Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that would be the case.
• I think I saw Chairman Edmonds walk in. Thank you so much. I think I saw Chairman Edmonds walk in.
• Kind of, I think of it, this is just me, but I think of it like a paintball kind of a thing.
• I think it's a great bill. I think it was last week I was in the Pentagon, and they had St.
• Yeah, I think Rep.

Bills: HCR97, HR168, SCR33, SB112, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB488, SB504, SB507, SB518

Keywords: hunting education, firearm safety, outdoor recreation, curriculum, youth education, conservation, collegiate athletics, funding, name image likeness, revenue sharing, NCAA compliance, student-athlete support, financial sustainability, work-based learning, task force, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, cooperative education, co-op

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 12, 2026, and first approved SB 518, which gives LSU a two-year pilot authority to buy and sell certain real estate within one mile of campus to support redevelopment and student needs. Senator Foyle and LSU representatives said the bill is intended to help the university act more quickly on deteriorating nearby properties and some Greek housing transactions, with safeguards such as appraisal and fair-market-value requirements. Members asked about whether the authority would affect mostly commercial property and whether the pilot could later be expanded to other universities; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then reported SCR 33, creating a one-year Work-Based Learning Coordination Task Force to study and better coordinate internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and related programs across state agencies and employers. Support testimony emphasized that Louisiana’s education and workforce systems are too siloed and that the task force would map existing efforts, identify gaps, and recommend a statewide structure. HR 168 also passed, directing the Board of Regents to study collegiate athletic program funding after concerns raised by athletic directors about deficits and accounting practices. Members next approved SB 488, a school safety drone response pilot program, after testimony described drones as a supplemental security tool that could respond faster than police and work with law enforcement; an amendment required coordination with the Department of Education, State Police, and the Sheriffs’ Association. HCR 97 was reported favorably to ask BESE and Wildlife and Fisheries to study age- and grade-appropriate hunting, conservation, and shooting sports education for grades 5-12. The committee also approved SB 112, allowing local school boards to adopt parental-consent release-time policies for religious instruction, with amendments on instructor qualifications, grade reporting, and constitutional safeguards; SB 504, expanding individual graduation plans to include vocational options and charter schools; SB 346 and SB 347, addressing harmful deepfakes involving K-12 and college students; and SB 353, authorizing postsecondary systems to digitize student IDs for LA Wallet, though members raised concerns about naming a specific vendor. The meeting adjourned after SB 353 was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's 36 states that see Canada.
• I think, and you touched on this, I think our economies are entwined in such a way that what is good
• I think it's a time for opportunity.
• And I think they're beginning to realize that, and I think there's opportunities if we just continue
• And I think that's key to continuing to improve. at a steady rate. I think Mexico wants to do that.

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think it's wise.
• So I think it's balanced.
• I think I think we need I need to learn more about accountability here.
• I think that's everybody.
• I think the I think we are just absolutely revamping the way we think about that while taking in to account

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is a great bill.
• I think it's easy.
• I think it's 1996.
• I think than what we're seeing is that so when I think about a whistleblower personally, when I think
• I don't think I think you can start down.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think some of my colleagues on the dais and in the legislature think that somehow they are defending
• And I'll just say, I think as we're thinking about accountability and we're talking about cost savings
• I think.
• I think personally I hold myself accountable to the people that I represent and I think we all should
• I think it's very fair to say, but I also think there are inequality amplifying effects of a cut like

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the answer's no.
• I mean, I think you have CWD.
• I think that it's settled as far as I'm concerned. I don't think what you.
• I think there's good science.
• I think he's done a good job. I think it's good research. I think it's good data. It's too early.

Bills: HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of it is stuff I think we already know, but it puts it in a booklet form that I think summarizes
• Chair, and think, Rebecca.
• Chair, and think, Rebecca.
• Well, I'm thinking, and, you know, I have to think out loud here because I support EVs because I think
• Okay, so I think we're there. Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think No, of course not.
• think that's the case.
• I think what I'm trying to think back, excuse me.
• And I think that's what we need to do. I think it's more compact. And so I think it's a good map.
• I don't think they sent it.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I think that's important. I think we—I went to both.
• Because I think that's important. I think we, I went to both.
• Yeah, I think we were thinking the same thing. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We think they are.
• We think they are.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee heard and advanced House Bill 1145, which clarifies that public charter schools may participate in the CAP Grant Fund. The bill’s amendment expanded a separate “money-back guarantee” concept for state colleges, requiring participating institutions to offer six eligible programs and refund tuition if graduates do not find qualifying employment within six months under standardized job-search requirements. Members asked about refund rates, student notification, fiscal impact, and whether the proposal accounted for disability or out-of-state job searches. Public testimony on the amendment and bill was in support from Nathan Hoffman of the Foundation for Florida’s Future, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute by a 16-1 vote, with Representative Aristide voting no over the charter school issue. The committee then received presentations on the William L. Boyd IV Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant and the private nonprofit college sector. Department of Education staff explained that EASE, created in 1979, provides tuition assistance to eligible full-time undergraduates at participating private institutions, with a 2024-25 maximum award of $3,500 and an additional EASE Plus incentive of up to $850 for students in high-demand fields. The department reviewed the program’s funding history, disbursement process, and accountability metrics, including access, affordability, graduation, retention, and postgraduate employment/continuing education. Members asked about award proration, eligibility for other aid, religious-program restrictions, and why some institutions had low or unavailable graduation-rate data. ICUF President Robert Boyd argued that EASE is a strong return on investment and described ICUF institutions as not-for-profit, four-year schools serving many Pell-eligible, adult, military, and minority students. He said the sector produces a significant share of Florida’s bachelor’s, graduate, nursing, and education degrees, and highlighted ICUF’s dashboard with additional transparency metrics, program earnings data, and net price calculators. Boyd and members discussed graduation and completion rates, NCLEX passage rates, affordability, institutional flexibility, and whether schools with lower graduation rates should be compared differently because of their student populations. The presentations ended with no further business, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually have that on my computer.
• I think it was last year.
• I mean, I think I don't mind a review process.
• Oh, just, I think it's "obligate." Sorry, Representative. I think it's obligate.
• I don't think it's fine. I will say that, and that requirement I think came from legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I left a copy with you.
• I think the bill is great.
• I think that the other things...
• But I don't think this bill addresses those; I think it makes it worse. Thank you.
• Okay, let me think through that.

Bills: SB388, SB455, SB917, SB925, SB1006

Keywords: dispatchable generation, electricity, natural gas, ERCOT, energy credits, utilities regulation, renewable energy, arbitration, insurance contracts, surplus lines, Texas law, insurance policy, boiler inspection, boiler safety, inspection report deadline, certificate inspection, authorized inspector, inspection agency, Health and Safety Code, board of boiler rules

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that was the last number I saw.
• I think that rang true.
• I think that's really unfortunate.
• I just think we need to treat people equally.
• We don't think that this is a fair fee.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think clarity there.
• I think when you run for office...
• I think made it, Jim might be able to tell us for sure, but I think they made it permanent to essentially
• Even if the ads are positive, I think the public needs to know that these are computer generated images
• I don't think okay, I don't think mr.

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• Whoa, don't drop your computer, that was close.
• I'm thinking it's going to be a cleaner environment.
• I think that's being thoughtful and thinking long-term, and I would hope that many of the entities that
• We can do that, I think, when we look at our budget.
• I think there are some things we can build on here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I think, Madam Chair and Representative, that is, I mean, I think directionally you're headed in
• I want to say, I think it was Mr.
• I think I understand you.
• I don't think so. Okay.
• I think we need to get to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, I think that's everybody. OK.
• And we think that's important that we find a new way to do that. I think this bill does that.
• So, I, I think the best way to explain what this bill does is we all, I think, understand at this point
• I think it's a really important bill.
• And we think, uh, we think people will embrace it and, um, uh, folks will look for that fortified standard

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think I so it's very easy to talk to.
• I think we're funding those positions. I think.
• Tell us when you think you'll be ready.
• I think I would have a bigger flow rate, but I think I would love to have it.
• And I I think it would be good.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think so.
• I think you’re on the right path.” “I think you’re on the right path, and I want to support you.
• But I think this is a step in the right direction.
• I think we're here.
• I don't think I said that after we took that last vote.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I think I got your question.
• I think the CFO has some ideas.
• I think I think you made made the point.
• And I think that's good.
• I think I got one more bullet.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when I think about that, I think about the fact that, you know, over half our students are first
• And when we think about future jobs from that study, those that offer strong wages, And when we think
• And that, I think, is really telling that we must, when we think about social mobility, we must open
• I think when we think about manufacturing, we don't always think about California.
• And next we have, I think we have, yeah, Jason. And next we have, I think we have, yeah, Jason. Mr.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.