Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to express our support for Senate Bill 266 on behalf of the Engine Technology Forum.
• about 96% of all cars sold in the U.S., as well as major tier-one suppliers and other automotive technology
• And it's changed since I was running the auto body shop, as you've got technology to issue, deal with
• They're all hybrids or fully electric, which has a whole new set of technology, which can be disturbed
• And it's changed since I was running the auto body shop, as you've got technology to issue, deal with

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard testimony on a wide range of bills involving consumer protection, auto regulation, alcohol licenses, and professional licensure. A major focus was legislation to require a one-hour domestic violence awareness training for salon and cosmetology licensees (H.323/S.200), supported by District Attorney Marion Ryan, law enforcement, and a salon industry witness who described the program’s value in identifying and helping victims. The committee also heard strong support from the Attorney General’s office for auto consumer protection legislation (S.228/H.379) that would expand used-car warranty protections, extend the Lemon Law return period to seven days after receipt of the vehicle, raise the mileage cap to 200,000 miles, and increase dealer surety bonds to $50,000. Independent dealers opposed those changes, arguing they would burden small businesses and that dealer education, not expanded liability, was the better solution. The committee also took testimony on bills related to vehicle financial products and repair information. A trade association supported GAP waiver legislation (H.4188/S.281), saying it would create clear consumer protections and standard disclosures. On right-to-repair and heavy-duty vehicle service information (S.266), engine and truck manufacturers supported an exemption for commercial vehicles, while others argued that releasing service data to the general public could create safety, cybersecurity, and emissions risks. The committee then heard extensive testimony on auto dealer franchise and warranty reimbursement legislation (S.201/H.406), with dealer groups supporting changes to warranty labor reimbursement and manufacturer groups opposing them as costly and unnecessary. Manufacturers from GM, Volvo, Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, and others said their current time-study and appeals processes already compensate dealers fairly and that the bill would raise costs for consumers. In addition, the committee heard testimony on H.333, which would move auto damage appraiser licensing from the Division of Insurance to the Division of Occupational Licensure. Collision repair advocates supported the change, saying the current board structure leads to repeated dismissals of complaints and lacks accountability, while emphasizing that the bill is intended to protect consumers and ensure proper repair reimbursement. The hearing also included testimony in support of a local alcohol license petition for Westwood and a separate local alcohol measure for a town grant license. At the end of the hearing, the chairs announced that all docketed bills had been heard, noted that a joint poll would be held on H.4184, and the committee voted to adjourn by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's the new and improved Clintcasteberry from corrections and she likes technology Clinton didn't so
• I don't know what Clint likes but technology wasn't one of them but we're glad to have you and actually
• Because in order to be proficient in this technology, you have to play with the technology, and that
• I have met with corrections on technology, and corrections are the last place anybody wants to spend
• This is a popular room, but it's one of the few I guess that we have the technology to do what we're

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have the missing endangered persons information clearinghouse technology upgrade.
• Next, we have missing endangered persons information clearinghouse technology upgrade.
• FDLEs... endangered persons information clearinghouse technology upgrade.
• years ago, but we need the IT networks in their areas. $3.5 million is for search and analytics technology
• , very important technology to help us combat and mitigate security threats within our facilities. $5

Summary: The committee received a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-2027 public safety budget, which totals $8.2 billion for the public safety silo and includes funding for the Departments of Law Enforcement, Juvenile Justice, and Corrections, along with courts and legal affairs. The Governor’s Office highlighted recurring reductions and vacancy eliminations, while agency heads outlined their major requests: FDLE sought funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert-system upgrades, alcohol testing modernization, officer wellness, criminal intelligence, and immigration-related intelligence work; DJJ requested money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential services, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requested major increases for officer pay, additional staff, facility construction and maintenance, communications upgrades, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members questioned FDLE about immigration enforcement and public records burdens, and DOC about staffing, capacity, mental health services, contraband, housing, and whether prison beds were being used for immigration detainees. Public testimony also urged better prison conditions and basic necessities for incarcerated people. The committee then took up and reported favorably CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would strengthen penalties and clarify that a person may not resist an officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties. An amendment conforming the bill to House language was adopted, and the bill passed with Senator Smith voting no. The committee also adopted an amendment and reported favorably CS/SB 54, which concerns use of substances affecting cognitive function and limits certain medical-record disclosures to information relevant to investigations of violent offenders; Senator Smith voted no on that measure as well. Next, the committee considered Senator Berman’s bills on domestic and dating violence. CS/SB 296 would direct a study of a secure web-based alert platform for victims, including a discreet phone-number/code system and geolocation support, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to dating-violence victims. The bill drew emotional support testimony from survivors and advocates describing the dangers victims face when trying to leave abusive situations, and it was reported favorably. Its companion, CS/SB 298, would extend public-records protections in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating-violence victims; it was also reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not even going to touch on this, except that technology is always a change agent, and AI may very
• advancements right now—technology that is replacing, will replace our workforce.
• So, how is that measure coming into place regarding the technology replacing the workforce?
• Should we be manufacturing some of the higher-end technology here?
• The United States investing in space technology, at any level?

Transcript Highlights:

• This provides that the technology grants that are currently available for child care programs can also
• Unfortunately, efficiency when it comes to technology is not serving our counties well right now.
• Then they're having to figure out how to use what we call green screen technology.
• They are using technology and intense workarounds to try to get the data that we have just entered into
• As Commissioner Halverson testified, we couldn't thank you more for the investments in This technology

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• will make flexible capital available to small rural businesses in the agribusiness, manufacturing technology
• And I'm just dying out there that we update our database to be up to update our technology within the
• agency to be able to mitigate and almost eliminate some of these issues that we're having in the technology
• Now in 2021, we came back and we tweak some of the technology to make the initial filing of unemployment
• just knowing that we will continue to have issues with this because we're not investing in the technology

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we're working very hard with TDCJ to ensure that we implement appropriate technology in the classroom
• Currently, four of our 100 campuses have technology in the classrooms that contains computers.
• Art Technology Training Grant, which is a re-entry initiative where we are teaching technology skills
• And they've never used a tablet or a computer, so getting them comfortable with that technology so that
• I just I think that we need to implement that same type of technology at our prisons.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• signify Texas's commitment to attracting investment and supporting the development of nuclear technologies
• expenses to that entity that is either developing or deploying nuclear supply chain or nuclear technology
• challenges, permitting processes, as well as the actual construction costs associated with nuclear technology
• the federal level will... ...improve regarding the timelines and the efficiency for which nuclear technology

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um all of your technology improvements. um all of your technology improvements.
• those technology replacement programs. those technology replacement programs.
• We don't know what it's going to cost. technology program. technology program.
• <03:34:56.399> And technology, this Bitcoin technology.
• And technology, this Bitcoin technology.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a local program might offer technology assistance, social engagement, activities, caregiver
• Helping older adults avoid isolation, remain engaged, access technology, and recognize scams are not
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues.
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues all around them.
• So many of the activities contemplated by SB 971, whether that's technology assistance, social engagement

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care met without an initial quorum and heard four Senate bills focused on older adults and people with disabilities. SB 837 by Senator Reyes would require Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness education tailored to older adults and people with disabilities. Supporters, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the California Commission on Aging, cited recent wildfire deaths and the need for better evacuation planning and preparedness. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. SB 971 by Senator Choi would create a Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program to encourage voluntary local partnerships, including with community colleges and other entities, to support social connection, technology help, caregiver resources, and other healthy aging activities. Supporters said it would promote independence and prevent isolation at no mandated cost, while one member questioned whether the bill addressed a current legal gap and whether public health departments should be involved. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion and re-referred it to the Committee on Health. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would allow Aging and Disability Resource Connections to continue operating for one to two years during transitions when an area agency on aging or independent living center operator changes, preventing service disruptions. Testimony from Access Central Coast and the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging emphasized the importance of continuity for thousands of clients. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 991 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to classify substantiated abuse in residential care facilities for the elderly by specific abuse type rather than a broad residents’ rights category. Ombudsman advocates argued this would improve transparency and accountability; members also discussed whether similar protections should extend to younger adults in other licensed settings. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a local program might offer technology assistance, social engagement, activities, caregiver
• Helping older adults avoid isolation, remain engaged, access technology, and recognize scams are not
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues.
• That can be problems with technology. That can be financial fraud issues all around them.
• So many of the activities contemplated by SB 971, whether that’s technology assistance, social engagement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• extending up to five years if the contract is for the procurement of educational materials with a technology
• bodies shall not obligate funds beyond a period of one year except for contracts executed to procure technology
• Local fiscal bodies must justify entering into multi-year technology license service agreements by maintaining
• bodies shall not obligate funds beyond a period of one year except for contracts executed to procure technology
• Local fiscal bodies must justify entering into multi-year technology license service agreements by maintaining

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then took up several House bills with strike-and-insert amendments. House Bill 5510 was amended to incorporate provisions from Senate Bills 1065 and 928, modernizing Alcohol Beverage Control licensing and adding rules for low-proof spirit alcohol products, including a $1.25 per gallon tax; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 5453 on school funding. After discussion of a proposed block-grant system and supplemental aid for special education, the committee adopted an amendment replacing much of the bill with weighted funding for level two and level three special education students, exempting those funds from block grant rules and limiting their use to direct instruction. The committee also adopted a clarification to extend the special education funding to charter school students and reported the amended bill to the Senate. House Bill 5412, dealing with multi-year technology licensing contracts for local fiscal bodies and science-of-reading training for K-5 teachers, was amended to clarify contract language, delay implementation dates, change “endorsement” to “training,” and require charter school teachers to participate; it was then reported. The committee next amended and reported House Bill 4006, which creates aerospace development and workforce grant programs, changing the funding mechanism to use Department of Commerce reporting and personal income tax proceeds rather than direct employee withholdings. It also took up House Bill 4009, combining voluntary portable benefits for independent contractors with microcredentialing and an expanded apprenticeship tax credit, adopted the Finance Committee amendment, and reported it. Finally, House Bill 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia training reimbursement program was amended to raise the annual employer reimbursement cap from $50,000 to $100,000 while keeping the $10,000 per-employee limit, and the committee reported the bill. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't want the public to know their statistics in terms of case management and technology, etc.
• There's statistics in terms of case management and technology, et cetera.
• The intent of the exemption for wastewater was to incentivize oil and gas companies to invest in technologies
• A lot of this is because of the technology that people began to invest from 2007 going forward.
• emission reduction committee, the tobacco settlement permanent trust account, and the jobs, energy, technology

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate. Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Innovative technologies for harmful algae blooms at $15 million.
• All IT recommendations were included in the Information Technology, Budget, and Policy Subcommittee recommendations
• All IT recommendations were included in the Information Technology, Budget, and Policy Subcommittee recommendations
• All IT recommendations were included in the Information Technology, Budget, and Policy Subcommittee recommendations
• The technology, budget, and policy subcommittee recommendations were issued last week.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to consider three bills before moving to its budget presentation. HB 843, relating to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, was explained as a set of clarifying changes to improve budget flexibility, including use of certain trust funds for law enforcement and other conservation-related purposes. After questions about whether the bill would shift resources away from conservation, an amendment removed the sections dealing with the Administrative Trust Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The amended bill received support in public testimony and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 295, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026 based on prior recycling recommendations. Supporters, including students involved in an “Ought to Be a Law” program and representatives from the waste and recycling industry, said the bill would create a roadmap for improving recycling and waste diversion. An opponent argued the state should instead enact more direct statutory changes on issues such as food waste, yard waste, and manure handling rather than study them further. Members praised the student participation and the bill passed. HB 339, creating a temporary alternative credentialing pathway for surveyors and mappers, was presented as a response to workforce shortages and an aging profession. The sponsor said the bill would help meet demand while preserving oversight, and an amendment added a four-year work requirement and adjusted renewal provisions. After brief supportive debate, the amended bill passed. The subcommittee then received its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal, which emphasized spending reductions, vacant-position cuts, and a smaller overall budget than the current year while still funding water resources, Everglades restoration, resiliency, land management, cleanup programs, agriculture facilities, and other projects. Members closed by thanking the chair for an inclusive budget process, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I don't know a lot about technology, but I know that technology can sure help in this way.
• But I know that technology can sure help in this way.
• We didn't have today's technology.
• Does the technology exist?
• Is there the technology? Is it available?

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness and flooding hearing opened with quorum calls, prayer, testimony time limits, and remarks from legislative leaders emphasizing decorum, respect, and the goal of learning from the July 4 flood to prevent future loss of life. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows said the special session and hearings were intended to hear directly from local officials and residents, and that the state would pursue immediate and longer-term legislation and continue working beyond the current session. The committee then heard invited testimony from Kerr County, Kerrville, Kendall County, Real County, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, followed by member questions. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, and emergency management coordinator William B. Thomas described the flood as a sudden, unprecedented event that overwhelmed local systems before many officials or residents understood the danger. They said the county received multiple National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, but the rain fell in remote upstream areas with limited gauges, and the flood rose too quickly for normal response. They detailed the emergency response, including dispatchers handling heavy call volumes, deputies and volunteer firefighters conducting rescues, and state and federal partners assisting. County officials said 108 people died, including 37 children, and two remained missing. They called for better real-time flood detection, stronger rural emergency management resources, improved broadband and cell coverage, and more funding for swift-water rescue and warning systems. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and City Manager Dalton Rice said the city had floodplain rules, emergency plans, and prior preparedness efforts, but the event exposed gaps in communications and regional warning capacity. They urged the Legislature to fund a flood warning system, whether sirens, automated alerts, or a hybrid, and asked for support for predictive weather modeling, broadband expansion, a hazard mitigation fund, and disaster recovery resources. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority said it had long funded gauges and pursued flood-warning and mitigation projects, including a new software-based flood prediction system and possible retention dams, and planned to dedicate reserve funds to feasibility studies and infrastructure improvements. Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said his county’s emergency action plan and early alerts helped prevent deaths there, and he recommended easier access to alerting tools, a river-wide warning system, simpler grant applications, and regional coordination. Real County Judge Bella Rubio said rural counties face major challenges because of limited cell service, broadband, staffing, and funding, especially for camps and visitors along the Frio and Nueces rivers, and argued that reliable alert systems should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury. Members asked about the timeline of the flood, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and funding, and several witnesses said the key lessons were better communications, better warning systems, and more investment in rural flood mitigation and emergency response.

Transcript Highlights:

• bringing a Renaissance to us technology bringing a Renaissance to us technology manufacturing<02
• And you get the union going, oh, no, you can't use technology.
• And you get the union going, oh, no, you can't use technology.
• The fact of the matter is a technology change. Do you now go home and hit a button?
• Maybe the revolution is the way you stabilize U.S. debt: stop being afraid of technology.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:10:34.319> feasible<04:10:34.720> and technologically feasible and technologically
• efficiency technologies. efficiency technologies.
• New standards must be technologically feasible and economically justified.
• And over time, technology has improved time and time again.
• time<04:41:40.718> and<04:41:40.878> time technology has improved time and time technology

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mentioned all those three because they’re kind of, well, not exactly in order of emerging technology
• And that’s basically the kinds of technologies that are either present or emerging.
• that are either present or technologies that are either present or emerging<00:24:05.120> um<
• <00:39:14.119> like rate payer uh you know Technologies like rate payer uh you know Technologies
• Others say that, you know, the technology has risen to the point where it's clean and safe.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And create a plan for future sensors that use advanced technology.
• We didn't have today's technology.
• Does the technology exist?
• This technology backs up, goes back to like 1948.
• There are many military events that have utilized this technology.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, heat pumps are very efficient water heating technology.
• My comments are more heating technology.
• in the state of the only technology in the state of Hawaii<00:41:59.280> that<00:41:59.599>
• written imposes a 15-year uh technology written imposes a 15-year uh technology limit<00:42:09.839
• <00:42:53.280> um<00:42:53.440> or other water heating technology um or other water

Bills: HB1739, HB1741, HB2606, HB2362, HB2608, HB2294, HB2431, HB2375, HB2582, HB2585, HB2231, HB1601, HB2424, HB1956

Keywords: transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.