Transcript Highlights:

• only have they been advised that the water agencies have been advised that the chromium level has dropped
• All we're trying to do is say that the water agencies have been advised that the chromium level has dropped

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three bills after beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 328 would cap DTSC hazardous waste generation and handling fees for infill housing and master development projects and set response timelines for cleanup reviews. Supporters said the current fee structure has made some housing and remediation projects infeasible, while opponents warned that capping fees for one sector could shift costs to other hazardous waste generators. The committee discussed the need for broader DTSC fee reform, and SB 328 was approved on a 7-0 vote and sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. SB 754 would require manufacturers of disposable menstrual products to test for and disclose concentrations of certain contaminants, with DTSC able to verify results and publish them. Supporters framed the bill as a transparency and public health measure, citing recent studies finding toxic metals in tampons and emphasizing consumer right-to-know. Opponents, including manufacturers and hygiene product groups, argued the bill adds duplicative testing, vague requirements, and public disclosure that could be misinterpreted, and urged amendments. The committee members generally supported the goal of transparency, and the bill passed 5-2 with not voting members, moving to Appropriations. SB 466 would provide temporary legal protections for public water systems that are complying with approved chromium-6 compliance plans while they work toward the new drinking water standard. Supporters from Los Banos, Coachella Valley Water District, and other water agencies said the measure would help avoid costly litigation during a lengthy and expensive compliance period, especially for systems dealing with naturally occurring chromium-6. Committee members raised concerns about limiting recourse for harmed individuals and discussed possible alternative language, but the author said the bill would not affect state enforcement authority. SB 466 passed 7-0 and was sent to the Committee on Judiciary. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of additional measures by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the course of the last 10 years, those decibels have dropped drastically.
• But I think it's important to note that these decibels of sound continue to drop with technology, and

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• AND AS WE GROW OUR FUNDING COLLEGE SYSTEM DOESN'T FOLLOW STUDENTS AND AS WE GROW OUR FUNDING HAS DROPPED
• THINK SIMILARLY TO HOW IT IS, WHAT IT WOULD MEAN IN COMMON PLAIN LANGUAGE IF THEY ARE SERVING IN A DROP

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• understand that Texas students' reading scores are in decline with... 2022 NAPE results showing significant drops
• Children who aren't reading on grade level by third grade or four times more. likely to drop out of high

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• transfusion that summer both girls health began to rapidly decline their pre-transfusion hemoglobin has dropped
• . one-thousandth of a percent, and I would imagine that out of 66,000 somebody must have drowned. dropped

Bills: SB 53, SB53, SB125, SB315, SB379, SB457, SB541, SB599, SB896, SB921, SB963, SB1038, SB1084, SB1330, SB1461

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, autologous blood donation, direct blood donation, blood bank, hospital, Health and Safety Code, physician order, preoperative blood donation, patient blood reserve, transfusion, surgery

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'd just like to invite everyone to drop in. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Okay, thank you, Mr.
• 00:15:59.880> to so we just like to invite everyone to so we just like to invite everyone to drop

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 Introduction of Guests 00:54 HB 640 Discussion 01:15 HB 640 Roll Call Vote 05:16 HB 641 Discussion 06:11 HB 641 Roll Call Vote 11:49 HB 790 Discussion 12:47 HB 790 Roll Call Vote 14:23 Chair Comments regarding SB 89 16:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bills 640, 641, and 790. HB 640 would authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to adopt regulations to control invasive non-native plant species, with testimony focusing on the threat posed by species such as callery pear/Bradford pear to native plants, forest health, and the economy. Members asked whether the bill itself would ban Bradford pears; the sponsor clarified that it would not directly ban them, but would give the cabinet regulatory authority. The bill received a favorable expression by roll call. HB 641 addressed coal combustion byproducts, explaining that the bill would help preserve landfill space by allowing these materials to be reused as special waste in places such as abandoned strip mines or underground mines, and would clarify that reclaimed land could qualify for agricultural use such as pasture, hay, or crop production. Members raised concerns about groundwater and runoff; the sponsor and another member argued that placing the material under cover would reduce exposure compared with open piles currently sitting at power plants. After discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression, with a few members passing on the vote. HB 790, as amended by committee substitute, was described as substantially narrowed from its original form. The substitute removed setback requirements and instead required construction certificate holders for solar merchant electric generating facilities to report federal and state incentives used for siting, construction, and operation, with the cabinet compiling and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly. The committee approved the substitute and the bill passed with favorable expression. At the end of the meeting, members were also reminded of a later TVA energy update meeting and the chair noted ongoing work on Senate Bill 89, with possible future action and a special meeting if revised language is ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shelby Park, where the processing center was and they were taking the migrants in, those numbers dropped
• Uh, those numbers dropped dramatically. We started working with landowners.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration. Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings. Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT'S THE NEIGHBORHOOD WE WERE IN AND THAT'S A DROP IN THE BUCKET.
• SKYROCKET IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION BUT THE RECIDIVISM RATE TO RETURN THEM TO SOCIETY ACTUALLY DROPS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from March of 2020 to September of 2020, our interest on state deposits receipts to the general fund dropped
• by 45%. ...drop by 45%.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the House proposal would be for the Senate to drop the bill relative to cruelty to livestock, but

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on reconciling amendments between the House and Senate on a bill. The Senate had added language related to pet vendor foster homes and cruelty to livestock, and the House requested that the cruelty-to-livestock language be removed while keeping the pet vendor foster homes provision attached to bill 1709. The participants confirmed the compromise, including that bill 475 would be signed, and agreed on the amended position. After the agreement was clarified, the chair called for a vote. The motion passed with no opposition, and the matter was sent to the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:13:12.159> I more and drop it down from 13 to 11%.
• I more and drop it down from 13 to 11%.
• Hopefully, we're not going to go back to measures like dropping the reserve.
• And I think that that's what dropped it. And I think that that's what we're<02:57:04.880> doing.
• <04:12:21.760> you<04:12:21.920> now, going to have to kind of drop you now, going

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want the health plan or some arbitrary, disconnected pharmacy contractor just to drop a shipment
• We don't want the health plan or some arbitrary, disconnected pharmacy contractor just to drop a shipment
• I would imagine if that arrives at somebody's house and they drop it, the layman does not have the proper
• offs in coverage different states drop offs in coverage there's<03:49:14.600> a<03:49:15.000>
• off um so created a significant drop off um so that<03:49:55.680> is<03:49:56.600> I<03

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These students who graduate is one of the highest in the country, and those who drop out is among the
• out is among the and those who drop out is among the lowest<00:29:07.279> in<00:29:07.520>
• ELLL students in the EFA program have dropped a number from 16 to 8 to 4 to zero.
• ELLL students in the EFA program have dropped a number from 16 to 8 to 4 to zero.
• Graduation rates have dropped to 72%, and chronic absenteeism is rising over 30% for some grades.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• maybe only a little would drop out.
• dropped out. dropped out.
• Maybe after five or six seven drop out.
• years we're getting a lot more dropping years we're getting a lot more dropping out<05:16:24.878
• drop out. drop out.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Things drop. So does that mean if this is our last meeting, there will be nothing past Wednesday?

Summary: The Rules and Ethics Committee met on Tuesday, April 29, with a quorum present. The main item was the special order letter for the House session on Wednesday, April 30, which included negotiated time allocations for questions and debate on all bills on the special order calendar. Members asked a brief procedural question about whether this was the committee’s last scheduled meeting, and the chair said it was the last planned meeting, though additional meetings could still be called if needed. There was no public testimony and no substantive debate on the special order letter. The committee adopted the special order letter by voice vote. Members were also reminded of the amendment deadlines for Wednesday’s session: main amendments must be submitted to House bill drafting by 7 a.m. and approved for filing by 8 a.m., while hearing amendments must be submitted and approved by 9 a.m. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A new father told me his course was dropped days before the semester started.
• But it was days before the semester started that his class was dropped, and so he couldn’t get another
• It's a game where people will get up to the very last semester and then they will be dropped a class
• <01:26:15.600> a<01:26:15.920> class and then they will be dropped a class and then
• they will be dropped a class and<01:26:16.960> have<01:26:17.199> to<01:26:17.360>

Bills: HF4479, HF4368, HF4889

Keywords: higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State

Summary: The committee approved the April 9 minutes and then took up House File 4479, which would require public postsecondary institutions to make space available for town halls and similar official events by elected officials, with limits intended to keep the events on the official side and not campaign-related. Representative Frederick said the bill is meant to prevent universities from creating barriers such as fees or parking charges and to ensure a neutral, accessible venue for community conversations. The bill was laid over for possible later action. The committee heard supportive testimony from Jim Dimmick of Minnesota State University, Mankato, who argued that town halls should be public, open, moderated, and dialogic rather than speeches, and said universities should be centers for public discourse. He also said charging fees can undermine neutrality and that using partisan student groups to sponsor events can create the appearance of bias. Minnesota State official Mr. Omen said campuses often host these events, fees are set locally to cover costs, and student government sponsorship can sometimes avoid charges; he also noted the fee at Mankato is discounted and depends on room size. Several members raised concerns about the bill. Representative Scott, Chair Robbins, Representative Schwarz, Representative Allen, and others argued that campuses should not be required by statute to give legislators special treatment, that fees and parking costs cover real expenses, and that universities should remain focused on education rather than political events. Questions also focused on who would decide what room size is reasonable, how disputes would be handled, and who would pay for security if protests or safety issues arose. Representative Frederick responded that room selection would be a good-faith partnership with the university, that the bill does not require a town hall or guarantee a specific room, and that security funding is not spelled out in the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was dropped<01:14:40.719> um<01:14:40.960> last<01:14:41.280> year<01:
• um last year and we have heard dropped um last year and we have heard and<01:14:42.640> learned
• I've carried that bill the entire time I've been in the legislature and I still would drop that bill
• and<01:42:12.159> I<01:42:12.400> still<01:42:12.960> would<01:42:13.280> drop
• that bill in a and I still would drop that bill in a heartbeat<01:42:14.639> if<01:42:14.880>

Bills: HF4059, HF76

Keywords: climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, financing, sustainability, environmental policy, renewable energy, Minnesota Climate Innovation Financing Authority, earned incentive release credit, release credits, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, sentence reduction, good time, prison time, incarceration, violent offenses, murder, criminal sexual conduct, sex offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• One example is a resident that was told to drop off their keys and title at the office by the end of
• One example is a resident that was told to drop off their keys and title at the office by the end of
• /c><00:34:01.280> their<00:34:01.440> keys<00:34:01.760> and that was told to drop
• off their keys and that was told to drop off their keys and title<00:34:02.360> at<00:34:02.520
• go drop whatever I'm doing and I will go over<01:41:37.520> there<01:41:37.680> if<01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Drop the hammer. >> I don't want to have to drop the hammer again, please.
• doesn't cover in the household without getting into— >> Just a moment, Representative DeGraaf. >> Drop
• the hammer. >> I don't want to have to drop the hammer again, please.
• the hammer. >> I don't want to have to drop the hammer again, please.
• the hammer. >> I don't want to have to drop the hammer again, please.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's bills that were dropped that didn't quite make the cutoff. HB 1719 didn't make the cutoff.
• It got dropped in here.
• quite make the dropped in that didn't quite make the cutoff.<01:44:10.800> 1719<01:44:11.600>
• <01:44:13.520> It<01:44:13.679> got<01:44:13.920> dropped<01:44:14.159> in
• It got dropped in here. real property. It got dropped in here.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.