Transcript Highlights:

• These housing application fees render safe and decent rental housing even more out of reach.
• The $50 was due to a national data point around average application fees.
• So you could still charge your application fee and you can still do your background check.
• Madam Chair and Representative, if you choose an applicant before... applicant and you have said that
• Not one—not the governor, lieutenant governor, land commissioner, auditor, treasurer.

Transcript Highlights:

• In certain areas of Texas, an area of land up until a railway may be annexed, but the land of the same
• approval to repurpose any park land.”
• It's possible that it's still applicable to Baytown, however, I understand.
• But I know that it is still applicable to my district.
• But I know that it is still applicable to my district.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, adopted the prior day’s journal, received House messages, and adopted several resolutions and recognitions, including Senate Resolution 496 honoring Leadership Garland and resolutions 503 and 504. The chamber also recognized guests, including a North Dakota senator and the Doctor of the Day, and received gubernatorial nominations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board and the Nueces River Authority Board. The Senate then took up and passed a series of bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Measures approved included SB 614 on Texas Forensic Science Commission referrals to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs; SB 250 on municipal annexation across railroad rights-of-way; SB 1660 on toxicological evidence retention and destruction procedures; SB 2586 requiring property owners associations to file governing documents with the Texas Real Estate Commission; SB 1588 increasing penalties for certain failures to report child sexual abuse; HB 912 on compensation for distributed renewable generation outside ERCOT; SB 1957 setting eligibility standards for civilian oversight boards; HB 2525 clarifying a charitable property tax exemption; SB 1525 limiting repeated prior authorization for neurodegenerative disease drugs; SB 865 requiring CPR/AED training and cardiac emergency response planning in schools; SB 1212 elevating human trafficking penalties; SB 2690 on solicitations for Secretary of State documents; SB 1802 on landlord repair duties for ramps, elevators, and handrails; SB 905 on licensing rules for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; SB 2929 allowing removal of disruptive spectators at school athletic events; SB 2675 creating a narrow McAllen-specific parkland conveyance exception; SB 872 increasing punishment for burglary of a vehicle involving firearm theft; and SB 1113 clarifying sales rules for certain converter-license holders. Several bills drew extended debate. SB 2487, dealing with crisis and mental health services for homelessness, was amended to make the county model permissive rather than mandatory and to remove state funding/assistance requirements before passing 28-3. SB 2138, barring higher education funds from contracting with firms that boycott fossil fuels through ESG policies, also passed after questions about fiscal effects and First Amendment concerns. SB 2615, restricting remote work at public institutions of higher education, advanced 22-9. The Senate also began consideration of SB 3016, which would expand enforcement tools against local governments that fail to comply with state law, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• RECORDS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION RELATING TO FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY SANDBOX APPLICATIONS
• , SANDBOX APPLICATIONS.
• MADE AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS AND THE APPLICANT'S BUSINESS PLAN AND INFORMATION REGARDING WHETHER THE APPLICANT
• THIS IS AN ACT RELATING TO FORMER PHOSPHATE MINING LANDS ARE THERE AMENDMENTS. ON THE DESK.
• IT SAYS THAT IF A LANDOWNER WAS TO GET A SURVEY AND ALSO PUT NOTICE ON THE RECORD THAT THE LAND WAS IN

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So yes, this would, this would go beyond merely application to firearms and weapons.
• President, I am so looking forward to changing our state motto from the land of enchantment to the land
• lawyers to our state that will once again replace our state motto, as I mentioned before, from the land
• of enchantment to the land of loony lawsuits.
• for cannabis activity licensure be signed by the applicant, adding definitions to the Cannabis Regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Morris La-Han, La Land. Would you like to speak? I'd like to. Come forward, yes, sir.
• Maybe to acquire the land? There were several uses permitted within the grant.
• They were not getting their applications.
• Plus, he probably has to pay for the application and all that also.
• Yes. application and all that also. Yes. And transportation to get them here. That's right.

Bills: HCR65, HB512, HB1194, SCR23, SB502

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2A program, seasonal workforce, Louisiana economy, Healthy Food Retail Act, food access, food deserts, economic opportunity, public health, Louisiana agriculture, community development, fresh food, agriculture, national security, food production, supply chain, security task force, farm labor, Chinese investments

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which would create an Agricultural-based National Security Priorities Task Force to study issues such as Chinese drones, farmland ownership, and other technology-related concerns that could affect farmers and national security. Senator Kathy Stewart said the goal was to avoid unintended consequences in legislation and to bring agriculture stakeholders together. The resolution was moved favorably with no objections. The committee then took up Senate Bill 502 on sugarcane bagasse storage. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the American Sugar Cane League, said the bill would clarify that bagasse is an agricultural byproduct and would protect storage practices that comply with department best practices from local ordinances. Several residents from St. Martin Parish testified in opposition, saying a large bagasse pile near their homes was out of compliance, created dust and odors, and caused health and property-value concerns. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably with no objections. House Bill 512, by Representative Schamerhorn, would prohibit the manufacturing and sale of cell-cultured food products in Louisiana while allowing university research to continue. An amendment was adopted to make the bill effective only if certain federal court rulings allow such a ban. The sponsor and Commissioner Strain argued the issue is still scientifically uncertain and that the state should avoid costly litigation; the bill was reported favorably with amendments after no objections. House Bill 1194, the Healthy Food Retail Act, was amended to shift food-desert research and mapping duties to the LSU AgCenter, while the financing authority would continue handling grants and related funding mechanisms. Supporters said the bill would improve data on food deserts and help target grocery access in underserved urban and rural areas; some members raised concerns about government subsidies and long-term dependence, but the sponsor and Commissioner Strain said the program is intended as infrastructure support to launch stores, not ongoing operating aid. After debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a 10-3 roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably House Concurrent Resolution 65, which urges federal action to reclassify crawfish-industry job duties as agricultural labor for H-2A purposes; testimony emphasized labor shortages, the impact on crawfish and rice producers, and the need for more legal guest workers. The meeting ended with a brief informational handout on direct marketing and custom slaughter plants and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• family lots on a majority of the land. family lots on a majority of the land.
• Land is very, very expensive.
• Land is very, very expensive.
• Land is very, part of New Hampshire. Land is very, very<04:18:48.159> expensive.
• not one, you know, clear piece of land. not one, you know, clear piece of land.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From the nation, from the reservation that they thought was unfit land, that they thought was worthless
• These reforms directed licensing boards to issue expedited licenses within 30 days when an applicant
• But when you land on the runway, there's usage and there's cost to that.
• He advocated for and dealt directly with acequias and land grants and agriculture.
• He advocated for and dealt directly with Assekias and land grants and agriculture.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• executive director of life the land. executive director of life the land.
• And we uh could you I on public lands.
• Life of the Land in support.
• I want to do a deletion of applicable I want to do a deletion of applicable dates<01:19:37.760><
• <01:32:58.960> and highway fund which is applicable and highway fund which is applicable and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So uh the 2627 application All right.
• And we had about 1,600 applications applications applications um<00:13:20.320> or<00:13:21.040
• <00:13:23.279> last um or applications per for projects last um or applications per for projects
• They're easier to land in different places.
• So easier to land in different places.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the October 15 minutes and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the UPS Worldport plane crash. The main presentation was from Transportation Cabinet Commissioner Bobby Joe Lewis on the Local Assistance Road Program/County Priority Projects Program (LAARP/CPP), which was implemented under House Bill 546 and now requires rehabilitation projects to restore roads to original condition, cap funding at $500,000 per project, use a new scoring matrix, include a local match, and submit one photograph per 300 feet of project length. He reported that the 2026-2027 cycle ran from June 1 to October 1 and drew 1,215 project applications from 107 counties and 106 cities, with total submitted project costs of about $121.1 million and about $102.3 million requested after local match. He also said 30% of submissions scored 10s and 22% scored 9s, and that the list of requests and required photos had been submitted to the General Assembly and LRC. Members asked about how scores change over time, whether roads can move from lower scores to 10s, and whether the new process gives a better picture of local needs. Lewis said scores can change based on weather and road conditions, but the new system provides more information and a more standardized evaluation than before. Several members raised concerns about the volume and size of required photographs, suggesting drone footage or video as an alternative; Lewis said the photo requirement has caused confusion and large file uploads, and he was open to considering easier ways to document conditions. Members also discussed continuity in scoring across districts, and Lewis explained that district staff appointed by chief district engineers use a handbook and scoring matrix, with the scores entered into a computer system so evaluators do not see the final score while scoring. The committee also discussed funding levels and carry-forward balances for the program. Lewis said the program began with $20 million authorized in HR92, noted underruns from completed projects, and reported a carry-forward amount that had grown to $355,432.42 available for reauthorization as of October 13. In response to questions, he said the current process concentrates applications into a short window, with 63% of applications arriving in the last few days and 417 on October 1, which created a heavy workload but was completed on time. The meeting then moved to multimodal funding priorities, with Jennifer Kersner of Kentuckians for Better Transportation introducing herself and offering condolences for the UPS aviation incident before beginning her remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for example, the the land is in.
• for the land, but then we'll get additional property taxes for the land, which we are not now getting
• If we do sell the land, not only do we get the revenue for the land, but we'll get additional property
• . land. land.
• This land appeals is quite expensive.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a PBS Digital Innovator All-Star and a CSTA Equity Fellow who emphasizes real-world applications
• ><00:16:54.160> world fellow who emphasizes real world fellow who emphasizes real world applications
• in her teaching Mrs II's applications in her teaching Mrs II's extensive<00:16:57.560> recognition
• <00:41:55.599> on<00:41:55.720> the<00:41:55.800> public<00:41:56.000> land
• line revenues based on the public land line revenues based on the public land trust<00:41:56.480

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To be eligible, an applicant must have wage credits of 5.3% of the state's average annual wage.
• We've used kind of novel approaches, you know, telephone outreach to get in touch with applicants.
• And that, again, is good for applicants because it makes it easier for them to do the right thing and
• know again is good for applicants know again is good for applicants because<00:23:07.720> it<
• <00:51:11.799> and about um eligibility of applicants and about um eligibility of applicants

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then just some general cleanup, sovereign lands updates.
• We gave the land. We gave up economic opportunity in North Dakota.
• So you have 77% of our population and only 1% of our land base.
• We'll probably land around eight in that this year.
• And so that's kind of how we landed at this particular number.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We currently have about 66 applications in our queue.
• There are certain. that are in the application of what they are doing.
• We're trying to land the plane on how much funding they should.
• based in applications?
• Veterans Land Board anybody especially with a general obligation pledge.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill addresses tax credit applications in cases.
• It wouldn't count towards or against the application. That's right.
• , uh, each application is, is scored against the other applications in the area, uh, and they get points
• , the driver for who gets the application, uh, if you have two parties contending for an application.
• Higher land costs, restrictive zoning and land use policies, and critically, uh, approval processes that

Transcript Highlights:

• So we partner with developers to build out development on our land.
• What this bill authorizes is the ability to provide a preference for VTA employees on our land.
• to now actually using that land in its best use, in my opinion, next to transit, next to light rail.
• There's a much better use of that land, especially as we're trying to densify in our bigger cities so
• to now actually using that land in its best use, in my opinion, next to transit, next to light rail.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with AB 2002, which would clarify and extend the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 1.0) grant program to support regional governments, cities, and counties with housing element planning and technical assistance. Supporters from SCAG and CalCOG said REAP helped jurisdictions meet housing obligations and build capacity, while the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns the bill could create additional local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments, including emergency and permanent regulations, suballocation to subregions, and a three-year expenditure deadline. The bill was moved on a do-pass-as-amended basis and kept on call, along with the consent calendar. AB 1684 would bar homeowners associations from restricting a homeowner’s ability to install, use, or replace a home cooling system. Supporters argued cooling is a health and safety necessity during extreme heat, especially for vulnerable residents, while opposition from the Community Associations Institute said the bill needed more clarity on electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement of equipment. Committee amendments were summarized to require licensed electrical contractors where permits are needed, preserve HOA authority over unpermitted or unsafe installations, and require disclosure to buyers. The bill was approved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Senate Judiciary and kept on call. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes after the entitlement process begins, except for certain health, safety, and environmental exceptions. Supporters said it would reduce delays and costs in housing development, while special districts and water agencies opposed unless amended, warning the bill could improperly freeze later state, regional, or federal requirements. Senators raised concerns about overbreadth and operational conflicts, but the bill was moved do-pass as amended to Senate Local Government and kept on call. The committee also heard and advanced AB 2263, authorizing the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to develop employee housing with a preference for employees and annual reporting; AB 2270, which would adjust tax credit scoring for farmworker housing to reflect rural realities; AB 2118, which would refine AB 2011 streamlined approval rules for mixed-use and affordable housing; and AB 2050, the HOA reserve-funding bill, which would require associations to build reserves over time and add notice and safeguards, but drew opposition over enforcement and foreclosure concerns. Each of those bills was moved forward with amendments and kept on call for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• and first from the land grant.
• I live on the Son Chico land grant.
• Chair, we have For the land grants, we have the Land Grant Council.
• Will this land be land grant land, or will it be outside of that, and then you'll bring it into This,
• How long have these land grants been in place? What's the oldest land grant? Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 67476 relative to religious use of land 67476 relative to religious use of land and<00:16:36.600
• <00:18:47.120> use having problems with local land use having problems with local land use
• I'm an attorney who practices in the area of land use, particularly the area of land use.
• definite regulations that are applicable definite regulations that are applicable to everyone<00
• want to flag this is primarily a land want to flag this is primarily a land use<00:41:53.200>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes the jokes land and sometimes they don't. No, no, no. Okay.
• Sometimes the jokes land and sometimes they don't.
• I would have to see if that's on the driver license application.
• It would take off from a landing strip, if you will, but a shorter strip.
• Additionally, the bill requires Without submitting an application for pre-approval to ADOT.

Bills: SB1059, SB1209, SB1273, SB1332, SB1452, SB1456, SB1549, SB1552, SB1818, SB1826, SB1827

Keywords: appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, nonoperating identification, homeless exemption, veterans, emancipated minors, Arizona Department of Transportation, transportation, infrastructure, pavement rehabilitation, funding, Arizona, SB1332, light rail, light rail expansion, Maricopa County, Phoenix

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1273, which would appropriate $14 million in FY 2027 for pavement rehabilitation of Olga Frontage Road between Bowie and San Simon. Members asked about the project length and whether it was on the rural transportation priority list. The bill was moved and passed out of committee on a 3-2 vote with a due pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1452, as amended, would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s office and require regular meetings, investigations, and reporting. Testimony from the Arizona Trucking Association described cargo theft as a growing, sophisticated crime and said the task force would help coordinate law enforcement and use Consumer Fraud Protection Fund dollars rather than the general fund. Members discussed the fund balance, possible costs, and whether the AG’s office had capacity; the committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 5-0 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1332, which orders a study of light rail expansion in Maricopa County by the Auditor General and an independent transportation research entity. Supporters, including local business owners, argued the study was needed before further expansion, while opponents said light rail already had extensive study, strong ridership, and local voter approval, and that the state should not override local decisions. After extensive debate and public testimony, the bill passed 4-3 with a do pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1059, one of several rural transportation appropriation bills discussed by Senator Wendy Rogers and Representative Blackman, would fund an additional right-turn lane at State Route 87 and State Route 260. The sponsors described it as a safety and congestion issue for Payson and surrounding rural communities, and members discussed broader rural road needs and funding. The committee approved SB 1059 unanimously, 7-0, with a due pass recommendation. The transcript also included extended discussion of Senate Bill 1209, which would waive non-operating ID fees for unhoused people and homeless shelter residents, but the committee had not yet finished action on that bill in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're a land-grant institution, and I want to be in a land-grant.
• That's part of the land-grant theme, is that we're in it together.
• That's part of the land grant theme, is that we're in it together.
• That is what the land-grant university really is.
• So your land-grant university, 1890, is when it started.

Summary: The committee met at NDSU and approved the April 9 minutes. The main purpose of the meeting was an informational presentation from NDSU President David Stewart and university leaders on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research, commercialization, and use of New Horizons funding. Stewart emphasized a “One NDSU” approach, thanked legislators for past support, and said the university will focus on recruitment and retention, a new strategic plan, and growing research and tech transfer while serving North Dakota’s workforce needs. University leaders said NDSU is using tuition waivers more strategically and will work to reduce them over time through scholarship optimization. Provost Sherry Vale described academic portfolio reviews, program closures or consolidations, strategic hiring, and workload policies aimed at aligning resources with demand. They also highlighted student outcomes, including high completion rates, strong employment placement, and NDSU’s role in producing a large share of the state’s engineers, nurses, and agriculture graduates. Several students testified about how NDSU’s mentoring, internships, research, and support services helped them succeed. The committee also heard from partners on New Horizons-related collaborations: Gateway to Science described K-12 STEM outreach in rural and tribal areas, and Sanford Research discussed joint research efforts, including COBRE-related work, obesity and GLP-1 studies, and a joint biostatistics hire. Later speakers highlighted Governor’s School and NDSU’s research and commercialization efforts, including growth in research expenditures and invention disclosures. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.