Transcript Highlights:

• We drive them on LNG... ...We drive them on LNG projects. We use them everywhere.
• I mean, it talks about driving procedures, installation criteria.
• Where it talks about how you have to drive it? Procedure? Which part?
• Where it talks about how you have to drive it and do all the other things.
• If I'm a developer, it'll be done before I'm starting to drive piles.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• She was driving her car in Seattle.
• Uncertainty drives up costs and makes Louisiana less competitive for future investment.
• Uncertainty breeds fear, which drives away investment.
• Ryan Heck, 9045 Hill Drive, HRM Concrete. Heck, 9045 Hill Drive, HRM Concrete.
• So I appreciate you being here today and driving down. Well, I understand.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes they're referred to as gene drive. or other innovations.
• And then, as the undersecretary mentioned, gene drive.
• As Undersecretary Hoskins mentioned, USDA is not involved with anything relating to the program. drive
• Gene Drive.
• That's that aspect of driving that into your herd.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These tools benefit large corporations and drive prices up for small businesses.
• These tools benefit large corporations and drive prices up for small businesses.
• , that drives increased supply.
• And it has changed the way I drive.
• There are also only one large end user driving increased demand.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members. The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open. Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's just driving us to ruin, this very simple dynamic.
• You know, let's—okay, what's driving the cost?
• Other things driving up the cost, we've talked about those mandates.
• “Please tell me I don’t have to drive an hour or get mail order.”
• And that's ultimately what's driving the claims cost.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this skilled workforce helps drive innovation in the state's economy.
• uh growth from lot less scope to drive uh growth from this<01:09:59.280> source.
• So, yeah, I think there's scope for us to drive faster growth there also.
• by trying to drive people into the workforce.
• factors that drive migration patterns. factors that drive migration patterns.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember driving up the way that the snow blows sideways across the highway when you're on your way
• There's just a ton of things driving the cost of housing, and so a moment where we need more housing,
• There's just a ton of things driving the cost of housing, and so a moment where we need more housing,
• There's just a ton of things driving the cost of housing, and so a moment where we need more housing,
• Thank you. ...they can't find a place to live within a reasonable driving distance from the job.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an agency overview from Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. After member and staff introductions, Ho described Minnesota Housing’s mission, structure, and role as a mission-driven financial institution that issues bonds, uses earnings to support operations, and works across the housing continuum from homelessness prevention to homeownership and preservation. She emphasized that the agency is not a builder or regulator, but funds and partners with developers, local governments, nonprofits, and lenders. She also noted the agency’s four divisions, including a new local government housing programs division created after the 2023 legislative session expanded the agency’s responsibilities. Ho reviewed funding and program activity, saying Minnesota Housing spent $1.96 billion in fiscal year 2024 and helped more than 73,000 households. She highlighted that the agency’s work is heavily competitive and often oversubscribed, with many projects selected through RFPs and grants but more applications than available resources. She discussed 2023 and 2024 investments, including homeownership, rental, and manufactured housing projects, and said roughly half of competitive dollars have gone to Greater Minnesota over the last several years. She also explained the difference between funds committed and funds actually disbursed, noting that construction and rehabilitation projects can take many months to close and draw down funds. The commissioner also updated members on new programs created in 2023 and 2024, including first-generation down payment assistance, the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Development Program, public housing rehabilitation, state housing tax credits, and other local and regional initiatives. She said some programs are already closed out, while others remain in early implementation or are still accepting applications. Ho mentioned a forthcoming technical amendment to adjust a high-rise sprinkler program after eligibility issues limited participation. She closed with examples of projects preserved or funded, including a St. Louis Park preservation deal, public housing preservation in Greater Minnesota, a St. Cloud challenge project, and the first-generation down payment assistance program, which distributed $50 million to about 1,450 first-time buyers, most of whom were Black, Indigenous, or people of color. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not to say that that's not possible, but people aren't taking a bunch of mushrooms and driving.
• Not to say that that's not possible, but people aren't taking a bunch of mushrooms and driving.
• Yet the operator, only the person driving the vehicle, is covered by this provision.
• Yet the operator, only the person driving the vehicle, is covered by this provision.
• Yet the operator, only the person driving the vehicle, is covered by this provision.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is Just a friendly reminder that the Women's Legislative Caucus' 27th annual Easter basket drive
• :05:20.480> annual<00:05:20.720> Easter<00:05:21.000> basket<00:05:21.440> drive
• <00:05:21.760> will 27th annual Easter basket drive will 27th annual Easter basket drive will

Bills: HB1163, HB2113, HB2333, HB2411, HB2583, HB1613, HB1614, HB2590, HB1950, HB1603, HB1707, HB1832, HB2119, HB2155, HB2594, HB2595, HB1929, HB2015, HB2207, HB1619, HB1667, HB1984, HB2140, HB2097, HB1957, HB2503, HB2581, HB1520, SCR55, SR53

Keywords: commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, Kainahola Stream, flood prevention, vegetation removal, appropriation, natural resources, transportation, airport special districts, penalties, Hawaii, aeronautics law, public safety, workforce development, sector partnerships

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, in Haverhill, the rates are double that of Andover despite being just a short drive away
• They can say, go ahead, go back to the old way and drive those rates down.
• They could say, go ahead, go back to the old way and drive those rates down.
• Prior authorization is one of the root causes driving the current crisis in primary care.
• And as you've already heard today, health inequities drive health care costs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket of bills focused on MassHealth benefits and reimbursement, health equity, behavioral health, public health, dental access, 340B drug pricing, tobacco cessation, and coverage for children. The chairs emphasized rising health care costs, provider shortages, administrative burdens, and persistent inequities by income, race, geography, and immigration status. Much of the testimony centered on H.1416/S.901, an act to advance health equity, with legislators and members of the Health Equity Compact arguing for statewide benchmarks, stronger health equity leadership, reimbursement for interpreter services, community health workers and patient navigation, Medicaid graduate medical education support, and a health equity zone trust fund. Witnesses described disparities in life expectancy, maternal mortality, access to primary care, and the impact of federal Medicaid and social service cuts, and urged the committee to report the bill favorably. The committee also heard strong support for H.1368/S.847 on rapid whole genome sequencing for critically ill MassHealth children. Testifiers from industry, academia, hospitals, and families said early sequencing can end long diagnostic odysseys, improve treatment decisions, shorten hospital stays, and save money, while also providing emotional relief and information for families. The hearing then moved to H.1407 on MassHealth rate parity for inpatient behavioral health providers, where Rep. Scanlan and the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems said the bill would codify existing administrative parity so managed care plans cannot pay less than the MassHealth fee-for-service rate. On H.1392/S.853 to preserve and protect public health, witnesses supported higher vaccine administration fees to improve provider participation and immunization rates. The committee also heard testimony on H.770/845 to protect 340B providers in MassHealth, and on S.848 to require reporting and transparency around 340B revenues and outside administrative costs. Additional bills drew testimony on tobacco cessation coverage for MassHealth members, with advocates supporting broader access to counseling and medications through medical, behavioral health, and dental providers. On H.1409, a nursing home operator asked for more flexibility in a MassHealth staffing-related penalty tied to patient days per resident. On H.1401/S.888, supporters of the “Take 10” dental access proposal said adult MassHealth dental coverage is underused because too few dentists accept MassHealth, leading to long travel times and avoidable emergency room visits; they urged incentive payments for dentists serving new adult MassHealth patients. Finally, on H.1403/S.855, “Cover All Kids,” advocates and immigrant community members urged removal of immigration status as a barrier to full MassHealth coverage for children, while also backing a related bill to ensure 12 months of continuous coverage for children. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked questions on costs, reimbursement levels, and implementation details.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that will drive the number of people that select email dramatically up and therefore reduce the number
• So within a year, two, three tops, we're going to drive almost all of this into email selection, because
• So, one of the things you're suggesting too is that school districts could drive people to this.
• I would think all the taxing entities would try to help drive people to that.
• If the idea is to drive people to these meetings, we actually could undo... ...some engagement with over-alarming

Bills: HB17, HB23

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a long drive to go to someone's office or home.
• resident had the ability to have the access, they would use it, but maybe it's because they have to drive
• so the cameras can indeed photograph or, you know, record you and the audio directly into your hard drive
• or a USB drive or a thumb drive or what have you. you.

Bills: HB279, HB310, HB365, HB391, HB420, HB422, HB638, HB279, HB310

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• We have invested over $64 million in driver bonuses, EV rentals, and in-app tools to make driving electric
• The program was designed to drive EV adoption over time, as opposed to merely match or decelerate, and
• The program was designed to drive EV adoption over time, as opposed to merely match or decelerate.
• responders are trying to work around that situation and, obviously, unlike a vehicle that we would drive
• , humans would drive, there's just nobody there to cooperate with what's going on.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to go back to the driving need for this, and that is our education system as well as our
• So health insurance may be cheaper for people who live in the kingdom, but they may need to drive to
• We took $50,000 and put it into Drive Electric Vermont.
• we started last year when we put $600,000 into working on the issue of getting more people to help drive
• It repeals obsolete language relating to log drives, which we haven't had in a century, and requires

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But when you're younger, it's easy to operate a mud boat, a surface-drive boat, a Gator Tail boat, you
• I don't know if you ever ridden in one or seen anybody drive one. ...that, who's physically fit.
• I mean, like I spoke about, mud boats, surface-drive boats, Gator Tail boats, got nothing against them
• And today, with the modified surface drives, they are barely any louder.
• Garrett, what the— I heard not much louder than the other traditional surface drives.

Bills: SCR54, SCR59, HCR5, HCR62, HCR78, HCR86, HB595, HB688, HB802, HB841, HB1161, HB1171, HB1189, HB1248, HB1258

Keywords: Mississippi River Basin, fishery commission, invasive species, sustainability, economic impact, red drum, fishing regulations, tournament permits, wildlife management, recreational fishing, flood management, FEMA, floodplain maps, environmental risks, Louisiana, flood insurance, risk assessment, community planning, seafood, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• pay down the UAL, knowing that these changes would increase the cost of the plan to the employer and drive
• And on page 19, this further drives that point home.
• And on page 19, this further drives that point home.
• And recall what I showed you on that first slide that I covered: asset allocation is going to drive a
• very key changes in recent years knowing that these changes would increase the cost of the plan and drive

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement held a hearing focused on the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) and its long-term financial condition. MOSERS staff and its investment consultant reviewed the system’s structure, membership, funding policy, and investment approach. They reported a June 30, 2025 funded ratio of 55.4%, with about $17.4 billion in liabilities and $9.6 billion in assets, and explained that the board certified a 32% employer contribution rate under its minimum contribution policy, up from 30.25%, which will increase state appropriations. They also described the system as mature, with more retirees and inactive members than active employees, and said declining payroll growth has made it harder to improve funding. The presentation emphasized that recent board actions were intended to strengthen the plan over the long term, even though they increased near-term costs. Those changes included lowering the assumed investment return over time to 6.95%, updating mortality assumptions, moving from an open to a closed amortization schedule, and adopting a minimum employer contribution policy. The investment consultant said MOSERS historically used a more risk-balanced asset allocation than many peers, which helped explain weaker relative returns during a long period when public equities outperformed; the board has since shifted toward a more equity-oriented allocation. He said recent performance has improved, with the portfolio outperforming its policy index and ranking better against peers in the short term, though longer-term peer performance remains a concern. Committee members questioned why the funded ratio had declined over roughly 20 years and whether past investment and actuarial assumptions were too optimistic or too conservative. MOSERS officials responded that the current board is trying to correct earlier decisions and that the present strategy is more in line with industry practice. Members also discussed a proposed MOSERS bill package that would automatically refund small balances to terminated non-vested members and increase deferred compensation auto-escalation, with officials saying the refund provision would improve efficiency and return small balances sooner. The committee also briefly discussed ongoing litigation involving Catalyst Capital; MOSERS said attorney fees have been about $20 million so far, the case remains on appeal, and the damages amount is sealed. No formal votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
• SO, NOT ONLY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, BLOOD DRIVES, AND OF COURSE And, frankly, I
• And in May of 2022, in my district, a domestic terrorist devised a plan to drive to Buffalo, New York

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship. The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Google Drive that has all those items posted.
• I mean it'll Be nice to have nice roads, but if we have nice roads but folks can't afford to drive on
• And in full disclosure, I do not drive a diesel. I'm driving an electric car. So, Mr.
• We're going to bring not just the safety of the roads but the cost to drive on the roads the cost to
• Jump across the interchange, drive back down the other road, and try to get to a friend's road and get

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• We use what we call an Automatic Road Analyzer, an ARAN laser truck, which drives the roadways, scans
• That is the vehicle that will be driving around the road collecting this data.
• I was driving up to Santa Fe last week, or a couple of weeks ago, and I-25— I know there has been work
• Is it driving? How many hours a day is it driving around? Mr.
• I'm sure it's more than likely driving All year round to collect all the data that we're looking to get

Transcript Highlights:

• On top of that, you're going to have to talk about folks that are actually driving, and those who have
• On the drive home, as we were exiting the freeway, there is a bridge, and all I remember that day was
• We would drive under the bridge to go to Sonic to get our ice cream.
• We would drive under that bridge to go home after my mom would pick us up from school.
• Just because I'm trying to figure out who's going to be the driving force of this.

Bills: HCR7, HB1557, HB1608, HB2061, HB2201, HB2210, HB2426, HB2754, HJR165, HB2513, HCR7

Keywords: Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County