Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that's something that we can really chance.
• I think...
• I think anyone who's worked with me before knows that.
• And so I think this is a good start.
• I think that nobody had any answers.

Summary: The committee met in public hearing on Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, which would address abandoned, ownerless landfills in Missouri. Brown described the bill as a response to a constituent who discovered contamination near property in Franklin County, and said the measure had evolved through multiple versions. He explained that the bill would give the Department of Natural Resources clearer authority over ownerless landfill sites, direct 10% of tipping fees from solid waste districts toward assessment, investigation, testing, remediation, and management of those sites, create an interim committee for further study, and tighten seller disclosure requirements to require written, dated notice by mail. Brown said the state has 29 such sites and argued that counties and DNR lack the resources to study or clean them up. Support testimony came from Marisa Grosoccoe, dean of engineering at the University of Missouri, who said the bill provides both a regulatory framework and a steady funding stream, and that environmental studies are a necessary first step to determine the scope and cost of cleanup and potentially return contaminated land to productive use. She said the funding would likely support only a few studies per year, but would reduce uncertainty and help unlock other funding sources. Opposition came from representatives of solid waste districts, including Chris Bussin and Diana Bryant, who argued the districts already perform important recycling, household hazardous waste, and grant administration work, and that the proposed diversion of tipping fees would reduce funding for those programs. They said the districts are already tightly regulated, that the abandoned landfill issue has been known for years, and that DNR already has authority to act. Lacey Miller, speaking for informational purposes, said the districts support local recycling and community programs, especially in small counties and schools, and warned that consolidation or funding cuts would hurt local services. No vote was taken; the hearing on Senate Bill 1586 was concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then I think our last category is supplemental payments.
• I think they're on the slide, I think. Have we got a slide?
• I think they're on the slide, I think. Have we got a slide?
• I think that's all we got, right? There we go. Okay.
• I think you at the very end answered my questions.

Summary: The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to adopt the November 2018 minutes and receive a primer on the subcommittee’s role and Medicaid oversight in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s history and explained that Medicaid is audited annually through the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including weaknesses in eligibility and data-matching controls, improper use of Medicaid funds for partially non-Medicaid work, issues with incarcerated juveniles’ coverage, the absence of a Medicaid recovery audit contractor program exception request, reporting problems involving MFCU recoveries, and provider eligibility documentation concerns. Staff also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for further action. The Department of Human Services gave an overview of Medicaid’s structure, eligibility, delivery systems, and budget. DHS described Arkansas Medicaid as covering about 850,000 people through fee-for-service, managed care, and premium assistance for the expansion population, and outlined major spending categories such as institutional care, long-term services, pharmacy, capitated payments, and supplemental payments. DHS also explained the difference between state plan amendments and waivers, and said it has a beneficiary-fraud unit that refers cases to local prosecutors. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, distinguishing between suspensions for credible allegations of fraud and recovery actions for mistakes or overpayments. OMIG said it works with DHS and law enforcement, issues quarterly and annual reports, and has increased recoveries in recent years. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, can also handle long-term care neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases, and works with local prosecutors as special deputies. Committee members asked about court venue, provider suspensions, beneficiary fraud, education of providers, and the status of Medicaid expansion work requirements; DHS said it is preparing to implement community engagement requirements under HR 1 and will begin with a soft launch before full enforcement. No formal votes were taken beyond adoption of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions were answered.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think next year we're going to see even better progress.
• I think we would very much like that.
• I think once we start building that out, you'll see longer term.
• I think it's working.
• And so I wanted to, and I think it was the nature of their conversation was including some— And I think

Summary: The committee heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, from Emily Sykes and later the system’s legislative budget request from Sarah Denagie. The strategic plan centers on five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. Testimony highlighted Florida’s continued status as the nation’s top higher education system, record rankings, improved four-year graduation rates, higher median graduate wages, strong licensure pass rates, and expanded focus on research commercialization and workforce alignment. Senators asked about programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and teacher workforce needs, use of the My Florida Future wage data tool, support for first-generation and Pell students, and the role of liberal arts degrees. The system said it would provide follow-up information, including the full strategic-emphasis list and a report on campus safety best practices after a recent summit following the FSU shooting. The committee also received an update on line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and expanded nursing capacity. They reported more than 1,900 new nursing graduates, over 200 new student slots, more than 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff indicated that would be examined this year. For the legislative budget request, the Board of Governors asked for $634.5 million total, including $295 million to maintain the institutional performance-based funding base, $400 million for the state investment portion of performance-based funding, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for state fire marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions will be required. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• computer can in theory be considered a part thereof, a gaming device.
• I think when I first saw the bill, I was ex officio on a committee.
• I think clearly there were more discussions that needed to be had on this bill, and I don't think we
• Our children are not But I think I'll just give you the last few sentences.
• A little presumptuous, don't you think, Representative?

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. The first major item, House Bill 1467 on gambling, drew extensive debate and strong opposition from veterans organizations and related groups, who warned the bill’s language could unintentionally criminalize raffles and gaming machines used by American Legion and VFW posts for charitable fundraising. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen gambling penalties, authorize fantasy sports contests, preempt local enforcement, and require more reporting on illegal gambling, and he said he was open to amendments later. Despite concerns from several members about unintended consequences and local preemption, the committee passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed House Bill 711, creating a statewide “spectrum alert” for missing autistic children and requiring FDLE training for law enforcement; House Bill 1335, allowing Medicaid coverage for blood-based colorectal cancer screening; House Bill 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds; House Bill 1371, strengthening protections for law enforcement and first responders, including penalties for attacks on officers and measures related to false reports and blood-borne pathogen exposure; House Bill 1405, revising youth prevention services for status offenders; House Bill 1053, updating FDLE-related statutes and adding support for retired police dogs; and House Bill 751, expanding health insurance protections for law enforcement and their families after catastrophic injury or death and clarifying fraud penalties. Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 1371, which adopted an amendment removing a section to avoid fiscal impact, and HB 1053, which removed proposed changes to the capital complex definition. Most measures received supportive testimony from law enforcement, health, or advocacy groups and passed with little opposition. The committee concluded by reporting all of the listed bills favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that was a great example of a homegrown company.
• I think so. The plan right now is to get another demonstration set up.
• I think the average salary is over $92,000. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• But when I think about the depth of those health care shortages, and I think about the RNs, BSNs, MAs
• I think that is what that references to.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's some interesting language differences here that I think...
• I think that this is an... important thing to look at.
• I think Vice Chair Hayes has a question. Thank you.
• But I think that to have knowledge directly. in that area is critical.
• I think the baby was born.

Bills: SB387, SB1335, HB1671, SB1760, SB1839, SB1923, HB1928, HB4942, HB5628, HB5642, HB1980

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is fund project is waiving in support.
• I think it is really important.
• I think I got that right this time. Yeah.
• We don't think about the cost when you change a school, built it.
• And I think that like Dr keeps points are all valid.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is, I think, representative here.
• My question, though, is: I think this is a good bill.
• I think that's really important.
• We must think out of the box for our future.
• I don't think we are still on live. If not, we'll Don't think we are still on live.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint committee held a public hearing on several bills covering state administration, land/public housing redevelopment, construction safety, memorialization, records management, rural grant equity, and animal research. Testimony in support of H. 3329 described an inequity in the Governor’s Council reimbursement statute, which currently cuts off travel, meals, and lodging reimbursement after four terms; the witnesses argued this disproportionately burdens members from western Massachusetts and creates geographic and economic barriers to service. The Boston Housing Authority supported legislation for the Brighton/Faneuil Gardens area, saying it would allow a mixed-use redevelopment that replaces all existing public housing units one-for-one, adds new affordable housing, creates replacement rehearsal space for displaced musicians, and preserves prevailing wage standards. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2112, a construction safety bill. Suffolk Construction, Boston building trade representatives, and local inspectors testified that the measure would strengthen training, site safety standards, oversight of high-risk work, and enforcement, while helping protect workers and the public and improving retention and recruitment of inspectors. Witnesses said the bill would align Massachusetts more closely with higher safety standards in other states and build on lessons from past construction-related incidents. The committee also heard support for S. 2162, which would create a COVID-19 memorial; the witness emphasized the scale of pandemic deaths in Massachusetts and the educational value of public memorials. Other testimony addressed H. 3321, which would modernize records preservation for registers of deeds by reducing reliance on costly microfilm in an increasingly electronic system; the witness said current law is outdated and expensive. H. 3311, aimed at advancing equity for rural communities receiving state grants, drew support from town officials in Leyden and Ashfield, who said small towns lack staff for grant writing and should be evaluated more on need and regional impact, especially for climate and public safety projects. Finally, S. 2117, concerning animal research, was supported by an animal welfare advocate who urged prohibiting state funds for animal experiments and shifting to non-animal research methods. After the hearing concluded, the chairs noted that additional hearings and polling votes would follow, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then secondary to that, when I think of this space, what I think of, for lack of better words, is
• And then secondary to that, when I think of this space, what I think of, for lack of better words, is
• I think I'm just a little confused about this.
• I think this is important for you to understand.
• I think that we can find a path forward to do that.

Bills: HB89, HB328, HB344, HB365, HB283, HB89, HB328, HB344, HB365, HB283

Keywords: home improvement, consumer protection, consumer fraud, dispute resolution, mediation, contractor registration, home repair, renovation, homeowner, building contractor, construction fraud, treble damages, attorney fees, Department of Justice, Division of Consumer Protection, Department of Labor, good faith, unfair trade practices, Delaware, regulations

Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 10 draft minutes, and then heard a long agenda of bills. HB 89 (home improvement fraud dispute resolution) was presented as a consumer protection measure developed with DOJ to address contractor fraud, especially against vulnerable homeowners; members voiced support and asked to be added as sponsors. HB 283 updated realty transfer tax exemptions to use gender-neutral “spouses” language and add a direct grandparent-to-grandchild transfer exemption; it drew supportive public comment. HS1 for HB 390 would let DelDOT choose electronic-only bidding for projects, remove newspaper bid-opening notices, and clarify bidding records, with no opposition raised. HB 328/H.A. 2 modernizes the Register of Regulations statute, keeps newspaper distribution requirements, and delays some effective dates to 2027; it was described as a technical update. HB 365 would create the Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, prompting supportive testimony from Indigenous community members and some discussion about representation and internal tribal اختلافs, but no formal opposition. HB 423 would automatically enroll new state employees in the 457B deferred compensation plan unless they opt out, with exclusions for collective bargaining units and implementation tied to payroll readiness; it was presented as a retirement-savings measure. SS1 for SB 342 would modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to support a broader film/media incentive package, with support from the Delaware Arts Alliance and a request to help attract productions to Delaware. The committee also heard SB 331, a cleanup bill on garagekeeper liens for manufactured housing and related assets. The sponsor and an attorney explained it as clarifying who can recover funds and attorney’s fees in lien sales, but the Chief Magistrate and the manufactured housing association said the issue should be addressed more carefully and possibly in another section of code; they were open to further work. HB 436 would update the Smyrna charter, including school impact fees, election challenge procedures, vacancy rules, domicile standards, Board of Elections terms, and meeting schedules. HS1 for HB 376 made technical and organizational changes to the Millville charter, including a tiebreaker for municipal elections and a property tax cap, with the town solicitor saying there was little substantive change. HB 460 would require New Castle County municipalities to submit permit data monthly rather than on a much slower schedule, limited to closed permits with certificates of occupancy, to improve property assessment data; it was presented as part of broader reassessment/data-quality efforts. Public comment was heard on several items, especially HB 365 and SS1 for SB 342. Indigenous speakers supported the commission as a way to preserve heritage, improve representation, and create a formal seat at the table. The Delaware Arts Alliance supported the film commission modernization bill as part of a broader creative-economy plan. No recorded votes were taken on the individual bills in the transcript, and the meeting ended with a unanimous motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think it's good.
• I don't think so. We spend our money? I don't think so.
• Do you think they're going to go away? Do you think they're not going to be funded?
• I think it's shortsighted.
• And I think we need to think about this for the future.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then I think our last category is supplemental payments.
• I think they're on the slide, I think. Have we got a slide? Yeah.
• So—I think that's all we got, right? There we go. Okay. I think that's all we got, right?
• I think you, at the very end, answered my questions.
• Actually, I think that there are ways that we...

Summary: The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to receive a primer on the subcommittee’s history and on how Medicaid oversight works in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s origins in response to earlier Medicaid audit concerns and explained that Medicaid is audited every year in the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk, large federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including issues with eligibility controls, data matching, contractor charging, incarcerated juveniles’ coverage handling, provider eligibility support, and the state’s Medicaid recovery audit contractor exception request. They also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for possible prosecution. The Department of Human Services gave an overview of the Medicaid program, describing eligibility groups, delivery systems (fee-for-service, managed care/PASSE, and premium assistance for expansion adults), the size of the program, and the agency’s budget and provider base. DHS also outlined the difference between state plan amendments and waivers and said other committee materials would be sent to members. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, explaining that it investigates suspected intentional fraud, suspends providers when there is a credible allegation of fraud, recovers improper payments in mistake cases, and recommends policy changes when trends are identified. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, handles neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases in long-term care settings, and works with DHS, OMIG, and federal partners. Members asked about where cases are filed, how provider suspensions work, whether beneficiary fraud is investigated, and how education is provided to providers. DHS confirmed that beneficiary fraud cases are referred to local prosecutors and said the expansion population will move toward community engagement/work requirements under federal changes, with a soft launch planned before full implementation. The meeting ended with no formal votes beyond adoption of the prior minutes and no other committee actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so I just think we need to pass bills that make it easier and more efficient.
• Chairman, because I think this will really improve things.
• I think for not processing it fast enough.
• Um, I think there are, there are enforcement mechanisms that I think that are, uh, important.
• Electronic, uh, the, uh, computers work. Most of the time, but not all of the time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, let's see where we, I don't have my computer. I forgot it.
• I think Vice Chair Hayes has a question. Thank you. Um.
• The I think that that to have knowledge directly in that area is critical.
• Yeah, I think Vice Chair Hayes has a question.
• Uh, so those have, I think, been worn away by inflation. Exactly.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THAT MOVEMENT I THINK. IS WHAT IT COMES TO. >> Sen.
• I THINK THERE IS AN ASSERTION BUT IT LACKS EVIDENCE AT THE MOMENT.
• THIS HOLIDAY HAS SUPPLIES UNDER $30 AND COMPUTERS UNDER $1500.
• I THINK IT IS THE RIGHT APPROACH TO TAX POLICY AT THIS POINT IN HISTORY.
• SO I THINK THAT THAT'S OBVIOUSLY GOING TO BE A TOPIC OF CONVERSATION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:20.640> he's think is now he does not think he's think is now he does not think he's
• <00:34:14.320> of way I think of it, I think it's kind of way I think of it, I think it's
• I'm thinking April is a big month. I'm thinking April is a big month.
• on a bank I think is is not workable. on a bank I think is is not workable.
• I don't think could have done earlier. I don't think that's<01:20:24.640> true.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think that as we think about our job, um, as we think about oversight, as we think going into next
• think about our job, um, as as we think think about our job, um, as as we think about<01:20:09.040
• next session, I think we have to think next session, I think we have to think about<01:20:12.320
• I think as we talk about this going forward, I do think we're going to have to think about both what's
• I think as we talk about this going forward, I do think we're going to have to think about both what's

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and I think you should teach us one. and I think you should teach us one.
• I'm thinking about what you mentioned, uh, you think about 5 to 10 years from now.
• I'm thinking about what you mentioned, uh, you think about 5 to 10 years from now.
• Um, I I'm thinking<01:04:28.640> about thinking about thinking about you<01:04:30.720> mentioned
• Um, I'm thinking Hamlet right now. Yeah. Um, I'm thinking Hamlet right now.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think you can separate the two. think you can separate the two.
• Yeah, I think so.
• Yeah, I think so. If its effectiveness? Yeah, I think so.
• <03:01:57.520> that<03:01:57.760> that think there's a so I think that that think there's
• I um I think I I think the Well, yeah.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which we think is also positive. which we think is also positive.
• Um, but I think this is a very important Um, but I think this is a very important bill<00:26:17.600><
• Uh, and Senator Kun, it's a good question and I think one, um, I think there's two parts to it.
• Um, I think it's it's also not be.
• I think it is. Um, to have healthy. I think it is.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it is anyway.
• I think you proved.
• Yeah, I think it's, thank you, Mr. President. Yeah, I think it's, thank you, Mr. President.
• Some may think the amendment is innocuous. Some may think it's substantive.
• I think we're adjourned.

Summary: The Florida Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness for sexual assault survivors, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a memorial proclamation for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special-order bills, with senators also briefly discussing the session’s pace and thanking staff and colleagues for their work. The first major bill, on driving and boating offenses, was amended and passed 37-0. As amended, it increases penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide/vessel homicide offenses, and adds notice requirements and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. Senators also passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers 37-0, requiring Medicaid managed care plans to offer more after-hours and holiday access and ensuring more primary care appointment availability outside regular business hours. The Senate then passed a major condominium and cooperative associations bill, also 37-0, after extensive debate and multiple amendments. The measure extends deadlines for structural integrity reserve studies, adds flexibility for reserve funding and budgeting, tightens rules for managers and inspectors, limits certain requirements to buildings of three or more habitable stories, and extends the rescission period for condo purchases. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s sponsors for years of work responding to post-Surfside safety and affordability concerns. The longest and most contentious item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendment petition procedures. Sponsors said the bill responds to fraud and abuse in the citizen initiative process by tightening circulator rules, requiring faster submission of signed petitions, adding voter notification, increasing penalties, and shifting costs to sponsors. Opponents argued it would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizens to qualify initiatives. The chamber adopted a series of amendments, including changes to the petition-circulator threshold, volunteer protections, submission timing, invalid-signature investigation thresholds, and notice/cure provisions, while debate continued over whether the overall package would protect election integrity or suppress citizen-led amendments.