Transcript Highlights:

• HB 3497 by Richard Hayes relating to fees required to be provided by a tenant or prospective tenant in
• HB 3503 by Drew Darby relating to the social work licensure compact authorizing fees for the Committee
• the program of the Texas Department of Transportation to allow a real property owner to plant or replace
• HB 3519 by Lyle Larson relating to increasing criminal penalties and authorizing a fee for offenses,
• proposal includes provisions for occupational licensing under the compact, limiting certain taxes and fees

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:27:39.040> on somehow put extra registration fees on somehow put extra registration fees
• It will only replace the rest of the new bill with just that.
• So, they're saying that because it says replace all of section one with just A, it remove C. Okay.
• So, they're saying that because it says replace all of section one with just A, it remove C. Okay.
• Um, we had a like our our replacements.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• impact fees is there a reservoir of fees impact fees is there a reservoir of fees that<00:45:24.839
• to impact fee law, those fees are supposed to be updated every three years, which they just haven't
• fee law those fees according to impact fee law those fees are<00:50:10.359> supposed<00:50:10.640
• Authority administers School impact fees Authority administers School impact fees previously<00:
• I will note that school impact fees replace the fair share program that was referenced by other testimony

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This wouldn't be any additional fees.
• We didn't do a quite a replace all.
• to Yeah. replace that. In both places. to Yeah. replace that. In both places.
• Under fees, pet vendors...
• Under<03:52:18.000> fees,<03:52:18.560> pet<03:52:18.840> vendors Under fees, pet

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Graduates only pay an application fee, and then a nominal equipment fee when they receive their service
• , Graduates only pay uh application fee, Graduates only pay uh application fee, and<00:09:06.440>
• <00:09:08.680> when and then a nominal equipment fee when and then a nominal equipment fee
• . fee-for-service. fee-for-service.
• . fee-for-service. fee-for-service.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register. House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register. Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• While counties are required to submit fee schedules biannually, the law does not clearly specify how
• The current law regarding fee schedules for attorneys who accept these court appointments is. unclear
• asked them to submit their family protection representation fee schedules. fee schedules do not match
• This bill simply creates narrowly tailored rules for fee schedules and child protection cases.
• Some language that we did have in there that got removed we were asking for expert witness fees.

Bills: SB387, SB1650, SB1838, SB1839, SB1923, SB1940, SB2052

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation

Transcript Highlights:

• the fee.
• The local government imposing the fee has to show that the person who pays the fee gets a benefit from
• The payer of the fee has to get value out of paying the fee.
• The local government imposing the fee has to show that the person who pays the fee gets a benefit from
• Just curious about the sidewalk utility fee. I'm curious about the sidewalk utility fee.

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 814, line 11, replace Hendricks Davis with Davis Hendricks.
• Page 1033, line 18, replace re-engroased with engrossed.
• The bill defines key terms and addresses criminal justice fees.
• fees of $55 currently imposed by DOCR.
• The bill also removes indigent defense fees, including the $35 application fee for hiring a defense attorney

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page three, line 16, strike the word 20 and replace in lieu thereof 30.
• Strike the word 20 and replace in lieu thereof 30. On page four, line six, same thing.
• Strike the word 20 and replace in lieu thereof 30. Same thing.
• Strike the word 20 and replace in lieu thereof 30.
• And one more place on page 6, line 2, strike the word 20 and replace in lieu thereof 30.

Bills: SB190, SB152, SB77, SB150, SB151, SB156, SB172, SB182, SB185, SB212, SB170, SB133, SB174, SB163

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• directs the Agency of Healthcare Administration to seek federal approval and update managed care for fee-for-service
• between every six months and one year, and in between there are adjustments and changes and sometimes replacing
• can see, especially when you have a growing child who would also need those activity prosthetics replaced
• And I want to clarify that we do not include the reimbursement for tuition fees in the House bill.
• Sarah Brooks Fiedler: The legal fees combined with the COVID-19 pandemic the following year almost led

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A fee, which, by the way, is unregulated in the bill.
• We're setting it into law, we're allowing them to charge a fee.
• We're not even putting a cap on the fee. That ought to be what they earn for it.
• They get to charge their fee, and that's it, and that's it. Perfect.
• There is a fee for an expedited delivery.

Transcript Highlights:

• If a public employee or retiree pays that direct fee out of pocket under a state health plan, it does
• So, it's membership-based clinics, and I operate on a monthly fee.
• So the physician is the one who sets up the fee schedule, correct? That would be correct.
• So that would be the range within the fee schedule.
• The cost of replacing our experienced officers over the next year is $1.5 million.

Bills: HB3015, HB3521, HB5632, HJR182, SJR57

Keywords: healthcare, direct primary care, insurance deductibles, Texas Health Benefit Plans, telemedicine, police retirement, disability pension, municipalities, law enforcement, retirement benefits, retirement, beneficiary, Employees Retirement System of Texas, divorce decree, beneficiary designation, Veterans' Land Board, general obligation bonds, constitutional amendment, veterans, housing assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• President again I'd like to know what the fee amount would like to know what the fee amount would be
• When I park, there are often fees or taxes there, too.
• I'm paying the delivery fee and everything to come this morning.
• Show me where in the bill raised his fees.
• Raising fees.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• allows the General Services Department (GSD) to collect up to $10 million per year in building use fees
• . is based on a schedule of building use fees authorized in state law.
• Current law allows GSD to collect up to $10 million per year in building use fees.
• So that's not... 100% based on the fees. So that's not out of the general fund.
• They said they replaced their AWAS; they flat out lied.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're culverts that are perched that are going to be replaced by arches.
• <00:03:53.599> going<00:03:53.680> to<00:03:53.760> be<00:03:53.920> replaced
• <00:03:54.400> by perched that are going to be replaced by perched that are going to be replaced
• >> So, the retailers are not going to be hurt by any fee assessment.
• for a soda or a bag of paying the fees for a soda or a bag of chips.<00:41:02.160> And<00:41:

Bills: SF0052, SF0024

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and replacing stolen carts is already a real cost of doing business for retailers.
• Um<00:37:46.400> and<00:37:46.720> replacing<00:37:47.200> stolen<00:37:47.599><
• Um and replacing stolen carts is already a<00:37:48.800> real<00:37:48.960> cost<00:37
• Additional fines or empowerment<00:37:52.800> fees<00:37:53.119> place<00:37:53.359>
• The owner may recover an impounded cart upon payment of a buyback fee without any fines.

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• **Witness**: The base fee is about $27,000 a month. Thank you.
• They ended up paying the full fee. Yeah.
• It's either been through natural attrition or replacement with a better staff member.
• The fee is what? How much did you say? Twenty-something, 27,000? Okay.
• That's to replace that and move that out the door.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who is responsible for the potable water lines, the maintenance, repair, and replacement of potable water
• The bill actually says to charge the same fee that you're charging your residence, being that North Miami
• Our first resolve was to ask them to just lower the fee.
• Our first resolve was to ask them to just lower the fee.
• replace the— Yes, which will replace the strike-all amendment.

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief debate and roll call votes. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it had support from Americans for Prosperity. SB 606 clarified when nonpaying guests may be removed from public lodging establishments, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from Florida Realtors, the Asian American Hotel Association, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. SB 202 addressed a long-running dispute between Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach over a water utility surcharge, requiring the utility to charge residents in the city where the plant sits the same rate as its own residents; supporters argued it was a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach opposed it as a burden on its residents. All three bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 570, which updates and clarifies the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and CS/SB 928, which targets non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display visible to minors, increasing inspections and penalties, and adopting an amendment to clarify the bill does not cover fully unlawful products and to add a 500-foot school buffer for smoke shops. SB 346, dealing with state preemption of local regulation of hoisting equipment, was reported favorably after testimony about the St. Petersburg crane collapse during Hurricane Milton; supporters said local governments need authority to address hurricane-related crane safety, while builders and contractors warned against patchwork regulation and urged a more targeted approach. The committee then considered SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks under veterinarian supervision, including limited surgical procedures after an amendment clarified those procedures are limited to spay/neuter and non-cavity surgeries. Supporters said the bill would expand access to veterinary care and help shelters, while some veterinarians expressed concern about training and safety; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up SB 354 on the Public Service Commission, adopting a substitute amendment that would expand the commission, require stronger financial expertise and more detailed rate justifications, set rate-filing schedules, tighten storm-hardening review, and add transparency rules for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the bill drew support from consumer advocates and AARP, while Florida Rural Water warned of unintended consequences for nonprofit systems. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 354 is still underway, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifying that rental car companies pay a flat fee.
• I did see in both of your testimonies the recommendation in terms of a flat fee for rental cars, so is
• That's really getting at the heart of the black fee. Okay, yeah, thank you. Thank you, Chair.
• for rental cars so is that flat Fe fee for rental cars so is that part<00:10:31.240> of<00:10
• for rental cars correct okay and fee for rental cars correct okay and then<00:10:35.680> a<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• to a fee sale essentially of um seated to a fee sale essentially of um seated lands<00:03:57.120>
• If not, our next bill is Senate Bill 2197 relating to housing, which replaces the 5-year period during
• 2197 relating to housing, which replaces 2197 relating to housing, which replaces the<00:08:16.960
• <00:15:20.000> for<00:15:20.240> the Senate Bill 2197, which replaces for the Senate
• the words 5-year with and replaces the words 5-year with option. option. option.

Bills: SB2045, SB2354

Keywords: combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land. They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.