Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement actions, and provide very vital and important information to ensure residents of this county are fully
• enforcement actions, and provide vital and important information to ensure residents of this county are fully
• in court because of concerns that environmental reviews have been insufficient and have failed to fully
• I failed to fully analyze the impacts of air quality.

Summary: The committee considered several coastal, climate, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition heard. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, requiring state climate plans to include gender impact assessments, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ people; the bill also drew no opposition in the hearing. Senator Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public transparency, while supporters cited severe air quality problems and opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, consultation, and impacts on local permitting and economic development. Senator Allen presented SB 1229 to limit disaster-rebuild coastal permit exemptions when replacement structures would newly impede coastal access or sensitive protections, with supporters saying it would prevent investor abuse of post-disaster rebuilding rules. After testimony, the committee took up the measures and recorded votes. SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes, with some members voting no on the more regulatory measures. The consent calendar was also approved, including ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. All of the listed measures were sent onward, generally to Appropriations, and the committee concluded its hearing after the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• It specifies that 12 months after January 1, 2028, or the date the system is fully operational, whichever
• It specifies that 12 months after January 1, 2028, or the date the system is fully operational, whichever
• provisions to become effective on January 1, 2028, or when the department certifies its system is fully
• certain provisions become effective on January 1st, 2028, or when the department certifies its system is fully

Summary: The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then adopted Amendment Set 5327, which adds a compliance officer requirement and related qualifications for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. Supporters of Senate Bill 56 argued that the Lafitte levee district lacks sufficient recurring revenue to maintain its system and that the West Bank flood authority could provide professional management, coordination, and financial support. Testimony also raised concerns about governance problems at SLFPA East and about unresolved landowner damage claims tied to prior levee work. The committee reported SB 56 favorably with amendments. The Department of Transportation and Development secretary then gave an update on the agency’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing, construction process improvements, faster contractor payments, quicker change-order approvals, and higher project delivery rates. The committee next reported Senate Bill 171 favorably, which cleans up language for the recreation, economy, navigation, and transportation authority board, and Senate Bill 252 favorably, which allows driver’s license records to reflect both acceptance and refusal of anatomical gift authorization. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic vehicle titles and registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, require electronic lien and title functions for certain users, and set implementation timelines; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would create a Louisiana Vehicle Commission by consolidating the motor vehicle commissions, was amended with a substitute but then voluntarily deferred to allow more stakeholder work. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate and adding a special plate provision for designated state officials tied to Supreme Court parking/security concerns, was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, urging safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident, was amended to shift responsibility to parish governing authorities and was reported with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, we are in the early stages of this pilot, and it will take a number of years to fully implement
• number<00:04:41.200> of<00:04:41.320> years<00:04:41.600> to<00:04:41.720> fully
• take a number of years to fully take a number of years to fully implement. implement. implement.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4122, and Representative Halons moved that the bill be laid over for possible inclusion. The committee first adopted the DE3 author’s amendment without objection. Halons explained that the bill, developed through the Thermal Energy Network Deployment Work Group and extensive stakeholder negotiations, would allow public utilities to build thermal energy networks and recover costs, while keeping the projects under Public Utility Commission oversight similar to electric and natural gas services. He noted a small technical correction may still be needed in the cost recovery language. Testimony was uniformly supportive. Aurora Vautrin of 100% Campaign said the bill advances Minnesota’s leadership on thermal energy networks and thanked the authors, work group, labor, and utility partners. Jamie Fitzke of CenterPoint Energy described the company’s planned thermal energy network pilot as part of the 2021 Natural Gas Innovation Act framework, emphasizing that the technology is promising but still new, especially in Minnesota’s extreme cold climate, and that the amended bill reflects substantial compromise and preserves PUC oversight and customer protections. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA supported the bill as a way to create jobs and use existing labor skills from gas, water, and related infrastructure work, while also noting that geothermal cost and drilling challenges remain. Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and its potential to make Minnesota a leader in thermal energy networks. In closing, Halons said the bill had gone through many iterations and acknowledged the compromise language, but stressed that it is a major step because it explicitly authorizes utilities to build TENS and rate recover, creating a foundation for future utility planning. The bill was then laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• During that time, the house could not be lived in, could not be sold, and could not be fully accessed
• sold, and could lived in, could not be sold, and could not<00:04:01.200> be<00:04:01.360> fully
• /c><00:04:01.680> accessed<00:04:02.159> without<00:04:02.560> risking not be fully
• accessed without risking not be fully accessed without risking exposure<00:04:03.519> to<00:04

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3782, Chair Mueller’s bill, and first adopted an oral amendment changing the term “distraction” to “diversionary” in four places. The DE2 author’s amendment, as amended, was then adopted. The bill was described as a response to concerns raised after the summer’s events and is intended to address safety and cleanup issues when law enforcement deploys chemical irritants inside buildings. Colin Hortman testified virtually about the cleanup of his parents’ home after tear gas was used there. He described extensive residue, health effects when re-entering the house, months of delay before it could be safely occupied, difficulty determining what chemicals and quantities had been used, and confusion over who was responsible for remediation costs. He said clearer documentation, immediate disclosure of the agents used, and faster communication would make the process safer and less traumatic for future victims. Chair Mueller explained that the bill would require law enforcement that uses chemical irritants inside a building to leave a standardized notice for occupants or owners, including information on what was used and how much, and to direct them to the agency for more details. Members asked about the logistics of the notice requirement, including how it would work in multi-agency operations; Mueller said the agency in command of the scene would leave the notice. Representatives expressed support for the bill and its purpose. The committee then renewed and approved the motion to re-refer House File 3782, as amended, to the Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are allowed to fully explore these rate cases.
• We are allowed to fully explore these rate cases, where we are able to hire national experts to go up
• And we do it fully. It is absolutely one of the most professional bars in the state of Florida.
• But if you're watching, you never ever suspect that this is not fully contested when we're up there.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers. Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• These improvements will ensure the facility is fully accessible and compliant with ADA standards, offering
• c><00:03:58.000> the<00:03:58.319> facility<00:03:58.799> is<00:03:59.120> fully
• will ensure the facility is fully will ensure the facility is fully accessible<00:04:00.239>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met to approve the February 24 minutes and complete committee organization by confirming Senator Maki as vice chair. The committee then considered several Department of Safety and Department of Transportation lease requests, along with an informational report from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development. The Department of Safety sought approval for a 15-year lease at 17 Freetown Road in Raymond to relocate DMV operations from Epping. The department said the move was needed because the Epping site had limited parking and inadequate interior space, and that the longer lease was justified by fit-up costs and the need to ensure ADA-compliant accessibility. Members asked about fit-up costs and future DMV space needs, and the request was approved. The Department of Transportation presented a lease for JCB LLC for a private, non-commercial dock and pedestrian at-grade crossing on the Concord-to-Lincoln railroad corridor in Belmont. Members discussed the private nature of the dock, the role of DEIS approval, and the annual lease fee, which was read into the record before the request was approved. The committee then approved a bundled request covering 18 similar dock and mooring lease renewals in Belmont, Meredith, and Laconia, with discussion focused on the renewal process, waiver of administrative fees, and the standardized lease costs. The Council on Resources and Development item was informational only and required no action. The committee set its next meeting for June 30 at 9:30 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• language access ensures that all members of our community, regardless of linguistic background, can fully
• 16.080> linguistic<00:06:16.720> background,<00:06:17.199> can<00:06:17.360> fully
• of linguistic background, can fully of linguistic background, can fully participate<00:06:18.560

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• underutilized supply, and the majority of our members have continuous stories about how they are not fully
• how<00:03:50.000> they<00:03:50.120> are<00:03:50.280> not<00:03:50.519> fully
• <00:03:50.879> enrolled about how they are not fully enrolled about how they are not fully

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1384, which would create the “Great Start Child Care Tax Credit” by expanding the existing dependent care credit for families with children under age six. The bill would raise the qualifying expense limits for young children, allow more children to qualify, and phase the credit down starting at $125,000 of earned household income until it reaches zero above roughly $400,000. The author said the proposal is intended to better address the high cost of child care, especially for middle-income families who may not qualify for other assistance programs. Claire Sanford of the Minnesota Child Care Association testified in support. She said child care providers across Minnesota have unused capacity because many families cannot afford services, and argued that making care cheaper for families is important for workforce participation and child development. She also supported the bill’s focus on children under five and its expansion of help up the income scale, saying middle-class families have received little assistance with child care costs. Members asked about how the bill differs from current law, the cap for a family with one child age five, and the fiscal impact. The author explained that a family with one child under age six would have a $10,000 cap under the proposal and said a prior fiscal note estimated the bill at about $200 million per year. The author also noted the proposal had been introduced previously and said the Department of Revenue’s new ability to make advance payments could be relevant as the bill moves forward. The author renewed the motion to re-refer HF 1384 to the Committee on Taxes. The committee approved the motion by voice vote, and the bill was sent to Taxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so her constituents basically, you know, have a senator here who can't fully participate.
• And so her constituents basically, you know, have a senator here who can't fully participate, so we also
• Her constituents basically, you know, have a senator here who can't fully participate, so we also want
• Constituents basically, you know, have a senator here who can't fully participate, so we also want to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting centered on a motion to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell from the Minnesota Senate while her criminal case remains pending. Republican speakers argued that Mitchell’s trial delays and continued service were undermining the Senate’s integrity, distracting from legislative work, and denying her constituents full representation because she is not serving on committees or participating in caucus. They said the motion was intended to uphold accountability, justice for the alleged victim, and the institution’s standards of conduct. DFL leaders and other defenders of Mitchell argued that she has not been convicted, is entitled to due process, and remains the duly elected representative of Senate District 47. They said Senate rules, Mason’s Rules, and custom require ethics proceedings to be completed before expulsion, and that the Senate should not act on her criminal case. They also emphasized that the Senate’s priority should be passing a budget and continuing to work under the chamber’s power-sharing agreement. The expulsion effort did not succeed. After debate and a procedural vote, Senate Democrats voted to keep Mitchell in the Senate, and leaders said the matter would remain unresolved until her court and ethics proceedings move forward. Republicans indicated they may continue to raise the issue, while DFL leaders said they would focus on governing and expected the chamber to reorganize if control changes after the upcoming election.

Transcript Highlights:

• licensed teacher for the licensed fully licensed teacher for the position. position. position.
• <01:37:45.920> For<01:37:46.159> the into fully qualified teachers.
• For the into fully qualified teachers.
• >> Okay. >> 96 or 97% are fully licensed or have a provisional license. >> As far as the mathematics
• recognize this is a supply side fully recognize this is a supply side issue<01:47:01.360> that's<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• shutdown, and fully fund the following<00:13:54.160> departments<00:13:54.560> and<00:
• It ensures that our fully open.
• Six of those bills have been signed into law by President Trump, fully funding those departments and
• In a time that it is critical to our national security that our defense department be fully operating
• Can we envision a time in our history when it was not more important that the federal courts be fully

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with this higher grant limit, communities can now fully implement or fully fund a project from beginning
• The Sagamore Bridge is fully funded through a combination of U.S. DOT funds, state funds, and U.S.
• So I fully believe it's the reverse.
• So I fully believe it's the reverse. It's essential. vehicle to get to a certain area.
• So I fully believe it's the reverse.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The situations which have been reported to us so far have been, I'd say, probably, I'm fully aware of
• aware of been I'd say probably I'm fully aware of probably<02:22:13.680> it's<02:22:13.800>
• insured it does not employer fully insured it does not include<03:45:33.520> um<03:45:34.040>
• And I'd also add this will only apply in the fully insured market, which I know we talk about a lot,
• the the chis only contains the fully the the chis only contains the fully insured<05:39:11.638><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, which would add ski, snowboard, and boat wax containing PFAS to the state’s consumer-product restrictions. The sponsor argued the product is already banned in many places, has PFAS-free alternatives, and is used in ways that can directly contaminate water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and said the bill was a simple extension of prior PFAS legislation. A witness also described a personal experience where a liquid ski wax disappeared from the market and later returned, likely because of PFAS concerns. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167 without a vote. The committee then opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett said the bill was modeled on New Jersey law and intended to let student-athletes earn compensation from NIL without losing institutional scholarships, while also requiring licensed representation and setting limits on certain endorsements. He described the measure as proactive because NIL rules are evolving and could create conflicts among schools and future lawsuits. Members questioned whether the bill should apply to two-year institutions, whether it should exclude firearms and weapons, and whether the scholarship protections would cover need-based or academic aid as well as athletic scholarships. Moffett said the scholarship language was intended to protect scholarships generally, but not need-based aid specifically, and he acknowledged discomfort with some of the endorsement restrictions. Public testimony on HB 312 was mixed. One supporter, a former Division III athlete and coach, backed the bill but urged removal of a section allowing institutions or athletic bodies to use an athlete’s NIL without compensation, arguing most New Hampshire athletes do not receive NIL money and should not have to work extra jobs to cover basic expenses. The chair also raised concerns about the bill’s contractual and identity-rights implications, referencing prior committee work on a J.D. Salinger-related identity case and noting the committee had previously declined to get involved in similar contractual disputes. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Especially given that we're hearing that it isn't yet fully through the process.
• This amount would be inadequate to fully support Tier 2 programs within SB 840.
• To fully support Tier 2 programs within SB 840's framework and leave no funding for Tier 3.
• We're talking about $4 billion, potentially, if it's fully utilized.
• Hoping that this mechanism isn't fully utilized and hoping that the investments made actually reduce

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, thank you, Madam Chair, and I fully support it. I hope everyone votes green.
• So, thank you, Madam Speaker. fully support this and I also want to fully support this and I also want
• So, thank you, Madam Chair,<00:08:10.160> and<00:08:10.319> I<00:08:10.479> fully
• <00:08:11.199> I<00:08:11.360> hope Chair, and I fully support it.
• I hope Chair, and I fully support it.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first took up Senate File 334, a bill to modernize county human services technology used to administer programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. The author and several members described the current systems as outdated “green screen” platforms that are slow, duplicative, and difficult for workers and applicants, and argued modernization would improve service, retention, and fraud prevention. The bill would create a technology modernization fund with about $90 million over time, capped at $50 million, route funds through Minute, establish an interagency group with county representation, create a legislative working group, and provide $15 million for Office of Inspector General technology. Members from several counties spoke in strong support, citing local system failures, cyberattacks, and the need for better tools; one member noted the bill was about 20 years overdue. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 134-0, and a title was agreed to. The House then considered Senate File 4401, the cannabis bill. The author described it as a maintenance and cleanup package developed with more than 80 stakeholders over months of meetings, including business owners, labor, tribal representatives, and medical cannabis interests. The bill was presented as making noncontroversial adjustments to support small businesses, clarify statutes, improve privacy protections, adjust event and transporter rules, address good-faith errors, strengthen enforcement against unlicensed operators, and support local governments and municipal cannabis dispensaries. It also included a first step toward a medical psilocybin program and changes intended to make the medical cannabis market more sustainable, including easing the grow-and-sale ratio issue. The transcript cuts off before final action on this bill, but members speaking in support emphasized collaboration and the need for practical regulatory fixes.

Transcript Highlights:

• If a contractor deviates from the plans or creates a dangerous defect, they remain fully accountable.
• creates a dangerous defect,<00:02:42.560> they<00:02:43.040> remain<00:02:43.560> fully
• defect, they remain fully accountable. defect, they remain fully accountable.
• people in that you might not otherwise want to bring in because you're not given adequate time to fully
• I'm concerned that people of this age are not fully mature enough.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It fully funds Florida's $922 million KidCare program to serve approximately 213,000 children.
• The conference committee fully funded replacement equipment for the Highway Patrol, including pursuit
• Our agreement fully funds the $13.8 billion Transportation Work Program, and it further provides $210.9
• Are we fully funding it? Representative Escamani: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Are we fully funding Florida Forever? Representative McClure: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I am fully in support of that mission.
• homelessness<00:02:05.640> and<00:02:06.640> I<00:02:06.960> am<00:02:07.159> fully
• and I am fully in support of<00:02:08.440> that<00:02:08.640> mission<00:02:09.599>
• I can be fully present, and I can be myself. My life and my health have dramatically improved.
• I can be fully present, and I can be myself. My life and my health have dramatically improved.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I support him fully for this position. Thank you.
• <00:04:55.880> I<00:04:56.039> support<00:04:56.400> him<00:04:56.560> fully
• his Solutions and I support him fully his Solutions and I support him fully for<00:04:57.120>
• So, fully support this recommendation. Members, any other discussion?
• [Applause] law enforcement so fully support um this law enforcement so fully support um this recommendation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our legal and mental health system are not fully prepared to handle the effects of THC usage.
• I fully support banning marketing to children.
• I wish that these natural plant- and fungi-based medicines were fully approved by the FDA.
• I wish that these natural plant- and fungi-based medicines were fully approved by the FDA.
• Today, all electric industry participants are able to fully engage in the legislative process.

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.