Transcript Highlights:

• And as we continue to work with DEI compliance, Senator Creighton, with your letter to higher education
• Hughes, relating to the audit of claims and recovery of overpayments by Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractors
• Bill 2236 by Bettencourt, relating to prohibiting certain practices in the political subdivision contractor
• for certain agencies, including public schools, contractors, and human services.
• Hughes, relating to the audit of claims and recovery of overpayments by Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractors

Bills: SCR8 , SCR25 , SB1 , SB14 , SB24 , SB213 , SB251 , SB315 , SB371 , SB378 , SB379 , SB406 , SB413 , SB472 , SB487 , SB502 , SB502 , SB509 , SB513 , SB513 , SB565 , SB565 , SB583 , SB608 , SB621 , SB650 , SB686 , SB686 , SB707 , SB710 , SB710 , SB761 , SB761 , SB810 , SB815 , SB840 , SB856 , SB875 , SB875 , SB896 , SB896 , SB916 , SB925 , SB958 , SB958 , SB961 , SB965 , SB965 , SB973 , SB973 , SB987 , SB990 , SB995 , SB1018 , SB1019 , SB1146 , SB1146 , SB1198 , SB1252 , SB1252 , SB1253 , SB1253 , SB1330 , SB1343 , SB1362 , SB1499 , SB1499 , SB1532 , SB1532 , SB1547 , SB1547 , SB1555 , SB1596 , SB1596 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SCR25 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR8 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB925 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB815 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB502 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB24 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB761 , SB1 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB916 , SB896 , SB1352 , SB973 , SB785 , SB710 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB1547 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB513 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB1198 , SB1146 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB1 , SB1555 , SR233 , SR307 , SR310 , SR318 , SR319 , SCR25 , SJR72 , SJR73 , SJR75 , SJR77 , SJR79 , SJR80 , SJR81 , SJR82 , SB2198 , SB2201 , SB2202 , SB2203 , SB2204 , SB2205 , SB2206 , SB2207 , SB2208 , SB2209 , SB2210 , SB2211 , SB2213 , SB2214 , SB2215 , SB2216 , SB2217 , SB2218 , SB2219 , SB2220 , SB2221 , SB2222 , SB2223 , SB2224 , SB2225 , SB2226 , SB2227 , SB2228 , SB2229 , SB2231 , SB2232 , SB2233 , SB2234 , SB2235 , SB2236 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2239 , SB2240 , SB2241 , SB2242 , SB2243 , SB2244 , SB2245 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2248 , SB2249 , SB2250 , SB2251 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2254 , SB2255 , SB2256 , SB2257 , SB2258 , SB2259 , SB2260 , SB2261 , SB2262 , SB2263 , SB2264 , SB2265 , SB2266 , SB2267 , SB2268 , SB2269 , SB2270 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2273 , SB2274 , SB2275 , SB2276 , SB2277 , SB2278 , SB2279 , SB2280 , SB2281 , SB2282 , SB2283 , SB2284 , SB2285 , SB2286 , SB2287 , SB2288 , SB2289 , SB2290 , SB2291 , SB2292 , SB2293 , SB2294 , SB2295 , SB2296 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2299 , SB2300 , SB2301 , SB2302 , SB2303 , SB2304 , SB2305 , SB2306 , SB2307 , SB2308 , SB2309 , SB2310 , SB2311 , SB2313 , SB2314 , SB2315 , SB2316 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2320 , SB2321 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2324 , SB2325 , SB2326 , SB2327 , SB2328 , SB2329 , SB2330 , SB2331 , SB2333 , SB2334 , SB2335 , SB2336 , SB2337 , SB2338 , SB2339 , SB2340 , SB2341 , SB2342 , SB2343 , SB2344 , SB2346 , SB2347 , SB2348 , SB2349 , SB2350 , SB2351 , SB2352 , SB2353 , SB2354 , SB2355 , SB2356 , SB2357 , SB2358 , SB2359 , SB2360 , SB2361 , SB2362 , SB2363 , SB2364 , SB2365 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2368 , SB2369 , SB2370 , SB2371 , SB2372 , SB2373 , SB2374 , SB2375 , SB2376 , SB2377 , SB2378 , SB2379 , SB2380 , SB2381 , SB2382 , SB2383 , SB2384 , SB2385 , SB2386 , SB2387 , SB2388 , SB2389 , SB2390 , SB2391 , SB2393 , SB2394 , SB2395 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2399 , SB2400 , SB2401 , SB2402 , SB2403 , SB2404 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2410 , SB2411 , SB2412 , SB2413 , SB2414 , SB2415 , SB2416 , SB2417 , SB2418 , SB2419 , SB2420 , SB2421 , SB2422 , SB2423 , SB2424 , SB2426 , SB2427 , SB2428 , SB2429 , SB2430 , SB2431 , SB2432 , SB2433 , SB2434 , SB2435 , SB2436 , SB2437 , SB2438 , SB2439 , SB2440 , SB2441 , SB2442 , SB2443 , SB2444 , SB2445 , SB2446 , SB2447 , SB2448 , SB2449 , SB2450 , SB2451 , SB2452 , SB2453 , SB2454 , SB2455 , SB2456 , SB2457 , SB2458 , SB2459 , SB2460 , SJR72 , SJR73 , SJR75 , SJR77 , SJR79 , SJR80 , SJR81 , SJR82 , SB2198 , SB2201 , SB2202 , SB2203 , SB2204 , SB2205 , SB2206 , SB2207 , SB2208 , SB2209 , SB2210 , SB2211 , SB2213 , SB2214 , SB2215 , SB2216 , SB2217 , SB2218 , SB2219 , SB2220 , SB2221 , SB2222 , SB2223 , SB2224 , SB2225 , SB2226 , SB2227 , SB2228 , SB2229 , SB2231 , SB2232 , SB2233 , SB2234 , SB2235 , SB2236 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2239 , SB2240 , SB2241 , SB2242 , SB2243 , SB2244 , SB2245 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2248 , SB2249 , SB2250 , SB2251 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2254 , SB2255 , SB2256 , SB2257 , SB2258 , SB2259 , SB2260 , SB2261 , SB2262 , SB2263 , SB2264 , SB2265 , SB2266 , SB2267 , SB2268 , SB2269 , SB2270 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2273 , SB2274 , SB2275 , SB2276 , SB2277 , SB2278 , SB2279 , SB2280 , SB2281 , SB2282 , SB2283 , SB2284 , SB2285 , SB2286 , SB2287 , SB2288 , SB2289 , SB2290 , SB2291 , SB2292 , SB2293 , SB2294 , SB2295 , SB2296 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2299 , SB2300 , SB2301 , SB2302 , SB2303 , SB2304 , SB2305 , SB2306 , SB2307 , SB2308 , SB2309 , SB2310 , SB2311 , SB2313 , SB2314 , SB2315 , SB2316 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2320 , SB2321 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2324 , SB2325 , SB2326 , SB2327 , SB2328 , SB2329 , SB2330 , SB2331 , SB2333 , SB2334 , SB2335 , SB2336 , SB2337 , SB2338 , SB2339 , SB2340 , SB2341 , SB2342 , SB2343 , SB2344 , SB2346 , SB2347 , SB2348 , SB2349 , SB2350 , SB2351 , SB2352 , SB2353 , SB2354 , SB2355 , SB2356 , SB2357 , SB2358 , SB2359 , SB2360 , SB2361 , SB2362 , SB2363 , SB2364 , SB2365 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2368 , SB2369 , SB2370 , SB2371 , SB2372 , SB2373 , SB2374 , SB2375 , SB2376 , SB2377 , SB2378 , SB2379 , SB2380 , SB2381 , SB2382 , SB2383 , SB2384 , SB2385 , SB2386 , SB2387 , SB2388 , SB2389 , SB2390 , SB2391 , SB2393 , SB2394 , SB2395 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2399 , SB2400 , SB2401 , SB2402 , SB2403 , SB2404 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2410 , SB2411 , SB2412 , SB2413 , SB2414 , SB2415 , SB2416 , SB2417 , SB2418 , SB2419 , SB2420 , SB2421 , SB2422 , SB2423 , SB2424 , SB2426 , SB2427 , SB2428 , SB2429 , SB2430 , SB2431 , SB2432 , SB2433 , SB2434 , SB2435 , SB2436 , SB2437 , SB2438 , SB2439 , SB2440 , SB2441 , SB2442 , SB2443 , SB2444 , SB2445 , SB2446 , SB2447 , SB2448 , SB2449 , SB2450 , SB2451 , SB2452 , SB2453 , SB2454 , SB2455 , SB2456 , SB2457 , SB2458 , SB2459 , SB2460

Keywords: central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency

Transcript Highlights:

• To approve the expenditure of $249,820 to ICG Advertising, a state contractor, for a statewide 911 telecommunicator
• So, as you add to that, this is a state contractor.
• PSAPs will be allowed to present information sufficient to show compliance before the authority takes
• The PSAPs will be allowed to present information to show their compliance at that time.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 regular meeting minutes and financial reports for February through April 2026. The board then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, reclassifying the 911-98 liaison into a training coordinator role, adding a GIS specialist position, higher funding for training, travel, NG911 deployment, cybersecurity training, recruitment, and the 911 coordinator workshop, along with increased GIS repository funding and a new technology roadmap allocation. The budget also set aside $3 million for a one-time PSAP distribution and maintained grant closeout and reserve funding levels. The board approved the $3 million PSAP one-time distribution and its guidelines, using the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with funds restricted to GIS, eligible technology items, or grant matching rather than salaries or construction. Members also denied Washington County 911’s request to waive the 20% match for a radio console grant after staff found the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. The board approved an in-person 911 telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator for technical schools, with a requirement for a full simulator and NENA-approved certification, and approved a $249,820 statewide recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising to promote 911 careers. On GIS compliance, the board authorized staff, with legal counsel, to begin enforcement steps against PSAPs that do not complete required GIS data remediation and repository uploads by the June deadline, including notice and possible escrow action by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The board also approved several individual grants, including projects for fiber/NextGen 911 transition, ADA furniture, NextGen 911 equipment, a consolidation feasibility study, recorder upgrades, and radio console upgrades for multiple counties and PSAPs. Committee and staff reports highlighted 911 Day at the Capitol, upcoming POP grant availability, new grant categories for FY 2027, cybersecurity training planning, NG911/GIS tool development, 988 outreach, and ongoing project and standards work.

Transcript Highlights:

• discussion, revision, and vote to approve the expenditure of $249,820 to ICG Advertising, a state contractor
• So, as you add to that, this is a state contractor.
• PSEPs will be allowed to present information sufficient to show compliance before the authority takes
• The PSAPs will be allowed to present information to show their compliance at that time.

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 minutes and the February, March, and April 2026 financial reports. Members then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, a reclassification for the 911-988 liaison/training coordinator role, a new GIS specialist position, increased funding for training, travel, cybersecurity training, recruitment, GIS repository work, and technology roadmap items. The budget also set aside funds for NG911 deployment, grant closeouts, and a $3 million reserve for a one-time PSAP distribution program. The authority approved the $3 million one-time distribution to the 123 primary PSAPs and separately approved the distribution guidelines and priority list. The program will use the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with eligible uses focused on GIS Version 3 work, technology and equipment, and grant matching; salaries, construction, radio systems, OLETS, and mobile apps were excluded. The board also denied a hardship request from Washington County 911 to waive a 20% match for a radio console grant, finding the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. Members approved an Oklahoma technical school in-person telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator that meets minimum training standards, and authorized a statewide 911 telecommunicator recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising for $249,820. The authority also approved a compliance action plan for PSAPs that had not completed GIS remediation and repository uploads, setting a June 19 deadline before notice and possible escrow proceedings. Several grant requests were approved, including projects for Adair, Grady, Harper, INCOG, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Pauls Valley, and Washington County, covering NG911 fiber, ADA furniture, equipment, feasibility work, recorder upgrades, and radio console improvements. In committee and staff reports, members heard updates on 911 Day at the Capitol, the POP grant timeline, legislative activity, NG911 and GIS tools, cybersecurity training, operations committee work, 988 integration outreach, and statewide project progress. The coordinator also noted work on standards, NASNA leadership, and the need for PSAPs to obtain EM Grants logins ahead of the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting adjourned after no public comments or new business were offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• spending, either by increasing its spending by half a percent each year until the district is in compliance
• of a direct school district... ...spending by half a percent each year until the district is in compliance
• spending, either by increasing its spending by half a percent each year until the district is in compliance
• creation of a direct school district spending by half a percent each year until the district is in compliance
• a city, town, county, the state, or a school district enters into a task order contract with a contractor

Summary: The meeting was a caucus review of a long list of bills on Minority Caucus Calendars 8 and 9, with members briefly noting whether measures were unanimous, on consent, or had split votes. Topics included appropriations for homeless veteran shelter services (HB 2620), the Veterans Court Program grant fund (HB 2960), municipal improvement districts (HB 4064), a memorial measure (HB 2079), child care grants (HB 2239), midwife medication administration and advisory committee changes (HB 2251), home and community-based service provider funding (HB 2403), EMS reciprocity (HB 2437), prescription monitoring (HB 2434), electronic monitoring in health care facilities (HB 2914), pregnancy resource center funding and restrictions (HB 2229), limits on police transport of mental health patients (HB 2404), Access coverage for mild obstructive sleep apnea treatment (HB 2726), school district spending and teacher pay requirements referred to the ballot (HCR 2007), mobile home park operator training (HB 2199), local government investment pool oversight (HB 2344), task order contract website posting (HB 2445), tourism improvement areas (HB 2950), ambulance certificate reporting (HB 2402), short-term rental occupancy rules (HB 2429), ASRS retirement rules for elected officials (HB 2505), trespass penalties after eviction (HB 2047), post-nuptial agreement enforcement (HB 2861), civil rights board continuation (HB 2931), and utility replacement plant siting (HB 2389). Members also discussed child welfare and family law bills on Calendar 9, including kinship foster placement (HB 2035), neglect standards based on financial resources (HB 2041), family court evidence (HB 2968), DCS response to abuse reports (HB 4004), prostate cancer insurance cost-sharing (HB 2617), mental health hearing technology (SB 1242), optometrist prescriptions (SB 1023), behavior analyst regulation (SB 1145), assisted living occupants (SB 1247), manufactured home installer licensing and fingerprinting (HB 2868), supervised parenting time (HB 2615), unlawful entry involving vulnerable adults (HB 4136), uranium contamination monitoring funding (HB 2889), a gas and petroleum refinery study committee (HB 4025), and veteran state park fee exemptions (HB 2165). Several members raised policy concerns on bills involving privacy, rural transportation capacity, environmental review, pregnancy centers, and funding priorities, while others noted support or that amendments had addressed earlier issues. No formal roll-call votes were taken in the transcript itself; the chair mainly recorded whether bills were unanimous, consent, or split and whether any should be taken off consent or discussed further. The meeting ended with announcements about an upcoming CAP breakfast, a Latino Caucus meeting, and an Affordability Award presented to Representative Volk before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 235 is a continuation of efforts focusing on prompt payment contractors, community for money
• We know that when a general contractor is paid timely, all subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors down
• Basically, cash is king, and we're trying to get paid for what we do as contractors.
• You still have to file with the clerk, public notice, contractors and subs all have a right to still
• You still have to file with the clerk, public notice, contractors and subs all have a right to still

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you hope it's a provider assessment, we wanted to make sure that there's compliance with payment of
• By increasing the state tax credit to 30%, we can protect our local contractors from a significant market
• By increasing the state tax credit to 30 percent, we can protect our local contractors from a significant
• That's a contract between a contractor and a private person.
• That's a contract between a contractor and a private person. and and a private person, and of course,

Bills: SB101 , SB58 , SB55

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB58, metropolitan redevelopment, redevelopment property, property tax exemption, payments in lieu of taxes, PILOT, municipal redevelopment, local government

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 101, which would repeal the July 1, 2030 sunset on the Health Care Delivery and Access Act and make the hospital provider-tax program permanent. The sponsor, the Health Care Authority secretary, and the New Mexico Hospital Association said the program has generated substantial federal Medicaid matching funds and has supported hospital workforce, quality, and infrastructure investments, especially in rural areas. Members asked why the sunset existed originally and whether federal changes under H.R. 1 would phase the program down; the secretary explained the sunset was meant as a review point, but that federal law now prevents creating a new similar program if this one expires. The committee heard support from hospital and business representatives, no opposition, and voted due pass 7-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 58, as amended, which extends the property tax abatement period for metropolitan redevelopment areas from a fixed seven years to up to 14 years. The sponsor and Albuquerque redevelopment officials said the change would give local governments more flexibility to structure projects based on financial need, while still preserving current tax payments and encouraging redevelopment of blighted or underused areas. Several supporters, including realtors and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, argued the longer window would improve certainty for developers and help spur housing and other reinvestment. Some members raised concerns about lost revenue for schools and whether the tool could be overused, but were told the program applies only in designated redevelopment areas and is intended to leverage future higher assessments. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 7-0. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 55, which increases New Mexico’s state solar tax credit from 10% to 30% after the federal credit was reduced, and raises the individual cap from $6,000 to $15,000 while keeping the overall annual program cap at $30 million. The sponsor and numerous solar industry, business, and clean-energy advocates said the change is needed to prevent layoffs, stabilize the rooftop solar market, support local jobs, and preserve grid and affordability benefits for customers. Members asked about permitting, certification, consumer protection, and whether battery storage was included; the sponsor said the bill covers rooftop solar only, the credit is refundable, and EMNRD certifies systems before credits are issued. The committee heard broad support, no opposition, and voted due pass 7-0 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Compliance with enhanced reporting, and provide webinar-based training.
• Again, we will track compliance with enhanced reporting.
• So this really is focused on health and safety and environmental compliance.
• That is one of those things that we are doing because of compliance.
• using a contractor, a third party.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amended by the Committee on Commerce, Senate Bill 1206 outlines prohibitions for adjusters and contractors
• Madam Wippon, member, Senate Bill 1670 preempts the regulation of persons subject to Registrar of Contractors
• Senate Bill 1670 preempts the regulation of persons subject to Registrar of Contractors licensure.
• to Senate Bill 1501 that furthers licensing requirements and outlines regulations for elevator contractors
• to Senate Bill 1501 that furthers licensing requirements and outlines regulations for elevator contractors

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long agenda of Senate bills across elections, commerce, education, government, health and human services, judiciary, public safety, transportation, rural development, and ways and means. Many measures were described as consent or third-read consent items, including bills on campaign finance termination statements and late-report penalties, AI provenance data for media, adjuster/contractor conduct during emergencies, Industrial Commission changes, association meeting closures, banking and remittance rules, central bank digital currency, public safety parity funding, barbering and cosmetology board continuation, digital asset reserve management, contractor licensing, gaming and racing commission continuation, school AED instruction, classroom removal procedures, school safety reporting, special education complaint transparency, foreign influence and land ownership restrictions, DCS and DES process changes, health care licensing and reimbursement rules, EMS compact adoption, and multiple tax, housing, and transportation measures. Staff repeatedly summarized each bill and answered questions, with several bills noted as mirror or identical to House measures or as strike-everything amendments from committees. A few bills drew discussion. On SB 2874, staff explained that the Senate amendment would limit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports when a committee certifies it received no contributions and made no expenditures, but the sponsor did not concur. SB 1074 prompted questions about whether parental notification changed; staff said it did not and that the bill was aimed at improving communication between teachers and principals about discipline. SB 1175, requiring DCS caseworkers to photograph children at each interaction in abuse or neglect cases, drew concern about the scope of the photos, while supporters said it would improve continuity and documentation. SB 1180 also drew comment because the sponsor and committee chair disagreed over an amendment, though the bill was advanced for further work. The most extended debate came on SB 1751, which would allow death-row inmates to choose firing squad, lethal injection, or lethal gas if voters approve the related constitutional measure. One member strongly opposed the bill on moral and personal grounds, another argued it could be a more humane option if the state is going to carry out executions, and a third raised concern that it could be used against Second Amendment rights. The bill remained on the third-read consent calendar despite the objections. The caucus concluded after moving through the remaining agenda items, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript beyond committee status and consent-calendar placement.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the bill requires public bodies to provide written notice to the contractor or subcontractor as
• Instead of counting from the day the complaint is received, the 31-day window will now begin once the contractor
• So I urge passage of this just for fairness for the contractors to try to repair any damage before it
• And in strict compliance with the chair's mandate, I will say ditto to everything I just said.
• higher education that manage projects and emergency situations where exact details like scope, contractors

Bills: HB842 , HB1907 , HB2844 , HB2892 , HB3439 , HB4211 , HB4536 , HB5111 , HB5138 , HB5182 , HB5247 , HB5269 , HB5323 , HB5435 , HJR201 , SB871 , HB3896 , SJR40

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• So they actually use their Homebridge contractor to do this work.
• a certain compliance rate, they have to go on a QIAP, a quality improvement plan.
• the majority are in compliance with CFCO.
• We have, in the language, provided time to July of 2027 for compliance with that proposal.
• This has been supported by the expertise and technical capacity of our current contractor.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we need compliance.
• I just think there needs to be uniformity in compliance with every ...a very good job.
• So why in the substitute did we grant immigration enforcement authority to contractors?
• So your understanding is this is not any outside contractor.
• I just want to be clear because with schools, everything is about compliance.

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• You make the time that it takes to do the job some benefit. benefit to the contractor, you know, thought
• . contractors when they are able to meet the schedule.
• Contractors know that the construction contracts are going to be starting to slow down.
• So those contractor payouts are the highest they have ever been.
• Our folks have utilized their help to make sure they stay in compliance and use the money correctly.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

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

Transcript Highlights:

• But what I'm saying is that if a contractor needs $100 billion and $15 billion...
• But what I'm saying is that if a contractor needs $100 billion and $15 billion comes from the federal
• And the use of this program to provide alternative compliance for the new solar home mandate could result
• First, it would consolidate the compliance reporting for three separately enacted but interrelated CPUC
• programs. ...consolidate compliance reporting for three separately enacted but interrelated CPUC programs

Summary: The committee heard several energy-related bills, with AB 1715 drawing the most discussion. That bill would require the CPUC to create a searchable database of utility advice letters, protests, responses, and resolutions going back to 2020, and to require utilities to report state, federal, and other public financing so ratepayer savings from loans, grants, and similar funding can be tracked and passed through. The author and TURN said the bill is aimed at transparency, affordability, and preventing double recovery; committee amendments removed some language, and labor said the amendments would remove its opposition. Senators pressed on how “financial benefits” would be defined and whether the bill would require refunds to ratepayers, and the author said the CPUC would determine the details. The bill was later moved out of committee on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 1301, a CPUC/Public Utilities Code cleanup bill, was presented as a housekeeping measure to remove obsolete references, align deadlines, eliminate duplicative requirements, and extend the Energy Conservation Assistance Act sunset. The Public Advocates Office and Golden State Power Cooperatives supported it, and the committee advanced it do-pass as amended to Appropriations. AB 2463, which would require the CPUC to disclose the models and analysis used to set utility authorized return on equity, was described as a transparency measure for a process that is currently a “black box.” EDF and the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition supported the bill, while members noted the importance of understanding how utility profits are set; it also passed to Appropriations. AB 1813, on community solar and storage, generated substantial debate. The author said the bill is intended to fix a CPUC program that he argued is unworkable and inconsistent with the Legislature’s earlier direction, while supporters including San Diego Community Power, TURN, and many clean energy, labor, and local-government groups said it would make community solar viable for renters and others who cannot install rooftop solar. Opponents, including the Public Advocates Office, Southern California Edison, SDG&E, and PG&E, argued it would raise rates, create cost shifts to non-participating customers, and conflict with a recently adopted CPUC decision. The bill was moved out on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations, with some senators indicating support but also concern about affordability and pending amendments. AB 2111, which would require the CPUC to plan transmission using multiple demand and resource scenarios instead of a single forecast, was supported as a way to reduce bottlenecks, improve reliability, and avoid costly under-planning as electrification grows. Supporters said better scenario planning would help avoid transmission constraints that block new generation, while the committee raised questions about cost impacts and the role of current CPUC planning processes. The bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also took up AB 2266, which would consolidate related CPUC compliance reporting, require consistent reliability valuation across programs, and direct an evaluation if CAISO uses backstop procurement; supporters said it would reduce confusion and improve consistency, while opponents warned against forcing one valuation method across different resource types. AB 2266 was also moved to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2175 was taken up on consent and advanced without discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• members of the committee, my name is Jenna Morales, and I'm representing the National Electrical Contractors
• , the Mechanical Contractors, and the Sheet Metal Contractors.
• We stand as strong— General contractors, the mechanical contractors, and the sheet metal contractors.
• Carla Kugler with Associated Builders and Contractors.
• , individual contractors.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 7, the Apprenticeship Assistance Act, which would keep apprenticeship trust fund distributions at $2.5 million rather than reducing them and remove a reference to the tobacco settlement permanent fund. Labor, construction, business, and environmental groups testified in support, emphasizing workforce development, retention of workers in New Mexico, and expansion of apprenticeship opportunities. The bill was moved and adopted without opposition. Members then considered House Bill 66, as amended, to increase funding for health professional loan repayment and related workforce supports. The amendment struck an appropriation because the funding was already included in House Bill 2. Testimony from health care providers, chambers of commerce, social workers, and physical therapy advocates supported the bill as a way to address provider shortages and improve recruitment and retention. After questions about eligibility, repayment terms, and overlap with similar Senate bills, the committee voted to do pass the bill as amended. House Bill 96, creating a working group to study a possible New Mexico Space Commission, was also amended to strike an appropriation. Support came from the chamber, Virgin Galactic, and aerospace advocates, who said a commission could help coordinate economic development and workforce efforts in the space sector. Members asked about other states’ commissions, workforce pathways, and the working group’s timeline, and the sponsor agreed to add clearer dissolution language later. The committee then passed the bill as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 80, a committee substitute to redirect more of the oil and gas conservation tax to the reclamation fund for orphan well plugging and site remediation. Supporters from industry, environmental groups, tribal advocates, and chambers said the bill would better align the tax with its original purpose and provide stable funding for cleanup, while an opponent argued the bill shifts costs from industry to the public and should instead raise the tax or bonding requirements. After discussion of backlog, phase-in timing, and procurement reforms, the committee voted do pass. The committee also heard House Bill 4, as amended, which phases in a larger share of premium surtax revenue to the Health Care Affordability Fund over three years. Supporters said it would sustain BeWell enrollment and affordability programs, while opponents questioned the burden on private payers and the size of the general fund impact. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed it on a 10-7 vote. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 65, as amended, creating a Foster Care Plus pilot project for children in CYFD custody, with testimony both supporting the need for better services and cautioning that implementation should respect tribal law, cultural practices, and family reunification. The committee also tabled House Bill 68 at the sponsor’s request. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 88, which would make minor changes to the land grant assistance fund, including capturing reverted payments that currently go back to the general fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• Question for the municipal witness: you were talking about representing the municipal contractors or
• Good morning, Jennifer Pira, State Water Contractors. We do not have a position on this bill.
• They have been at the table in good faith with water contractors for over a year.
• With me in support is Jennifer Pierre on behalf of the State Water Contractors, the sponsors of this
• I'm the general manager for the State Water Contractors.

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Goodman, members of the committee, I'm Jerry Vanderwood with Associated General Contractors in
• A recent survey by AGC noted that 60% of contractors reported at least one crash in the past year involving
• 60% of contractors reported at least one crash in the past year involving a moving vehicle at highway
• Spokane County estimates over $100,000 in compliance and ... an unelected gatekeeper to candidacy violating
• Spokane County estimates over $100,000 in compliance and Spokane County estimates over $100,000 in compliance

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . $100,000 in general funds for repatriation compliance costs. If you remember yesterday, Mr.
• President, the senator from Grand Forks, ...compliance costs. If you remember yesterday, Mr.
• President, and $390,000 of general funds for the NAGPRA compliance.
• biennium to the Teddy Roosevelt Committee to be able to enter into a construction contract with the contractors
• So the contractors, before they could enter into this, wanted more assurance than just pledges and promises

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• eradication program has been in place since 2015 and is essentially the agency working through contractors
• The agency asked one of our existing contractors to conduct the study, the results of which do provide
• And, and then additionally, there's got to be ample con contractors across the state to do the work.
• We have high have high compliance costs, the costs associated with compliance testing and licensing,
• We are looking for the buildout of our database to include our enforcement and compliance modules, as

Bills: HB294

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• address some of my initial concerns about segregation based on disability and the inherent IDEA compliance
• address some of my initial concerns about segregation based on disability and the inherent IDEA compliance
• So to make sure this bill remains in compliance with IDEA law and respects students' self-determination
• We have Kerry Hebrink from National Utility Contractors waving in support.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. House Bill 1145 by Representative Shoaf would clarify that public charter schools may participate in the CAP grant program and expand the number of eligible programs under the money-back guarantee workforce education provision from three to six. Supporters said it would broaden access and encourage outcomes-focused training; members asked about fiscal impact and repayment concerns. The bill passed 16-0 and was reported favorably. House Bill 127 by Representative Kendall addressed exceptional student education and workforce credentialing. A strike-all amendment broadened the bill to include all students with disabilities, use the term micro-credential, involve the Department of Education, the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, and OSHA, and add validation by special education staff and an IEP team member. Public testimony included support from Goodwill and others, while one witness raised concerns about IDEA compliance, voluntariness, and funding. Members debated those issues, with supporters emphasizing that the bill was not mandatory and would help transition students into work; the amendment was adopted and the bill then passed 15-0. House Bill 571 by Representative Kendall would expand career planning and work-based learning opportunities for students, require the Articulation Coordinating Committee to evaluate apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs for postsecondary credit, allow more flexible work-based learning, provide career days for students age 16 and up, guarantee transfer of certain credits to the Florida College System, and require annual review of personalized academic and career plans. Several industry and education groups appeared in support, no one spoke in opposition, and the bill passed 15-0 and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a subcategory of compliance, and this is compliance with a permit like a National Pollutant
• NPDES permit is federal EPA, but we regulate it as DEQ, so it's a way to help communities address compliance
• The spokes would be for the residents and contractors that are going to be off-sites.
• The spokes would be for the residents and contractors that are going to be off-sites.
• In Palo Alto, California, overall community compliance is high.

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.