Transcript Highlights:

• There were three parts to it: construction space, equipment, and people.
• Turning to page six, item four covers facility needs and new construction.
• Item 4 covers facility needs and new construction.
• I think you can better utilize facilities like Mart, and those 300 beds can be utilized more effectively
• Costs have increased in materials, repairs, utilities, and services.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard the Legislative Budget Board’s overview of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2026-27 budget, followed by extensive testimony from DPS leadership. The LBB presentation covered funding and staffing changes across driver license services, facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, and border security. The recommendations included added support for customer service staffing and trooper hiring, but did not include several DPS exceptional items such as major driver license staffing and technology requests, new regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio, and other capital projects. Members also discussed proposed rider changes, including a new rider to lapse unused trooper funding and require reporting after recruit schools. Much of the committee’s questioning focused on driver license operations, where senators criticized long call wait times, low call-answer rates, appointment delays, and what they viewed as an overreliance on adding staff rather than improving processes. DPS and LBB witnesses said the agency is pursuing some technology upgrades, including automation, online pre-population of applications, and appointment-system improvements, but acknowledged that the driver license division remains a major problem area. Senators also raised concerns about whether the 2019 efficiency study led to meaningful changes and whether the agency should consider broader process redesign or even a different administrative structure. Colonel Freeman and other DPS officials then defended the agency’s broader law enforcement and border-security work, emphasizing the need for the Williamson County training academy, the 500 additional troopers funded in prior sessions, and continued support for Operation Lone Star. They described DPS’s role in border interdiction, threat-to-life investigations, oilfield theft cases, Capitol and Alamo security, and highway safety, and said the agency is stretched thin by deployments and overtime. Members asked about border reimbursement possibilities, regional staffing differences, pursuit safety, fleet and aircraft replacement needs, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame museum. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:48.399> projects taxpayer funded construction projects taxpayer funded construction
• <00:20:20.320> materials exemption for construction materials exemption for construction materials
• this exemption would lower construction this exemption would lower construction costs<00:21:25.400
• <00:30:39.760> our facilities and we do uh utilize our facilities and we do uh utilize our
• refund would uh be for the construction refund would uh be for the construction of<00:56:00.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A $42 million crush facility: the construction of it is $457 million.
• We're watching it go by, and other people are utilizing it, and we have a great opportunity to utilize
• We still have some final stages of construction to complete.
• We still have some final stages of construction to complete.
• We have construction underway at the remaining three this summer.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would say the two funding formulas, the LCFF and the SCFF, they're very similar in construct.
• And there is no reporting requirement on what the utilization of the funds was, correct?
• That was the formula that was utilized last year. And is that the Finance?
• Of the remaining 50%, 65% goes toward modernization, 35% toward new construction.
• We're funding essentially just construction, mostly I see construction for all of these, and most of

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the California Community Colleges budget proposal, including Proposition 98 funding, a 2.41% COLA for apportionments, enrollment growth funding, repayment of an apportionment deferral, and one-time investments for a student support block grant and deferred maintenance. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s package as providing significant new resources, while the LAO recommended prioritizing COLA and enrollment growth within available funds but raised concerns about some smaller proposals, including making the Healthy School Food Pathways Program ongoing and adding more funding for credit for prior learning before outcomes are known. The Chancellor’s Office supported the COLA, enrollment growth, and one-time investments, and said current projections suggest enrollment growth closer to 3%, with about $85 million to $90 million in ongoing costs if fully funded. Members focused heavily on enrollment growth, the 10% district cap, and whether the state should continue funding growth in the current year and budget year. The Chancellor’s Office said some districts, especially in the Inland Empire and Central Valley, are growing rapidly and that about seven districts are above the cap, with roughly 1,563 FTES and about $30 million in ongoing costs tied to that issue. Members also discussed hold-harmless districts and whether declining campuses should be required to produce turnaround or right-sizing plans. The Chancellor’s Office said districts are already having local conversations and that state funding provides time to adjust, but no formal plan requirement was proposed. The committee then took up common course numbering, where the Chancellor’s Office said all 115 community colleges have implemented the first phase and more than 550,000 students enrolled in the first six commonly numbered courses. The office argued that CCN improves clarity but does not yet guarantee that credits will transfer with full value across UC and CSU, because articulation is still handled campus by campus and can require more than 3,500 separate reviews. Members expressed concern that students can still be forced to retake courses such as calculus or ethnic studies even when they have the same common number, and urged the systems to develop a stronger statewide articulation mechanism tied to outcomes and transparency. The item was left open. Finally, the committee heard the Governor’s proposal to make Calbright College’s funding ongoing at $53.1 million. The LAO recommended instead transitioning Calbright to the student-centered funding formula, with one-time bridge funding in the meantime, arguing the Governor’s proposal lacks a clear enrollment-based rationale and performance expectations. Calbright’s leadership defended the college’s competency-based, flexible model for adult learners, citing more than 6,800 students served, over 2,200 certificates awarded, and wage gains for graduates; they said enrollment is expected to grow from about 7,000 students now to roughly 8,000 to 9,000 next year and around 10,000 over the next couple of years. Members pressed for clearer enrollment and funding data before deciding how Calbright should be funded going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think when we have our construction, pre-construction, 100% designs, I feel like that's going to be
• And the first phase is a pre-design build pre-construction. That is already in the works.
• We're anticipating for a January 14th, 2026 design build 100%. pre-construction designs.
• I can understand the construction delays and the costs, as well as all of these other issues.
• So that's another piece of technology that we're utilizing actively.

Transcript Highlights:

• phase one uh we have construction phase one uh we have construction manager<00:21:05.559> uh<
• Yeah, this property, uh, during construction will take up the construction area is about 10 acres.
• will take up the construction will take up the construction<00:34:49.520> area<00:34:49.879><
• So we're going to get better utilization.
• we're going to get better utilization we're going to get better utilization our<00:35:43.240>

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:29 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 2 Discussion 00:02:55 HB 2 Vote 00:14:10 Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Discussion 00:17:22 HB 545 Discussion Only 00:39:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2, which would address the taxation of currency and bullion and was presented as a response to last session’s dispute over whether a line-item veto could be applied to a revenue measure. The sponsor said the bill, as amended by Committee Substitute 2, was largely technical but also made the tax exemption retroactive to August 1, 2024 while making the $1,000-per-day penalty prospective only. Members asked about fiscal impact, possible legal liability for executive branch officials, and whether the issue should instead be resolved by the courts. The sponsor argued the Constitution limits the governor’s line-item veto power to appropriations, not revenue bills, and said the bill would create a judicial remedy and refund process if the executive branch continued collecting the tax. The committee approved the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 2 by a vote of 19-1, with two members passing; the bill was reported favorably to the floor. During discussion, Representative Bojanowski voted no, saying he could not support removing taxes on gold bars while parents pay taxes on diapers. Representative Gentry passed, saying he supported the original intent but was not yet convinced and wanted more time to review the issue. The sponsor also clarified that any liability would be joint and several and could involve executive officials or their budgets if the tax collection continued despite the exemption. The committee then heard a discussion-only presentation on the Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Phase 2. Facility representatives described Phase 1 and the planned Phase 2 expansion, saying the center had record attendance and needed more space to remain competitive and meet client demand. They said Phase 1 was about 20% complete, with completion now expected in October 2026 and an opening target of December 31, 2026 after a short testing period. Phase 2 would follow, including demolition of the West Wing, utility work, and improvements to food service and circulation areas. They said the project would be funded without federal dollars and estimated that, once complete, it could generate about $683 million in annual economic impact, $302 million in state sales tax, and 850,000 room nights in Jefferson County.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 363 by Bella Coffin relating to the notice and petition for creation of municipal utility district
• HP 386 by Gervin Hawkins relating to change order limits for certain construction contracts referred
• municipality of county requirements for solar energy devices compatible with certain residential constructions
• to required provision of workers' compensated insurance coverage for employees of building and construction
• BC relating to the use of state money for high-speed rail operated by private entity under the construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. utility infrastructure at amesco um utility infrastructure at amesco um amesco<00:12:13.279
• Daniel Park for the Public Utilities Commission.
• measure and allow the Public Utilities measure and allow the Public Utilities Commission<00:30:00.799
• <01:13:33.560> within certain new buildings constructed within certain new buildings constructed
• facilities prohibits the construction facilities prohibits the construction modification<01:28:48.159

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• historic wave of apartment construction historic wave of apartment construction has<00:18:23.039
• <00:18:56.400> pipeline squeeze and the construction pipeline squeeze and the construction
• <00:23:02.080> extension uh water supply utility extension uh water supply utility extension
• <00:24:47.200> costs in infrastructure construction costs in infrastructure construction costs
• hand we're going to begin construction hand we're going to begin construction on<01:00:07.359>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes there’s a reason to make some plans for utility hookups.
• reason to make some plans for utility reason to make some plans for utility hookups<00:03:49.799
• This bill would help reduce the cost of newly constructed homes by allowing home builders to at least
• Waiting Construction Waiting Construction another<00:15:00.079> 468<00:15:00.959> units
• <01:25:30.560> company roofs it was the construction company roofs it was the construction

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• costs, including time management software for the state financial management system that will be utilized
• So we just started the new four, eight beds construction, but there are still additional buildings that
• This is to construct the Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation in Fayetteville.
• This is to construct a new university police facility.
• To construct a new university police facility.

Summary: The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section. The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment. Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• commercial customers so that the utility commercial customers so that the utility is<00:09:40.800
• <00:10:17.519> commission set by the public utilities commission set by the public utilities
• <00:13:54.639> can >> And so then the utility can >> And so then the utility can
• Thank you. predictable, and available to utilities, predictable, and available to utilities, these<00
• c> through utility uh petitioning utility through utility uh petitioning utility through an<00:53

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , we've been able to take amendments to address a balance of recognizing that, yes, jurisdictions utilize
• The levee system was built in 1949 and has experienced five breaches since its construction, including
• The construction and maintenance of the river has been, and remains, a legislative priority of mine.
• And with his help and the Speaker’s help, we were able to move on expediting construction activities,
• Yeah, to my understanding, the way the bill is constructed and written, yes, it would.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of local government, housing, transportation, and public safety bills. Early items included SB 762, which would give certain local governments a voter-approved path to seek additional local sales tax authority to address fiscal pressures; SB 1400, which would modernize Alameda Health System governance and give Alameda County more flexibility and oversight; and SB 1408, which would authorize Contra Costa County to place a renewal of its transportation sales tax on the ballot. Supporters for those bills included local officials, county representatives, labor groups, fire and police organizations, and transit advocates, while no organized opposition was presented on those measures in committee. The committee also heard SB 1272, which would give homeowners more time to correct certain inherited code violations and allow an affidavit process for buyers who did not know about the violation at purchase. The bill drew support from the California Apartment Association and opposition from code enforcement and county groups, who argued it would reduce local enforcement discretion and create health and safety risks. After questions about disclosure and enforcement, the committee approved SB 1272 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1055, dealing with procurement flexibility for Pajaro flood control and levee repairs, also passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee approved SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner and create an independent medical examiner system. The author and supporters argued the change was needed for transparency and independence in in-custody death investigations, while opponents raised labor, cost, and governance concerns; some opposition was softened after the author agreed to employee-protection amendments. The committee also passed SB 1172, limiting consultant compensation and adding transparency rules for local tax-sharing agreements, and several housing bills from Senator Grayson: SB 1003 on pro-housing infrastructure financing districts, SB 1014 on early disclosure of infrastructure requirements for housing projects, and SB 1169 on extending tentative vesting map validity. The committee took votes on consent items and later add-ons, with most measures passing on bipartisan or unanimous votes and several being re-referred to Appropriations or Housing and Community Development as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• far as you know from the construction far as you know from the construction standpoint<00:04:38.840
• Utilities project basis the Public Utilities Commission<00:21:20.240> works<00:21:20.559>
• things pu reviews requests by utilities things pu reviews requests by utilities and<01:16:13.159
• I don't have a comparison analysis, utility by utility, of how other states do it.
• <01:26:31.760> compare you utility by utility how we compare you utility by utility how we

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have streamlined approval procedures and insurance proceed utilization in place.
• We have streamlined approval procedures and insurance proceed utilization in place.
• At the national level, the FHA has utilized this tool for decades.
• Construction trucking companies were given the time to come into compliance.
• Yes, Brittany utilized the very program we're discussing here today.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:25.120> or<00:08:25.440> Improvement construction or Improvement construction or
• Utilities, you really don't.
• Utilities, you really don't.
• Utilities, you really don't.
• Utilities, you really don't.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and maintain housing um is construct and maintain housing um is another<00:42:22.640> side<00
• We've seen increases in costs of 30%, give or take, taxes, utilities, insurance, labor, and materials
• We've seen increases in costs of 30%, give or take, taxes, utilities, insurance, labor, and materials
• Costs for construction have risen along with inflation.
• uh at at best uh fully uh fully utilize uh at at best uh fully utilize<01:26:59.280> um<01:26

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• construction that crosses US boundaries. construction that crosses US boundaries.
• <03:05:10.319> bills concerned with their utility bills concerned with their utility bills
• <03:07:50.240> constructed?
• permitted and construction constructed? permitted and construction constructed?
• And now Pennsylvania Utility care.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , construction, construction, maintenance,<00:04:06.239> and<00:04:06.560> common<00:04
• <00:04:31.440> ready this bill for construction ready this bill for construction ready projects
• <00:09:47.959> materials delivery fee for construction materials delivery fee for construction
• Is that a responsible<01:17:40.719> utilization<01:17:41.199> of responsible utilization
• But if utilization of those dollars.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:48.720> the guys discussed about utilizing the guys discussed about utilizing the facility
• I could look into those for you, if you like. construction falls under ioi um similar construction falls
• relate to what saying about utilizing relate to what saying about utilizing the<01:37:44.719>
• And so if it's sitting there and it's not being utilized, and if it's not being utilized because it's
• utilized and if it's not being utilized utilized and if it's not being utilized because<01:57:19.239

Keywords: 912, senate, all