Transcript Highlights:

• :05.239> I<01:12:05.320> was<01:12:05.480> hearing<01:12:05.719> you<01:12
• > at<01:12:14.760> what<01:12:14.920> point<01:12:15.120> do<01:12:15.280>
• get referred<01:12:15.920> to<01:12:16.520> a<01:12:16.639> CCAP<01:12:17.360><
• 01:12:19.840> um<01:12:20.639> uh<01:12:20.840> payment<01:12:21.360> would
• > is<01:12:58.719> the<01:12:58.960> there<01:12:59.120> is<01:12:59.280>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to page five, item 3 relates to the old Eric rider for interstate cross-check.
• **Senator Nichols**: ...when you get into that interstate cross-check.
• Pages 10, 11, and 12 are the rider highlights.
• We funded 12 at this point for about $125.4 million.
• Do you have a list of the 12 applications that have been approved and what type of upside?

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32.880> And<01:12:33.040> it<01:12:33.280> turns<01:12:33.520> out<01:12
• And they<01:12:39.600> would<01:12:39.760> be<01:12:40.080> doing<01:12:40.480><
• And the idea<01:12:45.600> of<01:12:46.400> the<01:12:46.800> and<01:12:47.120><
• > they<01:12:49.679> got<01:12:50.000> work<01:12:50.320> out<01:12:50.560
• <01:12:54.640> Um<01:12:55.920> but<01:12:56.239> then<01:12:56.480> the<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:13.360> Adopting<00:12:13.920> this<00:12:14.240> would<00:12:14.560>
• >> Thank<00:12:17.279> you<00:12:17.360> very<00:12:17.519> much.
• <00:12:19.200> Okay,<00:12:19.519> Dr.
• Lewins Shepa<00:12:21.200> in<00:12:21.440> support,<00:12:21.920> come<00:12:22.079
• <00:12:50.480> Okay,<00:12:50.880> thank<00:12:51.040> you<00:12:51.200>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• grade level, which are kindergarten through grade 4, grades 5 through 8, and then grades 9 through 12
• regular participation in the NAEP, which assesses students on a range of subjects in grades 4, 8, and 12
• This is a nonpartisan nonprofit interstate compact serving 16 states on public education policy.
• This is a nonpartisan nonprofit interstate compact serving 16 states on public education policy.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee received a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas academic standards, accountability, and achievement as part of the adequacy study. Staff reviewed how state curriculum and standards have evolved from the 1997 Public Education Act, the 2003 Quality Education Act, and the 2017 Educational Support and Accountability Act, including required course offerings, graduation requirements, career and technical education pathways, and recent additions such as success-ready pathways, Arkansas history, firearm safety, and fetal growth and development instruction. Members asked for a comparative chart showing how the laws and requirements changed over time, and staff agreed to provide one. The presentation then turned to the federal ESSA plan and Arkansas’s state accountability system. Staff explained the state’s long-term goals for 2030, including 80% proficiency in ELA and math, 52% of English learners on track to English proficiency, and 94%/97% four- and five-year graduation rates. They reviewed 2025 assessment results showing proficiency rates generally in the 30s, with English learners and students with disabilities performing lowest and white students highest. They also discussed school support and improvement categories, equitable access to educators, and report card/public reporting requirements, noting that some ESSA-related measures such as the school index, equity labs, and certain 2024 report card data were not currently available or not being calculated. Members questioned whether those ESSA commitments were being met and asked staff to follow up with DESE, including whether the legislature can revise the ESSA plan. The committee also reviewed the Arkansas Accountability Act and related assessment data. Staff described the Atlas assessment system, alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities, ELPA 21 for English learners, ACT results, and NAEP comparisons. They reported that no student group met the 80% proficiency goal in 2025, Arkansas’s ACT composite score declined slightly over time, and Arkansas generally trailed national and SREB averages on NAEP. Members asked for additional data, including historical highs and lows, the number of assessments students take by grade, dropout data, and comparisons with other states. The meeting ended with agreement to invite the Department of Education to a future meeting to answer questions about missing data, equity labs, report cards, and ESSA compliance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:12:22.480> in<00:12:22.720> terms<00:12:22.800> of<00:12:22.959> total
• <00:12:23.279> transfers<00:12:24.079> on<00:12:24.320> line So, in terms of
• <00:12:28.399> This<00:12:28.639> the<00:12:29.120> um<00:12:29.680> the<
• <00:12:31.600> to<00:12:31.760> base<00:12:32.000> is<00:12:32.160> a
• <00:12:56.320> Are<00:12:56.639> some<00:12:56.800> of<00:12:57.240> these

Bills: HF2312

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, it reduces the minimum required board members down from 15 to 12.
• <00:10:29.200> This<00:10:29.360> will members down from 15 to 12.
• This will members down from 15 to 12.
• Senator from Fay at 12. What purpose? >> I act on a resolution. >> Please proceed.
• But as I was driving in I passed a solar array that was next to the interstate.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, followed by the pledge, roll call, and a quorum declaration. The chamber approved the prior journal, received new bill and resolution introductions, and heard a House message that House Bill 312 had passed the House and was sent over for concurrence. The Senate also recessed briefly for committee meetings, then received committee reports referring several bills and resolutions to standing committees and placing Senate Joint Resolution 23 on the regular orders for January 28, 2026. The main floor action was on Senate Bill 17, relating to the Kentucky Court-appointed Special Advocate Network. The Senate adopted a committee substitute that updated CASA statutes, including reducing the minimum board size from 15 to 12, narrowing a volunteer/employment restriction to Department of Community Based Services employees, removing outdated references to the National CASA Association while retaining compliance with national standards through the Kentucky CASA Network, and updating the state association’s name. The bill passed 33-0, and a title amendment was adopted without objection. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 181, an emergency bill relating to schools and traceable communications. The chamber adopted a committee substitute and two floor amendments: one requiring parent notification after investigations involving alleged unauthorized electronic communication by a student, and another adding limited exemptions for communications involving school resource officers and directors of pupil personnel when certain school officials are included. Supporters said the changes were intended to refine implementation while preserving the bill’s original student-protection purpose. The bill then passed unanimously, 33-0. In addition, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 36 recognizing January 25-31, 2026 as Physician Anesthesiologist Week, with remarks highlighting the specialty’s contributions to anesthesia, airway management, patient safety, ICU care, pain management, and major surgeries. The Senate also heard announcements thanking road crews, first responders, and utility workers for winter storm response, and members made several co-sponsorship requests and announcements, including notice of Kentucky Audiologist Association advocacy day and a committee cancellation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It<00:12:11.440> does<00:12:11.680> not<00:12:11.920> authorize<00:12:12.560>
• [snorts] Just<00:12:33.120> as<00:12:33.519> important,<00:12:34.639> and<00:12:
• :12:08.640> interstates<04:12:09.359> and<04:12:09.840> there's<04:12:10.479>
• uh the other interstates and there's uh the other interstates and there's uh that's<04:12:11.840
• :12:31.760> So,<04:12:32.080> uh,<04:12:33.040> so<04:12:33.439> I<04:12:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think one is we believe the way this bill is drafted is likely unconstitutional, both under the Interstate
• So, yes, I just believe, you know, if we are looking at is this an undue burden on interstate commerce
• due pass recommendation, and I move that the strike-everything amendment in your name dated 3/19 at 12
• I move the strike-everything amendment in your name dated 3/19 at 12:20 p.m. be adopted. ...strike-everything
• amendment in your name dated 3/19 at 12:20 p.m. be adopted.

Bills: SB1206, SB1254, SB1290, SB1421, SB1432, SB1515, SB1563, SB1641, SB1649, SB1670, SB1671, SB1747

Keywords: storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention, storm chaser, residential construction contract, workers' compensation, joint check, claim solicitation

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on a long series of bills, with several strike-everything amendments. SB 1421, dealing with restrictions on financial institutions, check cashers, and remittances involving undocumented immigrants, drew strong opposition on constitutional and economic grounds and support from the sponsor as a sovereignty measure; the committee rejected a Villegas affordable-housing striker and gave the bill a due pass recommendation. SB 1254, a continuation/cleanup bill for the Industrial Commission of Arizona and its divisions, was explained as mostly renaming and administrative changes and passed unanimously after adopting the chairman’s striker. SB 1515 created a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and corrections retention bonuses funded by investment earnings from the Budget Stabilization Fund; law enforcement witnesses supported it as a needed retention tool, while some members objected to using rainy-day fund interest, and it passed on a split vote. SB 1206 updated homeowner protection rules for adjusters and contractors after disasters, limiting certain conduct during loss events and emergency responses, and passed unanimously after amendment. The committee also approved SB 1563, which continues the Barbering and Cosmetology Board and lowers some fee caps, after testimony that the board protects public health and sanitation. SB 1649 established a Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund; a Ripple Labs witness discussed self-custody options for unclaimed crypto, while an Aguilar striker would have required reporting on employers whose workers receive public assistance, but that amendment failed and the underlying bill passed. SB 1290, originally about HOA closed meetings, became a major debate over transparency versus privacy; opponents warned the Carter striker would force disclosure of sensitive member and employee matters, supporters argued HOAs should not take secret action, and the committee adopted both the Aguilar consumer-protection striker and the Carter HOA transparency striker before passing the bill. SB 1670, preempting local contractor licensing and allowing certain journeyman licenses, was amended with a Villegas striker aimed at landlord algorithmic pricing and passed unanimously. The committee continued the Arizona Department of Gaming, Racing, and Boxing/MMA commissions in SB 1671, with the chairman’s amendment narrowing reporting requirements and adding aggregate complaint reporting; the department said it had worked with auditors and supported the bill, which passed. The meeting then moved into SB 1747, beginning discussion of social media application requirements for developers and covered companies, including age verification and parental consent, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, we've had, I think, 12 or 13 cases since November of highly pathogenic avian influenza in
• Right now, we've had, I think, 12 or 13 cases since November of highly pathogenic avian influenza in
• I<00:35:08.960> think<00:35:09.119> it's<00:35:09.599> uh<00:35:10.280> 12
• <00:35:10.680> or now we we've had I think it's uh 12 or now we we've had I think it's uh
• 12 or 13<00:35:11.880> uh<00:35:12.400> 13<00:35:12.800> cases<00:35:13.160>

Bills: HF601, HF271, HF1101, HF979

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career

Transcript Highlights:

• > Uh<00:12:02.240> do<00:12:02.399> you<00:12:02.480> have<00:12:02.560><
• <00:12:04.880> Um<00:12:05.519> or<00:12:05.760> if<00:12:05.920> you
• Um or if you if<00:12:06.399> you<00:12:06.480> don't,<00:12:06.720> could<00:12
• <00:12:08.240> a<00:12:08.399> a<00:12:08.560> written<00:12:08.880> copy
• ><01:12:57.679> to<01:12:57.840> to<01:12:58.320> reopen<01:12:58.719> that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.920> to<00:12:01.040> establish<00:12:01.600> policies<00:12:02.080> regarding
• worked<00:12:53.200> out<00:12:53.320> with<00:12:53.480> HPD<00:12:54.080
• the Department<00:12:54.680> of<00:12:54.720> Law<00:12:54.839> Enforcement<00:
• Law Enforcement having to do<00:12:55.800> with<00:12:56.360> undercover<00:12:56.800>
• do with undercover work and preparation for<00:12:57.760> undercover<00:12:58.200> work.

Bills: SB2057

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on Thursday, March 5, for a series of decision-making agendas and considered a long list of Senate bills. Early measures included SB 2151, which clarifies state and local authority during emergencies and revises the definition of “emergency”; the committee agreed to restore the broader, long-used definition and add a sunset date, then passed the bill with amendments. SB 3055, concerning false impersonation of an employee organization representative, was amended to remove liquidated damages and passed. Several technical or conforming bills also advanced, including SB 3067, SB 3077, SB 3131, SB 3134, SB 3144, SB 3152, SB 3154, and SB 3249, with most passed with technical amendments or unamended; some members noted reservations on SB 3249. The committee also took up bills affecting public safety, health, and education. SB 3083 was amended to narrow notice requirements for protective orders involving military-affiliated individuals to a designated military security force, and SB 3118 on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children passed as is. SB 3134 modernized emergency medical services statutes, while another SB 3134 item addressed dangerous intoxication and civil protective custody. SB 3262, requiring the Hawaii State Teachers Board to submit nominees to the Board of Education, was amended to include a defective effective date. SB 3315, allowing a one-time medical cannabis purchase while registration is pending, was also amended to a delayed effective date and passed. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on law enforcement and immigration-related proposals. SB 3322, which restricts facial coverings by law enforcement, requires visible identification, and sets agency policies on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, was amended to remove an affirmative defense, make the penalty a misdemeanor, and incorporate exceptions for undercover work and related preparation; it passed with one no vote. SB 3251, barring certain former ICE and Border Patrol personnel from employment in specified state agencies, was narrowed to apply to those with more than 90 cumulative days of such work during a defined period and passed with reservations. SB 2057, a reconsideration measure limiting use of state personnel and funds to assist federal immigration agents beyond their authority, was further amended to clarify definitions, protect First Amendment activity, and preserve cooperation required by federal law; it then passed without objection. The committee adjourned after adopting each measure considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• So one example would be K-12 education; that is the bulk of basic state aid.
• Currently, on average, about 12 percent, a little under 12 percent, of university budgets are covered
• It's line 12 on the bill. 1837. Go ahead. Mr.
• That being said, I do appreciate seeing some K-12 priorities in this budget.
• That being said, I do appreciate seeing some K-12 priorities in this budget.

Bills: HB4138, HB4139, HB4140, HB4141, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4145, HB4146, HB4147, HB4148, HB4149, HB4150, HB4151, HB4152, HB4153, SB1831, SB1832, SB1833, SB1834, SB1835, SB1836, SB1837, SB1838, SB1839, SB1840, SB1841, SB1842, SB1843, SB1844, SB1845, SB1846

Keywords: appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction

Summary: The committee met in a special joint appropriations session to review the FY 2027 budget package, including House Bill 4138 and Senate Bill 1831, the general appropriations or “feed” bills. Staff described the budget as including a one-time transfer of state funds, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general-fund budgets, continued funding for the state health insurance plan and school facilities, and various one-time restorations or reversions of prior appropriations. Members spent much of the meeting clarifying how the 5% reductions would work, noting that formula and mandatory funding such as K-12 basic aid are excluded, while the governor’s executive branch would decide how to implement the cuts within agencies. The chair repeatedly emphasized that the committee was not specifying line-item cuts and that agencies would have discretion over implementation. A large portion of the discussion focused on the practical effects of the budget on universities, public safety, health care, rural programs, and fund sweeps. Arizona Board of Regents and university representatives said the proposed reductions would amount to more than $85 million statewide and could affect programs such as the Arizona Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and tuition freezes, though no specific program cuts were written into the bill. Other testimony raised concerns about fund sweeps from encumbered balances, including university research funds, housing trust funds, utility regulation funds, and ADOT-related accounts, with some members warning about possible impacts on rural infrastructure and federal matching dollars. The committee also discussed the state employee health plan, including a $228 million general-fund infusion and proposed employee premium increases over three years, as well as questions about corrections, forestry and fire management, and rural critical access hospitals. Public testimony was largely opposed to the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, health care, and local government argued that the package would reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care access, and rural communities while preserving tax benefits for data centers and wealthy taxpayers. A mayor from Globe described severe flood damage and asked for state help for a flood relief fund, while a motorcycle safety advocate questioned a proposed transfer from the motorcycle safety fund. Committee members debated whether the budget’s effects should be described as speculative or as likely consequences of the broad cuts, and several exchanges became contentious over comparisons to the Great Recession and references to federal tax policy. The meeting ended with continued public testimony and no final vote taken in the portion provided, though leadership had earlier said the committee planned a mass roll-call vote on all the bills at the end.

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<00:12:13.519> should<00:12:13.680> say<00:12:13.920> look<00:12:14.079
• c><00:12:18.639> law<00:12:18.880> you<00:12:19.040> have<00:12:19.120> the
• <00:12:44.560> All<00:12:44.639> in<00:12:44.800> favor<00:12:44.959> say
• >> Y'all<00:12:47.760> have<00:12:47.839> a<00:12:48.000> wonderful<00:12:
• >> This<00:12:58.399> um<00:12:58.880> this<00:12:59.360> uh<00:12:59.519>

Bills: SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81, SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81

Keywords: emergency management, public funds, educational materials, state legislation, disaster response, uniformity, state laws, legislative commission, appointments, government structure, resilience, natural disasters, risk management, Alabama Resilience Council, Chief Resilience Officer, state planning, environmental protection, community preparedness, Alabama Office of Civic Engagement, Alabama Office of Minority Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• and the radio, and every app that you open, and when you walk into stores, and billboards on the interstate
• So if you see from the casinos on the online sports betting apps, you know, you see on the interstate

Summary: The committee reconvened and took up several amendments and bills. Senate Bill 15 was amended to transfer Keep Arkansas Beautiful functions to ARDOT and replace the current commissioners with an advisory council; the amendment was adopted without objection. An amendment to Senate Bill 7 lowering the claims-data threshold for group health insurance from 50 employees to 25, to help smaller employers and municipalities shop for coverage, was also adopted. An amendment to Senate Bill 41 that would have restricted University of Arkansas at Fayetteville athletic funding from academic funds was rejected after members questioned its scope and fiscal basis. The committee then considered an amendment to House Bill 1051 that would cap online sports-betting free play at 5% of gross receipts. Senator Hester argued the current unlimited promotions were predatory and effectively subsidized casinos, while other members questioned the tax and accounting assumptions and whether the proposal belonged in a fiscal committee. The amendment failed, and a separate agriculture-related amendment from Representatives Vaught and Painter to exempt certain tractor parts tied to diesel exhaust fluid systems was also not adopted, with members citing drafting and enforcement problems and suggesting it should go through the revenue committees. After suspending the rules to add items, the committee adopted a technical correction to Senate Bill 4 clarifying physician licensure language so the rural workforce pathway would apply to underserved and primary care shortage areas, rather than the narrower federal term originally used. The committee also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 77 deleting a fund-transfer section and instead increasing appropriation authority and creating a matching-fund mechanism to help Arkansas TV pay PBS dues, with supporters saying it would leverage private donations and preserve PBS access while allowing the commission to decide programming. The bill passed as amended, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's, uh, we've gotten them off route on the interstate going from Brownsville all the way to far,
• And, and the reason being is because that is standard in our interstates to move at 80,000 pounds and

Transcript Highlights:

• It's originally valued at $12 million.
• Number 12, DHS Division of Aging, Adults, and Behavioral Health with Lennon King.
• Number 12, DHS Division of Aging, Adults, and Behavioral Health with Lennon King.
• Number 12, DHS, DCFS, with Harbor House, Incorporated, of Fort Smith.
• These two contracts alone, what we paid today is around $12 million for contract nursing.

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We gather here today on Sunday, 12 days past the budget deadline.
• In fact, I hear, as I mentioned 12 days ago, that we are the only growing economy in the Northeast.
• And that's not going to be on interstates.
• Investment in our infrastructure, and that's not going to be on interstates.
• You know, I said on this floor 12 days ago that we're going to meet in the middle.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5. The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence. The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 12 bills on the agenda today, so I'm going to be very short on everything that I do.
• As interstate commerce, we want uniformity. We can't have a patchwork of rules from state to state.
• Three is three to 12 and a half years. Thank you. Mr.
• For a 15-, 16-, 17-year-old situation, is three, a super minimum of three to a super maximum of 12 and
• Now that could be one count, which could be anywhere from 3 to 12 and a half years flat, but if it's

Bills: HB2076, HB2135, HB2175, HB2186, HB2223, HB2345, HB2364, HB2417, HB2440, HB2666, HB2763, HCR2043

Keywords: school safety, employee training, firearm certification, crisis response, school policies, reimbursement fund, local law enforcement, HB2135, Arizona, civil liability, private right of action, DEI, diversity equity and inclusion, critical race theory, anti-racism, race stereotyping, sex stereotyping, race scapegoating, sex scapegoating, gender identity

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and advanced several bills. HB 2763 would require legislative approval before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a state-run shooting range. Supporters, including the sponsor, a Prescott doctor, gun-rights advocates, and Game and Fish, argued that range closures can push shooting into unsafe desert areas and that the legislature should have a voice; the bill passed 8-1. HB 2417 would let courts, at a defendant’s request, use speed-inhibiting devices instead of license suspension for certain speeding and racing offenses. The sponsor and supporters said it would help people keep working and reduce recidivism, while an Arizona Trucking Association representative warned the bill was overbroad and conflicted with federal law; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill 7-2. HB 2345 created a felony for unlawfully present persons possessing falsified CDLs and imposed vehicle forfeiture and employer penalties; trucking industry testimony said it was preempted by federal law and unenforceable, but the sponsor said he would keep working on it, and the bill passed 5-3 with one present after amendment. The committee also considered HB 2666, which increases penalties for sexual extortion involving victims ages 15-17. The sponsor and supporters from the anti-trafficking community and county attorney’s office said the bill responds to a serious and growing online exploitation problem affecting teens. Defense and juvenile-justice concerns focused on whether the bill could sweep in minors, create mandatory consecutive sentences, and fail to account for age-related defenses; the sponsor and supporters said they were open to discussing amendments, but the bill passed 8-0 with one present. HB 2175 would add political expression and political affiliation to Arizona’s bias-crime sentencing enhancements and create new misdemeanor-level enhancements for certain bias-motivated offenses. The sponsor, ADL, and county attorney’s office said it fills gaps and targets conduct, not speech; the ACLU and defense testimony warned it could chill speech and give prosecutors too much discretion. The bill passed 6-2 after amendment. HB 2186 would allow a passenger in a traffic stop to satisfy identity requirements by verbally providing name and date of birth rather than producing physical ID. The sponsor said it was meant to fix an unconstitutional-vagueness problem and clarify the law after a prior court issue; there was little opposition, and it passed 7-0 with one present. The committee also began hearing HB 2364, which would add penalties for distributing or receiving abortion-inducing drugs by courier, delivery, or rail service; the sponsor said it would strengthen enforcement of existing Arizona restrictions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony, debate, or any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has not been updated in 12 years. It's to say plainly it's very clunky.
• can be and since our initial LAR submission and that work allowed us to put out RFIs, responses from 12
• For 12 years? Because, like I said, it was... Because, hang on, that's very, that's...
• He was hired, which was 11 or 12 years ago, and the staff that were involved in hiring him have moved
• I mean, one thing is interstate compacts.

Keywords: 1184, house, all