Transcript Highlights:

• Um, being able to move our salaries ago.
• <00:18:26.160> to being that the legislation was able to being that the legislation was able
• Uh the commission way of giving back.
• Uh so again thank you this commission.
• the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission 4-year<00:26:35.679

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• OF CHARGES AND FEES IN THEIR UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE TO BE APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
• My concern is that I understand that usage levels will be able to be set by the consumer.
• MY CONCERN IS THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT USAGE LEVELS WILL BE ABLE TO BE SET BY THE CONSUMER.
• Public Service Commission did it. NYSERDA did it. DEC is doing the requirements and regulations.'
• The Governor appoints them, and you confirm the Public Service Commission commissioners.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• kids are able to get care. kids are able to get care.
• as part of the commission.
• the several aspects of the commission the several aspects of the commission that<03:10:43.560>
• support a commission. support a commission.
• commission that we um would recommend. commission that we um would recommend.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we end up with piecemeal projects that sometimes we are able to do in phases.
• I was appointed years ago to the New Mexico Acequia Commission.
• If this bill goes through, we'll be able to continue to farm, be able to continue our ranching practices
• I'm also a member of the New Mexico Acequia Commission, or I serve on the New Mexico Acequia Commission
• So you would not be able to just create an acequia from a waterway.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we've been able to actually, and I know Rhett MacMacon is here who sits on it, we've been able to
• The Public Service Commission would basically utilize, I believe there are The Public Service Commission
• The commission has scaled back that on new installations.
• And we're worried about somebody being able to blow-dry hair.
• This is Senator Connick's bill, and he wasn't able to be here.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and took up a series of Senate bills, a resolution, and one House bill. The committee reported favorably Senate Bill 79 to recreate Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 to establish the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, Senate Bill 375 on firefighting foam with amendments clarifying use in declared emergencies, Senate Bill 398 moving manufactured and modular housing oversight under the Contractors Licensing Board with technical and substantive amendments, Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing with an amendment providing for federal preemption if Congress enacts a national licensing regime, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks with consumer-protection provisions and technical amendments. The committee also reported favorably House Resolution 197, as amended, urging the Public Service Commission to study distributed energy generation and storage resources with LSU involvement, and Senate Bill 54, which would allow estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services; that bill drew extensive testimony from supporters and opponents in the cosmetology and aesthetics industries before being reported favorably. Several bills prompted detailed discussion and testimony. On Senate Bill 398, the sponsor and Contractors Licensing Board representatives said the change would improve enforcement and consumer safety for manufactured-home installation, especially tie-downs, leveling, and foundation blocking, while not affecting HUD-regulated construction. On the virtual currency bills, OFI said it currently licenses 37 virtual currency businesses with 33 pending applications, and supporters described the kiosk bill as a response to fraud complaints by requiring clearer disclosures, refund procedures, live customer support, and reporting to OFI. For House Resolution 197, the sponsor, PSC officials, and energy stakeholders said the study would examine the value of distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar and battery storage, in light of rising demand and grid reliability concerns; PSC staff and LSU energy experts described the study as focused on market value and avoided-cost benefits. House Bill 744, which would have shifted regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the PSC, generated discussion about constitutional history, rate impacts, and utility consolidation. PSC officials and the sponsor said the current city-council regulation is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921, and they argued that PSC regulation could reduce costs and simplify oversight, but the sponsor ultimately moved to defer the bill rather than force a floor fight, and the committee agreed. The committee then began consideration of Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, adopting technical amendments and then a larger amendment package that revised definitions and compliance provisions; the transcript ends while that bill’s amendment process is still underway, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Change Mitigation Adaptation Commission. Change Mitigation Adaptation Commission.
• things shift and change um you're able things shift and change um you're able to<00:36:10.960>
• <01:05:37.039> to like result will a consumer be able to like result will a consumer be able
• <01:12:42.560> resets control costs if the commission resets control costs if the commission
• <01:15:06.880> has rate case because the commission has rate case because the commission has

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commission follows the general agency schedule and Commission Policy 16-01.
• Again, I commend the commission for this annual refresher.
• I'll have my computer with me, so I'll be able to log on. Fantastic.
• Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the commission. J.
• That is the second 10-year schedule the commission has adopted.

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 7, 2025, with quorum present. The commission approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes and then received its annual open government refresher from the Attorney General’s office, which reviewed key requirements under the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including record retention, response deadlines, exemptions, and meeting notice rules. Staff then provided a 2025 legislative session update, noting that the legislature passed 23 tax-preference-related bills, with several signed by the governor and others pending. Highlights included bills that extended or repealed certain preferences, added reporting requirements for newspaper and digital content exemptions, authorized JLARC to adjust its work plan when data is unavailable, and created a new exemption for zero-emission buses. The commission approved updates to the 2026 tax preference review schedule, which includes eight preferences in seven reviews, and approved unchanged testimony questions for 2025. The commission also received the 2025 expedited preference review report covering 52 tax preferences, presented as an interactive table drawing on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies. Staff then outlined the process for developing the next 10-year review schedule for 2027-2036, including surveying the legislature, incorporating new and repealed preferences, and considering a possible rolling 10-year schedule. No public comment was registered. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of Ron Buing’s long service on the commission and an announcement that the next meeting would be held August 6, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• They need to be able to build it into their budget.
• Uh, I am the policy manager for Commission Shift Action, uh, the advocacy partner for Commission Shift
• What's beneath the surface and what we're able to extract and what we're able to.
• They're not going to be able to do that in 48 hours.
• able, no one can locate where customers' house lines are.

Bills: HB206

Keywords: HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Bradshaw as a member of the Transportation Commission. Do we have a motion?
• Bradshaw as a member of the Transportation Commission. Do we have a motion?
• to assess the situation, but also being able to mitigate some of the challenges.
• We were also able to fund equipment that was able to go out like bear canisters, secure trash cans, to
• Jeff Long, member of the Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:55.360> We commission. There's a path out there. We commission.
• able to prosecute. able to prosecute.
• commission commission or revenue commission chairman<00:57:18.319> uh<00:57:18.559> committee
• the gaming commission on February 20th. the gaming commission on February 20th.
• by some rule by the gaming commission. by some rule by the gaming commission.

Bills: SF0044, SF0046

Keywords: gambling, lotteries, raffles, social relationships, charitable gaming, gaming, liquor establishments, skill based amusement games, regulations, age restrictions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Deputy Executive Director of the Public Utility Commission.
• The commission has adopted that rule. We did that back in March.
• English mentioned the Commission had completed that rule.
• I'm sure they won't be able to address them all.
• Overall, we commend ERCOT and the commission staff.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• General Counsel of the Texas Animal Health Commission, Dr.
• So, COPEG is the commission, U.S.
• Without our help, they're not going to be able to do it themselves.
• What’s the time frame on something like that being able to be accomplished?
• Well, if I can't walk up to him and catch him, I need to be able to rope him.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bill in front of the commission as well. bill in front of the commission as well.
• I want to be able to work.
• I want to be able to work. entitlement. I want to be able to work.
• Thank you. able to get some uh younger teachers." able to get some uh younger teachers."
• you able to come back up? Mr. you able to come back up? Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were able to help me get my green card, and soon I'll be able to apply for my citizenship.
• They were able to help me get my green card, and soon I'll be able to apply for my citizenship.
• They were able to help me get my green card and soon I'll be able to apply for my citizenship.
• The commission staff does that.
• The commission staff does that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair calls this meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission.
• Let's select a date for the next commission meetings.
• Other than ethics commission members. Yeah.
• Natalie, will you brief the commission on this agenda?
• Rubin from a previous, um, commission meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So happy to be able to support that today.
• Well, I'm pleased to be able to say that we were able to beat this appeal and start construction.
• Well, I'm pleased to be able to say that we were able to beat this appeal and start construction on the
• fully independent redistricting commission.
• I think the issue is that San Bernardino County deserves an independent commission, redistricting commission

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration. The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended. SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold. The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commission has made investments already to be able to support peer respites and divert individuals
• Alternatives you've looked at to be able to preserve this funding.
• You all have a lot more staff resources to be able to figure this out.
• I was able to get custody of my daughter and break generational curses. Thank you.
• And when are we expecting that to be actually able to get into people's hands?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know some of You were able to attend.
• We approved that at our August commission meeting.
• You can just pull it up on your phone and be able to see where that airplane is.
• That's certainly, and I'm no expert on the tax commission side.
• Matter of fact, it's on the April commission meeting.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:10:26.720> also And the Public Service Commission, also And the Public Service Commission
• They might not be able to get all issue.
• And if the epic commission information.
• an obligation of the epic commission to an obligation of the epic commission to provide<00:24:22.360
• The The of PSC and the EPIC commission.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 02:25 SB 100 Discussion 02:59 SB 100 Roll Call Vote 31:10 SJR 134 Discussion 32:41 SJR 134 Roll Call Vote 33:43 SB 222 Discussion 34:43 SB 222 Roll Call Vote 39:55, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• commission rate comes right off the top. commission rate comes right off the top.
• gaming commission received $612,000. gaming commission received $612,000.
• commission to conduct your races. commission to conduct your races.
• commission? commission? >> Uh<01:59:58.320> Mr.
• <02:32:26.399> I commission. We can we can change that. I commission.

Keywords: 916, all