Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Henderson, on behalf of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, in support.
• With me today to testify in support and offer technical assistance are Eric Arias with the Yolo County
• Eric Anderson, on behalf of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, in support.
• Eric Henderson, on behalf of...
• Eric Henderson, on behalf of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, in respectful opposition.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Chapman, and I'm a scientist by training.
• Now, I'm going to hand it back over to my colleague Eric.
• I'm going to hand it back to Eric, and let's talk a little bit about disposal and destruction of PFAS
• And Eric can expand on that.
• I’ll hand it over to Eric to discuss more on the products. **Mr. Chair, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone on Zoom, remember to use the raise hand feature, and Eric will see you and alert me to anyone
• I'm staff to JLARC, and I'm joined today by my colleagues Aline Mizona and Eric Whitaker, and also with
• Thank you, Eric. Are there Senator Gaynor and then Representative Barnard? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Okay, thank you, Eric.
• And Eric, when will we be considering the final report? December.

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.120> have abder Holden next through Zoom we have abder Holden next through Zoom we have Eric
• sers with the highwa Valley mental Eric sers with the highwa Valley mental health health health center
• morning uh Mr chair and members<00:08:10.240> um<00:08:10.800> I'm<00:08:11.159> Eric
• ><00:08:11.400> sers<00:08:11.879> the<00:08:12.039> executive members um I'm Eric
• sers the executive members um I'm Eric sers the executive director<00:08:13.039> of<00:08:13.240

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Power. Any other questions? Seeing none, thank you, Mr. Dees. I'd like to call Mr. Eric Power.
• For the record, my name is Eric Power.
• Eric Power. Thank you, Madam Chair and committee members. My name is Eric Power.
• For the record, my name is Eric Power.
• For the record, my name is Eric Power.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I'd like to turn it over to my testifier, Eric Simonson.
• Chair, I'd like to turn it over to my testifier, Eric Simonson.
• Chair, I'd like to turn it over to my testifier, Eric Simonson.
• My name is Eric Simonson.
• of the committee my name is Eric of the committee my name is Eric Simonson<00:02:54.879> I

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thank you next up Eric kingma testifying for<00:21:54.240> Hawaii<00:21:54.559> Longline
• <00:24:28.840> King<00:24:29.200> executive say yeah thanks well Eric King executive
• say yeah thanks well Eric King executive director<00:24:29.720> of<00:24:29.799> the<00
• As well as Eric Toi from Hawaii Floriculture Nursery, in support. Lor Assan, in support.
• support um as well as Eric support um as well as Eric tooi<01:03:02.240> from<01:03:02.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard testimony on several bills, with much of the discussion focused on Enterprise Zones and related economic development measures. On SB 125, the committee heard support from DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union. Members questioned how the bill would affect job-creation requirements and learned that existing companies and new companies are treated differently under the program, with existing companies generally subject to a 15% annual employment increase and new companies to a 10% increase, while the bill would extend the program period from seven to nine years. DBEDT also said the program has been effective, citing 1,162 jobs created or maintained at a cost of about $1.2 million, and noted that agriculture, manufacturing, and wholesaling are the main sectors involved. The committee then took up SB 729, also relating to Enterprise Zones, which would expand eligibility to better accommodate local manufacturers and value-added businesses that sell directly to retail rather than only wholesale. Testifiers from the Holua Collaborative and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying it would help small manufacturers and agricultural producers add value and adapt to internet-era sales patterns. A committee discussion clarified that the bill would add value-added processing as an allowable activity within the zones, and DBEDT explained that the current rules were written for a wholesale-dominated market. The Attorney General’s office also testified, raising a supremacy clause concern and recommending language changes to avoid conflict with federal law. On SB 129, relating to labeling requirements for fish, the Attorney General and the Department of Agriculture both raised concerns about federal preemption and enforcement. The AG explained that federal law governs fish labeling but includes an exception for processed fish, and recommended narrowing the bill to processed fish and defining that term to fit the federal carve-out. The Hawaii Longline Association supported the bill but suggested excluding canned tuna while including products such as poke, sashimi, and sushi. The Department of Agriculture said it does not currently enforce this kind of labeling requirement and would need to determine whether another agency should handle enforcement. The committee also heard SB 581, which would establish an aerospace and aeronautics development program within DBEDT. Testimony was generally supportive, but members pressed for a fiscal estimate, and the bill’s sponsor said a prior version of the office had operated on about $400,000 annually with a small staff. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that Eric stopped. Dr. Larson stopped.
• So that Eric stopped. Dr. Larson stopped. For the record, Matthew Bergeron and Dr. Eric Larson.
• So that Eric stopped. Dr. Larson stopped. For the record, Matthew Bergeron and Dr. Eric Larson.
• So that Eric stopped. Dr. Larson stopped. For the record, Matthew Bergeron and Dr. Eric Larson.
• Eric Larson. I'm the chair of I'm Dr. Eric Larson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Followed by Eric, Emerit, and Chris Nugent. Mr.
• Eric Emerd, your turn. Good afternoon, Eric Emmert, your turn. Yes.
• Good afternoon, Eric Emmert with the Dorm Policy Group representing the city of Phoenix, specifically
• Eric. So the real-life problem appears to be that some billing went awry in some other state.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2003, which would lower the instruction-permit eligibility age for Class D, G, and M licenses from 15½ to 15, while increasing supervised driving requirements for minors and extending the permit-holding period before licensure. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill builds on Arizona’s graduated driver licensing system and would improve teen safety based on data from other states; one senator raised concerns about parents certifying driving hours and another cited a study suggesting higher crash risk from lowering the permit age. After discussion, the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 9-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2063, appropriating $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Corrections Oversight Fund, and heard emotional testimony from a mother describing her son’s mental illness, incarceration, and death in prison, along with support from advocates who said the oversight office is needed, especially in light of federal receivership over prison health care. The sponsor emphasized prison transparency, public safety, and accountability. The bill passed unanimously, 10-0. The committee also heard House Bill 2210, which would prohibit state, local, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect landing fees. Pilots argued the technology is meant for safety and that using it for billing could discourage compliance, while airport representatives and city officials opposed the bill as an unnecessary statewide restriction on local fee-setting. After extensive debate over safety, federal law, and local control, the bill received a narrow 4-4 do pass recommendation. Later, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which appropriates $1 million to the Colorado River litigation fund. The sponsor said the money is needed to prepare for possible litigation over Colorado River cuts and to signal Arizona’s seriousness in negotiations; members discussed whether the funding should come from the General Fund or WIFA resources. The bill passed 8-0. Finally, HCM 2007, a memorial urging renaming sections of State Route 69 to honor veterans of multiple wars, was approved 5-4 after some members objected to emphasizing war memorialization. The committee also briefly noted that House Bill 2111 was held, and after the votes, a pilot and flight instructor offered additional testimony on HB 2210, reiterating safety concerns about turning off ADS-B and saying the bill addresses a real risk even though Arizona airports are not currently using the technology for fee collection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Followed by Eric, Emerit, and Chris Nugent. Mr.
• Eric Emerd, your turn. Good afternoon, Eric Emmerd, your turn. Yes.
• Good afternoon, Eric Emmert with the Dorm Policy Group representing the city of Phoenix, specifically
• Eric. Thanks.

Bills: HB2003, HB2063, HB2111, HB2116, HB2210, HCM2007

Keywords: driver education, instruction permit, underage drivers, motorcycle licenses, traffic regulations, corrections oversight, appropriation, independent office, public safety, funding, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, traffic laws, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Anderson, on behalf of the elevator.
• Eric Henderson, on behalf of Smart Justice. Hi, good morning.
• Eric Henderson, on behalf of Smart Justice California, in support.
• Eric Henderson for the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.
• Eric Henderson, on behalf of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 1650, AB 2014, AB 1886, AB 2126, AB 2624, and AB 2257. AB 1650 would require clearer identification on privately owned vehicles rented or leased to government agencies for enforcement operations; supporters framed it as a transparency and safety measure in response to ICE activity, while no opposition testified. AB 2014 would allow post-conviction habeas relief where gender bias or stereotypes were used at trial and may have affected the outcome; supporters described cases involving sexist and anti-LGBTQ stereotypes, while the California District Attorneys Association opposed the bill as overbroad and likely to restrict relevant evidence, though the author said recent amendments removed the evidence-code provisions and left only the habeas remedy. AB 1886 would extend a 12-month probation presumption to youth in out-of-home placements and those discharged from secure youth treatment facilities; youth advocates supported it as a fairness and rehabilitation measure, while judges, probation officials, and district attorneys opposed it as undoing a recent compromise and limiting individualized decisions. AB 2126 would speed hiring of peer partners in child welfare by creating a narrow exemption process for certain foster-youth-related offenses; it drew broad support and no opposition. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters cited threats, doxing, and harassment, while one journalist opposed it over possible effects on reporting, and the author and committee members said the bill preserves press protections and is narrowly aimed at threats and harassment. AB 2257 would restore county authority to create a separate corrections department to run jails instead of the sheriff; supporters argued it would improve accountability and address jail deaths and fiscal problems, while sheriffs opposed it as unnecessary and said sheriffs are already subject to oversight. The committee also noted several bills pulled by their authors and adopted a consent calendar of unrelated measures. Votes were not always taken immediately because the committee was waiting for a quorum, but AB 2624 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and left on call, and the chair indicated support or favorable recommendations on several of the other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first up is Lieutenant Colonel Ethan Eric Oman.
• Uh, for the record, my name is Lieutenant Colonel Eric Athman, operations director for the Minnesota
• Eric Oman. Eric Oman.
• 15:15.760> is<00:15:16.079> Lieutenant<00:15:16.480> Colonel<00:15:16.720> Eric
• my name is Lieutenant Colonel Eric my name is Lieutenant Colonel Eric Athman,<00:15:17.760> uh

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And following Sarah Mullins will be Eric Bernstein. Welcome to the committee.
• Next up is Eric Bernstein, followed by Pahua Yang. Welcome to the committee.
• Uh, my name is Eric Bernstein. I'm the director of We Make Minnesota.
• Thank you, Eric Bernstein. Uh, Pahua Yang is next on the list.
• Thank you, Eric Bernstein. Uh, much. Thank you, Eric Bernstein.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2591, the “Support Medicaid Not Millionaires Act,” laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Chair Gomez said the bill would create a fifth individual income tax tier on very high earners to offset any future federal Medicaid cuts, arguing that proposed federal budget changes would likely reduce Medicaid funding and create a large state budget hole. Gomez and other supporters framed Medicaid as essential for children, long-term care, mental health, substance use treatment, rural hospitals, and families across Minnesota, and criticized federal tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals. Several testifiers supported the bill. A SEIU Healthcare worker described how Medicaid supports her care for a disabled son and her own health needs, warning that cuts would threaten home care, hospitals, and nursing homes. A public health employee from the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees said recent state and federal layoffs had already weakened public health capacity and urged additional revenue to backfill losses. Other supporters, including community and faith leaders, said the wealthy and corporations should pay more to protect public services, youth programs, and Medicaid-funded care. A mental health provider testified that most of the people served by her clinic rely on Medicaid and that cuts would harm clinics, rural access, and the broader behavioral health system. Representative Anderson questioned whether the bill would affect Medicaid spending tied to undocumented immigrants and asked for data on MinnesotaCare and federal-state funding shares. Department of Human Services staff clarified that he was referring to MinnesotaCare, not Medicaid, and said Medicaid is generally matched by the federal government while MinnesotaCare does not have the same match. The exchange became contentious when Gomez objected to Anderson’s use of the term “illegal immigrants” and redirected the discussion back to the bill. Anderson also raised concerns about Medicaid fraud and whether the proposal would backfill any federal changes related to fraud enforcement. No vote was taken; the bill was simply laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Representative Eric, um, I don't have that number off the top of my head.
• Eric, thank you. Thank you.
• 00:30:43.919> you<00:30:44.159> I'm<00:30:44.279> glad<00:30:44.480> to Eric
• thank you thank you I'm glad to Eric thank you thank you I'm glad to hear<00:30:44.880> that<
• c> represent is a very very big problem and represent is a very very big problem and represent Eric

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Abby, Hawaii Primary Care Association in support.
• Eric Abby, Hawaii Primary Hoku? Okay.
• Eric Abe, Hawaii Primary Care Association, providing comments.
• Eric Abe, Hawaii Primary Care Association, providing comments.
• Care Eric Abe, Hawaii Primary Care Eric Abe, Hawaii Primary Care Association<01:33:32.240>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections. The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Eric with T.E.A. Would anybody like to have... okay, Eric, are you here with T.E.A.?
• Let's start with Eric with T.E.A. Any questions you'd like to ask the T.E.A., go ahead.
• Our resource witness, Eric. Thank you, Eric. All right. Matt Kraus, would you go ahead and start?
• Eric Dunmore and Tracy Berry.
• My name is Eric Dunmore. I'm from Newton, Louisiana.

Bills: SB1798, SB1835, SB1319, SB2942, SB2928, SB784, SB1049

Keywords: higher education, tuition rates, financial support, immigration status, Texas law, SB 1835, resident tuition, nonresident students, scholarship students, public higher education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Education Code Section 54.213, tuition waiver, in-state tuition, out-of-state students, higher education finance, enrollment cap, capacity limit, workforce development area, nonimmigrant visa

Transcript Highlights:

• members of Joint Base Cape Cod Firefighters Local S-28, we have Captain Scott and Cheekwin, Deputy Chief Eric
• I'll turn it over to Eric, who will... And just ask to report the bill out favorably.
• At this time, I'll turn it over to Eric, who will give you the background on the legislation.
• My name is Eric Weston. I am currently serving as the deputy chief at Joint Base Cape Cod.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on a wide range of credible service and retirement-related bills, with testimony largely focused on allowing public employees to buy back prior service time or receive more appropriate retirement classifications. Bills discussed included retirement buyback for Joint Base Cape Cod firefighters (H. 4317), clarification of call firefighter buyback rights (H. 2883/S. 1915), veterans’ buyback (H. 2957), a Bridgewater State University police death-benefit/heart-law issue (filed by Rep. Gallagher), unpaid parental leave buyback for municipal employees (H. 2946), school nurse creditable service (H. 2887/S. 1787), former private/parochial school teacher buyback (S. 1900/H. 2873), Massport police retirement classification (S. 1888), contract employee buyback (H. 2795), Retirement Plus late entry (H. 2792), CVTE/teacher-related buyback issues (H. 2762), Peace Corps/AmeriCorps creditable service (H. 2927), and institutional school teacher retirement fairness (H. 2757). Several speakers also referenced related bills for teachers and nurses that had been heard previously or were filed in parallel in the other branch. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of the bills. Speakers argued that the measures would correct inequities, recognize prior public service, and help recruit and retain workers in hard-to-fill public jobs. Firefighters described the unique federal-to-state transition at Joint Base Cape Cod and said some members were left out of earlier buyback opportunities. Veterans, teachers, school nurses, correctional educators, and Massport police all described service requirements, administrative gaps, or outdated statutory language that they said unfairly limited retirement credit or placed them in the wrong retirement group. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals were fiscally responsible because employees would pay the cost of the buybacks, and some noted that similar bills had been filed repeatedly in prior sessions. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, mostly about why certain employees had been excluded under current law or how the retirement provisions would work. No opposition testimony was presented. The hearing concluded after all scheduled witnesses testified, with the chairs thanking participants for their service and the committee voting to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oregon Board of Accountancy, Raul Valdivia; Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, Stephanie Damon Moore, Eric
• Damon Moore, Eric Davis, Kelly Minty, Tony Fasina; Appraiser Certification and Licensing Board, Aaron
• Diver; Land Conservation and Development Commission, Angel Falconer, Stephanie Condor, Alan Lassau, Eric
• Lassau, Eric Scar.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oregon Board of Accountancy, Raul Valdivia; Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, Stephanie Damon Moore, Eric
• Diver; Land Conservation and Development Commission, Angel Falconer, Stephanie Condor, Alan Lassau, Eric
• Diver, Land Conservation and Development Commission, Angel Falconer, Stephanie Condor, Alan Lassau, Eric
• Scarr, Long-term Care, Care and Ministry, Lassau, Eric Scar.

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senator Starr, followed by several courtesies recognizing Pride Month, a staff birthday, and later a retirement and a community celebration. Senator Robinson then used remonstrances to warn against expanding surveillance through school bus camera systems, arguing that leaked plans from a vendor could create commercial databases of drivers’ movements and erode privacy. The main business was confirmation of numerous gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Senators debated the process at length, with several minority members objecting that the volume of nominees, limited hearing time, and lack of transparency made meaningful advice-and-consent review difficult. Supporters responded that the nominees were qualified public servants and that the Senate should work with the Governor’s office on reforms. The Senate first confirmed a large block of appointments, then confirmed two Sustainability Board appointees, and later confirmed three Quality Education Commission appointees after extended debate. The Quality Education Commission nominations drew the most substantive policy discussion. Opponents argued the commission needs more technical research expertise and broader representation, while supporters emphasized the nominees’ education experience and direct knowledge of Oregon schools. Several senators described Oregon’s education system as in crisis, citing low reading and math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and the need for urgent reform of the Quality Education Model and school funding. The Senate also received a proposed rule amendment creating an official Senate seal, which was distributed and held on the table, and the chamber adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Eric Marin, Trey Wood, Emily Zalkowski. I hope I'm saying that correctly, Emily.
• Eric, which one of you is Eric?
• Eric Marin, Deputy General Counsel with the TEA. Good morning.

Bills: SB825

Keywords: illegal immigration, economic impact, environmental impact, financial impact, annual study, Texas, government report

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard testimony on Senate Bill 825 by Senator Middleton, as substituted, which would require an annual or biennial study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration in Texas. Middleton said the bill is intended to provide lawmakers with comprehensive data on costs to law enforcement, health care, education, infrastructure, and taxpayers, and to support possible federal reimbursement claims. Several senators, including Hinojosa and Eckhardt, agreed that a study is needed but raised concerns about bias, the scope of the study, and whether the Comptroller’s Office rather than the governor’s office should conduct it. Middleton argued the governor’s office was the best coordinating entity because it could direct multiple agencies to provide data, while Hinojosa and others emphasized the Comptroller’s expertise and prior 2006 study. Public testimony was generally supportive of the idea of a study but critical of the bill’s framing. Sarah Cruz of the ACLU of Texas said the study should be a full cost-benefit analysis and warned that focusing only on costs could create an anti-immigrant narrative. Danny Woodward of the Texas Civil Rights Project also supported the concept but recommended moving the study to the Comptroller or, alternatively, creating a neutral commission. Jaime Pointe of Every Texan likewise supported updating the 2006 analysis and said state agencies should be able to cooperate with a governor-led study. Resource witnesses from the governor’s office, HHSC, TEA, OCA, TDCJ, and DPS explained that data collection would be uneven across agencies. HHSC and TEA said they often do not collect immigration status and, in TEA’s case, federal law limits schools from requesting such information; OCA and TDCJ said they could provide only partial or indirect data unless new reporting requirements were added. DPS said it already has Operation Lone Star data but would need to collect additional information if tasked with the broader study. The chair asked the governor’s office to provide a follow-up answer on separation-of-powers and related authority questions by the following Tuesday, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair without taking a vote on the bill.