Transcript Highlights:

• So, in FY 2025 PIT contracted by 2.9%, but that included legislative changes.
• So PIT growth is still expected to be positive but slightly weaker than in the previous forecast.
• We've highlighted for you here part of the reason for the downward revision in PIT is we're seeing an
• FY25 was lowered by about 60 million, mainly due to revisions in SIT and PIT.
• Pit production is going for the manufacturing credit. But it's not new jobs.

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• several medical conditions that were later determined to be service connected because of exposure to the burn
• pits.

Bills: HB103

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• PACT Act, which expanded health care and other benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn
• pits and Agent Orange and provides, in some cases, for retroactive back pay.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• > John Fielding I represent the North John Fielding I represent the North American<00:25:11.720><c> pit
• </c><00:25:11.880><c> Health</c><00:25:12.080><c> Insurance</c> American pit Health Insurance American
• pit Health Insurance Association<00:25:14.039><c> um</c><00:25:14.360><c> nafia</c><00:25:14.679><c>
• Burns School of Medicine are in strong support of this measure.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They know that plastic is either buried, burned, or borne out to sea.
• , is it in a sand pit, does it have clay?
• </c><05:33:15.160><c> does</c><05:33:15.280><c> it</c> gravel pit is it in a sand pit does it gravel
• pit is it in a sand pit does it have<05:33:15.558><c> Clay</c><05:33:16.360><c> all</c><05:33:16.520>
• The site was formerly a borrow pit, so there's that.

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on several bills, beginning with HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training. Members said the bill had been sent to the Animal Protection and Licensing Subcommittee, where Representative Kuttab is expected to schedule a meeting soon to consider possible amendments based on testimony and other ideas. The committee later returned to HB 153 and confirmed a work session was planned for February 14, with discussion also including whether to explore a task force concept raised in testimony. The committee also discussed HB 215 and HB 566, both related to landfill permitting and leachate or harm/benefit reporting. Representative Gerana said he had met with the DES director and was working on amendments that would add a preliminary screening phase for determining net public benefit and expand the list of benefits beyond capacity need to include items such as economic and infrastructure benefits. HB 566 was said to be in the same posture as HB 215, and both were slated for subcommittee review the following Tuesday morning. HB 171 was also added for subcommittee discussion, with members saying the changes would be technical rather than substantive. HB 240, which removes forfeiture penalties for non-payment of dog licenses, drew support for a simple amendment changing a statutory “shall” to “may” so municipal officials would have discretion about issuing a warrant. Representative Bixby said OLS advised that this was the cleanest way to provide flexibility, and he reported that the sponsor was agreeable to the change. The committee also discussed HB 179, concerning hazardous waste accident fees, where the sponsor proposed a revised amendment imposing a $1,000-per-day penalty after 90 days of non-payment. Members raised concerns about homeowners, hobby farmers, and whether the bill could unfairly burden people who were not negligent or whose insurance claims were delayed. The sponsor and others said the intent was to recover costs from responsible parties, especially businesses, and to protect local taxpayers and fire departments from bearing the cost of damaged hazardous materials equipment. No votes were taken; the bills were left for further subcommittee work and amendment drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:25:32.720><c> during</c><00:25:33.039><c> that</c><00:25:33.360><c> fire</c><00:25:33.679><c> burn
• Croy during that fire burn there on St.
• Croy during that fire burn and<00:25:34.799><c> also</c><00:25:35.200><c> during</c><00:25:35.679><c>
• Teachers<00:58:05.520><c> like</c><00:58:05.760><c> Miss</c><00:58:06.000><c> Pit</c><00:58:06.720><c
• like Miss Pit do more than prepare<00:58:08.160><c> young</c><00:58:08.480><c> people</c><00:58:08.799

Bills: HR1047 , HB3015 , HB3062 , HR719

Keywords: mentoring, youth support, education, community engagement, National Mentoring Month, coal industry, energy, advisory council, regulation, Department of Energy, cross-border infrastructure, renewable resources, investment, state regulation, political violence, Charlie Kirk, civil discourse, freedom of speech, unity, political extremism

Transcript Highlights:

• To the delinquent PIT taxpayer, we would first extinguish any other PIT or GRT liability.
• it's showing up, you know, when we measure the regressivity, that's showing up as an improvement in PIT
• it's showing up, you know, when we measure the regressivity, that's showing up as an improvement in PIT

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• It used to be called PIT. It's a pit maneuver. It's still hard for me to get used to saying TVI.
• I'm sure there was some reason to change the name of it, but I still refer to them as PIT.
• If you would, would you please shed a little light on the PIT maneuver that was done on the wrong car
• Yeah, mine is totally different than PIT maneuvers and stuff on this one.
• Yeah, mine is totally different than PIT maneuvers and stuff on this one.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported. The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues. Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• A few years after 2014, I indeed had what became affectionately known as PEGS pit in my community, and
• it was a waste pit that had to be cleaned up.
• in my community and it was a uh a pit in my community and it was a uh a waste<00:02:15.239><c> pit</
• that had to be cleaned up and waste pit that had to be cleaned up and it<00:02:17.239><c> cost</c><00
• Like I said, I don't want half a dozen pegs pits to have to clean up in a few years.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And most importantly, we are needlessly pitting U.S. medical graduates against. talented, full-licensed
• But our physicians are burning out, and they are under duress from all the work that they have to do.
• so it's not some... else telling me how to meet metrics and other things like that, which actually burns
• You know, 15 minutes for an appointment just burns people out.
• And that just burns people out when they leave.

Bills: HB713 , HB827 , HB932 , HB499 , HB510 , HB163 , HB296 , HB879 , HB913 , HB163 , HB296

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: healthcare, maternal health, reporting requirements, Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, health provider immunity, workplace violence, nurses, grant program, healthcare facilities, safety measures, safety, nursing, grants, healthcare safety, verbal abuse, physical abuse, nurse empowerment, occupational therapy, licensure, interstate practice

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have the pit dug for it.
• So if anybody has a burning question that they need to ask right now, I have Representative Ston and

Transcript Highlights:

• And I, again, cannot reject strongly enough this notion that we're pitting us versus law enforcement
• particular, one example I want to share with you is that the thieving of copper wiring results in the burning

Bills: SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264 , HB195 , HB279 , SB30 , HB234 , HB292 , SB100 , SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• Huge players in the industry pit their supply against one another for the cheapest product and now the
• You've got to cut them out away from all the other fuel and let them burn out.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• by making SBA lending available to all who qualify, as opposed to picking winners and losers and pitting
• You know, over 300,000 acres burned in wildfires in my state just in 2024.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Those decades-old pits need to be remanufactured and certified.
• So NNSA, as you heard earlier, has an interest in Los Alamos because of pit production.
• In the meantime, Los Alamos has been ramping up for pit production. We are now once again.
• Why is $25 billion going to Savannah River to get pit production done?
• And we're doing so many great things with NMSU for the workforce around pit production.

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• clear, Minnesotans need and deserve the things we have been fighting for, and they deserve not to be pitted
• They've been pitting workers against each other, pitting communities against each other, teachers against
• clear, Minnesotans need and deserve the things we have been fighting for, and they deserve not to be pitted
• They've been pitting workers against each other, pitting communities against each other, teachers against
• Uh, and right now what we're seeing is pitting our most vulnerable against each other, deciding who is

Transcript Highlights:

• And the other number thing that I want to share with you is the PIT count.
• count, how frequently they do the pit count, whether they do surveys with that.
• So I have some concerns about so heavily depending on the pit count for overarching a measure of success
• I will say, to my colleague's point from Santa Cruz, we are looking at the pit count, but we're also
• from that community, and hopefully the PIT count will also go down there.

Transcript Highlights:

• Boss behavior is pitting workers against other communities, which we have seen used in rhetoric around
• </c> solidarity. boss behavior is pitting solidarity. boss behavior is pitting workers<00:07:31.759><
• We do not pit workers against each other. That is not what we do in the labor movement.
• It is absolutely out of line to propose to take things away, and it is out of line to pit one group of
• one group of workers against line to pit one group of workers against another.<00:14:18.320><c> I</c

Transcript Highlights:

• And after two months in the burn hospital in Galveston, we were able to finally come home.
• And after two months in the burn hospital in Galveston, we were able to finally come home.
• been a rock in his crawl for a while, and joked that it has been a long list of rocks and a gravel pit

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded. The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably. Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• turns holding our breath because that scuzz layer of polluted air above Baghdad was so toxic it would burn
• But then I lived in Balad downwind from the the burn pits.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention

Summary: This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.