Transcript Highlights:

• We approve that at our August commission meeting.
• We went to work in conjunction with the Corporation Commission, and the Corporation Commission provided
• So in the coming commission meeting on April 6th, we're using that $11 million.
• , and I'm no expert on the Tax Commission side.
• Matter of fact, it's on the April commission meeting.

Summary: The committee met for an oversight update on how one-time and recurring transportation-related appropriations are being implemented. Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Director Grayson Artees reviewed ARPA and PREP-funded airport and aerospace projects, including completed or nearing-completion work at Will Rogers, Woodward, Ardmore, Tulsa’s air traffic control tower, and multiple hangar, terminal, taxiway, utility, and UAS infrastructure projects statewide. He also discussed one-time FY25 and FY26 appropriations for airport development, the repurposing of an unneeded Lufthansa project allocation into other aerospace projects, and the department’s aerospace education grants, classroom labs, aircraft-build programs, and internship support. Members asked for lists of participating schools and for a clearer overall accounting of the funding; Artees said the department would provide those materials and estimated roughly $400 million has been invested in aerospace and defense since PREP and ARPA, with about $250 million directed to airport infrastructure. The committee then heard from ODOT Secretary Tim Gatz on the Retro Fund, lake and industrial access roads, ports of entry, and the PACT Fund. Gatz said Retro, created in statute and funded with $200 million in both 2024 and FY25, is helping accelerate rural high-impact road and bridge projects; he reported $249 million awarded so far, supporting about $1.4 billion in construction, with most projects expected to be awarded by September 2027. He also described lake and industrial access projects, including work at the Port of Inola, and updated members on ports of entry, internal way stations, and the replacement of the aging OkiPROS permitting system with ProMiles. On PACT, he said the county road and bridge allocations are being administered, but the Tax Commission’s role in distributing the county road share has created unnecessary bureaucracy; he urged a statutory fix so the money can go directly to counties. Members asked for lists of approved lake/recreational projects and for clarification on the Tax Commission issue; Gatz said ODOT would provide the project list and that he would welcome Tax Commission input on a legislative remedy. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the updates and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, good morning, all, and welcome to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
• Please note that commission staff will follow up with you after the meeting.
• The commission meets quarterly.
• I just posted in the chat a summary of our current commission activities.
• The individual work of the commissioners, the commission together.

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly meeting virtually and in person at the State House. The commission approved the December minutes, then heard updates from the chair on planning for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for the commission’s October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and invited commissioners and advisory council members to join the planning group. The commission received an update on the advisory council orientation, which was described as well attended and productive, and then heard a detailed presentation from the Attorney General’s Office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. Topics included challenges to federal actions involving diversity in education, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research funding restrictions, and mental health services grants; the presenter also addressed concerns about Medicaid-related federal actions and said the AG’s office is coordinating closely with the governor’s office and other states. Commissioners asked questions about whether disability-related work could be affected by vague DEI restrictions and about the status of CMS communications on Medicaid. The meeting also featured a presentation from Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. They described apprenticeship as paid, structured, employer-driven training with classroom instruction and wage progression, and highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model linking pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed how to replicate similar pathways through community colleges and disability-service providers, especially in high-demand fields. Subcommittee reports followed, including updates on disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity, with discussion of a projected state budget gap tied to federal changes, PCA working group recommendations, crisis standards of care, and ongoing collaboration with MassAbility and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements, including several awards and upcoming events, and reminders about the Lowell forum and October planning efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• The public was engaged through rulemaking public meetings, written comment periods, commission public
• An overall structure was recommended to the commission by the advisory group, which staff and our Deputy
• The commission the option of offering electronic tagging to hunters in the future.
• Wildlife populations are affected by many factors beyond the control of the commission.
• Ultimately, the commission is and will continue to be faced with a supply-and-demand challenge.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Following the House Investigative Committee on wildfire hearings, the Railroad Commission and the PUC
• official or employee concerning only permit applications before the commission and requires TCEQ to
• There's a reason we are not advocating for anybody in front of the Texas Commission on Environmental
• First, it changes each reference of commission official or employee to member of the commission.
• First, it changes each reference of commission official or employee to member of the commission.

Bills: SB203 , SB317 , SB731 , SB801 , SB823 , SB867 , SB1232 , SB1380 , SB1798 , SB2082 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2919 , SB3074 , HB2 , HB6 , HB18 , HB43 , HB47 , HB 120 , HB143 , HB149 , HB171 , HB180 , HB285 , HB305 , HB449 , HB647 , HB742 , HB748 , HB908 , HB 1024 , HB 1240 , HB 1306 , HB1397 , HB1443 , HB1445 , HB1533 , HB1866 , HB1902 , HB2001 , HB2011 , HB2026 , HB2282 , HB2355 , HB2402 , HB2434 , HB2440 , HB2492 , HB2516 , HB2518 , HB2560 , HB2674 , HB2688 , HB2697 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB3153 , HB3161 , HB3421 , HB3424 , HB3464 , HB3486 , HB3510 , HB3627 , HB3966 , HB3986 , HB4042 , HB4044 , HB4076 , HB4263 , HB4384 , HB4396 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB4429 , HB4945 , HB4996 , HB5033 , HB5246 , HB5436 , HB5515 , HB5667 , SJR5 , SB3 , SB4 , SB9 , SB20 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB33 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB379 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB650 , SB681 , SB740 , SB840 , SB843 , SB924 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1188 , SB1198 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1566 , SB1574 , SB1621 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2778 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB2525 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB3074 , SB1380 , HJR133 , HB2715 , HB2 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB 1240 , HB2791 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5180 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB5652 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB18 , HB2516 , HB2713 , HB24 , HB519 , HB609 , HB1592 , HB 120 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB5084 , HB3424 , HB4396 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB180 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB 1306 , HB 1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , HB5246 , HB3487 , HB3486 , HB4226 , HB216 , HB742 , HB2402 , HB143 , HB5033 , HB4413 , HB4042 , HB2440 , HB4426 , HB49 , HB4112 , HB3233 , HB2310 , HB5515 , HB3627 , HB2674 , HB322 , HB1481 , HB 126 , HB3062 , HB3421 , HB3180 , HB2530 , HB2524 , HB1916 , HB3153 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB3120 , HB1629 , HB 103 , HB3234 , HB3680 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB5693 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB3732 , HB2508 , HB2293 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB5331 , HB5247 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4668 , HB4464 , HB4395 , HB4063 , HB3833 , HB3623 , HB3214 , HB3512 , HB3250 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB3824 , HB2067 , HB1732 , HB1562 , HB700 , HB1545 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB1851 , HB3619 , HB3071 , HB3556 , HB851 , HB4230 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB5149 , HB4903 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB4377 , HB4535 , HB4129 , HB3812 , HB3801 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB35 , HB346 , HB2974 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5688 , HB1586 , HB5154 , HB2038 , HB163 , HB413 , HB3463 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1828 , HB1422 , HB75 , HB1871 , HB 108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB 1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB 101 , HB2193 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB 1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB 1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , HCR9 , HCR76 , HCR108 , SB823 , SB1380 , SB3074 , HB47 , HB143 , HB149 , HB171 , HB285 , HB305 , HB449 , HB742 , HB908 , HB 1024 , HB 1240 , HB1397 , HB1443 , HB1533 , HB1866 , HB1902 , HB2001 , HB2011 , HB2355 , HB2402 , HB2434 , HB2440 , HB2492 , HB2560 , HB2688 , HB2697 , HB2712 , HB3153 , HB3161 , HB3421 , HB3424 , HB3464 , HB3486 , HB3510 , HB3986 , HB4042 , HB4076 , HB4263 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB4429 , HB4945 , HB4996 , HB5246 , HB5515 , HB2 , HB2282 , HB3627 , HB5033 , SR560 , SR561 , HB1904 , HB2240 , HB3686 , HB3793 , HB4202 , HB1904 , HB2240 , HB3686 , HB3793 , HB4202

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Soil and Water Conservation Commission...
• The Soil and Water Conservation Commission is currently located within the Department of Agriculture.
• Commission and then add that to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission as it will exist under the
• There was a report commissioned, actually two. They did surveys.
• This is standard language for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee heard a series of budget presentations and acted on several FY 2026 and FY 2027 items. Noah Peterson reviewed the General Fund Daily Update, noting large FY 2026 supplemental actions for Medicaid and Corrections that reduced the estimated ending balance, and a FY 2027 outlook that still had room for remaining work. He also flagged several policy bills with fiscal impacts, including county jail per diem changes, a state police bill, and a health and welfare board/position bill. Janet Jessup then walked the committee through Department of Environmental Quality and Soil and Water Conservation actions. The committee approved adding four FTP for DEQ’s solid waste regulatory program and adopted related language transferring $400,000 from the hazardous waste emergency fund to support the new solid waste regulatory fund. It also approved a CREP supplemental for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and then voted to move the commission from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Water Resources, including a corresponding reduction in Agriculture and an addition in Water Resources. The committee adopted language to align the new budget structure and approved a one-time $390,000 restoration in the Department of Water Resources to avoid reducing stream-gauging and water-monitoring services. The committee next considered the consolidation of the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources into a new Office of Species, Mineral, and Energy Coordination. It approved reductions to the two existing offices and then debated competing motions for the new office. The substitute motion to cut four FTP and reduce spending more deeply failed, while the original motion to reduce two FTP and preserve more staffing for nuclear and mining coordination passed. Members and the agency administrator argued that Idaho needs a stronger “one-stop shop” for nuclear and mining projects, while others emphasized following the policy bill moving through the legislature and capturing consolidation savings. The committee also approved a DOPL budget item for replacement vehicles and IT hardware. Most motions passed with do-pass recommendations, and the committee announced it would meet again the next day; Senate Finance was noted as on hold, while House Appropriations would continue after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 20 ayes and one no, you have voted, Health Commission.
• determines—why are we sending it back to the commission?
• Why are we sending it back to the commission?
• IOUs can't build plants without the approval of the Public Service Commission.
• So the Nuclear Regulatory Commission did speak to that issue last week.

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Committee on Utilities first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bills 2658, 2147, 2472, and 2546 by a roll call vote of 20 ayes and 1 no. The substitute expanded telephone solicitation language to include unsolicited real estate solicitations, adjusted reassigned-number compliance language, and refined spoofing-related definitions to focus on intent to cause harm or wrongfully obtain value. Members also discussed how the no-call list, existing business relationships, and political fundraising calls would be treated under the substitute. The committee then heard House Bills 1626 and 2122, both relating to nuclear energy and construction work in progress (CWIP/QIP) financing for nuclear projects. The sponsors argued the bills would remove an outdated barrier to nuclear construction in Missouri, especially for small modular reactors, by allowing utilities to recover construction costs during construction and thereby reduce interest and overall project cost. They emphasized ratepayer protections through clawback provisions, the role of the Public Service Commission, future energy demand, economic development, and keeping Missouri competitive with other states. Several members raised concerns about higher utility rates, the risk of cost overruns, the possibility of ratepayers paying for projects that are delayed or never completed, and whether the proposal was premature given that SMRs are not yet widely deployed in the United States. In response, the sponsors and supporters said the bill would include refund protections similar to Senate Bill 4 and that the PSC would oversee prudence and timing. Public witnesses in support included business, utility, and municipal representatives, as well as Missouri S&T’s chancellor, who stressed workforce development and the growing national and global move toward nuclear power. The hearing on House Bills 1626 and 2122 was then closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jess Alder, Boston Public Health Commission.
• And I'm going to invite commission members.
• Good afternoon, members of the commission.
• Good afternoon, chair, members of the commission and colleagues.
• Thank you for your work and for being a part of the Commission.

Summary: The commission on Violence Prevention Services Funding opened by explaining that its purpose is to examine how state dollars for gun violence prevention are being spent, whether they are reaching the right places, and how effective they are. Chair Marjorie Decker noted the commission was created through a legislative bill as part of a broader gun ownership package, and emphasized that the commission will produce recommendations rather than new law. The hearing began with a moment of silence for the National Day of Remembrance for homicide victims, followed by introductions from commissioners and staff. A series of community-based organizations testified about violence prevention, intervention, and survivor services. Emmanuel Williams of the Transformational Prison Project described work with incarcerated and returning youth and families, stressing lived experience, relationship-building, and the impact of budget cuts on travel, staffing, and programming; commissioners asked about his budget, caseload, and funding mix. Teresa D. Grigario and Antonio Gutierrez of Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy said their work focuses on youth ages 12 to 24 in Lynn and Lawrence, with outreach at courts and shooting scenes, and argued that prevention is most effective when it starts early, includes family engagement, counseling, therapy, case management, food, and basic needs support; they said a million-dollar annual budget would help them expand. Ruth Rollins of We Are Better Together/Warren Daniel Hairston Project, speaking as a survivor, called for long-term flexible funding, trauma-informed care, and a community-informed database, and said her organization would ideally need about $2.5 million annually. Ruth Zakarin of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence explained that the commission grew out of listening sessions during the firearms-law update process and said the goal is to identify gaps, support grassroots groups, and address regional equity in resource allocation. Other testimony highlighted youth development, reentry, and survivor response as violence prevention. More Than Words described its job-training and supportive-services model for court-involved, homeless, foster-care, and out-of-school youth, citing high rates of graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and employment; a participant, Jorge, shared how the program helped him avoid adult incarceration and build a career in trucking. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute described its homicide-response and healing work, noting that it served more than 1,100 survivors in 2024, facilitated healing groups and trainings, and is seeking a permanent center in Dorchester; its leaders said the operating budget is $4.5 million and the desired budget is $8 million. The Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs emphasized that gun violence is a youth health crisis and urged continued investment in after-school and out-of-school-time programs. UTEC called for multi-year, flexible funding, more training and networking support, and attention to nonprofit cost recovery, while Roca described its outreach to high-risk young people, strong outcomes, and major federal grant cuts that forced staff reductions. Portal to Hope discussed domestic violence and stalking services, the importance of on-site police-department-based advocacy, and the instability caused by funding restrictions. New North Citizens Council briefly underscored that violence prevention funding is needed to address poverty, lack of education, and mental health needs. State officials also presented on existing grant programs. Kevin Stanton of the Office of Grants and Research described the Commonwealth Project Safe Neighborhood Initiative and the state’s broader public safety grant portfolio, saying partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations are central to violence prevention and citing seizures of illegal firearms, narcotics, and suspected drug proceeds. Renee Contreras said the Shannon Community Safety Initiative is a national model built on nearly 20 years of sustained investment, with multidisciplinary collaborations in 25 communities and research partnerships guiding strategy and evaluation. Throughout the hearing, commissioners repeatedly asked about budgets, staffing, caseloads, and how organizations measure impact, and several speakers said they would follow up with written materials or additional data.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill deals with the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission.
• They needed Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation on the commission.
• We also have a Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission.
• There's actually one on the Trade Commission. Yes, ma'am.
• , to provide for board members of the railroad commission, to provide for study requirements of the commission

Bills: HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR68 , HB714 , HB762 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB56 , SB69 , SB115 , SB133 , SB151 , SB170 , SB235 , SB278 , SB330 , SB420 , SB438 , SB449 , SB489

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, and considered a long agenda of mostly transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Among the bills reported favorably were Senate Bill 420, which adds Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission; Senate Bill 69, which updates appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission after redistricting; Senate Bill 40, which expands Louisiana’s move-over/safety protections for emergency and disabled vehicles; and House resolutions from Rep. Dickerson urging DOTD action on Highway 16 widening, turn lanes on Highway 1024, and a roundabout on Highway 1019. The committee also advanced HCR 53 creating a study committee on oversized vehicle permits, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, SB 449 giving the New Orleans Public Belt more procurement flexibility, SB 115 allowing DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA duties to speed project delivery, and SB 489 authorizing third-party verification of vehicle insurance coverage. Members heard testimony on several safety and enforcement measures. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples under CODIS-related criminal provisions; State Police explained it would help law enforcement collect required samples and aid cold cases. SB 48 would create driver’s license reciprocity between Louisiana and Ireland, and SB 235 would clarify payment and liquidated damages rules for public contracts, with contractors and industry representatives saying it would help ensure timely payment to contractors, subs, and suppliers. SB 55 clarified that seat belts must be worn across both the lap and shoulder, and SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement; committee members raised questions about due process, vehicle use, and how the devices would work, but both bills were reported favorably. Several measures drew more extensive debate. HB 762, as amended, would give OMV discretion over referring certain debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or Attorney General, and the amendment passed 14-2 after discussion about relief for drivers who cannot pay. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement received an amendment preserving existing compliant pavement markings, but a separate amendment to exempt Shreveport, Gretna, Livonia, and Westwego from the law failed on a roll call vote. HB 714, as substituted, would have created a railroad commission and required railroads to address blighted or abandoned lines, but after concerns about federal preemption, definition of blight, and whether a new commission was needed, Rep. Phelps moved to defer the bill, and the committee agreed. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief recognition of committee staff and visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, we are on HB 2744, Industrial Commission Wages Adjudication.
• Madam Chair and members, we are on HB 2744, Industrial Commission Wages Adjudication.
• Madam Chair and members, we are on HB 2744, Industrial Commission Wages Adjudication.
• requires the commission to hire an executive director of the State Land Department.
• the state land commission consisting of all of those county land commissioners and it requires the commission

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills. Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you is SB 6018 concerning the Housing Finance Commission.
• Third, regarding a requirement for the commission to reselect its bond counsel every two years, this
• For the record, I'm Steve Walker with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
• As was just mentioned, and as many of you know, the Housing Finance Commission was created...
• I am Steve Walker with the Housing Finance Commission.

Bills: SB6018 , SB6026 , SB6027 , SB6028 , SB5937 , SB5938

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: housing, finance, commission, state funding, affordable housing, residential development, zoning reform, mixed-use zoning, commercial zones, Growth Management Act, GMA, state preemption, local land use, development regulations, ground-floor retail, ground-floor commercial, permit waiver, waiver process, density, urban growth area

Transcript Highlights:

• So the J-LARC is directed to provide staff for the Commission.
• This is a huge task for the commission.
• The bill calls for the commission to begin on July 1, 2009.
• This is a huge task for the commission.
• The bill calls for commission to begin on July 1, 2009. challenges.

Bills: HB1295 , HB2007 , HB2262 , HB2636

Committee: House Education

Keywords: reading instruction, structured literacy, early literacy, dyslexia, phonics, phonological awareness, language comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, oral language, orthographic knowledge, multi-tiered system of supports, MTSS, screening assessments, intervention, reading intervention, elementary education, kindergarten, first grade, second grade

Transcript Highlights:

• This afternoon is the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons.
• The director of the commission is with us, and this is Mr. Nathan Gaum.
• Urja Lansing, who is the Chair of the Commission. We also have Mr.
• It's by the Governor's Commission on Disability.
• I'm Stan Ross, Director of the Governor's Commission on Disability.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So what's a commissioned officer?
• OK, so to get this straight, a commissioned officer can carry a gun?
• Want these commissioned officers to be able to carry a gun to go vote?
• Other non-commissioned officers that Don't have a commission, I guess, but aren't certified to carry
• One of them was fatal. from the commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Legislative Audit Commission.
• First of all, the Legislative Audit Commission doesn't think it's appropriate.
• The Legislative Audit Commission doesn't think it's appropriate.
• and a wonderful commission—three in the House, three in the Senate, both parties.
• and a wonderful commission—three in the House, three in the Senate, both parties.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:12.799><c> to</c> Lonnie Huert for the Commission to Lonnie Huert for the Commission to Promote
• </c> a Hawaii Commissioner on the Commission a Hawaii Commissioner on the Commission to<00:02:05.280>
• Christy Chang, on behalf of the Campaign Spending Commission, said the commission supports the bill but
• /c><00:09:28.959><c> spending</c> the campaign commiss campaign spending the campaign commiss campaign
• <00:09:31.920><c> stated</c><00:09:33.040><c> uh</c> commission um testifier just stated uh commission

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first considered Governor’s Message 574, confirming Michael Tenoi to continue serving on the Commission to Promote Uniform Legislation through June 30, 2028. Several supporters testified, and Tenoi said he valued working with Hawaii and national commissioners and hoped to focus on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data security. The committee recommended advise and consent and adopted the measure, with a photo taken afterward. The committee then heard HB 1519 on campaign contributions, which would require disclosure of compensated officers and immediate family members of certain state contractors and grantees. The Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office supported the bill but asked for clarifying amendments; several advocacy groups supported the measure but urged stronger language, including removing branch-of-government limits and narrowing loopholes. The chair proposed amendments to remove monetary thresholds, limit the bill to paid officers, add appropriations for the Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office, define “officer” more broadly, and note that false-name contributions are already felonies. The committee voted to pass HB 1519 with amendments. HB 2250, the claims against the state bill, drew testimony from the Attorney General and multiple departments in support, but members raised extensive questions about why many claims would be paid from the general fund, how corrective action is being pursued, and the handling of several specific claims, including wrongful imprisonment, a cesspool citation, Department of Corrections deaths, a large special education settlement, a charter school lease dispute, and an outdated check. Because of those outstanding questions, the committee postponed decision-making on HB 2250 until Tuesday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 016. Later, the committee also considered Governor’s Message 725, confirming Daniel M. Gluck as an associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals; the committee recommended consent and adopted the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and would force the commission to reinstate full revenue decoupling.
• The rate was approved by the commission.
• I mean, this does not require the commission to approve anything crazy.
• Oh, I never served on the commission. I was a staffer at the CPUC.
• That was, again, adopted unanimously by the commission.

Summary: The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call. SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call. SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations. SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> specified by this commission. specified by this commission.
• </c><01:03:14.800><c> Senator</c> members of this commission. Senator members of this commission.
• First of all, I'd like to thank the commission, particularly commission staff, for many years and how
• ,<01:12:29.760><c> particularly</c><01:12:30.200><c> commission</c> commission, particularly commission
• </c> the commission for the time to testify. the commission for the time to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:58:16.680><c> may</c> markets develop, the commission may markets develop, the commission may
• </c> concerning concept that the commission concerning concept that the commission has<01:16:30.120><
• . commission. commission.
• </c><01:17:26.880><c> may</c> states, in part, the commission may states, in part, the commission may
• By and large, to date, it Commission.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> recordkeeping, and commission recordkeeping, and commission inspections.<00:57:39.440><c> And</c
• :21.200><c> who</c> liquor commission, the people who liquor commission, the people who actually<00:58
• covers and renamed the commission to the Governor's Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention
• ><c> way</c> Expanding the commission this way Expanding the commission this way dilutes<01:58:32.719
• This commission would bring way.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also makes changes to the duties of the commission relating to national defense industries,
• The bill requires the commission to meet twice annually rather than only annually and requires the commission
• The bill also makes changes to the duties of the commission relating to national defense industries,
• The bill requires the commission to meet twice annually rather than only annually and requires the commission
• of the commission as outlined.

Summary: The caucus meeting on Friday, June 12, reviewed several bills on Blue Sheets 16, 17, and 18, with sponsors generally concurring in Senate amendments. On property tax and agricultural inspection bills, HB 2104 and HB 2105 were described as creating temporary limits on county assessors’ ability to reclassify or inspect agricultural property after a successful appeal or recent inspection, while preserving assessor authority for changes in use, ownership, splits, or taxable improvements. HB 4117, concerning religious worship assemblies, was amended by the Senate to focus on intentionally obstructing entry or exit from a place of worship or creating a disruptive commotion. HB 2311 would require AI conversational systems to notify users they are interacting with AI and add other consumer protections, and HB 2477 would conform Arizona’s 529 plan rules with federal law and allow certain rollovers to ABLE or Roth IRA accounts. The meeting also covered HB 2114, which directs motorcycle safety fund spending toward education and scholarships and ties motorcycle registration requirements to Class M licensing, with Senate changes narrowing the registration provisions and exempting business-owned motorcycles. HB 2729 was broadened by the Senate from continuing only the Nursing Board to also continuing DES, the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, the Physician Assistants Board, and the State Board of Pharmacy, with members noting this kind of consolidation is common at the end of session. All of these bills were presented for concurrence, and no objections or substantive questions were raised. The caucus then reviewed three additional measures that had just come through rules: SB 1618, which revises military affairs statutes, creates procedures for military installation fund property acquisition, changes commission duties and membership, and adds reporting requirements; SB 1110, which creates a Department of Corrections home confinement program for certain inmates nearing release; and SCR 1004, which would, subject to voter approval, restrict photo enforcement systems unless a contract existed before December 31, 2026. Members clarified that the House mirror of the photo enforcement measure had not advanced. The meeting ended with notice that more caucus or rules activity could occur later in the day as the chamber moved bills to the floor on sine die.