Transcript Highlights:

• I know there's more conversation taking place about the exact language moving forward to some of the
• And we had great conversations about it. What does freedom mean?
• We had a very spirited debate and conversation on this resolution, HR 47.
• of home ownership were a weekly conversation in my household.
• Please take your conversations off the floor.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , um, but there would be a wide variety of other topics within that conversation.
• Uh, a couple of years ago, we had a really good conversation on drug costs and options for New Mexico
• Just a reminder to keep your conversations because everybody's trying to listen.
• I know we're gonna have a conversation about that during the interim.
• I believe we had a conversation about the data regarding violence and.

Transcript Highlights:

• These NATOs, NADOs, came up in the previous sunset with a conversation with the Funeral Commission. .
• ..previous sunset with a conversation with the Funeral Commission and who was going to be responsible
• You know, a lot of conversations about setting up a regulatory framework around these guys that have
• And it's been, I think, a very enlightening conversation.
• So I did, after some phone conversations and getting some leads from NBC News, After some phone conversations

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.

Transcript Highlights:

• to that conversation earlier, but I absolutely can commit to working with you on everything related to
• So sometimes things will head And then just moving on further conversations on SMR And nuclear power
• Senator, I know that we had a great conversation about drought in the West and how that impacts water
• With rising demand, and I will tell you every time I meet with a tech CEO today, the conversation is
• I appreciated the conversation we had in your office yesterday.

Keywords: nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development

Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm open to all conversations, but I can't say that the way that the bill is currently written.
• Thank you for texting me and for having conversations about the bill.
• it better on the floor today because I already committed myself based on our conversations.
• it better on the floor today because I already committed myself based on our conversations.
• I think we are hearing and seeing that we needed to have this conversation, this discussion.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and voted on a series of bills dealing with traffic enforcement, drug-related homicide charges, vessel regulation, crime-stoppers records, cyber harassment, pawn data sharing, hotel removals of nonpaying guests, and Fish and Wildlife Commission authority. Members and witnesses generally framed the bills around public safety, law enforcement efficiency, victim protection, and property rights, while several bills drew concerns about criminal penalties, due process, and impacts on workers or families. Public testimony included support from sheriffs, police chiefs, AARP, hospitality workers, civil liberties groups, and industry representatives, depending on the bill. PCS for CSHB 351, creating a criminal offense for dangerous excessive speeding, passed 13-4 after debate over whether the new offense would expand search-and-seizure authority and whether the penalties were too harsh. HB 457, which expands third-degree murder to include unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and removes the under-18 exclusion, was amended to add a knowledge/should-have-known fentanyl standard and then passed unanimously 17-0. CS for HB 1285 on disposition of migrant vessels and HB 1149 on vessel accountability both passed unanimously after brief discussion and a cleanup amendment on HB 1149. HB 397, providing a public records exemption for Crime Stoppers organizations, passed 16-0 after a clarifying amendment. HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment also passed 16-0 after an amendment expanding definitions, penalties, civil remedies, and limitations periods. PCS for HB 1359, requiring FDLE to study a statewide pawn database, passed 16-0 with support from law enforcement and concerns about linking local systems and private vendors. CSHB 535, which clarifies when guests in public lodging establishments may be removed for nonpayment and also addressed service-charge language affecting gratuities, generated the most extended debate and strong opposition from hospitality workers and labor advocates over due process and tipped income. Supporters argued it would clarify transient occupancy and protect property owners, but the bill passed 11-6. Finally, CS/HB 1133 on Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission appointments and warrant requirements for FWC officers passed 16-0 after an amendment requiring warrants or probable cause for entry onto private land. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to have to have hard conversations with voters and folks.
• They get the changing conversations at communities.
• I'm sure we're going to have much more conversation as we lay House File 2010 over for possible inclusion
• at communities this won't conversations at communities this won't help<00:24:57.799> that<00:
• As We Lay house file 20 conversation As We Lay house file 20 2010<00:25:07.520> over<00:25:07.799

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was a topic of conversation anywhere you had Republican clubs, what have you.
• They were in active conversations with 40.
• Could be subject to a privileged debate might be a conversation between the legislator and this witness
• that's privileged conversation.
• No one should be afraid to ask a difficult question. in those conversations for fear that they might

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, that's the broader conversation here, and kind of all of education is like that.
• And so this is a broader workforce conversation, and the provider reimbursement rates really do help
• We've had a little bit of conversation in this committee regarding FPL and SMI and perhaps changing the
• So the SR threshold being the 150 FPL, lots of conversation and thought around raising that, recognizing
• And so that's a great conversation I know is being had.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and focused on School Readiness, specifically the new provider reimbursement rates and the School Readiness Plus program. The chair gave an overview of how School Readiness is funded and administered, noting that the Legislature now sets county-based reimbursement rates using market and cost data, and that School Readiness Plus was created to help families who would otherwise fall off the subsidy “cliff” at 85% of state median income by extending assistance up to 100% of state median income. Panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, and the Division of Early Learning described the programs as major workforce and family-support tools that help parents stay employed and help providers recruit and retain qualified staff. Testimony emphasized that higher reimbursement rates increase parental choice, help providers cover rising child care costs, and support better staffing and lower turnover. The panel also said School Readiness Plus is easing the pressure on families to turn down raises or promotions for fear of losing child care assistance, though uptake is still early because the program only began in late 2024 and is only available to current School Readiness families at redetermination. The Division of Early Learning reported about 275 children enrolled in School Readiness Plus as of March 10, with expenditures of about $161,420 through January 2025, and said participation is increasing. Members asked about the federal-state funding split, wait lists, reverted funds, coalition accountability, county-based rate differences, and whether the entrance eligibility threshold should be raised or shifted to state median income. The panel said roughly 70% of School Readiness funding is federal, about 4% has typically reverted in recent years, and the wait list is around 12,000 children, with reasons including income ineligibility, lack of available seats, and funding limits. They argued that raising the entrance threshold would expand access but would require additional funding, and they also discussed the need to reduce workforce barriers such as in-person testing and training requirements. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond the presentation and member discussion, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll have a conversation afterwards. The security around this, are we using CrowdStrike?
• These budgets for cloud conversion to move over, do they include hardware, router switches, firewall.
• We'll have a conversation afterwards. The security around this, are we using CrowdStrike?
• This conversation could take a minute.
• I've been excited about this conversation.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a panel on state cloud modernization efforts after canceling an LBR on the Department of Corrections’ OBIS project because the presentation materials were not submitted on time. Florida Digital Service, the Northwest Regional Data Center, and several agencies described how the state is assessing and migrating applications to cloud environments under the cloud-first policy. Northwest explained its 2023 cloud readiness assessment of 890 applications from 24 agencies, the criteria used to rate readiness and risk, and its recommendation to tackle lower-risk applications first. Agency updates covered the Department of Corrections’ modernization of 98 legacy applications tied to OBIS and cloud-native infrastructure, the Department of Elder Affairs’ Microsoft Power Platform modernization, the Department of Health’s health management and child protection systems, and FDOT’s large cloud program for transportation systems. Members repeatedly asked about costs, data ownership, disaster recovery, single sign-on, security tools, and whether cloud migration actually saves money; presenters generally said the focus is more on modernization, resilience, and efficiency than immediate savings, and that cost analyses are often application-specific rather than enterprise-wide. The discussion also covered governance and architecture questions. Florida Digital Service said agencies remain responsible for their own databases and cloud tenants, while FLDS provides advice and an enterprise architecture framework; it does not have statutory oversight over most projects, except for OBIS project oversight due to its size. Northwest said it is acting as a cloud broker for some agencies and is consolidating Azure and AWS payer tenants to seek better pricing, but agencies still make system-by-system decisions based on business needs, risk, latency, and total cost of ownership. Members raised concerns about fragmented data structures, the lack of a complete statewide application inventory, and the need for better interoperability and enterprise standards. Several agencies said disaster recovery is built into their cloud plans, and FDOT and Corrections described ongoing efforts to keep systems current through core platforms, training, and ongoing support. In the second half of the meeting, the Department of State presented two new technology requests. Secretary Byrd described the SunBiz corporate registry system as a 34-year-old platform supporting more than 3.5 million business entities and generating over $575 million in annual general revenue. He said the department had already virtualized the legacy hardware after earlier modernization efforts failed and is now seeking $800,000 recurring for password protection and $5 million nonrecurring to continue procurement for a replacement system. The department also presented the Florida Voter Registration System modernization request, noting that the current system is outdated and requires manual workarounds for some statutory changes. The department requested $2.4948 million nonrecurring and $44,000 recurring to procure a modernized FVRS solution, and staff said the feasibility study recommended a hybrid approach. Members asked about the study’s findings and about creating a database for voter eligibility information for returning citizens; the department said that would require data sharing with all 67 clerks of court and other entities such as DOC.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, what we want to share today is not simply a conversation about gaming.
• <00:11:18.800> about is not simply a conversation about is not simply a conversation about
• Across community conversations, several themes emerged consistently.
• Across community conversations, several Across community conversations, several themes<00:15:14.080
• And across a lot of these conversations And across a lot of these conversations and<00:16:58.720

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh thank you for having this conversation today. I really appreciate it.
• Uh thank you for having this conversation today. I really appreciate it.
• I really appreciate conversation today.
• Um part of conversation moving forward.
• Um, but, uh, the conversation will continue.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:09.279> um I have had conversations before too. um I have had conversations before
• So I don't think we can have this conversation without having also that conversation.
• So I don't think we can have this conversation without having also that conversation.
• So I don't think we can have this conversation without having also that conversation.
• > without<00:52:18.960> having have this conversation without having have this conversation

Bills: HF3490, HF4040

Keywords: education finance, scholarship-granting organizations, charitable purposes, student scholarships, nonpublic schools, K-12 education, tax credit, advance payment, Minnesota tax law, child education expenses, taxpayer assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this is a conversation that we all have a vested interest in.
• You know, this is a conversation that we all have a vested interest in.
• And so, I had conversations with city council members in Glasgow.
• And so, I had conversations with city council members in Glasgow.
• And so, you know, every conversation And so, you know, every conversation that<01:33:49.880>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:13 Approval of Minutes from August Meeting 00:01:55 Discussion of County Jails 00:03:31 Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 01:02:12 Adjournment 01:54:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 26 minutes, and then took up a discussion of county jail funding. KACO representatives and county officials said jail operations are an ongoing strain for counties because they must pay for inmate care, facilities, and mandated standards, while many counties also rely on jail revenue to offset costs. They described Kentucky’s jail system, including 77 jails, 43 closed counties without jails, and the mix of county, state, federal, and controlled-intake inmates. KACO emphasized that counties remain financially responsible for inmates even when they must contract with other jails, often at costs above the state’s per diem rate, and said it is developing a broader proposal to present later. The testimony focused on rising expenses and shrinking revenue. KACO said counties spent about $374 million on jail operations in FY24, up 24% from FY19, and about $41 million on jail medical costs, up 40%. General fund support for jails was said to total $147 million in FY24, more than double pre-COVID levels. Speakers also noted that state inmate populations in county jails have fallen from about 11,500 in 2019 to 7,212 in 2025, while federal inmates have increased because they are more lucrative for counties. The state jail per diem of $35.34 was described as insufficient to cover actual costs, especially medical care. County judges from Webster, Knox, and Hardin counties gave examples of local budget pressure. Webster County said it now houses 114 state prisoners, 47 county prisoners, and 24 out-of-county prisoners, and that it transferred $512,000 from its general fund to the jail last year, about $77 per taxpayer. Knox County said its jail budget has grown from an initial $2.8 million projection to $5.7 million, with $3 million coming from occupational tax revenue. Hardin County said its jail has an approximate $11 million expense budget against $5 million in revenue, creating a $6 million deficit, driven by higher payroll, medical, and insurance costs and a 29% drop in state prisoner revenue. The judge said the county has responded with property tax increases and an expanded occupational tax district, but still uses reserves to cover other county services. A Grant County magistrate then began speaking from the perspective of magistrates and commissioners, describing her background working at a local jail before serving in county government. The discussion remained centered on the fiscal burden of jails and the need for counties and the legislature to work together on a long-term solution.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:36.280> The recording of the conversation. The recording of the conversation.
• <00:04:48.600> with accuracy of all our conversations with accuracy of all our conversations
• <01:01:45.760> They conversations about data privacy.
• They conversations about data privacy.
• The conversation about why do we need it today? Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that was sort of the impetus for this, but yeah, certainly open to more conversations.
• I'm certainly open to more conversations. Oh, sorry, can you hear me? Yes.
• So that was sort of the impetus for this, but yeah, certainly open to more conversations.
• my constituents and in my conversations my constituents and in my conversations with<00:38:04.960
• . conversations. conversations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the time to have this conversation through next year.
• We have the time to have this conversation through next year.
• have this conversation through next year. year. year.
• President, I believe those are finally the right conversations. Thank you.
• <01:46:24.560> to all along to drive a conversation to all along to drive a conversation to

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . conversation. conversation.
• You know, I appreciate this conversation.
• know, I appreciate uh this conversation. know, I appreciate uh this conversation.
• , this really excellent conversation, this really excellent conversation, committee<01:23:04.560>
• conversations with manufacturers, both conversations with manufacturers, both those<01:29:30.320

Bills: HF2986, HF3555

Keywords: virtual power plant, VPP, distributed energy resources, DER, demand response, load management, grid modernization, peak demand, peak shaving, battery storage, energy storage, solar photovoltaic, solar panels, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, heat pumps, aggregator, public utilities commission, PUC, rate recovery

Transcript Highlights:

• > had<00:22:20.440> on<00:22:20.560> a conversations were being had on a conversations
• Those conversations occurred prior to the award of this design contract.
• Is that conversation still ongoing, and where is it at right now?
• <00:59:44.360> in you and I have had the conversation in you and I have had the conversation
• So, all of those things considered, it's a serious conversation that's been going on.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with the pledge and prayer, a roll call established quorum, and members announced a Veterans Caucus meeting to follow the session. The committee also recognized distinguished veteran Joe Mash Masterson of Bardstown, who was praised for his Army service, long-time advocacy for veterans, and leadership in the American Legion and local veteran organizations. Masterson thanked his family, the American Legion Post 121, and the VA staff, and several members offered remarks honoring his service and the committee’s practice of recognizing veterans. The committee then briefly addressed a referred administrative regulation, 017 KAR 001 030, which leadership described as technical updates to existing policy; no vote was taken. After that, members heard testimony from KDVA and Finance and Administration officials on the ongoing HVAC replacement project at the Radcliffe Veteran Center. Officials said the system had been problematic for years, that design work began early to accelerate the project, and that the work was complicated by the need to replace the system in an operating nursing facility. They explained that the project was bid in March, awarded to Less Mechanical, and that protective measures, shop drawings, and equipment orders were underway. Committee members pressed officials on why the problem had taken so long to resolve, why the original system had been installed, whether the issue had been communicated regularly, and whether the state should be paying for a replacement in a relatively new facility. Officials said the original system’s components and warranties had failed, that they had tried to replace parts before moving to a full replacement, and that the system’s manufacturer and quality differed from a similar facility in Glasgow that had not had the same issues. They said the current phase one contract was about $6 million, with the remaining funds held for phase two to restore full occupancy; phase two design was nearly complete and could be bid later if funding is approved. Officials estimated phase one completion around January 2026 and full completion around March 2027, depending on funding and scheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another conversation I've sales taxes.
• produces some of the best conversations produces some of the best conversations and<00:42:33.120
• other states as of that the conversation other states as well?
• So, this is a conversation that's been going on for a little while now.
• Um this lot of conversations similarly.

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, we're just going to have a great conversation today.
• this presentation and this conversation this presentation and this conversation that<01:09:07.359
• We wanted to have the conversation today, see where it goes.
• We wanted to have the conversation today, see where it goes.
• We wanted to have the conversation today, see where it goes.

Keywords: 1183, house