Transcript Highlights:

• We, uh, we're not showing anybody, uh, for testimony.
• So that's my testimony. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Members, is there.
• We'll uh recognize your right to close and we'll go to the testimony.
• Chairman, and, and thank you for that testimony.
• Uh, if that, thank you, Ms. uh, Swanson, and we'll proceed to testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since your invitation was extended for my testimony, I've been asked by producers to share just how vital
• Thank you so much for your testimony and everything and and so God bless America in every way and we
• Your testimony was great. Thank you. Very, very helpful. Really good. Really good.
• . testimony for more detail.
• As I have stated in my testimony, the turkey industry has been devastated by HPAI, and we ask that any

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. Thank you.
• We do have public testimony, so I will thank you, LBB, and open public testimony.
• We'll close public testimony. Members. That wraps up a long three weeks of testimony and agencies.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the testimony.
• I appreciate the testimony.
• I appreciate the testimony.
• David, for your testimony.
• LaVoy's testimony.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wood, please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
• That concludes the testimony.
• I want to thank Alex for her testimony.
• <00:51:22.280> um want to thank Alex for her testimony um want to thank Alex for her testimony
• for the record and begin your testimony for the record and begin your testimony uh<00:54:45.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or limit the testimony to 2 minutes.
• or limit uh the written testimony or limit uh the testimony<00:00:59.199> to<00:01:00.000>
• to 2 minutes however uh we're testimony to 2 minutes however uh we're exempting<00:01:03.879> our
• Can I start my testimony? Sure.
• Yes, we have submitted testimony, and we're going to stand on that testimony.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually have some written testimony I actually have some written testimony I'll<00:32:29.360>
• testimony testimony um<01:56:55.679> are<01:56:56.880> uh<01:56:57.119> included
• I watched all of the testimony.” the there was some testimony when this the there was some testimony
• So I watched all of the testimony.
• much for your testimony. much for your testimony. >> Thanks,<03:47:59.120> ma'am.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think one of the other challenges we do have in testimony. testimony.
• Thanks so much. testimony, which provides comments on testimony, which provides comments on this<00:23
• Um, we actually have passed out previous testimony from DAGs.
• Um it wasn't in testimony from DAGs.
• Um I believe uploaded in this testimony.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard three resolutions. STR 53 SD1 sought to have the Legislative Reference Bureau work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access so residents can participate in the legislative process. Testimony from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure, emphasizing that many advocates cannot always travel to the Capitol and need better access. STR 117 SD1 urged the Department of Education to work with the Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the County of Hawaii to inventory bus stops on Hawaii Island used by students and develop safety improvements; DOE described an upcoming live route audit, noted the large number of routes and stops on the Big Island, and said some stops are on private roads. The Department of Transportation, Hawaii County Council, the mayor’s office, and others supported the measure, and members discussed whether the effort could eventually expand statewide. STR 134 asked the Department of Education to provide a detailed report on the true cost of producing school meals to improve transparency and avoid unnecessary price increases. DOE said it already tracks food, labor, benefits, supplies, equipment, and other costs to calculate per-meal costs, but does not currently include transportation costs in the same way; it stated its breakfast cost was $5.80 and lunch cost was $8.66. Support testimony came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the Hawaii Hunger Action Network, and others, who said clearer cost information is especially important amid funding uncertainty. In decision making, the committee amended and passed STR 53 SD1, reverting it to the original draft by replacing the Legislative Reference Bureau with the Controller and adding coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office, while removing references tied to the LRB and the public access room outreach clause. The committee also amended and passed STR 117 SD1, shifting the lead role to the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and adding a request for the County of Hawaii to consider funding the effort. STR 134 was passed unamended. Representative Souza was excused for the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, out of respect for everyone's time, we will allow testimony on the bill even without the presence
• Please proceed with your testimony and state your name for the record. Thank you.
• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• you thank you for your testimony you thank you for your testimony representative<00:03:04.799>
• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We look forward to your testimony.
• She has submitted very personal testimony to you all on this.
• Thank you for your time and your testimony this morning.
• Thank you for hearing my testimony. today.
• I'm going to read my testimony because it's easier.

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no questions, we do have public testimony.
• Seeing no public testimony, any other public testimony? Seeing none.
• There is no public testimony on the amendment.
• Seeing no further questions, we are in public testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met with two bills on the agenda. HB 1055, by Rep. Albert, would make permanent the Center for the Study of Election Law at Florida State University’s College of Law, which was created temporarily in 2023. The sponsor described the center as successful and tied to Florida’s election reputation. There was brief public testimony, including support from FSU-affiliated witnesses, and no debate or amendments. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 1105, by Rep. Kinghart-Johnson, a broader education bill affecting Bright Futures and related programs. As explained by the sponsor, the bill would change the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship requirement from three full credits in one program to three full credits total, align the CTE diploma with scholarship eligibility, add the AP Capstone Diploma as an automatic Bright Futures Academic Scholarship qualifier, and remove barriers for some students whose parents are retired military or public service employees stationed out of state. An amendment was adopted that revised AP Capstone requirements, kept the Gold Seal GPA requirement unchanged, and added the ACE diploma as a qualifier for the Florida Seal of Fine Arts. Public testimony on HB 1105 included two social work students who supported expanding opportunities but warned that the bill could steer students into vocational tracks without enough safeguards, transparency, or access to transportation, internships, and counseling. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s goal of recognizing multiple paths to success, while also acknowledging concerns raised by speakers. In closing, the sponsor said the bill was intended to improve access and correct language that treated vocational pathways as lesser options. HB 1105 passed unanimously as amended, and the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take up invited testimony and then move to public testimony.
• And your testimony was interesting.
• Public testimony is closed.
• Who left their testimony. Who left their testimony. So I need to look at yours. Okay.
• If not, that concludes public testimony. Public testimony is concluded and closed.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony as well, your written testimony. >> So, I press this button here, or is
• you for your testimony as well, your written<00:06:25.840> testimony.
• written testimony. written testimony.
• for your testimony. for your testimony.
• Thank you. testimony today. U for the record, my testimony today.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for your testimony, Representative for your testimony, Representative Flanigan.
• your testimony. I think is needed. Okay. your testimony. I think is needed. Okay.
• testimony.
• Having no more uh testimony testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony as always. Thank you for your testimony as always.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's very important. again uh returning to the testimony we again uh returning to the testimony we
• <02:01:45.520> was<02:01:45.679> rather testimony on 1328, it was rather testimony
• testimony testimony um<02:02:15.679> are<02:02:16.960> uh<02:02:17.119> included
• So I watched all of the testimony.
• . testimony. testimony.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, public testimony is closed. Seeing none, public testimony is closed.
• your testimony. your testimony.
• I had 10 cases in my written testimony that describe in detail.
• >> Seeing none, public testimony is closed.
• >> Seeing none, public testimony is closed.

Bills: HF729

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we won't be taking any testimony today.
• won't be all thank you everyone uh we won't be taking<00:04:12.120> any<00:04:12.360> testimony
• uh today we'll just taking any testimony uh today we'll just be<00:04:14.519> uh<00:04:15.360
• We had some testimony about Americans with Disabilities Act application in our first meeting.
• folks uh we had some testimony folks uh we had some testimony about<00:16:09.519> uh<00:16

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, seeing none, thank you so much, and like it was great testimony.
• I'm submitting testimony today to support HB 67.
• <00:55:08.760> today Hampshire I'm submitting testimony today Hampshire I'm submitting testimony
• <00:56:33.400> to if you could hand your testimony to if you could hand your testimony to
• <01:51:28.840> I have some written testimon testimony I have some written testimon testimony

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, testimony to the committee.
• Thank you um for your testimony. testimony. testimony.
• I just would like to inform testimony.
• >> Thank you for your testimony, doctor. >> Thank you for your testimony, doctor.
• Brinley, for your testimony. And Mr.

Bills: HF357, HF3389, HF1434, HF2500, HF1606

Keywords: HF357, hasenpfeffer, card games, social skill game, Minnesota gambling law, tournament, contest, prize limit, low-stakes gaming, card game exemption, gambling exemption, cribbage, bridge, euchre, pinochle, Texas hold'em, whist, skat, sheepshead, gin

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. Colleagues, I will treat that as opposition testimony.
• Thank you both for your testimony today.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• But thank you very much for your testimony.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.