Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1107, peace officer certificate alternative pathways.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The county is also on the pathway for numerous migratory species because there are over 26,000 acres

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, down in southwest Florida, we have our Pathways to Opportunities in Palm Beach County.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met to consider CS for SB 1121, a bill on children with developmental disabilities, especially autism. Senator Harrell said the bill would expand early screening and referrals, extend Early Steps services, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish an autism microcredential for instructional personnel. Supporters, including Florida Goodwill Association, Florida DD Council, Florida for Florida’s Future, and Autism Speaks, said the measure would improve workforce training, early intervention, and educational outcomes for children with autism. The committee adopted two amendments. One expanded the Early Steps extended option so services continue until a child enters school, rather than ending at age four. The second addressed fiscal impacts, with discussion indicating no immediate cost this year but projected impacts of about $8.5 million in 2026-27 and about $15 million in 2027-28 as the program fully ramps up. Members also asked about Medicaid coverage, provider shortages, training, and whether private schools could receive charter-school grants; Senator Harrell said Medicaid-covered children would remain covered, the microcredential would be online and free, no provider reimbursement increases were built into the bill, and private schools would not be eligible for the charter-school grants. After debate, including supportive remarks from President Passidomo emphasizing early detection and research into autism causes, the committee voted to report CS for SB 1121 favorably. The motion passed by roll call, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It recognizes that young people deserve a pathway to healing.
• planning, real family engagement, and access to education, including special education, that has a pathway
• probation violation as described in this bill—is critical for compassionately supporting people on the pathway
• This legislation provides a pathway for individuals to be evaluated in appropriate community settings
• Section 12 provides family members and members of the general public a pathway to seek emergency intervention

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the cabinet's procurement office, and we've asked them to tell us the most inclusive procurement pathway
• the cabinet's procurement office, and we've asked them to tell us the most inclusive procurement pathway
• the cabinet's procurement office, and we've asked them to tell us the most inclusive procurement pathway
• But no, if it's not-for-profit agencies, it's our intention to be as inclusive as possible. pathway which
• is available to to meet pathway which is available to to meet that<00:39:04.000> need.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the district is trying to get this information on this thing, and it's going to go through this pathway
• of the district is trying to get this information on this thing, and it's going to go through this pathway
• to<02:00:57.840> go<02:00:58.000> through<02:00:58.239> this<02:00:58.480> pathway
• <02:00:59.040> They<02:00:59.280> didn't to go through this pathway.
• They didn't to go through this pathway.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes refining referral pathways, eligibility criteria, service definitions, and utilization
• This includes refining referral pathways, eligibility criteria, service definitions, utilization management
• So some of these are also related to the referral pathway.
• remediation and medically tailored meals really are kind of clinical decisions, and having a real referral pathway
• remediation and medically tailored meals really are kind of clinical decisions, and having a real referral pathway

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our Pathways emergency shelter housing program.
• This<00:37:50.440> is<00:37:50.600> our<00:37:50.720> Pathways<00:37:51.320>
• emergency<00:37:52.000> shelter This is our Pathways emergency shelter This is our Pathways
• We know this is not enough, but are still grateful to have Pathways shelter and housing program.

Bills: HF4234, HF3697, HF1183, HF4738

Keywords: HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund, Minnesota Statutes, time limit, claims, tax overpayment, taxation

Summary: The committee first adopted the April 14, 2026 minutes as amended, correcting a misspelling in the reference to Chair Davids. It then heard House File 4234, a tax-exempt bonding/affordable housing bill from Representative Rey Rower, and adopted a technical A1 amendment before laying the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. The bill would conform Minnesota law to recent federal changes to low-income housing tax credit rules by lowering the amount of tax-exempt bonds needed for projects to qualify, with the stated goal of spreading bond allocations across more projects and increasing affordable housing production without additional state funds. Testimony in support came from the bill author, the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and Mary Tingerthal, who said the change would increase efficiency in the use of federal bond authority and could raise the number of funded housing projects from about 16 to 25 per year, bringing in roughly $120 million more annually for housing. Members discussed where the benefits would be felt statewide, including greater Minnesota and larger metro areas, and the author said the bill would help address shortages in affordable and senior housing. The committee took no final vote on the bill, instead laying it over. The committee next heard House File 3697 from Vice Chair Norris, which would change Minnesota’s tax refund claim timelines to better align with federal law and most other states. The author and a tax attorney testifier said the bill would reduce confusion and help taxpayers, especially vulnerable individuals who may overpay or be overassessed and then miss the current deadline to seek refunds. The Department of Revenue said it had no concerns with the language and did not oppose the bill, and the committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Finally, the committee began hearing House File 4738 from Representative Keeler, a Safe Harbor funding proposal for victims of sex trafficking and sexually exploited youth. The author described Safe Harbor as a statewide program serving youth across Minnesota and said the committee should consider creative funding options, but Chair Davids stated the proposed funding source would not work because it would take money from women’s sports scholarships. Testifiers from Lake House in Duluth and a former Safe Harbor youth described the program’s impact on homeless and trafficked youth, including shelter, mental health services, education, and transition to adulthood. The hearing continued with testimony, but no action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• applications, each representing a program aimed at reducing overdose deaths and strengthening recovery pathways
• 01:51:00.680> recovery deaths and strengthening recovery deaths and strengthening recovery pathways
• . pathways. pathways.
• can get these monies out there and meet Vermonters where they're at and help build those durable pathways

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including referral of Senate Bill 211 on motor vehicle inspections to the Transportation Committee and Senate Bill 298 creating the Vermont Voting Rights Act to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. The chamber also referred House bills reported by Ways and Means to Appropriations, including H. 211 on data brokers and personal information and H. 931 on miscellaneous education law changes. JRH9, a joint resolution urging the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to reconsider its opposition to rapid prompting method communication instruction for students with apraxia of speech or autism, was read and referred to Human Services. Several announcements followed, including a welcome to members of the Vermont chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, a reminder about an education reform meeting, and a correction regarding a prior reference to S. 138 of 2023 and the working group on student protections from harassment and discrimination in schools. The House also recognized guests in the gallery, including Donnie Kanovsky, who was described as a proponent of JRH9. The Speaker announced that H. 606 on firearms procedures, H. 642 on youthful offender proceedings, and later H. 585 would be bumped to later in the calendar. The House then took up H. 537, the right to grow vegetable gardens. The committee explained the bill would protect vegetable gardening in common interest communities and rental housing, while allowing reasonable restrictions and landlord or association oversight; witnesses included a South Burlington resident, HOA and landlord representatives, and legislative counsel. The committee reported an 8-0-0 vote, the House adopted the committee amendment, and ordered third reading. The chamber then passed H. 171 on Attorney General investigations into a law enforcement officer’s use of a firearm and H. 519 allowing Randolph police officers to enroll in Group C of the state retirement system. The House also passed H. 536 on toxic heavy metals in baby food products after extended debate over whether infant formula should be included. Supporters said the bill would help parents make informed choices and noted the amendment was intended to align with federal action; opponents argued formula-specific federal work was still underway and urged waiting. The chamber then passed H. 550 on gender equity in correctional facilities, H. 733 on franchise agreements, H. 775 on housing production tools, H. 887 on crime victim status under the Fair Employment Practices Act, H. 917 on military affairs, and H. 921 on alcoholic beverages. Action on H. 930 addressing chronic absenteeism was postponed one legislative day, and H. 942 on miscellaneous agricultural subjects began second reading with the committee outlining sections on water quality training, non-sewage waste management, and unit pricing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, homeownership has been the pathway for families to build stability and build generational
• For decades, homeownership has been the pathway for families to build stability and build generational
• 30.960> the For decades, homeownership has been the For decades, homeownership has been the pathway
• c> families<00:33:32.600> to<00:33:32.800> build<00:33:33.200> stability pathway
• for families to build stability pathway for families to build stability and<00:33:34.880> build

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So within our civil servant uh working uh with Senator Del Cruz is always talking about pathways and
• is always uh with Senator Del Cruz is always talking<00:10:17.920> about<00:10:18.720> pathways
• <00:10:19.440> and<00:10:19.839> ways<00:10:20.160> of talking about pathways
• and ways of talking about pathways and ways of moving<00:10:20.640> up.
• would give them delegation, uh, or something like that, so that departments can see that there is a pathway

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it creates one expedited licensure pathway, and we're also, from my understanding, the boards are
• Um it creates one an expedited uh<01:01:10.480> lensure<01:01:11.040> pathway<01:01:12.160
• and<01:01:12.640> we're<01:01:12.960> also<01:01:13.760> from uh lensure pathway
• and we're also from uh lensure pathway and we're also from my<01:01:14.160> understanding<01:
• explanation of the bill, but the main purpose is again to offer an expedited licensure process or pathway

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions. The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially. The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.

Transcript Highlights:

• mission in mind: to meet people where they are, offer them immediate support, and provide long-term pathways
• taught in our communities that you leave something better than you found it, and I think we can find a pathway
• we<01:05:22.960> can<01:05:23.119> find<01:05:23.200> a<01:05:23.440> pathway
• /c><01:05:23.680> to<01:05:23.839> do<01:05:24.000> that think we can find a pathway
• to do that think we can find a pathway to do that with<01:05:24.319> this<01:05:24.480> and

Bills: HF474, HF218, HF210, HF441, HF691, HF720, HF1068, HF1314, HF1465, HF1860, HF2046, HF1389, HF2404, HF2854, HF2985, HF3128, HF3103, HF778, HF3125

Keywords: HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice, Statuary Hall, United States Capitol, statue replacement, capital investment, general fund appropriation, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Historical Society, public art, commemorative statue, National Statuary Hall Collection, commissioner of administration, cultural heritage, monument, Washington D.C., HF218, Minnesota, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It has bipartisan support, and this allows another pathway for criminal background checks with the A1
• It has bipartisan support, and this allows another pathway for criminal background checks with the A1
• and this it has by bipartisan support and this allows<01:10:14.679> another<01:10:15.440> pathway
• <01:10:16.440> for<01:10:16.679> criminal allows another pathway for criminal allows
• another pathway for criminal background<01:10:17.520> checks<01:10:17.800> with<01:10:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Creating a clear pathway to PCA certification will enhance the professionalism, performance, and quality
• outstanding opportunity for us to work together to meet an acute need in our communities while creating the pathway
• need in our communities while creating need in our communities while creating the<00:15:33.240> pathway
• to<00:15:34.000> gainful<00:15:34.519> employment<00:15:35.519> the the pathway
• to gainful employment the the pathway to gainful employment the three-year<00:15:36.120> pilot

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that Senate Bill 949 provides the best pathway forward.
• We believe that Senate Bill 949 provides the best pathway forward.
• that uh Senate Bill 949 provides<00:56:50.920> the<00:56:51.039> best<00:56:51.319> pathway
• c><00:56:51.680> forward<00:56:52.359> um<00:56:52.880> in provides the best pathway
• forward um in provides the best pathway forward um in there's<00:56:53.440> several<00:56:53.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.

Transcript Highlights:

• if there is a green waste or potential knowledge of something at the port or at the docks in any pathway
• if there is a green waste or potential knowledge of something at the port or at the docks in any pathway
• <01:40:54.520> docks<01:40:55.280> in<01:40:55.560> any<01:40:55.920> pathway
• <01:40:56.480> that<01:40:57.199> we at the docks in any pathway that we at the docks
• in any pathway that we strengthen<01:40:57.880> the<01:40:58.040> language<01:40:58.400

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the goal and the pathway to the 30 by 3, I think?
• Bowan mentioned, if schools do want to innovate and they do want to create their own pathways with the
• to you know be create their<00:44:06.400> own<00:44:06.680> like<00:44:06.960> Pathways
• <00:44:07.640> with<00:44:07.800> the their own like Pathways with the their own like
• Pathways with the approval<00:44:08.280> of<00:44:08.400> the<00:44:08.480> superintendent

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard several Department of Education-related bills and received extensive testimony on school meals and veteran diplomas. HB 628 would restore authority for the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to veterans whose schooling was interrupted by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The superintendent testified in support, explaining the authority had sunset in 2020 and describing the measure as a way to recognize veterans. No opposition or questions were raised, and the bill was left without further action in the excerpt. The committee also heard HB 1074 and HB 110, both supported by the Department of Education and the School Facilities Authority. HB 1074 was described as a cleanup measure to clarify land-related language and make the statute more consistent across state agencies and DOE. HB 110 concerned benchmarking and the farm-to-school/local food effort; DOE and several supporters, including county councils, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, said the bill would help align metrics and support the 30% local food goal by 2030. Members questioned DOE about progress, and DOE said it was working on menus, procurement, and coordination with distributors and farmers. A Farm to School representative said the current bottleneck was poor communication with farmers and the need to bring them into planning earlier; DOE said it was still figuring out the process and that island-based procurement and separate RFPs were being explored. HB 328, relating to school meals and local resource food and plant-based options, drew the most testimony. DOE testified with comments, and the Attorney General’s office suggested revisions to clarify that the bill would apply to both DOE and charter schools, to separate public and private funds if donations or grants are accepted, and to add standards if nonprofit or private entities receive public money. Supporters included HSTA, the Hawaii Public Health Institute/Farm to School Network, Climate Protection Hawaii, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and numerous individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized healthier school meals, student-requested plant-based options, support for local farms, and the 30% by 2030 goal. Some testimony urged more local purchasing and raised concerns about decentralization, while DOE said it was considering island-based procurement and separate contracts to better support local producers. No votes were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance looks like: adopting ordinances that make SB 840 clearer and easier to use and creating pathways
• It's adopting ordinances that make SB 840 clearer and easier to use and creating pathways for developers
• Yes, I'd say especially the larger cities have just created pathways to make it easier to use the law
• Yes, I'd say especially the larger cities have just created pathways to make it easier to use the law
• what the state wanted and what the cities wanted, including stuff like liability of inspectors and pathways

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Summary: The committee met to monitor implementation of several housing-related bills from the 89th session, with the chair emphasizing Texas’s housing shortage and the need to review land-use laws. For House Bill 24, witnesses from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Reason Foundation, a church-affordable housing project, Habitat for Humanity, developers, and housing advocates said the bill’s higher protest threshold and simpler council override had reduced procedural barriers to rezoning, helped projects move forward, and supported lower rents and more multifamily development. Public testimony largely praised HB 24 as working as intended, and the chair noted it had passed the committee 6-1, the House 83-56, and the Senate unanimously. The committee then heard testimony on Senate Bill 1567, which preempted certain municipal occupancy limits based on unrelated-adult restrictions. Supporters, including Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Realtors, Texans for Housing, and Texas A&M student leaders, said the law improved clarity, reduced arbitrary local limits, and helped students and property owners use existing housing more efficiently. Opponents from College Station and Bryan-College Station neighborhood groups argued the law has encouraged investor purchases, tear-downs, and “stealth dorms,” displaced working-class residents, and harmed family homeownership. The chair noted SB 1567 had passed the committee 5-1, the House 101-19, and the Senate 30-1. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 15, which reduced minimum lot sizes in covered jurisdictions. Ed Pinto of AEI said the law had already led to thousands of new small lots and lower-cost starter homes, while recommending expansion to more counties and broader application to attached housing. Other witnesses from builders, Pew, and housing advocates said smaller lots can increase affordability, but some cities, such as College Station and Grand Prairie, were adding local standards that could blunt the bill’s effect. City representatives from El Paso described how they implemented the law by reducing lot sizes and widths, while urging broader applicability to more of the city. The chair said SB 15 had passed the committee 7-0, the House 86-43, and the Senate 24-7. Finally, the committee began hearing testimony on Senate Bill 840, a by-right multifamily redevelopment measure. City officials from Garland and Plano described how they had updated local standards to comply while preserving design and setback rules, and said the bill could help redevelop built-out commercial corridors and add housing without expanding city footprints. The transcript ended as the committee continued taking testimony on SB 840.

Transcript Highlights:

• First one is going to be the most expensive, but we'll be on the pathway to reducing cost as we go.
• NRC is creating a new licensing pathway for microreactors.
• or at least be and NRC to finally solve or at least be on<00:47:31.200> a<00:47:31.359> pathway
• c> solving<00:47:32.240> the<00:47:32.480> spent<00:47:32.800> fuel on a pathway
• to solving the spent fuel on a pathway to solving the spent fuel issue<00:47:34.319> um<00:47

Keywords: 1189, house, all