Transcript Highlights:

• We do know that the House sponsor is having some conversations to maybe remove the children or make the
• recognize some folks in the audience today: former member of the Senate, Senator Kerry Baker, and his troop
• from Troop 43 in Tavares, Florida.
• Senator Kerry Baker and his troop from Troop 43 in Tavares, Florida. Thank you for being here.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security heard and approved three bills. SB 884 by Senator Martin would create benefits for members of the Florida State Guard, including leaves of absence, scholarships for eligible members, state park discounts, and annual sportsmen’s, gold, and fishing licenses. The bill drew no questions or debate, and was reported favorably. SB 336 by Senator Arrington would expand the Florida National Guard’s Educational Dollars for Duty Program to include spouses and children of active Guard members, providing up to 50% tuition assistance and reserving $500,000 annually for that purpose. Senators raised concerns about whether the existing program is already underfunded and about eligibility verification, but the sponsor said the goal was to add funding rather than reduce support for current Guard members. The bill was reported favorably. SB 402 by Chair Wright would revise Florida’s law on unlawful use of military uniforms, medals, or insignia by replacing branch-by-branch references with a definition of “armed forces” that includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Members spoke in support, emphasizing the harm caused by people falsely claiming military service or collecting donations under false pretenses. The bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Truenow recognized former Senator Kerry Baker and Troop 43 from Tavares, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I'd rather be the snow removal officer in Europe than the chief of staff at the Pentagon.
• officer in Europe than the chief removal officer in Europe than the chief of<01:39:03.800><c> staff<
• </c> the way of the draft this just removes the way of the draft this just removes hurdles<04:13:58.479
• Okay, and then also remove the penalties, which is kind of what you see in front of you today.
• It has been scaled down from 1338 to just removing the penalties here.

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• interruptions, any attempt to communicate from the audience verbally or otherwise will be met with a removal
• sure Japan continues to increase its support for the defense of the region, our alliance, and our troops
• We currently have 60,000 troops that are located, or brave men and women that are located in Japan.
• And it was the United States that said we should remove that, wasn't it? It was.
• And so housing the troops has done that, whether we have.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the only exception that federal law provides for stationing troops or armed folks at the polls
• That is the only exception that federal law provides for stationing troops or armed folks at the polls
• , bring, or keep troops or armed persons in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States
• And so my fear is if this scenario were to happen, is that then we follow up with a bill that removes
• We are seeing pumping units removed from locations.

Bills: HB195 , HB279 , SB30 , HB234 , HB292 , SB100 , SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard SB 264, which would create state criminal and civil penalties for election interference, including stationing armed personnel at polling places or drop boxes, changing voter qualifications or election procedures contrary to state law, and obstructing or intimidating voters, poll workers, or election administrators. The sponsor and Secretary of State staff said the bill was a response to concerns about possible federal interference in New Mexico elections and was modeled largely on existing federal law, while also adding emergency-related provisions for counties affected by disasters. Support came from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and the Center for Public Policy; there was no opposition testimony. After questions about enforcement, federal conflict, and the role of local law enforcement, the committee passed SB 264 on a due-pass motion. The committee then took up SB 261, a related bill revising firearm restrictions at polling places. The sponsor said the bill would remove most exemptions that had allowed firearms in or around polling locations, while preserving limited exceptions for election administrators to request law enforcement assistance and for certain rural or co-located law enforcement offices. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and the Center for Public Policy, argued that firearms at polls can intimidate voters and poll workers and that the bill would create clearer, safer rules. Opponents, including representatives of a rifle and pistol club, a county sheriff’s office, and the New Mexico Business Coalition, argued that concealed carry holders and officers should not be treated as threats, that the bill could create confusion or criminalize lawful conduct, and that law enforcement needs to remain armed to respond to emergencies and protect polling sites. Committee members debated constitutional tailoring, rural enforcement issues, and how the bill would interact with the earlier election-interference bill. The committee ultimately passed the Judiciary Committee substitute for SB 261 on a due-pass vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 221, which would add a new crime and racketeering predicate for theft and misappropriation of petroleum products and oil and gas equipment. The sponsor, the Attorney General’s office, and industry and law enforcement witnesses said oilfield theft has become more organized and dangerous, causing environmental damage, safety hazards, lost production, and revenue losses, and that existing laws are not sufficient to address the conduct. An opponent questioned whether the conduct was already illegal and argued that the bill singled out one industry and could overcriminalize conduct already covered by other laws and regulations. After discussion about proportionality and whether the bill was necessary, the committee voted on the Judiciary Committee substitute and the motion failed on a tie vote, so SB 221 did not advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will now join the Troop 56 Boy Scouts in saluting the flag of the United States of America.
• We would like to officially welcome Troop 56 from Cambridge, Scouting America, and their guests, including
• We'd like to officially welcome Troop 56 from Cambridge, Scouting America, and their guests getting their
• The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports that Senate Bill 3142, an act removing the term
• An act removing the term 'hearing impaired' from the general laws, Senate Bill 3142.

Summary: The House opened with a salute to the flag and welcomed Troop 56 Boy Scouts from Cambridge, including guests earning a citizenship merit badge. The chamber then took up several procedural matters, including adopting Rules Committee resolutions and extending the Committee on Revenue’s reporting deadline to January 24, 2027. The House also concurred in a Senate petition allowing the South Deerfield Fire District to continue employing fire department member Stephen Kulowski. On legislation, the House advanced Senate Bill 3142, which removes the term “hearing impaired” from the general laws, ordering it to a third reading. The House also passed to enactment a group of bills covering local and personnel matters, including Bridgewater charter language changes to make it gender-neutral, Boston police age waivers for two officers, a Berkeley selectmen membership increase, and sick leave banks for Sharon Manning and Stephanie Vieira. The chamber later concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 4805 on Plainville’s charter and House Bill 5053 on Orange’s charter, and passed House Bill 5035 on Grafton’s senior tax exemption to be engrossed. The Committee on Ways and Means reported House Bill 5534, a fiscal year 2027 interim appropriations bill totaling $7.703 billion, and the House fast-tracked it through second and third reading. After recesses and renewed motions, the bill was passed to be engrossed and then enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Troop G troop commander.
• I'm the Troop G troop commander.
• </c> Troop G. I'll let him introduce himself. Troop G. I'll let him introduce himself.
• I'm the Troop G troop commander. Colin. I'm the Troop G troop commander.
• </c> enforcement has the capacity to remove enforcement has the capacity to remove unsafe<00:45:52.880

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• 15 positions due to identified workforce efficiencies, and removing... ...increases, removing 15 positions
• due to identified workforce efficiencies, and removing five vacant positions.
• The Office of Motor Vehicles, there was an adjustment to remove 15 positions for $1.2 million.
• I don't have any other questions other than Mardi Gras and Troop NOLA. Sure.
• Troop NOLA? Yes, ma'am. So we were originally appropriated, I believe, 40 T.O.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Troop A, that covers the Little Rock area, Troop D, that covers East Arkansas, and Troop L, which
• covers Northwest Arkansas, I believe, are our top three troops that we're seeing the pursuit numbers
• charge and they flee and they're willing to, you know, plead guilty on first-degree murder if we'll remove
• I mean, obviously that's a concession that we'd be... ...remove a fleeing charge.
• regulations of standards for the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training that you can be removed

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police Director Mike Hager and other agency leaders about vehicle pursuits and tactical vehicle interventions (TVIs, formerly PIT maneuvers). Hager said Acts 734 of 2020 and 82 of 2022, which increased penalties for fleeing in a vehicle, along with a public campaign and work with prosecutors, helped reduce pursuits by 29% from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. He said the agency also added 120 troopers during that period and that the goal is to protect innocent civilians, officers, and suspects. Members asked about where pursuits occur most often, prosecution practices, the possibility of making fleeing charges non-pleadable like DWI, and a recent mistaken TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; Hager said no one was injured in that incident and called it inexcusable. The committee also discussed the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Hager explained that the foundation is a private support group made up largely of businesses and citizens that raises money for trooper-family scholarships, emergency relief for troopers affected by disasters or family hospitalizations, and facilities and training support, including the driving track. He said he was not aware of any lobbying activity by the foundation and praised its staff and leadership for supporting the agency beyond what the state budget can provide. Next, Director Chris Chapman of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training described the state’s decertification and officer accountability process. He said every separation from an agency must be reported, and if an officer leaves under circumstances that may warrant decertification, the file is flagged so any future hiring agency must be told the full history before the officer can be added to a roster. Chapman said the commission has increased decertification requests from 158 in the prior three years to 256 in the last three years, with 147 officers currently pending hearings, and that the backlog has been reduced from about four and a half years to about a year and a half. Members asked about resignations during investigations, appeal rights, citizen complaints, and FOIA access to decertification records; Chapman said those matters can trigger review, appeals go to circuit court, and the records are generally public. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee visit to a fish hatchery in Lonoke County.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I do see Senator Sessions' point, but the only thing that I see in this is that if you would remove
• And this assumes that because you drove away, you're under the influence of if you would remove the part
• in here, if you would remove the part in here, which<00:20:22.400><c> may</c><00:20:22.640><c> get</
• Uh, this bill allows these matters to be removed to the circuit court simply on notice without assigning

Bills: SB169 , SB180 , SB203 , SB87 , SB195 , SB192 , SB169 , SB180 , SB203 , SB87 , SB195 , SB192 , HB132 , HB37 , HB13 , HB54 , HB126 , HB7 , SB30 , HB188 , HB189 , HB26 , HB264 , HB288 , HB248 , HB249 , HB227 , HB228 , HB132 , HB37 , HB13 , HB54 , HB126 , HB7 , SB30 , HB188 , HB189 , HB26 , HB264 , HB288 , HB248 , HB249 , HB227 , HB228

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: Lieutenant Governor, vacancy, governor appointment, Alabama Constitution, state government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery

Transcript Highlights:

• which already says that no one can order. which already says that no one can order, bring, or keep troops
• That is the only exception that federal law provides for stationing troops or armed folks at the polls
• That is the only exception that federal law provides for stationing troops or armed folks at the polls
• And so my fear is if this scenario were to happen, is that then we follow up with a bill that removes
• We are seeing pumping units removed from locations.

Bills: SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264 , HB195 , HB279 , SB30 , HB234 , HB292 , SB100 , SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of last year, our latest troop school graduated and was led by Trooper Bailey Bowers.
• The pay raise we provided to new state troopers encouraged Bailey to make the leap and enroll in troop
• When he arrived at the troop school, he was able to focus on his three priorities: God, family, and the
• He says it meant something that there were Bibles in the barracks and that he and a group of other troop
• growth, I signed executive orders to streamline state government, cutting permitting in half and removed

Summary: The meeting was the opening of the Arkansas General Assembly’s 2026 fiscal session, beginning with quorum calls, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including law enforcement officers, a doctor of the day, nurse of the day, constitutional officers, Supreme Court justices, and family and friends of legislators. The House adopted House Resolution 1001 to convene a joint session for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s address, appointed committees to notify the Senate and the Governor, and later received the Senate into the chamber before recessing for the joint session. In the joint session, members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Stan Berry, then heard Governor Sanders’s fiscal session address. Her remarks focused heavily on the proposed budget and her administration’s priorities: fully funding education and the LEARNS Act, supporting teachers and literacy efforts, funding public safety and corrections, expanding the 1033 initiative to move people from crisis to career, and holding down government growth while pursuing further income tax cuts. She also highlighted economic development, low cost of living, and support for veterans, while emphasizing conservative policy themes and thanking several Arkansans whose stories illustrated the administration’s agenda. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on beyond the adoption of House Resolution 1001 and the procedural motions to adjourn the joint session and then adjourn the House until the next day. The House announced that Joint Budget would meet later that afternoon and again the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of last year, our latest troop school graduated and was led by Trooper Bailey Bowers.
• The pay raise we provided to new state troopers encouraged Bailey to make the leap and enroll in troop
• When he arrived at the troop school, he was able to focus on his three priorities: God, family, and the
• He says it meant something that there were Bibles in the barracks and that he and a group of other troop
• growth, I signed executive orders to streamline state government, cutting permitting in half and removing

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Troop A, that covers the Little Rock area, Troop D, that covers East Arkansas, and Troop L, which
• covers northwest Arkansas, are our top three troops that we're seeing the pursuit numbers in.
• charge and they flee and they're willing to, you know, plead guilty on first-degree murder if we'll remove
• standards for the State of Arkansas should be very serious to all of us, and those bad actors should be removed
• regulations, the standards for the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, that you can be removed

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported. The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues. Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:19:56.640><c> and</c> pray for the safety of our troops and pray for the safety of our troops
• Just days after removed. That's right.
• </c><02:20:25.280><c> It</c> This bill supports our troops. It This bill supports our troops.
• It supports our troops and their It supports our troops and their families<02:22:22.160><c> and</c><02
• And we are talking about infrastructure for our troops that are over there, as well as our allies' troops

Bills: HB3944 , HR519

Keywords: appropriations, military construction, veterans affairs, VA funding, USDA, agriculture appropriations, legislative branch appropriations, fiscal year 2026, omnibus, spending bill, rural development, rural housing, broadband, SNAP, WIC, school lunch, food safety, FDA user fees, veterans health care, toxic exposure

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also remove any military bases.
• In conclusion, God bless our troops.
• </c><02:07:54.400><c> Trump</c> conclusion, God bless our troops.
• Trump conclusion, God bless our troops.
• ><c> barriers</c><04:55:23.200><c> that</c> And it removes unnecessary barriers that And it removes unnecessary

Bills: HB6955 , HB8800 , HR1118

Keywords: banking reform, financial institutions, community banks, credit unions, regulatory relief, economic stability, mergers and acquisitions, supervisory practices, CACFP, Child and Adult Care Food Program, National CACFP Week, child nutrition, school meals, after-school meals, Head Start, child care, day care, adult day care, emergency shelters, military child care

Transcript Highlights:

• Troop NOLA being one of them, that's a unique partnership in the country.
• You know, one of them was a 13-year-old boy who was in our Boy Scout troop.
• I’ve done it in Troop Nola.
• “When I came into office in New Orleans, we stood up Troop Nola.
• The other question I have involves Troop NOLA, and I'm going to stick to the funding.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Army Reserve and scout; and Alexander Bertelsen from Seattle Buddhist Church Scout Troop 252.
• Army Reserve, and scout Alexander Bertelsen from Seattle Buddhist Church Scout Troop 252.
• The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen from Troop 252.
• Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which authorized the United States military to forcibly remove
• And whereas, this drastic policy of forced removal allegedly aimed to prevent acts of espionage and sabotage

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary of Defense about women in combat and the President's executive order banning transgender troops
• I am deeply concerned that active-duty troops are going to be forced into law enforcement roles. into
• Army posts were being shadow banned or removed for alleged violations.
• Because you couldn't name a country in Africa where we have troops when I asked you.
• What impact would deploying tens of thousands of troops have on Army readiness?

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill would prohibit the deployment of our state's National Guard troops into active-duty combat.
• As a veteran, Dan McKnight calls HB 930 ultimate support our troops legislation.
• A lot of those benefits could be removed. That's just to name a few.
• I had you said funding would be removed.
• If funding is removed, by what authority would that be done?

Bills: HB39 , HB227 , HB930 , HB 1078 , HB39 , HB227

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Troop A, that covers the Little Rock area, Troop D, that covers East Arkansas, and Troop L, which
• covers Northwest Arkansas, are our top three troops that we're seeing the pursuit numbers in.
• charge and they flee and they're willing to, you know, plead guilty on first-degree murder if we'll remove
• standards for the State of Arkansas should be very serious to all of us, and those bad actors should be removed
• regulations of standards for the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training that you can be removed

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE