Transcript Highlights:

• New Mexico is strategically located at the 11-hour stop where drivers must find applicable rest areas
• needed to identify opportunities to collect better roadway information. so they can make advanced judgments
• I find it imperative to emphasize that in no way does a VMT tax require violating the privacy of drivers
• Chair, or a combination, but I think it's incumbent upon us to find some new revenue tax sources for

Transcript Highlights:

• Luckily for Los Vigiles, we won that judgment in the district court and also in the appellate court,
• Lastly, we're finding that there's a really tight bottleneck in that Process.
• I have been in works with DFA and others to see if we can find some fiscal resources for that.
• .to me that the treatment of our forest lands could be just an incredible jobs program if we could find

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, we'll look to see if we can find some independent sources that are sharing perspectives on that
• And so trying to find a way, and so it is a big adjustment recognizing that. Yes.
• And then you can find out whether we're going to have to make connections to the grid and shore up that
• federal or state laws, specify that the bill does not apply to home loans or to the collection of a judgment

Bills: SB438, SB512, SB647, SB648, SB1495, SB2121, SB2145, SB2154, SB2167, SB2184, SB2211, SB2268, SB2349, SB2443, SB2629, SB2702, SB2902

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first voted out several pending bills. Senate Bill 1612 was reported favorably to the full Senate with objections sent to the local and contested calendar. The committee then adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported Senate Bills 2717, 1468, 1642, and 1789, with 1642 and 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council and add agencies to it; SB 1468 and SB 1642 were discussed as changes affecting utility and insurance-related structures; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards, with the author saying it would clarify PUC authority and create more practical statewide standards. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from Pablo Vegas, who said Texas load growth remains strong but ERCOT is adjusting its large-load forecast downward using historical delays and realization rates for data centers and other large loads. He said the adjusted forecast is still very high, but more realistic for planning, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, demand response, and the role of Senate Bill 6 in helping model large data centers as flexible load. The committee then took testimony on a series of bills and left most pending after public comment. SB 2629 would allow condominium and property owners associations to hold meetings and vote electronically; testimony supported it as a way to improve access, though some members expressed concern about overuse of virtual meetings. SB 2702 would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies instead of requiring a separate TCEQ license, and was supported as a workforce and public health measure. SB 2167 would let TDLR pause new massage-establishment license applications when an applicant is subject to a human trafficking emergency order or pending SOAH case. SB 2349 would exempt short-term residential leases and certain leasebacks from floodplain disclosure requirements while allowing the notice to be included in the lease packet. SB 2121 would tighten the data broker registry law from the prior session, and SB 2443 would allow TDLR to use electronic delivery for notices and contested-case documents. Additional bills focused on consumer protection, housing, and regulatory administration. SB 2902 would help victims of coerced debt and identity theft stop collection efforts by requiring proof such as a court order or FTC report; advocates said it would protect survivors while still preventing fraud. SB 512 would bar money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations in a way that forfeits account funds, and supporters framed it as a protection against private financial penalties. SB 2145 would allow public improvement districts and tax increment finance districts to meet virtually with at least one member physically present, while SB 2268 would give the PUC flexibility to extend Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in certain cases. SB 1495 would create an advisory board for electric vehicle supply equipment standards, SB 2154 would extend statewide regulation to delivery network companies, SB 2184 would lower the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display licenses from 21 to 18, SB 438 would expand confidentiality protections for SOAH administrative law judges, SB 2211 would treat digital products and desalinated water as industrial products to support combined energy-water projects, and SB 647 would strengthen title-theft protections by improving notice and clerk authority to reject fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after testimony, and several drew support from industry, consumer, or advocacy witnesses along with some member concerns about electronic meetings, licensing, and data accuracy.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to find your way in here, we can get ready.
• penalties or new obligations, we at least give the people an opportunity to learn about the law and find
• And uh so the law and find out about it.
• And what we find is a lot of these fires past that 72-hour window.
• Stricter judgment." That's a biblical statement, but that applies even into this conversation.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So then they will say to to find out.
• <02:04:56.960> a world while just trying to find a world while just trying to find a provider
• Fast forward to just by chance finding Dr.
• So, I called my insurance to find out what may or may not be covered.
• And perhaps we can find an agreement without finally all agreeing to that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• answer them and uh I just hope<00:15:24.880> you<00:15:25.040> will<00:15:25.440> find
• a way to make it hope you will find a way to make it possible<00:15:28.120> for<00:15:28.399>
• Representative Howard: Sorry, let me find this.
• I can't find any reference to it in existing law. I don't know what it is.
• So any judgment against one homeowner could put the entire association on the hook.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the judgment of many people inside and outside the criminal justice system, the court swung too far
• In that case, the Supreme Court did not find that the crime of second-degree murder is unconstitutional
• The appellant in the Lee case undertook acts which I think most of us would find heinous.
• So what we need to do here is to find the right balance. And that's ultimately what this is.
• And I find it troubling that no one is talking about the victims.

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• One study finds that the middle class would reap the greatest turnout benefits.
• One study finds that the middle class would reap the greatest turnout benefits.
• My own judgment, based on my research and experience around the country talking to election officials
• And because of that, a significant number of people still find themselves out of action on election day
• don't know that I agree with the signature equaling support—but one of the issues that we've been finding

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-01, H.5-001, an act relative to election day registration. The co-chairs explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that the committee must report on the petition to the legislature. The hearing focused on how election day registration differs from same-day registration, how it is used in other states, and what implementation would require in Massachusetts. Three expert witnesses testified in support of the concept. A Northeastern University political science professor said the research shows election day registration would likely increase turnout, especially among younger voters, renters, recent movers, and other underrepresented groups, while requiring planning, training, and funding. A National Conference of State Legislatures policy analyst described how election day and same-day registration work in other states, including proof-of-residency and ID requirements, provisional ballot options in some states, and the need for updated voter systems and staffing. An MIT election administration professor said the proposal is mainstream, likely popular with Massachusetts voters, and administratively workable if the state addresses workload, wait times, and system integration. Committee members asked about costs, residency documentation, use of Real ID, provisional ballots, rural polling places, and whether election day registration could increase lines or discourage advance registration. Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin and volunteer proponent Norma Shulman testified in favor of the petition. They argued that election day registration would help eligible voters who miss deadlines or move before an election, reduce reliance on provisional ballots, and improve participation. Galvin said the proposal includes a 10-day reconciliation period and would likely require additional staffing and possibly technology, but he viewed the reform as worth the cost and consistent with broader election reforms. Shulman said voters she encountered during the signature drive strongly supported the measure and viewed it as common sense. In questioning, Galvin said the measure would help voters who move within a community or arrive at the polls unregistered, and he said many provisional ballots are not counted because of eligibility or registration problems. Opponents from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association argued that while expanding access is important, election day registration would add to already heavy workloads for local clerks, who are managing early voting, vote-by-mail processing, and election-day operations with limited staff and resources. They said any major election change should be developed through the traditional legislative process with direct input from local officials, and they urged caution until municipalities receive more administrative and financial relief. The hearing then moved into the public testimony section, beginning with a representative from Mass for Fair Elections.

Transcript Highlights:

• when they believe that a person committed an offense for which they are arrested, to enter written findings
• House Bill 108 establishes an affirmative finding process for the use of metal or body armor during the
• Texas already recognizes that intoxication impairs judgment when it comes to driving.
• It's impossible to find a court reporter, let alone pay for one to transcribe every witness's testimony
• I'm really trying to find a way to make this work.

Bills: HB75, HB108

Keywords: building standards, youth camps, floodplains, safety regulations, environmental policies, drainage utilities, flood management, land use regulation, county authority, drainage fees

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice and public safety bills, with most measures focused on tougher penalties, victim protections, and procedural changes. Bills discussed included HB 75, requiring magistrates to make written findings when denying probable cause despite believing an arrestee committed an offense; HB 413, limiting pretrial detention so it cannot exceed the maximum jail term for the charged offense, with competency-related exceptions; HB 1422, expanding sexual assault survivor protections and increasing penalties for certain sexual offenses and voyeurism; HB 2073, increasing penalties for violating protective orders or bond conditions while armed; HB 2593, raising indecent assault penalties against elderly or disabled victims; HB 108, enhancing punishment when body armor is used during violent crimes; HB 3816, expanding cruelty-to-livestock offenses to include unlawful controlled-substance administration; HB 2854, requiring parole officers to notify hospitals or law enforcement when violent parolees visit hospital premises; HB 1871, increasing punishment for attempted capital murder of a peace officer and making such offenders ineligible for parole; HB 3463, clarifying notice methods in theft-of-service cases; HB 2348, allowing video-recorded depositions of elderly or disabled witnesses; HB 2594, expanding venue options for cybercrime and digital theft prosecutions; HB 2761, clarifying that children cannot be deemed to consent to prostitution-related offenses; HB 3185, authorizing administrative subpoenas in cybercrime investigations; HB 2017, increasing penalties for certain intoxication manslaughter cases involving undocumented immigrants with prior DWI convictions; HB 2306, making certain trafficking offenses ineligible for parole; HB 1607, allowing a rear-only license plate when a vehicle lacks a front bracket; HB 1828, creating a legislative leave pool for TDCJ correctional officers; and HB 3664, requiring prospective grand jurors to complete training and proposing additional changes to grand jury procedure in a future substitute. The committee also took up HB 3073, the Summer Willis Act, which would clarify consent in sexual assault law and address intoxication-related incapacity; the committee substitute narrowed the language to situations where the perpetrator knows the other person cannot consent because of intoxication or impairment, while removing withdrawal-of-consent and “reasonably should know” language from the House version. Several bills were laid out with committee substitutes adopted, including HB 3463, HB 2594, HB 3073, and HB 3073’s substitute, and most bills were left pending after no invited or public testimony or after hearing testimony. Public testimony was especially extensive on HB 3073, with survivors, advocates, and prosecutors supporting broader consent language, while some prosecutors said the substitute was an improvement but still favored the House version’s broader protections. HB 3664 drew significant opposition from district attorneys, who argued that mandatory transcription or recording of grand jury testimony would be costly, chill grand juror questioning, and complicate timely presentations; concerns were also raised about new-evidence requirements and grand jury shopping. No final votes were taken on the bills discussed in the transcript, and the committee recessed partway through to return to the floor before continuing its hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and it’s better to be prepared. ...may not come, but we always find a way to need it, and we always
• find a way to spend it.
• At some point, we can then make the judgment when the market is best to utilize this... ...when the market
• We need to try to find that way to do that. You know, that's true when they're...
• Okay, well, um, you know, I never had a problem with finding 10 minutes.

Bills: SJR 1, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 36, SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, SB 40, SR 61, SR 91, SR 97, SR 103, SR 104, SR 112, SR 115, SR 116, SCR 16, SB 26, SB 26

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, Texas Music Advocacy Day, music industry

Transcript Highlights:

• you please just ask somebody before you make that statement that it will no longer be two separate findings
• We always find a way to look for a way for us to do it. We have the money to do it.
• This is a criminal illegal alien committing a crime in the state of Florida and the court finds probable
• But it is very hard to find people.
• We haven't wasted a minute in my judgment and that is what this bill does.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I suspect it's a 102 or a 74, but I just need to look into it to find the exact class line. Okay.
• <01:38:54.920> why and you find trying to find out why and you find trying to find out why
• <01:44:10.440> you into this bear with me I will find you into this bear with me I will find
• She said she would see what they could do to find out.
• She added that she would see what they could do to find out.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a Division 3 budget work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Economic Stability. Karen Hebert, the division director, and Nathan White, DHHS chief financial officer, walked members through the governor’s operating budget pages and a briefing book, explaining that the division was consolidated in 2018 and serves programs aimed at financial stability, poverty reduction, child care access, and related supports. Members repeatedly asked for clearer breakdowns of general fund spending, historical growth since consolidation, and how the division’s broad mission areas map onto specific budget lines. A major portion of the discussion centered on the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start collaboration and the child care subsidy program. Hebert said the child care scholarship/subsidy helps low- and moderate-income families access daycare so parents can work, attend school, or receive treatment, and that eligibility is based on state median income up to 85%. She reported a 45% increase in utilization, 4,032 children receiving daycare support as of the end of January, and about 15% of eligible children being served. She also described the quality improvement system “Granite Steps for Quality,” with 160 providers enrolled out of 717 licensed programs, and noted that 1,200 child care professionals added credentials in the last year. Members pressed for cost-benefit information, asking for data on how much the state pays, how many providers and children are served, and whether the department could quantify unmet need. The witnesses said some projects were funded with short-term ARPA child care dollars and that detailed cost data for specific examples, such as the Gorm Community Learning Center expansion, would need to be looked up. They also explained that the child care fund is a federal block grant with required spending set-asides of 9% for quality, 3% for infants and toddlers, and up to 5% for administration, and that unused funds remain available. The committee also reviewed slide 10’s accounting units, including that the Child Care Workforce Fund is 100% general funds and was created as a priority item under HB 2 from the 2024 session, while some other child care-related units are 100% federal funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• their own judgment their own judgment using<01:55:59.599> her<01:55:59.840> words<
• And yet we still find ways as a Senate.
• We're going to find another way.
• Well, the years to find another way.
• <03:00:25.840> three when he can't even find three when he can't even find three substitutes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very difficult to find and retain.
• Did the audit have findings? Yes, 16 findings. And the response has been characterized as slow.
• We have those 16 findings. You all should have those 16 findings, and it was nothing criminal.
• And I find that to be incredibly inspirational.
• Just absorb that, weigh that in your judgment.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 8, 2025, and first took up several local bills that were presented briefly and then approved without public opposition. HB 4035 would merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District and the Lee County Mosquito Control District, contingent on approval by voters in both districts at the 2026 election; it passed 15-0. HB 307 would extend to county property appraisers the same authority tax collectors already have to use salary savings for employee bonuses or incentives, and it passed 17-0 after testimony from property appraisers and their associations in support. HB 4047 and HB 4049 would adjust assessment caps for the Fort Pierce Farms Water Control District and the North St. Lucie River Water Control District, respectively, with inflation indexing, annual increase limits, and referendum approval requirements; both passed unanimously. The committee also adopted an amendment to the committee substitute for HB 1169, a broader water management district bill covering quorum and meeting rules, lobbying restrictions, ad valorem taxing authority for certain capital projects by referendum, budget reporting, bidding preferences, and additional oversight and funding information; the amended bill passed 16-0 and was reported favorably with committee substitute. The final and most heavily debated item was HB 4079, which would dissolve the Town of White Springs and return it to unincorporated Hamilton County. The sponsor argued the town had a pattern of mismanagement, including financial problems, audit findings, canceled elections, and public safety concerns, and said dissolution would lower taxes and preserve services through the county. Committee members asked about the town’s finances, audits, law enforcement, fire protection, debt, and whether the county could absorb services and liabilities. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of dissolution cited audit findings, alleged illegal gambling operations, double taxation for law enforcement, high administrative costs, and intimidation at meetings. Opponents, including current and former town officials and residents, said the town had made progress, had corrected audit issues, maintained reserves, and was working to restore services and governance; they asked for more time and pointed to an upcoming election. No vote was taken on HB 4079 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Durant has demonstrated that she has the temperament and judgment to do exactly that.
• Durant has demonstrated that she has the temperament and judgment to do exactly that.
• <00:15:50.800> it<00:15:50.959> or because most often they can't find it or because
• We've interviewed the candidate, and we find her qualified. >> Good.
• trying to basically, you know, have find trying to basically, you know, have find them<00:54:32.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented. Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character. Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I have had a chance to visit at Berkeley and at UC Davis, and what I find to be the most striking
• Finding low-cost feedstocks, or the media inputs that go into making ingredients.
• It's very, very difficult to find anyone who will fund high CAPEX, large ticket-sized factories when
• It was hard to find food, and when you're vegan, that does happen.
• It was hard to find food, and when you're vegan, that does happen.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So because of that we find ourselves So because of that we find ourselves So because of that we find
• Okay, that's where we find ourselves. So I I we find ourselves. So I I we find ourselves.
• ourselves where we find ourselves. find ourselves where we find ourselves. find ourselves where we find
• I was finding all kind of routes and things. finding all kind of routes and things. finding all kind
• A judge would have to find a probable A judge would have to find a probable A judge would have to find

Bills: SJR 4, SJR 40, SJR 81, SCR 37, SCR 39, SB 22, SB 32, SB 33, SB 36, SB 38, SB 95, SB 209, SB 249, SB 311, SB 326, SB 365, SB 458, SB 609, SB 660, SB 664, SB 693, SB 732, SB 745, SB 760, SB 762, SB 779, SB 783, SB 785, SB 868, SB 871, SB 883, SB 921, SB 955, SB 993, SB 996, SB 1008, SB 1057, SB 1067, SB 1151, SB 1171, SB 1210, SB 1255, SB 1265, SB 1267, SB 1271, SB 1307, SB 1313, SB 1316, SB 1318, SB 1321, SB 1332, SB 1365, SB 1426, SB 1470, SB 1484, SB 1494, SB 1559, SB 1592, SB 1596, SB 1598, SB 1637, SB 1677, SB 1706, SB 1758, SB 1762, SB 1786, SB 1809, SB 1818, SB 1822, SB 1841, SB 1871, SB 1967, SB 2064, SB 2077, SB 2112, SB 2148, SB 2320, SB 2406, SB 2407, SJR 36, SJR 81, SJR 50, SJR 4, SJR 40, SJR 27, SCR 22, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 38, SCR 37, SB 921, SB 609, SB 660, SB 765, SB 62, SB 666, SB 888, SB 687, SB 847, SB 1248, SB 504, SB 305, SB 296, SB 284, SB 304, SB 1023, SB 204, SB 670, SB 850, SB 854, SB 413, SB 1346, SB 1033, SB 1220, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1539, SB 447, SB 1119, SB 1505, SB 1215, SB 1302, SB 583, SB 673, SB 681, SB 1172, SB 955, SB 957, SB 541, SB 266, SB 1415, SB 53, SB 1352, SB 785, SB 1450, SB 1502, SB 1566, SB 1062, SB 711, SB 746, SB 1404, SB 1448, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1349, SB 1355, SB 1433, SB 1434, SB 1596, SB 1403, SB 667, SB 1059, SB 1567, SB 310, SB 311, SB 505, SB 1210, SB 1470, SB 264, SB 1358, SB 1364, SB 1569, SB 1376, SB 1228, SB 519, SB 1350, SB 462, SB 827, SB 1585, SB 1484, SB 1273, SB 927, SB 1227, SB 1229, SB 1353, SB 1464, SB 1709, SB 1729, SB 1733, SB 1744, SB 1772, SB 1841, SB 1008, SB 2016, SB 1173, SB 1163, SB 996, SB 1370, SB 1321, SB 1101, SB 860, SB 993, SB 693, SB 1537, SB 1332, SB 1307, SB 963, SB 493, SB 984, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 455, SB 522, SB 1057, SB 1239, SB 1254, SB 1255, SB 1259, SB 1341, SB 1877, SB 1277, SB 32, SB 732, SB 731, SB 268, SB 1822, SB 1589, SB 397, SB 1058, SB 1267, SB 2112, SB 1930, SB 532, SB 508, SB 292, SB 291, SB 901, SB 1333, SB 1436, SB 1494, SB 964, SB 779, SB 1378, SB 2312, SB 1719, SB 287, SB 2143, SB 1245, SB 261, SB 1247, SB 2406, SB 2407, SB 1882, SB 618, SB 38, SB 393, SB 1371, SB 1365, SB 2243, SB 2226, SB 2039, SB 1919, SB 1895, SB 1598, SB 1493, SB 1810, SB 1791, SB 1706, SB 1644, SB 1238, SB 783, SB 458, SB 22, SB 651, SB 897, SB 1809, SB 1080, SB 745, SB 826, SB 989, SB 1320, SB 1437, SB 2320, SB 2289, SB 1171, SB 664, SB 1637, SB 2064, SB 868, SB 1079, SB 1243, SB 1504, SB 1851, SB 1879, SB 2237, SB 1257, SB 2034, SB 1522, SB 883, SB 249, SB 1318, SB 1151, SB 596, SB 1191, SB 226, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1067, SB 1786, SB 326, SB 1401, SB 1592, SB 1728, SB 1265, SB 586, SB 529, SB 217, SB 209, SB 1923, SB 1559, SB 1839, SB 387, SB 1874, SB 1872, SB 1873, SB 1921, SB 1883, SB 1677, SB 95, SB 1620, SB 1838, SB 2024, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 2166, SB 871, SB 510, SB 33, SB 2420, SB 1860, SB 1541, SB 1316, SB 1314, SB 1313, SB 1426, SB 1398, SB 1869, SB 1750, SB 1871, SB 36, SB 855, SB 1233, SB 760, SB 2425, SB 2037, SB 1758, SB 1759, SB 2365, SB 1924, SB 762, SB 1271, SB 1818, SB 605, SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1968, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2148, SB 2321, SB 1967, SB 1662, SB 1663, SB 2124, SB 2204, SB 1855, SB 863, SB 37, SJR 39, SCR 1, SCR 27, SCR 32, SCR 42, SCR 6, SB 2232, SB 819, SB 2078, SB 2252, SB 1962, SB 2253, SB 825, SB 1577, SB 1184, SB 2018, SB 2206, SB 1901, SB 1030, SB 2368, SB 1963, SB 1960, SB 1643, SB 1625, SB 1299, SB 841, SB 668, SB 584, SB 231, SB 2411, SB 1085, SB 2431, SB 2231, SB 1490, SB 530, SB 34, SB 1261, SJR 81, SB 32, SB 458, SB 664, SB 693, SB 868, SB 1008, SB 1267, SB 1307, SB 1321, SB 1484, SB 1637, SB 1809, SB 1822, SB 2064, SB 2112, SB 2320, SB 2406, SB 2407, SB 609, SB 660, SB 921, SB 779, SB 1470, SR 388, SB 3042, SB 440, SB 2876, SB 3042, SB 440, SB 2876

Keywords: economic stabilization fund, state finance, constitutional amendment, budget management, financial security, emergency powers, legislative authority, governor powers, disaster management, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, SCR 37, Senate Concurrent Resolution, Panama Canal, Texas ports, port infrastructure, maritime trade, shipping lanes

Transcript Highlights:

• Hart-Lowman: I'm trying to find out if school officials would need to try to reach out to a parent.
• And if there is an emergency at school and you can't find the parent, would the school be able to provide
• I was looking, trying to find in the bill where the safeguards are for 988 and 211, but the only thing
• I've seen young people come into the ER at the hospital petrified their parents would find out they are
• I looked at your bill again to find out where you are carving out 211 and 988 crisis lines.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote. Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I believe it is our job to find efficiencies where we can.
• We had to sit down, find out what productivity was, streamline the process, enhance training.
• CPAs are tough to find to enter into your system.
• So it's a judgment. At this time, I feel reasonably comfortable, except...
• So if we could not find those positions in Tallahassee, we'd be willing to find those positions somewhere

Summary: The subcommittee met to review agency vacancy reports and agency-requested budget reductions, with Chair Lopez framing the discussion around stewardship of taxpayer dollars, agency efficiency, and whether long-vacant positions should be cut or repurposed. Members were given vacancy summaries and asked to focus on how agencies are functioning with current staffing, which positions are mission critical, and whether some vacancies reflect market pay issues, re-engineering of work, or true excess capacity. The chair also noted that agency heads had been asked to provide follow-up information on current openings, average vacancy duration, mission-critical roles, and reasons for vacancies. The Department of Revenue was the first major agency reviewed because it had the largest number of vacancies. Its leadership said vacancies had improved from pandemic-era highs due to market pay adjustments, but that some areas—especially general tax and audit—still had long-term openings. The department explained that some positions are intentionally frozen while work is restructured, that it hires above minimum salary in some cases to stay competitive, and that it is using automation and process changes to reduce backlogs. Members raised concerns about vacancies outside Leon County, out-of-state auditor positions, salary compression, and whether the department should provide a list of frozen positions and the salaries actually needed to recruit. The Department of Financial Services said its long vacancies were concentrated in risk management, law enforcement, and the general counsel’s office, where salaries and competition from private employers and other agencies make hiring difficult. DFS said it was using outside vendors in some areas, had reduced vacancies in its general counsel office significantly, and was willing to identify positions that could be cut, including some from treasury and OAT. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation reported progress in lowering vacancies through statewide recruiting, centralized legal hiring, automation in service operations, and leadership changes in alcoholic beverages and tobacco; it said one recommended cut could be achieved by combining two half-time positions. The Florida Lottery reported a low vacancy rate, said all positions were critical, and explained its longer onboarding time due to extensive background checks; members discussed sales reps, incentives, and the agency’s field-office structure. The Office of Financial Regulation said many of its vacancies were already in the hiring pipeline, with recent vacancies tied to promotions, a death, and internal moves, and noted that it often serves as a training ground for federal agencies. The Office of Insurance Regulation, which had a high vacancy rate concentrated in Leon County, said it had been reducing vacancies from a much higher level and was still working through hiring and administrative constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consumer choice to find the best solution is crucial, as all body chemistries differ.
• This fact is what I find most harmful to families. This isn't just about business.
• And so that's why I do find myself on the side of SB 3. It's a vicious cycle.
• I find it to be quite egregious.
• We've worked with them to try to find the right products for them.

Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products