Transcript Highlights:

• This process is careful and deliberate, but it also means that instruction is often paced to meet the
• That paper is really a lost art, and the computers are removing all the thought process.
• Many studies confirm the central, irreplaceable role that parents play in their children's lives.
• Many studies confirm the central, irreplaceable role that parents play in their children's lives.
• There's a very specific process here that the parent is aware of and gives permission. It's fine.

Bills: HB2020, HB2032, HB2033, HB2249, HB2313, HB2318, HB2378, HCR2003

Keywords: interference, disruption, educational institutions, public order, conduct rules, statewide assessment, student testing, academic standards, third grade reading, reading retention, promotion and retention, school accountability, assessment window, testing window, test scores, school report cards, nontest data, graduation rates, dropout rates, education data privacy

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 18 and March 4, 2026, then took up HCR 2003, the Protect Girls in Sports in Arizona Act. Supporters, including Superintendent Tom Horne and several athletes and coaches, argued the measure would protect fairness, safety, and privacy in girls’ sports and locker rooms by requiring sports to be designated male, female, or co-ed and by limiting access to certain private spaces. Opponents, including the ACLU and Arizona Education Association, argued the resolution was discriminatory, would function as a bathroom ban, and could create enforcement and privacy problems. The committee passed HCR 2003 on a 4-3 vote, giving it a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2020, which would make certain threats or disruptions at educational institutions by minors a class 1 misdemeanor instead of a class 6 felony, and passed it 4-3. HB 2032, which shifts the statewide testing window later in the school year and changes related score deadlines, drew support from school leaders who said it would better reflect full-year learning; it passed 6-1. HB 2033, allowing school districts and charter schools to choose paper-and-pencil statewide testing by governing board vote, also passed 6-0 with one member not voting. HB 2318, establishing term limits for school district governing board members, was amended to clarify the limit applies only after two consecutive four-year terms beginning after a specified date; it passed 4-3 despite opposition from the Arizona School Board Association over impacts on rural districts. The committee next approved HB 2378, which changes eligibility rules for School Facilities Oversight Board members so certain architect and engineer members may not have school-construction business interests, passing 4-3. HB 2313, which prohibits teacher strikes or organized work stoppages and reduces school funding if a strike occurs, passed 4-3 after testimony from educators who said it was punitive and could worsen staffing shortages. Finally, the committee considered HB 2249, which expands the Parents’ Bill of Rights to require written parental consent and notification regarding school facilitation of social transitioning and creates significant civil penalties for violations. Opponents warned it was vague, punitive, and likely to chill ordinary school interactions, while supporters said it was needed to stop schools from hiding information from parents. After adopting a six-page amendment, the committee passed HB 2249 on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Confirm wire instructions verbally.
• loved ones that may be vulnerable, be engaged, and remain in discussion with them throughout the process
• media, because as soon as we're able to get it, we're able to talk to those consumers and get that process
• Best practices on this, when I would tell consumers, is be cognizant of your coverage, confirm what the
• Representative Tosh, I think, has since left, but he asked a question about the investigative process

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members hearing from bankers, the Attorney General’s office, the state bank and securities commissioner, the insurance department, AARP, and mortgage industry representatives. Witnesses described fraud as increasingly organized, technology-driven, and often transnational, with common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, fake websites and social media impersonations, business email compromise, gift card and wire scams, crypto kiosk fraud, check fraud, and mortgage/real estate fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that seniors are disproportionately targeted and that losses are often underreported because victims feel embarrassed or do not know where to report incidents. Testimony highlighted both state and national responses. Bankers and regulators pointed to Arkansas’s 2025 actions on crypto ATMs and elder-fraud education, including training for gift-card sellers and safe-harbor protections for banks under the Safe AR Act. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division described its complaint process, a new financial fraud task force, and examples of recovered funds, including quick recoveries from Bitcoin kiosk scams and wire fraud cases. The American Bankers Association and others urged stronger accountability for telecoms and social media platforms, citing spoofed caller ID, impersonation ads, Section 230 issues, and the need for a national scam-prevention strategy or federal office. Artificial intelligence was identified as a major emerging risk because it can generate convincing scam emails, websites, and impersonation content at scale. Members asked about reporting procedures, whether banks reimburse fraud losses, how crypto affects recoverability, the safety of tap-to-pay versus chip use, and whether public online records contribute to fraud. Witnesses generally advised victims to report scams through the proper channels, avoid clicking links or responding to suspicious messages, and verify requests independently by contacting institutions directly. The committee also heard that banks and regulators are already sharing information and educating consumers, but that more legislative and cross-agency action may be needed. No formal vote or bill action was taken beyond approval of the November 3, 2025 minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Taranova, do you want to just kind of talk about the process that you've been working on?
• It's a lot of complexity on what was already shaping up to be a challenging process, but one that we
• We need to leverage data and use that by itself to do an ex parte process.
• I hope, and I don't think I heard this, but I just want to confirm that you're waiting on DSS for more
• As we kind of go through our budget process.

Keywords: 962, all

Summary: The Care Management Committee met to receive a status update on the DSS/CHN PCMH program and to discuss implementation of HR1, especially the new medical frailty requirements. CHN reported the PCMH program remained steady at 124 practices and 553 sites, with 54.6% of the HUSKY population attributed to PCMH providers, and noted ongoing recruitment, provider turnover, and recent practice consolidations/acquisitions that will shift some sites to Yale and Hartford HealthCare. CHN also reported strong quality improvement engagement for 2026, with 83% of contacted PCMHs engaged, and said preliminary 2025 results showed improvement across measures. The bulk of the meeting focused on DSS’s response to the June 1 CMS interim final rule on HR1. DSS explained that it had been building a medical frailty definition based on diagnosis codes and comparisons with other states’ approaches, but the new federal rule adds a requirement that the condition significantly impair a person’s ability to work or comply with community engagement requirements. DSS said it is still evaluating how to combine claims-based data with the new federal overlay, may submit comments to CMS during the open comment period through July 31, and is considering options such as self-attestation, especially given CMS’s allowance of self-attestation for calendar year 2027. Committee members raised concerns about the rule’s complexity, possible legal challenges, the need for a good-faith waiver or implementation delay, and the risk of noncompliance if the state gets the process wrong. Members also pressed DSS for broader outreach, clearer public communication, training, and better reporting on implementation impacts and costs. DSS said it is developing a website, webinars, and a communications plan, and is working with community-based organizations, community health workers, and administrative services organizations to reach potentially affected members. DSS said it is also building a Medicaid pre-screener to help people determine whether they may be subject to work requirements. In the PCMH Plus discussion, DSS said it was not yet ready to present the 2024 quality data but would try to bring the Wave 3, Year 5 results and related quality/shared savings information to the July 8 meeting, along with the regular PCMH update and another HR1 update. The committee also discussed future agenda items including community health worker reimbursement, peer support services, and the inmate medical program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we are in the process of redrafting the CD1 for your consideration.
• This proposal basically gives all emergency hires five years to go through the licensure process.
• through the licensure process. through the licensure process.
• Senator, can we push this to the bottom of the agenda while we just confirm one thing? Okay.
• <01:06:23.880> one of the agenda while we just confirm one of the agenda while we just confirm

Bills: HB2241, HB1163, HB1514, HB1696, HB2021, SB2135, SB2466, SB2727, SB3082, SB3097, SB2861, SCR100, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, SCR162, SB2614, SB3118, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, commercial driving, driver's license

Transcript Highlights:

• goes for the process as well. goes for the process as well.
• , process, but while that's in process, process, but while that's in process, the<00:36:17.280>
• finger process, unfortunately. finger process, unfortunately.
• process all those guys? process all those guys?
• exhibit expedite this process? exhibit expedite this process?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been an imperative for us in the process, and that's what I would reply.
• This is due to the lack of due process.
• So to me, considering something is not violating due process.
• That is the fundamental process of due process, which is the prosecutor picks the charge.
• Lastly, it creates a clear process for individuals to obtain written proof.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's separated in the paper pulping process, and it is burned as a waste product to generate heat and
• It's separated in the paper pulping process, and it is burned as a waste product to generate heat and
• separated in the paper pulping process separated in the paper pulping process and<01:02:47.240><
• They just wanted it to be more streamlined, is to try and find a process working with the Department
• They just wanted it to be more streamlined, is to try and find a process working with the Department

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am wondering from a process standpoint, can I make a verbal amendment, or do we need to...
• And so I wondering from a process<00:16:01.120> standpoint,<00:16:01.600> can<00:16:01.759
• , can I make a verbal process standpoint, can I make a verbal amendment<00:16:04.000> or<00:16
• It sounds like it looks like Miss Painter is potentially looking that up to confirm.
• to confirm. The other question, Mr. to confirm. The other question, Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:59.440> have um that both sides in this process have um that both sides in this process
• they have to provide a receipt confirmed they have to provide a receipt confirmed within<01:15:09.080
• This adds transparency to the HICKPUF enrollment and renewal process.
• It's just asking to and renewal process.
• :30:24.840> a stakeholder process must include a stakeholder process must include a discussion

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and spent much of the opening period on recognitions and announcements. Members welcomed students and staff from the San Luis Valley BOCES Transition Program, recognized Purple Up Day and military children at the Capitol, noted committee meetings later in the day, and observed a moment honoring former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Several members also shared personal remarks about being military children and invited colleagues to a Bible study. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 16, concerning retirement readiness and financial well-being. The sponsor said the resolution affirms Colorado’s commitment to strengthening retirement security through tools such as financial education, automatic enrollment, employer matches, and lifetime income options. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 59 ayes, 1 no, and 5 excused, with Representatives Rutnel and Lindsay listed as co-sponsors. The House next moved into special orders and considered House Bill 1233 on property tax procedures for non-residential properties. An amendment clarifying petty offense liability and appeal timelines was adopted, while another amendment on notice to property owners was defeated. Supporters said the bill adds penalties for false information, allows counties to request district court review, and improves fairness and accountability in non-residential property tax appeals; opponents argued it would impose costly new burdens on businesses. The committee report, as amended, and the bill were both adopted. The chamber also adopted Senate Bill 128, which exempts certain destination management company fees from sales and use tax. Supporters said the bill codifies current practice, clarifies the definition of destination management company, and avoids taxing services twice; the Finance Committee report was adopted first, then the bill passed. Consideration then began on House Bill 1195, which restricts the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy services. Sponsors described a multi-page amendment adding definitions, allowing certain FDA-approved AI uses, moving some provisions to the Consumer Protection Act, and clarifying liability and consent; members broadly supported the need for guardrails and patient protections, and discussion continued on additional consent language.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research confirms the impacts... Recognized among the best in the profession.
• Research confirms the impacts of this work.
• The grow process has been so good.
• The grow process has been so good and simple this year, and it worked very well.
• The grow process has been so good. I really want to thank you guys.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We educate our reporting process, work closely with the ER, which is Dr.
• Of those, roughly 3 to 13 are confirmed, not suspected, but confirmed as trafficking.
• And that's where you have to approach this process.
• A lot of people know our work for our Engage Together process.
• A lot of people know our work for our Engage Together process.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• We urgently ask for your support of House File 4347 to clarify and confirm the legislative intent as
• <00:13:54.000> the<00:13:54.320> legislative to clarify and confirm the legislative
• Um, regulators go through the process of approving our products.
• <00:24:07.679> So<00:24:08.400> um process of approving our products.
• So um process of approving our products.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I can neither confirm or deny.
• So I can neither confirm or deny.
• So I can neither confirm or deny.
• So I can neither confirm or deny.
• So I can neither confirm or deny.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Roll Call: 00:00:21 Visit Jessamine - Making an Impact: 00:03:15 Fort Knox Update & Impact: 00:27:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September minutes and heard two presentations focused on tourism and economic development. First, Visit Jessamine and local winery representatives described Jessamine County’s tourism branding, visitor center renovation at the old jail in Nicholasville, wayfinding signs, kiosks, murals, and the Jessamine Wine and Spirits Trail. They said Kentucky tourism generates more than $1 billion in taxes and $14.3 billion in economic impact statewide, and that Jessamine County tourism generates about $6.2 million in taxes and $87 million in economic impact. They emphasized that the wine trail and related events, including the Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival, draw repeat visitors, support surrounding counties, and attract visitors from across the country and overseas. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed local events such as Halloween activities in Nicholasville and Wilmore and the Great Jessamine Pumpkin event. The committee also received prepared comments on Fort Knox from Lance O’Brien of the Knox Regional Development Alliance after a Fort Knox representative could not attend because of the federal government shutdown. The remarks highlighted Fort Knox’s role as a military installation, economic engine, tourism draw, and workforce partner. The presentation cited an estimated $5.6 billion in annual output, about $1.3 billion in payroll, more than 60,000 retirees and veterans in the surrounding area, and roughly 11,000 to 13,000 soldiers stationed there at a time. It also noted major tourism-related activity such as Cadet Summer Training, the National Raider Challenge, and the George Patton Museum, along with more than $484 million in small-business contracts in fiscal year 2025 and Fort Knox’s role in IT and cybersecurity. Members discussed the importance of tourism revenue, out-of-state visitors, and the broader economic impact of both Jessamine County and Fort Knox.

Transcript Highlights:

• You had mentioned a couple of other subjects you had, uh, confirming what you assumed was correct also
• other subjects you had uh confirming other subjects you had uh confirming um<00:30:55.120> what
• that I was heard confirmation that I was heard hearing<01:07:16.640> a<01:07:16.799> lot
• Sometimes I'm trying to process all these fast enough. Thank you.
• Sometimes I'm trying to process all these fast enough. Thank you.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we'll consider his bill, CS for HB 157, Service of Process.
• Members, HB 157 is a bill regarding the service of process in the state of Florida, and specifically
• the purpose of this bill is to conform, excuse me, confirm that a current statute, because we amended
• Chair. ...regarding the service of process in the state of Florida, and specifically the purpose of this
• bill is to conform, excuse me, confirm that a current statute, because we amended the statute back in

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met and considered nine bills, with members hearing brief presentations, limited debate, and mostly unanimous support. Early measures included CS/HB 421, which expands peer support access for first responders to include support personnel, and HB 205, which creates a new offense for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster (“Troopers’ Law”). Both bills drew support from law enforcement and animal welfare-related witnesses, and both were reported favorably; HB 205 was adopted with a technical amendment. The committee also approved CS/HB 157 on service of process, which clarifies that a prior statutory change applies to all causes of action, creates a safe harbor for compliance, tightens substituted service requirements, and allows individual registered agents to be served anywhere in the state. HB 693, which adds an aggravating factor for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for school, religious, or public government activities, drew both support and opposition; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters argued juries should have more tools in capital cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. Members then approved CS/HB 113, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, after discussion about marked versus unmarked vehicles and an amendment that restored current penalties for two related offenses. Rep. Bracey Davis voted no, citing concerns about unmarked cars and public safety perceptions. The committee also passed HB 91 on misdemeanor probation, PCS/CS/HB 383 allowing certain officers and service members to purchase firearms without the three-day waiting period, and CS/HB 195 to let correctional education count toward professional licensure requirements for incarcerated people. Finally, CS/HB 479 was approved to allow judges to order restitution in hit-and-run property-damage cases. All bills were reported favorably, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:05.119> dead Over 60,000 human lives confirmed dead Over 60,000 human lives confirmed
• , Instead of complex existing process, Instead of complex existing process, projects<02:52:29.920
• <03:01:09.760> is crossber permitting process that is crossber permitting process that is
• So I urge help in the process.
• aren't given a say in this process. aren't given a say in this process.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Bernard: THANK YOU, SENATE BILL 976 PROVIDES CLARITY AND FAIRNESS IN THE PROCESS FOR PARENTS
• A CHALLENGING COURT APPOINTED PSYCHOLOGISTS IN FAMILY LAW CASES AND ENSURES DUE PROCESS AND PROTECT
• BERMAN. >> Senator Berman: LAST TIME WE TALKED ABOUT THIS BILL THERE WAS A PROVISION AND I WANT TO CONFIRM
• IT WAS AN ARDUOUS PROCESS.
• SENATOR RODRIGUEZ YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Senator Rodriguez: I WANT CONFIRMED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE ON TAB

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal immigration policy was to process and release.
• means, you know, the vetting process.
• We don't, you know, there's the vetting process. They don't have a criminal history.
• , the vetting process.
• We don't, you know, there's the vetting process. They don't have a criminal history.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration. Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings. Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it's not an easy process.
• Um it's not an easy<00:03:41.360> process.
• This is a unique easy process.
• That lays out the registration process and fees.
• Burrus confirmed that it deals with the titling of salvage titles, not the inspections.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Selby's just confirm that you were talking about appropriation only, not funding." "Correct.
• Selby's just confirm that you were talking about appropriation only not funding. Correct. Correct.
• To have gone ahead and paid for at least $2 million of the construction that is under process now.
• Has all of that been through that process? Yes. Yes. Have you got outside help?
• We already have an intake process.

Summary: The committee considered a series of appropriation, fund transfer, and reserve requests across multiple agencies. Section B temporary appropriations included funding for state technology upgrades, personnel management staffing and IT skills assessment, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, and higher education workforce grants and credentialing pathways. Additional items covered an ARPA grant for the University of Arkansas Fort Smith LPN program, an IIJA grant for the Oil and Gas Commission’s critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for State Police vehicle purchases, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, and cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission’s AV system and HVAC work. Most of these items were approved by voice vote. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands drew extended questioning and was ultimately not approved. Members questioned the $250,000 transfer to operating expenses tied to the purchase of a West Little Rock office building, the ongoing lease costs at the prior location, and whether the agency had adequately planned for building-related expenses. After discussion, the motion failed, and members told the agency to tighten spending and return if needed. The committee then took up 15 pay plan appropriation requests totaling $25.7 million and approved them after discussion with DFA, DHS, Corrections, and the State Board of Election Commissioners. Members focused heavily on DHS staffing shortages at human development centers, where officials said vacancies and turnover were driven by overtime and burnout rather than pay alone; one member asked DHS to submit a written plan to address the issue. Corrections reported the pay plan had improved hiring and retention. The committee also approved overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. Reports on reserve funds, the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, tobacco settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust, IIJA, and revenue transfer activity were received. The Medicaid Trust Fund report prompted significant concern about February’s $90 million draw; DHS said the month was unusually high because of cash-flow timing and that the fund should end the year with a balance between $150 million and $200 million, while lawmakers noted a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The final discussion centered on DHS’s state hospital damage claim and reconstruction funding, where members expressed disappointment that insurance reimbursement would likely return only about $1.8 million now and possibly about $97,000 more later, far less than the roughly $5 million initially expected. DHS explained the policy was based on actual cash value and depreciation for old buildings, and said the work would proceed on Unit 3 for secured restoration because it was the most cost-effective option.