefits, health care, and appropriations. A nomination to the Arizona Board of Regents was also read by name only. Committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings, and the Senate adjourned on motion until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Aug 11th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Directly transportable over to just drilling for heat instead of drilling for oil and gas.
- The trick is, when they drilled their wells, they only drilled them down to about maybe 200 meters, which
- What you do is you drill two wells.
- Drilling gives us better information about what our subsurface is without having to drill thousands of
- Drilling that deep is an expensive endeavor, and so we do want to drill deep wells and really characterize
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You know the drill: please silence all electronic devices.
- You know the drill: please silence all electronic devices.
- Senator Bradley said the crime of failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters is a
- Members, the crime of failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters is a third-degree
- reporters to account, And without holding the mandatory reporters to account, it allows institutional
Bills:
S0014, S0016, S0024, S0052, S0308, S0504, S0506, S0564, S0572, S0590, S0594, S0806, S1396, S7020, S7024, S7026
Keywords:
negligence, settlement, police conduct, municipal liability, personal injury, compensation, injuries, Miami-Dade County, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met with 14 members present and considered a long agenda of bills, including several open-government sunset reauthorizations, consumer and election measures, claims bills, and policy bills on public safety, ethics, and child protection. The committee reported favorably SB 7024 and SB 7026, which extend and consolidate public-records/public-meeting exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies, and SB 7020, which reenacts the aquaculture records exemption for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It also approved SB 14 and SB 24, two uncontested Miami-Dade County claims bills, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan involving severe injuries after an unlawful arrest and transport incident in St. Petersburg.
Several bills drew substantial testimony. SB 308, creating the Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors and designating St. Johns County as the museum site, received extensive support from advocates and lawmakers who emphasized preserving the full and accurate history of Black Floridians; some speakers urged safeguards to ensure historians and community members help shape the museum’s content. The committee also favorably reported CS for SB 564, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, with supporters saying it would build civic engagement and help election offices. CS for SB 52, which exempts unpaid volunteer armed security at houses of worship from Class D and G licensing requirements, was also reported favorably after testimony both supporting the need for church security and cautioning that congregations should retain control over whether weapons are allowed.
The committee approved CS for SB 1396 on litigation financing and consumer protection after a lengthy debate over transparency, foreign funding, and whether the bill would chill access to courts. Supporters said it would create guardrails and disclose foreign involvement; opponents argued it could burden plaintiffs and reveal litigation strategy. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 504 and SB 506, creating a framework and related public-records exemption for code inspector body cameras, with discussion about notice to property owners and protection of sensitive footage. Additional favorable actions included CS for SB 572, updating ethics law to reflect foster family relationships, and CS for SB 590, tolling the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the offense is known to law enforcement or another charging authority.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 4, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- REUNIFICATION PLAN IN THE PRESENCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN SCHOOL ACTIVE AND THE SEALANT EMERGENCY DRILLS
- NUMBERS AND SEE HOW MANY UNFOUNDED CASES LOWS AND MEDIUMS AND HIGHS AND DEADLINES IN PLACE BECAME MANDATORY
- MANAGEMENT MODEL IS FLORIDA SPECIFIC BECAUSE AGAIN WE ADDRESS THE CONCERNING BEHAVIORS AND MADE TRAINING MANDATORY
- AND THE TEAM MEMBERS MANDATORY AND WE CREATED THE PORTAL TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT INFORMATION IN THERE
- THEY LOCK THE DOORS AND TO HAVE A SAFE SCHOOL OFFICER MONITOR THE PROPERTY AND THEY ARE CONDUCTING DRILLS
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- They have presented options in the dental area, whereas in the lab area, it's a mandatory service by
- Lab services are a mandatory service by CMS.
- Lab services are a mandatory service by CMS. Every Medicaid state has to offer them.
- But to drill down a little farther on that, Dr.
- But to drill down a little farther on that, Dr.
Summary:
The Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed several agency rules and requests. The Insurance Department’s amendment to its holding company system rule was reviewed and approved, as were two State Board of Election Commissioners rules: one clarifying poll watcher conduct, vote challenges, and provisional voting, and another increasing pay for certified election monitors and defining training, observation, and report-writing compensation. The Arkansas Financial Education Commission also had its rule reviewed and approved after removing membership requirements tied to DEI language to comply with Act 938. The committee held over the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from reporting requirements for one month to allow further discussion about who should write or implement the rules.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Human Services’ request to be excluded from reporting requirements for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025. DHS said CMS had raised comparability and other federal approval concerns, especially for the dental and diagnostic lab provisions, and that it might not be able to meet the acts’ effective dates. DHS described several possible paths forward, including broader benefit changes, waivers, or splitting the dental provisions so the pediatric rate increase could move separately from the special-needs adult cap increase. The Arkansas State Dental Association disputed DHS’s conclusion that the acts could not be implemented as written, argued that Act 1025 is workable, and urged DHS to continue pursuing implementation and preserve the September 1 effective date where possible. Public testimony also supported expanded dental access for adults with disabilities and special needs. After discussion, the committee voted not to exclude DHS from reporting requirements for those acts.
The committee then reviewed the Division of Higher Education’s Act 781 report. The division said it has 32 rules in effect, asked to repeal three rules—two replaced by new rules and one no longer supported by authority or current law—and to continue the remaining 29 rules. The committee approved that request, with the repeals effective upon adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on January 16, 2026. The meeting concluded with no questions on the remaining written rulemaking updates from prior and current sessions, which were filed without further action.