Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuing HB 5580 would tank economic growth, lead to massive job losses, disrupt key industries, and
• HB4661 keeps Texas a spaceflight leader, backing Starbase's role in jobs, innovation, and security.
• And as Representative Lopez said, our nation... ...nation's national security missions.
• As our greatest economic and national security competitor, China, ramps up its space capabilities, it's
• -based assets, uphold public safety, and provide a secure, reliable environment for launches that may

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• Here is to give this security that these judges need, and you know, we have that security ourselves as
• </c> perhaps having their own security perhaps having their own security systems,<00:42:37.040><c> I<
• </c><00:42:49.520><c> or</c> uh something to have that security or uh something to have that security
• I would assume upgrade that security.
• :16:16.480><c> the</c> Security, the State Patrol, the Security, the State Patrol, the Sergeants<01:16

Bills: HF3874, HF962

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Strategic nuclear deterrence is fundamental to our national security.
• This is a disaster for competition and a disaster for data security.
• Our national security.
• But I'm going to move on to nuclear testing, building a lot on the National Security, Nuclear Security
• They've made efforts to go ahead and secure— secure access to materials that we require within the defense

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The EDC then worked with the legislature and secured two bond authorizations in the former economic development
• development and national security.
• development and national security.
• The economic impact is The economic impact is significant.
• Winds economic development package.

Bills: H5386

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development bill, H.5386, the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowitz described the bill as a follow-on to the 2024 Mass Leads Act, with roughly $305 million in new bond authorizations and several policy changes aimed at lowering business costs, attracting global capital, supporting AI/quantum/robotics/defense innovation, expanding downtown revitalization, and easing housing and development rules. The administration also highlighted a proposed Global Mass initiative, a $50 million innovation access fund, $20 million for international company sites, a reduced LLC filing fee, a larger small business energy tax exemption, internship tax credits, and changes to non-compete law and nurse English proficiency requirements. Committee members questioned the administration about AI competition, infrastructure and data centers, housing affordability, and whether the bill would actually keep graduates and companies in Massachusetts. Healey and Paley argued that the state must compete globally, not just with other states, and said the bill supports housing production, workforce development, energy relief, and targeted investments in sectors where Massachusetts is already strong. Gorzkowitz said the bond authorizations fit within the state’s debt affordability framework and emphasized fiscal discipline. Several witnesses supported specific provisions, including Northeastern University on internship tax credits, the Latino Empowerment Advisory Council on waiving redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, municipal officials and the MMA on codifying standardized site plan review, and business and international company representatives on the Global Mass proposal. There was also notable opposition to some sections. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, arguing it would significantly reduce revenue and could increase fraudulent filings. Attorney Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, saying the current law was a negotiated compromise and warning that moving alternative consideration to separation could backfire. The AFL-CIO urged adding a trigger law to preserve labor protections if federal labor law is weakened. Other testimony included support for tiny homes as a housing option, a proposal on low-carbon fuel standards from Rep. Markey, and regional economic development advocates asking for more flexible competitive grants. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee accepting written testimony afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• While you have the ability to do 4.5% in the current statute, you hire an independent economic forecaster
• Once we were able to secure funding, they told me that they had never felt so supported in their life
• This bill is a top priority for securing a reliable, resilient, and affordable grid.
• That is hampering economic growth, stymieing jobs, and constraining our ability...
• That is hampering economic growth, stymieing jobs, and constraining our ability to bring new clean energy

Bills: HB2747

Keywords: budget sustainability, state finance, fiscal policy, economic growth, government spending, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Convening this morning's hearing for the House Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development
• We are reconvening this morning's hearing for the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic
• On the Committee on Economic Development and Technology, we have the same recommendations for HB 916.
• For the Committee on Economic Development and Technology, voting on House Bill 916 HD1.

Bills: SB2816

Keywords: enterprise zones, economic development, innovation enterprise, job creation, Hawaii, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard House Bill 2195, HD1, which would replace the existing transit accommodations tax on cruise ships with a per-passenger infrastructure fee collected by the Department of Transportation and deposited into a new cruise ship special fund. Testimony included support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii warning that the bill should remain narrowly tied to harbor-related uses to avoid potential Tonnage Clause issues. The Department of Transportation testified that cruise-related harbor work includes pier repairs, dredging, terminal upgrades, and shore power, and said a dedicated revenue stream would help prioritize cruise infrastructure needs. The Attorney General’s office said it had submitted written comments but did not address questions about the litigation or constitutional background. Members questioned whether the new special fund was necessary when the existing harbor special fund already finances similar improvements. DOT said the funds overlap and suggested the bill could be amended to use the harbor special fund with a separate cruise subaccount, while still preserving a dedicated revenue stream and separate accounting. DOT also said it currently collects port entry, dockage, and per-head passenger fees from cruise ships and that existing cruise-related expenditures from the harbor special fund have not been challenged. The chair ultimately recommended moving HB 2195 forward as introduced, while continuing discussions about the fund structure and awaiting further clarity from the Attorney General and DOT. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass HB 2195, HD1, as is. They also voted to pass House Bill 916, HD1, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, which would allow certain state low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes in the same county and make Act 129 of 2016 permanent. Both the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 916, HD1, unamended. The hearing was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:33.360><c> development</c> evaluate and reform economic development evaluate and reform economic
• </c> maybe a leadership vacuum in economic maybe a leadership vacuum in economic development.<00:04:03.200
• </c> actually work with economic development. actually work with economic development.
• </c> economic development in their community. economic development in their community.
• </c> knuckle economic development people. knuckle economic development people.

Bills: HB0150

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 124, economic development rodeo museum.
• We had a local economic development group that went out and actually is set up for a new economic development
• It's absolutely economic wise, it's a critical investment for the state of Wyoming.
• It's absolutely economic wise, Wyoming.
• The economic impact through tourism and local job growth will show a great return on investment.

Bills: HB0150

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Bills: HF2437

Keywords: tax credits, tax increments, housing development, local government, economic aid, 1183, house

Bills: SB2018

Keywords: funding, commerce, autonomous technology, workforce development, economic growth, grant programs, 908, all

Summary: The E&E Committee met to finalize action on Senate Bill 2018, the Commerce Department budget. Members reviewed several funding lines and made verbal adjustments, including reducing tourism marketing awareness to $5 million, keeping Operation Intern at $2 million, restoring the Destination Development Fund to $20 million, setting Autonomous Agriculture Grants/Grand Farm at $10 million, and reducing the WIP Regional Workforce Impact Program to $5 million. Representative Martinson proposed additional earmarks for the Fargo Theatre, Maddock trolley cars, a theater in Marmarth, and Driscoll’s community hall, and also moved to keep the Destination Development Fund at $25 million; the committee discussed these items, but the transcript does not show separate recorded votes on those proposals. The committee adopted two amendments. One dealt with the drone replacement program and related data-collection direction, with language agreed to by UAS representatives, IT, and the governor’s office. The second, offered by Representative Swantec, created a trigger for funding children’s science centers in Fargo and Grand Forks if the SIF fund exceeds a specified threshold during the 2025-27 biennium; the amendment was clarified to use the term “Children’s Science Education Center” and passed 7-0. The committee then approved a do-pass motion on the Commerce budget as amended and with the verbal changes discussed, passing the bill 7-0. During debate, Representative Louser raised concerns that the budget’s spending could affect property tax relief, while the chair responded that there would still be sufficient money for tax relief and that the programs funded were ongoing and successful. The chair closed by thanking members and staff, noting conference committee assignments and a committee dinner, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Dialogue has been very productive in terms of deepening economic ties and security ties with chief
• security as well.
• This not only threatens the U.S. and Israel's security, but global security at large.
• Security Council Resolutions.
• security.

Keywords: Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications

Summary: The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.

Bills: SB2018

Keywords: funding, commerce, autonomous technology, workforce development, economic growth, grant programs, 908, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2018, the Department of Commerce budget, and walked through the long sheet and a series of proposed changes. Members discussed restoring a vacant workforce FTE that Commerce said it could fill soon, monitoring federal funding delays but reporting no known cuts, and adjusting several one-time items including Operation Intern, the North Dakota Development Fund, the Global Talent Office, and tourism-related funding. The chair also proposed separating tourism marketing and Good Life funding again, rather than combining them, and members raised concerns about ensuring tourism dollars are used only for tourism purposes. A number of program amounts were reviewed or adjusted in discussion, including UAS grants, Vantus/Beyond Visual Line of Sight funding, Grand Sky, Grand Farm autonomous agriculture grants, base enhancement grants, Native American small business grants, regional workforce impact grants, technical skills training grants, and tribal college workforce grants. Commerce officials explained that some grant language would be changed to require competitive RFP processes, and they clarified that the housing opportunity and community property improvement items were handled in other bills or programs. The committee also discussed apprenticeship efforts across state agencies and Commerce’s role in workforce development. The committee reviewed carryover and exemption language for prior appropriations, including federal weatherization and energy funds, and Commerce said three one-time FTE tied to those federal programs should become ongoing because the federal dollars continue over several years. A motion to add $1.5 million for the North Dakota Safety Council failed for lack of a second. The committee then planned to return the next day to continue work on Commerce and take up the CTE budget, including a pending amendment related to CTE’s possible move from the 15th floor of the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• While they have seen some improvement in economic conditions in recent years, significant headwinds remain
• On trade and economic competitiveness, fair trade is critical for fresh produce growers.
• security.
• Not because we shouldn't secure the border. I'm for that.
• And what's at stake is food security and protein security.

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Midwest factories, the ports like Kwanzaa, generating economic growth across our country.
• The economic slap back is here now.
• Leading to economic damage and, tragically, loss of life.
• You say a looming transmission shortage poses a direct threat to America's energy security.
• We say it's a national... security priority, but then these regulations get in the way.

Keywords: environmental review, permitting process, infrastructure, bipartisan legislation, economic growth, Nucor, West Virginia

Summary: The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the connection between Maverick County and Webb County as we talk about border security.
• mandatory criminal background checks for any vendors. and strict reporting requirements and data security
• the future with funds from our surplus to provide border security as we provide compression. dollars
• Senator Creighton, cyber security is a growing concern across all organizations.
• Do you recall that session, what the regular session was for border security. How much that was?

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no security. There's no accountability.
• public education is a primary pathway, sometimes the only pathway, for students to achieve financial security

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will secure. Made the reorganization request which is still pending. This will cure that.
• This would bring jobs as well as direct economic impact. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Great answer.
• Their economic development organizations around the state have also expressed support.
• Environmental goals with economic development and job creation.
• It's a workforce and economic stability issue.

Bills: HB253, HB153, HB255, HB287, HB371, SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence met with a quorum present and took up House Bill 16, the omnibus courts bill that had been vetoed by the governor after the regular session. The committee substitute made several changes, including moving certain court creation dates, creating a new county court at law for Maverick County, repealing a missed youth diversion article, removing a civil preference for the 456th District Court in Guadalupe County, clarifying the digital court recording study makeup, correcting a drafting error involving prosecutors in the Special Prosecution Unit, and allowing the Office of the Attorney General to represent SPU prosecutors. Megan LaVoie of the Office of Court Administration testified as a resource witness in support of the bill and thanked the committee for working with the judiciary on the measure. Steve Bresnan of the Texas Court Reporters Association also testified in support of the bill, but used his time to urge action on a separate anti-SLAPP appeal that he said had been pending for 47 months; he distributed materials and proposed an amendment to impose deadlines on the courts, though he said he was not expecting discussion of it that day. After public testimony closed, the committee adopted the substitute without objection. Representative Hayes moved that House Bill 16, as substituted, be reported favorably to the full House with the recommendation that it be passed and printed. The motion prevailed on a 10-0 vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments