Transcript Highlights:

• the amendments and all the time that was spent on this.
• We heard time and time again that infill and affordable housing may fail to pencil out due to the cost
• Zoning and everything. Sometimes it is done.
• The liability waivers and HCD's processing time, right?
• The processing time, right?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, permanent supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of existing deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters argued the state needs major new subsidy to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage, while many organizations and local governments testified in support. Habitat for Humanity opposed unless the bond explicitly reserved 10% for CalHome; members discussed that issue and broader negotiations over possible amendments. After quorum was established, the committee approved the bill on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members. The committee also heard SB 1361, which would limit local governments from using SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements as a reason to stall or condition planned transit projects. The author and supporters from LA Metro and the building trades said the bill would prevent opposition to future transit stops from undermining transit expansion, jobs, and climate goals. Several groups that had initially opposed or been neutral, including cities and housing advocates, withdrew opposition after amendments; the League of California Cities moved to no position pending review. The bill passed the committee as amended to Senate Local Government on a do-pass motion, with the roll held open for absent members. Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating an Infrastructure Partnership Financing Program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements tied to housing projects. Supporters said both bills would improve project feasibility and reduce late-stage cost surprises; there was little opposition, though some local government representatives sought continued discussion on implementation details. Both measures were approved on do-pass motions to Senate Appropriations and held on call. The committee also took up SB 908, which streamlines permitting for energy-code-compliant window replacements and limits added aesthetic requirements, with the new-construction portion narrowed to San Francisco; it received support from housing and decarbonization groups and was moved to Appropriations on a do-pass motion, also held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, Representative Brass moves to adopt. Without objection.
• At this time, Representative Freiberg moves to concur in the resolution.
• I keep mine in my desk and look at them from time to time just for extra encouragement.
• This will be in the National America 250 time capsule.
• In the time capsule, memorialized in the time capsule. You can go back in... Morning hour 14.

Bills: HR252, HR253, HR254, HR255, HR256, HCR103, HCR104, HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, SCR40, SCR60, SB112, SB131, SB145, SB194, SB268, SB307, SB312, SB319, SB333, SB341, SB346, SB464, SB466, SB488, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, HR9, HR196, HCR27, HCR28, HCR50, HCR62, HCR67, HCR71, HCR78, HCR81, SCR20, HB123, HB251, HB625, HB662, HB709, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB1011, HB1057, HB1155, HB1186, HB1224, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1254, HB1255, HB1256, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB97, SB105, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, HCR6, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB61, HB98, HB102, HB139, HB142, HB170, HB185, HB194, HB199, HB231, HB247, HB294, HB336, HB474, HB661, HB842, HB852, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB455, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, HCR32, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB59, HB955, HB1191, HB1234, HB646, HB824, HB341, SB397, SB442, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB926, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB47, SB82, SB89, SB149, SB382

Keywords: consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction, building codes, inspection practices, housing costs, task force, HR254, House Resolution 254, Ty Hebert, Acadiana Legislative Delegation, Louisiana State University, LSU, graduation, commendation

Transcript Highlights:

• Time. One of them is the Water Trust Board.
• It was the time at which we added wastewater.
• I mean, every time I think, galp, every time they fix it, they got to go redo it, and I don't know if
• Times and Outside Magazine, National Geographic.
• A lot of the time we don't receive that information.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a time when they are no longer employed by the state agency where it sunsets for them?
• But in that week's worth of time, actually six days, Representative Tant and I got together.
• You know, we have seen many times where candidates will not respond to questions, where they duck and
• At the same time with everything that is happening with countries of concern and their possibility of
• Chair Robinson: Members, I left time on the clock. I can't believe I did it.

Transcript Highlights:

• these times are changing. these times are changing.
• . times. times.
• Lead times will be longer.
• paid over that 23-year time period. paid over that 23-year time period.
• times cheaper? times cheaper?

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a quorum call showing 116 members present, and approval of the previous day’s journal. It then took up three ceremonial resolutions. One honored Robert Buchanan for his philanthropy, community leadership, and service in the greater Washington region; another welcomed a visiting delegation from County Tipperary, Ireland, and recognized efforts to strengthen Maryland-Ireland ties; and a third congratulated Dr. Miriam Rogers on her retirement as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools and her 2026 Woman in School Leadership Award. The chamber then moved through a series of committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports on bills without objection and ordering them to third reading. Measures included House Bills 435, 954, 1087, 1470, 936, 1110, 1554, 187, 324, 688, 776, 1152, 1320, and 1348, covering topics such as movie captioning in public accommodations, procurement and finance, health care facilities, school food procurement, tax foreclosure notice requirements, agricultural electricity tax study, expungement, child support rights, intercepted communications penalties, juvenile supervision, police orders studies, victim notification, and human trafficking reporting. Several bills were amended before being advanced, including House Bill 768 on benefits for children in custody, which added a foster youth savings program; House Bill 877 on institutional debt reporting, which changed reporting dates and required a data dictionary; House Bill 1092 on child advocacy centers, which clarified continuity-of-care standards and technical assistance grants; House Bill 310 on restrictive housing for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, which required assessment at admission; House Bill 634 on police training, which added training on intellectual and developmental disabilities; House Bill 750 on access to religious facilities; House Bill 752 on gift card valuation and forgery; House Bill 1005 on child abuse and neglect reporting; and House Bill 1105 on consumer protection limitations, which was amended to apply only to civil suits. House Bill 1105 drew additional discussion, with the minority leader asking for a special order to review the changes, and the House agreed to postpone it until the appropriate time the next day. Later, House Bill 953, which would authorize transfers from the Revenue Stabilization Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund, prompted extended questioning about Western Maryland flooding, FEMA denials, and the state’s response; the bill was presented as a way to provide relief after federal aid was denied. The transcript ends with the House still in session and continuing through the appropriations report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Acrimonious division seems to be the goal a lot of the time.
• Time for personal privilege. Mr.
• I think we've debated enough times. We changed. On this bill, I think we've debated enough times.
• As members, we really spend a lot of time together.
• They're just sitting there, time after time, sitting there at the light.

Bills: SCR63, SCR12, HB89, HB451, HB595, HB617, HB621, HB730, HB1064, HB1125, HB221, HCR58, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SB104, SB122, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476, SCR9, SCR30, SB57, SB414, SB525, SB35, SB65, SB135, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB276, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB691, HB712, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1033, HB1034, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1237, HB1239, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382

Keywords: fiscal notes, legislation, legislative auditor, state policy, conflict of interest, logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB89, Act 615, district attorney, assistant district attorney, retiree health insurance, group health insurance, retirement benefits, public employee benefits, Third Judicial District, Thirtieth Judicial District

Transcript Highlights:

• He was a strong athlete during his time at St.
• Shandrea's reminder that healing takes time.
• And every time you go, you're thinking, oh, what is it going to cost me now?
• Speaker, the time for action is now.
• The time to act is right now.

Keywords: March 10, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, for the time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the time.
• Palmer Park, a drug-free zone.
• It wasn't on the first time.
• At this time, Mr.
• committee report at this time.

Bills: HB410, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HR307, HR273, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR32, HB776, HB42, HB119, HB159, HB302, HB1017, HB1028, SB217, SB283, HB953, SB208, HR74, HB998, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, SB237, HB36, HB74, HB75, HB258, HB259, HB414, HB459, HB784, HB848, HB956, HB1095, HB1220, HB1252, SB469, SB479

Keywords: recording, privacy, notification, direct conversation, law enforcement, first responder, penalties, oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all for being here today and for those of you that are spending your time watching this hearing
• And obviously, it's now time for the full committee to consider each of those bills.
• these different priorities: making sure we're investing in our social safety net, and at the same time
• AB 2517, Calderon, fire hazard severity zones, held in committee.
• AB 2163, Jeff Gonzalez, Clean Energy Zones, do pass out on an A roll call.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm asking you not only for the privacy of the family, but this is a time for those. who do know
• We live by time, no matter how much inflows we have, no matter how much money we have.
• Hunt County, please stand at this time.
• HB 24 by or relating to procedures for changes to zoning regulations or district boundary referred to
• HB 788 by Schofield, relating to Daylight Savings Time, refer to the Committee on State Affairs.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It used to be what can I do with my spare time.
• It used to be what can I do with my spare time.
• I said, "For the Louisville market, what's the entry level for a first-time home buyer?"
• "For the Louisville market, what's the entry level for a first-time home buyer?"
• So I just want everyone to be aware of time. Representative All. Thank you, Madam Chairman.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Northern Kentucky building industry representatives Brian Miller and Matt Mains on housing affordability and construction workforce issues. They argued that regulatory and code requirements add significant cost to new homes, citing an estimate of nearly $94,000 per home nationally and $15,000 to $20,000 per home in Boone County over the past decade. They recommended reforms to building code adoption, architectural design mandates, permit fees and delays, and setback/land dedication rules, saying these changes could reduce costs by $25,000 to $35,000 per home without affecting public safety. They also discussed workforce training efforts through the Enzwe Building Institute, dual-credit programs, apprenticeship incentives, and workforce grants, saying these efforts have helped hold wage growth below regional trends and improve housing affordability. Committee members asked about the breakdown of regulatory costs, the effect of energy codes, and ways to speed up permitting. The presenters said the costs were roughly split among federal, state, and local requirements, with local regulations adding about $25,000 to $35,000 and some energy-code changes adding about $19,000 per home. They said faster plan review, coordination with the Kentucky Division of Water, and addressing municipal staffing shortages could cut 30 to 45 days from approvals. Members also discussed the difficulty of building starter homes under about $350,000 and the need for more missing-middle housing, with the presenters saying such homes are hard to produce without sacrificing quality. The committee then took up Representative Kim Moer and Dr. Dale Bertram’s discussion of marriage and family therapist licensing and healthcare workforce data reporting. They explained that the bill would allow Kentucky to recognize out-of-state marriage and family therapists who meet licensure requirements, have no disciplinary history, and have passed the national exam, in order to reduce barriers and address provider shortages, especially in rural areas. They also described a separate workforce data reporting section that would require licensure boards to collect consistent information on where licensees practice and whether they are actively seeing patients, including through telehealth, so the state can better understand its healthcare workforce. Members supported the portability idea, noted that some qualified applicants are currently working in Indiana instead of Kentucky, and asked whether the data collection could be handled administratively; the sponsors said the bill would create consistency across boards. The committee also briefly discussed occupational board updates and the need for stronger communication between legislators and licensing boards, including architecture licensure issues and efforts to recruit more professionals.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're on time, you're late.
• YOU'RE EARLY, YOU'RE ON TIME AND IF YOU'RE ON TIME, YOU'RE LATE.
• We see this all the time on news...
• CERTAINLY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, WE HAVE SEEN -- THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TIME AFTER TIME, ESPECIALLY IN
• We spend all of our time together.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:42.000> with I've worked for most of that time with I've worked for most of that time
• uh my bill and I appreciate the time uh my bill and I appreciate the time that<00:54:15.920>
• pier and I'm going to enjoy that time. pier and I'm going to enjoy that time.
• better every time, every successive time.
• , you ought to know better every time, every successive time.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 27FN, which would change how improvements to dwellings over water are handled and align those projects more closely with the state building code. The bill was presented by Trisha Milo on behalf of Senator Lang, and attorney John Cronin explained that it arose from a specific New Hampshire Supreme Court case involving the Newcombs’ lakeside property, but that it could affect a small number of older waterfront homes statewide. He said the intent was to give the Department of Environmental Services (DES) limited waiver authority for improvements that do not harm water quality, plant life, or fish, while still requiring DES review and local permits. Committee members asked several questions about the scope of the bill, including whether it was tied to one case, how many properties might be affected, what counts as “living space,” and whether the language could allow larger decks or other expansions. Cronin said the bill was meant to be narrow, focused on access and egress and not on creating new living space, and that DES would still be able to deny unreasonable requests. He also described the Newcombs’ project as a rehabilitation of an older structure that had been approved locally and later challenged by DES, leading to the current dispute. Darlene Forst, the Wetlands Bureau administrator at DES, testified in opposition. She said the department was surprised the bill was being heard because it believed the Senate had sent it to interim study, and she argued the language was unclear and could have broader statewide effects than intended. Forst also said the underlying case was still active and should not be effectively re-litigated through this bill. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has happened several times in New Hampshire history. In 2000, in the George W.
• It has happened several times in New Hampshire history. In 2000, in the George W.
• It has happened several times in New Hampshire history. In 2000, in the George W.
• They happened to balance out this time.
• Is there anyone that did not sign up that wishes to speak at this time?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We spent a lot of time in this subcommittee room looking at numbers and discussing issues, and there
• At this time, let's make our way out. Ride a tour and answer any questions we may have.
• At this time, let's make our way out to the vans outside the House building in the north loading zone

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee was called to order and a roll call established a quorum. Chair Lopez noted Vice Chair Mager was excused, and members present were recorded before the meeting proceeded. The chair explained that, unlike the committee’s usual budget work, the subcommittee would conduct a site visit to the new State Emergency Operations Center. The purpose was to see how taxpayer funding is being used and to compare the current and new facilities. The chair said both the current and new EOC are managed by the Department of Management Services and are part of the Florida facilities pool. The chair also summarized the funding history for the project, stating the Legislature appropriated $100 million for construction in fiscal year 2021-2022 and $80 million in fiscal year 2022-2023, with additional funding for technology infrastructure, bringing the total appropriated amount to just over $200 million. Members were instructed to begin the tour by visiting the current EOC, then travel to the new EOC for a tour and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I yield back my time.
• I reserve the balance of my time. Gentleman reserves the balance of his time.
• I now yield as much time as the man who's always on as much time as the man who's always on time, uh,
• the balance of his time.
• The gentleman's time.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And because of our 90-minute time limit for hearings, there will be a 1-minute time limit for all testifiers
• So, most of the time on the site. Yeah.
• Thank you so much. uh time on our hearing, normally uh uh time on our hearing, normally uh Water<00:51
• Okay, he's been sitting there all the time and long time and our old friend as well.
• <00:59:40.760> for lands for if the lands are zoned for lands for if the lands are zoned for

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your time. Thank you.
• But that is a big time for our seed, for our cover crops, and it is a bad time of year as well to be,
• and explain that bill at the same time.
• their home for the first time.
• Thank you for your time. Thank you, Adam. Mr.

Bills: SB467, SB325, SB867, SB994, SB1052, SB1237, SB1449, SB1531, SB2063, SB2172, SB2173, SB2520, SB2529, SB2538, SB2541, SJR46, SJR84

Keywords: SB 467, Texas property tax, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, fire damage, house fire, destroyed home, temporary tax relief, appraisal district, chief appraiser, local taxing unit, tax rollback, tax refund, Tax Code Chapter 11, prorated exemption, homestead improvement, disaster relief, property tax exemption, residential property

Summary: The committee heard several local government and property tax bills, with most testimony focused on appraisal disputes, tax administration, and development rules. Senate Bill 1052 by Senator Hinojosa would address coastal county appraisal litigation by requiring property owners in certain large-value disputes to report an uncontested taxable value while appeals are pending, so taxing units can base truth-in-taxation calculations on more realistic revenue. Nueces County, Del Mar College, and Corpus Christi ISD testified in support, describing major budget shortfalls caused by refinery valuation disputes; the committee substitute narrowed and clarified the bill’s scope. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1052 was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1531, which would require local tax collectors to accept common electronic property tax payments such as credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Witnesses supported modernizing payment options and the committee substitute removed ACH/electronic funds transfer language to avoid bank-account disclosure concerns. Public testimony closed and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 325, by Senator Perry, would restore platting and groundwater-certification requirements that were unintentionally weakened by prior legislation; supporters from county government, water groups, and builders’ representatives debated whether the real issue was groundwater protection or road standards for private roads. The bill was left pending after extensive testimony and no vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 994 and SJR 46, which would exempt certain livestock feed inventory from property tax and provide the constitutional amendment needed for that change. Feed store and Farm Bureau witnesses supported the measure as relief for seasonal inventory taxes, and the bills were left pending. Senator Paxton presented SB 467 and SJR 84 to create a temporary property tax exemption for homes completely destroyed by fire, with refunds or corrected bills based on the date of loss; both were left pending. SB 1237 would clarify charitable property tax exemptions for senior housing and retirement communities, with testimony from Catholic and Baptist retirement organizations and a resident describing rising costs and exemption revocations; it was also left pending. The committee later voted 6-0 to report SB 2073, a pending bill on appraisal district authority to purchase or finance real property, and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 2172, SB 2173, and SB 2063, all related to property tax administration. SB 2172 would limit when appraisal districts can require homeowners to reapply for homestead exemptions, requiring a specific reason and written notice; SB 2173 would protect new homeowners from surprise tax liabilities caused by prior owners’ erroneous homestead exemptions, with testimony describing large back-assessment bills; both were left pending. SB 2063 would bar appraisal districts from using market-value evidence in unequal appraisal protests, and testimony sharply divided between taxpayer advocates, who said market data improperly overwhelms equity claims, and appraisal district representatives, who argued market value is inherently tied to equal-and-uniform taxation and cited a recent Texas Supreme Court decision; the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate your time.
• Your time is up, but I appreciate it.
• Appreciate your time. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much to the panel. Appreciate your time.
• Thank you again for your time.
• Retroactive legislation actually happens all the time and is approved all the time.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my first time at this podium. And Mr.
• Speaker, this time, Representative, this time, this time, Mr. Speaker, this time, Mr.
• Speaker, this time, this time, Representative, Mr.
• At the appropriate time, Mr.
• The member's out of time.

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Center, and recognized a number of visiting groups and observances, including AMI Kids, Mother’s Day, the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network, Municipal Day for the Louisiana Municipal Association, Recreation and Parks Association Day, St. John Day, Hoopla basketball activities, Main Street program participants, Leadership North Shore, the Lack of Seeing High School basketball team, Literacy Champion recognition, Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodford, and LACE Day for chamber executives. Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the chamber, praising recent economic investment in Louisiana, coastal restoration funding, and the state’s improved national reputation. The House received Senate messages and Legislative Bureau reports on numerous Senate bills, many of which were referred to committee or laid over, and several House and Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, largely commemorative or study-related measures. The chamber then took up several House bills in regular order. HB 89, concerning district attorney retiree health insurance coverage in the Third Judicial District, was amended and passed 87-5. HB 451, dealing with ATC notice procedures, passed 98-0 after technical amendments. HB 456, revising workers’ compensation petition requirements and allowing employers broader access to disputed claims, drew extended debate over whether it would burden injured workers; it passed 67-30. HB 579, expanding the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights and related confidentiality and complaint provisions, passed 98-0. HB 595, requiring local authorities to respond timely to permit-related matters affecting natural resource development, passed 92-3. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy components and updating waste rules, passed 99-0. HB 818, requiring school systems to publish annual assessment schedules and related testing information, passed 98-0. Additional bills considered included HB 841, creating a code of conduct for landmen negotiating pipeline easements and authorizing penalties for bad-faith conduct, which passed 98-0; HB 1060, establishing a two-year domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District with coordinated services and data collection, which passed 86-13; and HB 1101, a workers’ compensation measure defining maximum medical improvement, adjusting benefit durations, and addressing misrepresentation and fraud, which was under debate at the end of the excerpt. Throughout the floor session, members repeatedly emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify procedures, improve transparency, or address public safety and economic development, while opponents of some measures raised concerns about added burdens on workers or injured claimants.