Transcript Highlights:

• Benor Capital while you were presenting, and I found it interesting how you had a concentration in AI
• Do you see, or can you share, your sentiments towards AI?
• In Europe, do you see or can you share your sentiments towards AI and with the committee?
• So my take on AI is we have to have our eyes open.
• So basically, we would make sure that the next generation of... ...AI acceleration chips, in that case

Bills: HB2746 , HB2750 , HB2765 , HB4036

Committee: House International Trade

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona-Sonora, Sonora, Mexico, trade commission, cross-border trade, bilateral trade, international trade, economic development, foreign relations, border economy, investment, infrastructure, business exchange, academic exchange, legislative commission

Transcript Highlights:

• 59.280><c> pertains</c><00:07:59.759><c> to</c><00:08:00.720><c> to</c> That pertains to cats and dog companion
• They are my companions.
• They are my companions.<00:29:08.480><c> Most</c><00:29:08.960><c> of</c><00:29:09.120><c> the</c><00
• :29:09.360><c> animals</c><00:29:09.679><c> that</c> companions.
• Most of the animals that companions.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• any statistics regarding the prevalence of civil domestic violence petitions or cases, as well as companion
• >> Well, the prevalence of domestic violence petitions in a civil setting and companion criminal charges
• violence petitions in a civil setting violence petitions in a civil setting and<00:25:41.679><c> companion
• </c><00:25:42.320><c> criminal</c><00:25:42.720><c> charges</c><00:25:43.120><c> that</c> and companion
• criminal charges that and companion criminal charges that would<00:25:43.520><c> be</c><00:25:43.600

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Kentucky’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative – Domestic Violence: 00:02:00 Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act: 00:46:41, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary approved the minutes from its July 24, 2025 meeting and heard an announcement about a lunch sponsored by the Kentucky State Buildings and Trades Council on forming a blue-collar caucus. The main presentation came from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center on the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s domestic violence work, which was described as a multi-year effort begun in 2023 to analyze data and interview stakeholders across the state. Presenters reported that domestic violence is widespread in Kentucky, with about half of adults experiencing some form of violence or stalking in their lifetimes, and that an average of about 22,000 IPV incidents occurred annually from 2018 to 2022. They said domestic violence is a major driver of violent crime, accounting for about 48% of person offenses over a six-year period, and is linked to significant shares of homicides, sex crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault. They also said reported incidents and arrests have risen in recent years, that protective-order violations and convictions have increased, and that Kentucky ranks near the bottom among surrounding states in the share of victim compensation for domestic-violence-related claims. Law enforcement survey results showed strong adoption of model policies and guidance, but limited use of screening tools for serious injury risk. The presenters emphasized that domestic violence also places heavy demands on law enforcement, courts, and corrections, citing roughly 30,000 law-enforcement responses in 2022 and noting that more than a third of people entering DOC custody and nearly a third under supervision had DV-related histories. They said a small group of repeat offenders drives ongoing harm and that targeted interventions could reduce recidivism. They highlighted a North Carolina example in which focused intervention reduced IPV-related homicides and calls for service, and they referenced Kentucky’s 2020 assessment recommendations on training, language access, protective-order service, and coordination with victim services and batterer intervention providers. They estimated that a 25% reduction in reported DV incidents could prevent nearly 5,000 victimizations annually and reduce DOC commitments and costs substantially. Committee members asked about the relationship between civil domestic violence petitions and companion criminal cases, and the presenters said they would check whether the data could answer that question. Members also discussed recent Kentucky legislation, including Senate Bill 319 on crime victims compensation and House Bill 38, which made a third domestic violence offense a Class D felony. Several members thanked the presenters and advocates, and one member raised concerns about service of process and recent violent incidents involving domestic violence-related warrants, prompting discussion of dedicated service units in larger jurisdictions and the resource limits faced by smaller agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of going forward, a lot of mileage is attributed to AI.
• So, we're focusing on policies, procedures for AI-type solutions and automations and leveraging large
• It is the industry trend to move towards AI solutions.
• </c><00:52:53.960><c> for</c> is anticipated to leverage AI for is anticipated to leverage AI for certain
• </c> industry trend to move towards AI industry trend to move towards AI solutions. solutions. solutions

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published. Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2. Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI and computing, I'll talk a little about that later on... Infrastructure.
• AI and computing, I'll talk a little about that later on, continues to be a big emphasis.
• I mentioned AI earlier, and so this is an area that we are leaning into very heavily.
• We have a new computer called Venado, you may have heard of, where we are doing a lot of AI work.
• For example, the potential for AI to help with drug discovery, for example, for cancer treatment.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• An increase in the AI and uh things.
• Although I will say an interesting component: we mentioned AI data centers earlier.
• Although I will say an interesting component: we mentioned AI data centers earlier.
• </c> interesting component, we mentioned AI interesting component, we mentioned AI data<00:29:49.520>
• </c> estimate on GDP, the investment in AI estimate on GDP, the investment in AI contributed<00:32:16.000

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on preliminary fiscal 2026 revenue estimates and the governor’s office request for an official revision to fiscal 2026, with members reminded that any estimate adopted now would not bind the December official estimates. Staff from S&P Global walked through three forecast scenarios—control, optimistic, and pessimistic—based on recent federal tax changes, tariffs, and other policy developments, emphasizing that the outlook remains highly uncertain. Under the control scenario, the presentation projected below-trend real GDP growth of 1.8% in fiscal 2026, slowing to 1.5% by fiscal 2028, with unemployment peaking around 4.5% and the Federal Reserve cutting rates three times to a long-run range of about 2.75% to 3%. The optimistic scenario assumed lower effective tariffs, stronger growth, and better labor and housing outcomes, while the pessimistic scenario assumed a broader trade war, higher effective tariffs, faster deportations, weaker employment and consumer spending, and unemployment rising to about 6.3%. Speakers also noted that the forecast was prepared before later BLS revisions and that recent data on inventories and AI-related investment made the recent quarters look unusually volatile. Members discussed how the current fiscal 2026 outlook compared with earlier assumptions and noted that the eventual revenue revision may be smaller than the spread between the optimistic and pessimistic economic scenarios. The governor’s office and committee members also reviewed sector-specific impacts, including manufacturing, housing, light vehicle production, exports, and consumer sentiment, with particular concern about Kentucky’s auto and housing-related industries. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have since filed a companion bill in the Senate, waiting to be admitted as it was filed late, an act
• I just want to note before I open it up that the House companion bill to this bill is being heard in
• regularly, and we can discuss your concerns as we review these bills as well, since this is a House companion

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on a broad set of mental health, substance use, recovery, and patients’ rights bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2227, which would replace stigmatizing substance use terminology in the General Laws, and H. 3950, which would support parents in recovery involved with DCF by requiring more individualized recovery plans, clearer benchmarks for parenting time, access to recovery coaches or counselors, family counseling after sustained recovery, and staff training on addiction and lived experience. Speakers described the bills as ways to reduce stigma, increase accountability, and improve reunification outcomes for families. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1386, which would transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health. Advocates, family members, and disability groups testified that Bridgewater functions like a prison rather than a hospital, with excessive restraint, seclusion, involuntary medication, poor conditions, and racial disparities, and argued DMH should oversee a treatment setting. One DMH occupational therapist and MNA member opposed the transfer, saying the real issue is mixing forensic and continuing-care patients and that DMH should instead create designated forensic units under bills H. 228/S. 1408. Committee members asked about Bridgewater’s population, the history of DOC control, capacity, staffing, and how a transfer might be implemented. The committee also heard testimony on modernizing the six fundamental rights for psychiatric inpatients, including expanding communication options, clarifying visitation and advocacy definitions, and improving access to gender-appropriate and culturally relevant items. Another bill, H. 2216, would require stronger oversight before antipsychotic medication is prescribed in nursing homes, prompted by concerns about inappropriate use. Finally, testimony supported H. 2240 and H. 2239 on sober homes, with supporters saying discharge and relocation policies are needed when a resident returns to active use or becomes unsafe, while preserving the recovery environment and resident rights. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 475 and its House companion, House Bill 4015, filed by Representative Shirley Arriaga, offer
• Senate Bill 4-5-7 and its House Commandion, House Senate Bill 457 and 475 and its House companion House
• For the widow who was struggling to adapt to the loss of her lifelong companion, we are the day center

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several aging-related bills, with most speakers focusing on housing stability, home-based services, and care transitions. Representative Badger and a commissioner testified in support of H4039, which would create a universal breakfast and lunch program at senior centers funded through a new Senior Breakfast and Lunch Fund, arguing it would reduce food insecurity and social isolation among older adults. Representative Lipper-Garabedian and multiple providers then supported H780/S495, the hospital-to-home partnership program, describing how embedded aging-services liaisons help older patients transition safely from hospitals to home, reduce readmissions, and avoid nursing facility placement; witnesses from Mystic Valley Elder Services and Mass Aging Access cited pilot results, including hundreds of patients served and examples of substantial cost savings and successful discharge planning. The committee also took testimony on S478, which would require continuing care retirement communities to disclose entrance-fee refund policies more clearly at enrollment. Senator Lovely and LeadingAge Massachusetts said the bill would improve transparency for residents and families, while a consumer witness said her family experienced delays and confusion in getting a refund after her mother left a CCRC. Members noted the issue is also being examined by a special commission on CCRCs. A large portion of the hearing focused on S475, a statewide bridge subsidy program for older adults facing housing instability. Advocates from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Western Massachusetts, Somerville, Northampton, East Hampton, Old Colony Elder Services, and Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability described rising senior homelessness, long waitlists for subsidized housing, and cases where short-term rental assistance kept older adults housed while they waited for permanent housing. Somerville witnesses said the pilot program helped nine households remain housed and that some participants have since moved into permanent housing. Members asked about wait times, program design, and how to prioritize applicants; witnesses emphasized flexibility, emergency risk, and the need for a statewide expansion. The hearing also included testimony on S465, an ALS bill that would expand home care access regardless of age and bar the use of quality-adjusted life-year metrics in coverage decisions, with the sponsor and ALS Association arguing the measure would reduce discriminatory treatment and better center patient care. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here for H-2547, and there's a companion Senate bill as well, filed by Senator Durant, who I believe
• My name is Daniel Sites, and I am here to testify in support of companion bills Senate Bill 1521 and
• Department of Public Health in the wake of the COVID pandemic. and I am here to testify in support of companion

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public health and emergency services bills, with many speakers focusing on EMS system failures, hospital service closures, trauma preparedness, epilepsy awareness, drink-spiking response, sudden cardiac arrest, and survivor financial assistance. Several legislators and advocates described the EMS system as underfunded and overstretched, citing long ambulance waits, staffing shortages, and the need for statewide oversight, a special commission, and clearer recognition of EMS as an essential service. A number of speakers also supported bills to preserve essential hospital services after closures such as Nashoba Valley Medical Center and birthing services in Leominster, arguing that current closure rules lack enforcement and leave communities without critical care. Multiple panels testified in support of bills requiring trauma kits in public buildings, public education on SUDEP and epilepsy mortality, and improved cardiac arrest response. Supporters of the trauma-kit bill said public buildings should have bleeding-control kits and trained staff, comparing them to AEDs and first aid supplies. Epilepsy advocates, clinicians, and grieving parents urged a public health campaign on SUDEP, saying families are often not warned about the risk and that awareness could improve medication adherence, reduce guilt, and save lives. On cardiac arrest, EMS professionals and the American Heart Association backed measures to improve telecommunicator CPR, create an AED registry, and strengthen dispatch and training standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on a bill addressing illicit drink spiking. Senators, city officials, victims, physicians, and an international anti-spiking advocate described cases in which hospitals refused toxicology testing unless a sexual assault was reported, and argued for standardized testing protocols, better data collection, and coordination with law enforcement and licensed venues. Another bill drew a sharp exchange over local public health control and the SAFE 2.0 law, with one senator arguing for more local approval and voluntary participation, while committee members defended the earlier law as a response to inequities in local public health capacity. Finally, advocates from Jane Doe, Inc. supported legislation to provide flexible financial assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, saying unrestricted cash helps survivors meet basic needs, escape abuse, and rebuild stability.

Transcript Highlights:

• The California Catastrophe Response Council, which is an oversight body created under AB 111, a companion
• This would require a constitutional amendment, as well as... ...some companion legislation to eliminate
• This would require a constitutional amendment, as well as some companion legislation to eliminate the

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Glorioso, we had a companion bill for this bill last week, did we not? That's correct, Mr.
• Members, this is the bill that we had, the companion bill to the bill we had last week. Yes, sir.
• Members, this is the bill that we had, the companion bill to the bill we had last week where you heard

Summary: The committee first heard and favorably reported House Bill 1175, which updates aeronautics-related definitions to make Louisiana more attractive to the aviation industry. It then approved House Bill 655, giving DOTD clearer authority to contract for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems on a cost-plus basis, with testimony focused on flexibility for the Cameron Ferry and other state-run ferries. House Bill 1037, which reorganizes certain DOTD operations by shifting duties to a chief operating officer and extending work on a unified permitting platform, was also reported favorably, as was House Bill 1174, which recreates the Department of Transportation and Development on a revised cycle. House Bill 714 was voluntarily deferred. The committee next took up several port-related measures. House Bill 871, which would have added two St. Tammany appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, was voluntarily deferred after the author said the timing was premature given ongoing work on the LIT project and regional trade zone issues. House Bill 345, expanding the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports, was reported favorably. House Bill 713, which would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors, drew extensive testimony for and against; supporters argued the salary was excessive and the port needed accountability, while opponents said ports are different from one another, the local appointing authorities already oversee the board, and the bill could hurt recruitment. The committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer HB 713. House Bill 667, which would change the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission from appointed to elected members, also drew strong opposition over cost, voter confusion, and loss of local appointing authority, and it too was involuntarily deferred by a 12-1 vote. The committee then favorably reported House Bill 743, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, after testimony that the airport should be managed as a dedicated economic development asset. House Bill 836, which would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East, was amended to move the reconfirmation date from August 1, 2026, to December 1, 2026, to avoid disrupting hurricane-season operations, and was reported favorably by substitute. Finally, House Bill 730, concerning the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data, was discussed with an amendment limiting the bill’s application to smaller aircraft; the measure was presented as a privacy and safety bill to prevent assessors or others from using ADS-B data to impose fees or taxes on aircraft owners.

Transcript Highlights:

• Glorioso, we had a companion bill for this bill last week, did we not? That's correct, Mr.
• Members, this is the bill that we had, the companion bill to the bill we had last week. Yes, sir.
• Members, this is the bill that we had, the companion bill to the bill we had last week, where you heard

Bills: HB345 , HB502 , HB511 , HB655 , HB667 , HB713 , HB714 , HB730 , HB743 , HB777 , HB803 , HB836 , HB871 , HB1037 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, Caddo Parish, property taxes, abatement, payment in lieu of taxes, taxing entities, governmental approval, pursuit intervention, law enforcement, safety technology, GPS tracking, public safety, ferries, Department of Transportation, contracts, state legislation

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and aviation measures. HB 1175, by Rep. Turner, updated aeronautics-related definitions and was reported favorably without objection. HB 655, by Rep. Brough, authorized DOTD to use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems, with Secretary Glenn LaDay explaining it was intended to give DOTD flexibility for possible privatization or contracting of ferries such as Cameron; it was also reported favorably. HB 1037, by Chairman Borek, shifted certain DOTD operational responsibilities to a chief operating officer and was reported favorably, and HB 1174, also by Chairman Borek, recreated DOTD and was reported favorably as a cleanup measure. HB 714 and HB 502 were voluntarily deferred. The committee then considered several port-related bills. HB 871, by Rep. Carver, would have added two St. Tammany Parish appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, but the author asked to voluntarily defer it, saying the timing was premature given ongoing work on the Louisiana International Terminal and related access projects. HB 345, by Rep. McMakin, expanded the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports and was reported favorably. HB 713, by Rep. McCormick, would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors; after extensive debate and testimony from the port, the Port Association, and Caddo Parish opposing the bill, the committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer it. HB 667, also by Rep. McCormick, would change Caddo-Bossier Port commissioners from appointed to elected; witnesses argued it would politicize the board, create election costs, and conflict with the port’s current structure, and the committee again voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer the bill. The committee also advanced local infrastructure and flood-protection measures. HB 743, by Rep. St. Blanc, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, was reported favorably after testimony that the district would help the parish manage the airport as an economic development asset. HB 836, by Rep. Hilferty, would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East by Senate confirmation; after concerns that the original August 1 date could interfere with hurricane-season operations, the committee adopted an amendment moving the reconfirmation date to December 1, 2026, and then reported the bill favorably by substitute. Finally, HB 730, by Rep. Cruz, was presented to prohibit the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to assess taxes or fees on aircraft owners, with an amendment narrowing the bill to smaller aircraft; the discussion continued into questions about enforcement and exemptions for carrier airports.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now the companion piece to that is establishing a fund into which those fees go, so that the staff
• And now the companion piece to that is establishing a fund into which those fees go, so that the staff
• The companion piece to that is establishing a fund into which those fees go, so that the staff that manages

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 4 is the companion to HB 4, line for line.
• to get here, but, just like each of you have done 100 times on different bills, when you have a companion
• try to do what you can to get it moving in the other body, which is why I went ahead and filed the companion

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then observed a moment of silence after Senator Eckhardt referenced a mass shooting in Austin. The chamber also agreed to postpone reading and referral of bills until later in the day. Early procedural business included a motion not to print Senate Bill 3, which was adopted without objection. Later, Senator Mendez raised a parliamentary inquiry about moving flood relief bills to the top of the calendar, but the presiding officer said the order of business was up to the chair. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 4, the congressional redistricting bill. Senator King laid out the bill, describing it as the companion to the House version, based on 2020 census data, and arguing it was legal, race-blind, more compact, and likely to elect more Republicans. Senators asked extensive questions about the process, public hearings, and the map’s effects on districts and communities. The Senate voted to suspend the regular order of business and the three-day rule, then passed SB 4 to engrossment and finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 19 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 6, relating to abortion and civil liability for the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs. Senator Hughes argued the bill was needed to stop illegal abortion pills being mailed into Texas and harming women and unborn children. The Senate suspended the regular order of business and the three-day rule, passed the bill to engrossment, and then finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 18 yeas, 10 nays, and one present not voting. A lengthy discussion followed on the committee substitute for Senate Bill 14, which would standardize law enforcement personnel and departmental files statewide. Senator King said the bill codifies a TCOLE model policy and limits public access to personnel files to substantiated misconduct, commendations, and evaluations, while keeping other records available through other legal processes. Senators Eckhardt, West, Hinojosa, and others questioned how the bill would affect transparency, meet-and-confer agreements, civilian review boards, and access to unsubstantiated complaints. An amendment by Senator Hinojosa of Dallas to narrow the bill to unfounded complaints failed, and SB 14 was then passed to engrossment on a vote of 18 yeas and 10 nays. The final major item was Senate Bill 1, the natural disaster omnibus bill responding to the July flooding. Senator Perry said the bill addresses camp and RV park safety, evacuation plans, emergency rooftop access, lines of succession for local emergency management, annual drills, volunteer management, drone restrictions over disaster areas, small-business recovery loans, and a statewide data hub for flood and weather monitoring. Senators Menendez, Eckhardt, and Kolkhorst asked about autopsies, volunteer background checks, liability, warning systems, floodplain mitigation, and coordination with FEMA and local governments. Perry said the bill focuses on preparation, response, and recovery, while broader prevention and mitigation issues may be addressed later. The transcript ends during this extended discussion, before final action on SB 1 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in my handouts and in a companion report, I provided full tables with that.
• We also have a companion program that’s built into the funding mechanism that is for the Sustainable
• So it’s a companion sister program.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support. Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization. Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this bill will along with the companion bills will be an important the companion bills will be
• an important the companion bills will be an important step for our state to take. appreciate step for

Bills: SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SB 227 , SB 269 , SB 330 , SB 434 , SB 437 , SB 438 , SB 463 , SB 528 , SB 584 , SB 604 , SB 663 , SB 668 , SB 682 , SB 747 , SB 841 , SB 912 , SB 968 , SB 1013 , SB 1020 , SB 1044 , SB 1137 , SB 1138 , SB 1143 , SB 1164 , SB 1169 , SB 1200 , SB 1236 , SB 1244 , SB 1299 , SB 1325 , SB 1335 , SB 1369 , SB 1410 , SB 1418 , SB 1422 , SB 1455 , SB 1468 , SB 1495 , SB 1534 , SB 1579 , SB 1580 , SB 1612 , SB 1624 , SB 1667 , SB 1734 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 1760 , SB 1784 , SB 1860 , SB 1862 , SB 1864 , SB 1896 , SB 1898 , SB 1920 , SB 1940 , SB 1952 , SB 1998 , SB 1999 , SB 2004 , SB 2032 , SB 2052 , SB 2068 , SB 2073 , SB 2121 , SB 2127 , SB 2141 , SB 2145 , SB 2161 , SB 2167 , SB 2196 , SB 2207 , SB 2216 , SB 2246 , SB 2323 , SB 2332 , SB 2395 , SB 2429 , SB 2431 , SB 2439 , SB 2443 , SB 2581 , SB 2601 , SB 2629 , SB 2702 , SB 2705 , SB 2717 , SB 2798 , SB 2873 , SB 2881 , SB 2964 , SB 3034 , SCR 4 , SCR 38 , SB 39 , SB 227 , SB 240 , SB 330 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 506 , SB 512 , SB 527 , SB 584 , SB 618 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 648 , SB 663 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 758 , SB 801 , SB 843 , SB 847 , SB 870 , SB 957 , SB 1013 , SB 1020 , SB 1065 , SB 1152 , SB 1164 , SB 1181 , SB 1183 , SB 1257 , SB 1283 , SB 1299 , SB 1325 , SB 1349 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1455 , SB 1490 , SB 1558 , SB 1574 , SB 1624 , SB 1626 , SB 1640 , SB 1717 , SB 1718 , SB 1727 , SB 1734 , SB 1756 , SB 1757 , SB 1789 , SB 1832 , SB 1845 , SB 1868 , SB 1920 , SB 1924 , SB 1964 , SB 2004 , SB 2018 , SB 2031 , SB 2037 , SB 2052 , SB 2073 , SB 2075 , SB 2080 , SB 2111 , SB 2117 , SB 2154 , SB 2161 , SB 2196 , SB 2206 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2322 , SB 2323 , SB 2349 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2570 , SB 2623 , SB 2626 , SB 2658 , SB 2660 , SB 2692 , SB 2705 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2753 , SB 2788 , SB 2877 , SB 2900 , SB 2920 , SB 3031 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 1 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 38 , SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SB 2023 , SB 1257 , SB 240 , SB 1727 , SB 870 , SB 618 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 1860 , SB 2037 , SB 1924 , SB 2253 , SB 2018 , SB 2206 , SB 1299 , SB 841 , SB 668 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2431 , SB 1490 , SB 1868 , SB 2314 , SB 434 , SB 2046 , SB 1667 , SB 2127 , SB 1975 , SB 1760 , SB 1734 , SB 1335 , SB 2246 , SB 2439 , SB 1624 , SB 1244 , SB 1468 , SB 2717 , SB 1612 , SB 1262 , SB 604 , SB 2395 , SB 1832 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 2207 , SB 1784 , SB 1524 , SB 528 , SB 437 , SB 269 , SB 1137 , SB 968 , SB 636 , SB 747 , SB 1325 , SB 1455 , SB 2056 , SB 1940 , SB 2052 , SB 1579 , SB 2068 , SB 3034 , SB 1920 , SB 1558 , SB 1236 , SB 1044 , SB 884 , SB 463 , SB 227 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1626 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2216 , SB 2681 , SB 1717 , SB 2141 , SB 2323 , SB 2200 , SB 2332 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 1138 , SB 2458 , SB 1864 , SB 2201 , SB 1862 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 1898 , SB 2662 , SB 2161 , SB 2964 , SB 2881 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2743 , SB 2533 , SB 2073 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 2702 , SB 2629 , SB 2443 , SB 2349 , SB 2167 , SB 2145 , SB 2121 , SB 758 , SB 648 , SB 647 , SB 512 , SB 438 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 1495 , SB 2705 , SB 2366 , SB 1422 , SB 1369 , SB 1013 , SB 682 , SB 2692 , SB 2570 , SB 2797 , SB 2111 , SB 1896 , SB 1164 , SB 1020 , SB 663 , SB 2371 , SB 1152 , SB 2196 , SB 2383 , SB 2581 , SB 2798 , SB 330 , SB 646 , SB 843 , SB 1998 , SB 1418 , SB 2788 , SB 1169 , SB 2873 , SB 1754 , SB 1534 , SB 1718 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 1143 , SB 1756 , SB 912 , SB 2119 , SB 2032 , SB 527 , SB 1580 , SB 1952 , SB 2601 , SB 2322 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 407 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 3031 , SB 2877 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1395 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 1183 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 2117 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1964 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 39 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2658 , SB 1574 , SB 2900 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 401 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 2031 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 843 , SB 1152 , SB 1164 , SB 1299 , SB 1349 , SB 1868 , SB 2037 , SB 2349 , SB 2788 , SB 39 , SB 1183 , SB 1717 , SB 1832 , SB 2743 , SR 429 , SR 432 , SCR 38 , SB 39 , SB 240 , SB 618 , SB 870 , SB 1183 , SB 1257 , SB 1717 , SB 1727 , SB 1832 , SB 2743 , SB 2 , SB 3058 , SB 3059 , HB 6 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 100 , HB 136 , HB 149 , HB 204 , HB 206 , HB 307 , HB 467 , HB 685 , HB 1130 , HB 1393 , HB 1644 , HB 2027 , HB 2118 , HB 2176 , HB 2468 , HB 2488 , HB 2525 , HB 2596 , HB 2890 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3114 , HB 3204 , SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SB 269 , SB 330 , SB 434 , SB 437 , SB 438 , SB 463 , SB 528 , SB 604 , SB 663 , SB 668 , SB 682 , SB 747 , SB 841 , SB 912 , SB 968 , SB 1020 , SB 1044 , SB 1138 , SB 1143 , SB 1236 , SB 1244 , SB 1325 , SB 1335 , SB 1369 , SB 1418 , SB 1422 , SB 1455 , SB 1468 , SB 1495 , SB 1534 , SB 1579 , SB 1580 , SB 1612 , SB 1624 , SB 1667 , SB 1734 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 1760 , SB 1784 , SB 1860 , SB 1862 , SB 1864 , SB 1896 , SB 1898 , SB 1920 , SB 1940 , SB 1952 , SB 1998 , SB 2032 , SB 2052 , SB 2068 , SB 2073 , SB 2121 , SB 2127 , SB 2141 , SB 2145 , SB 2161 , SB 2167 , SB 2196 , SB 2207 , SB 2216 , SB 2246 , SB 2323 , SB 2332 , SB 2395 , SB 2431 , SB 2439 , SB 2443 , SB 2581 , SB 2601 , SB 2629 , SB 2702 , SB 2705 , SB 2798 , SB 2873 , SB 2881 , SB 2964 , SB 3034 , SB 227 , SB 584 , SB 1013 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1200 , SB 1299 , SB 1410 , SB 1999 , SB 2004 , SB 2429 , SB 2717 , SB 3058 , SB 3059 , HB 6 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 100 , HB 136 , HB 149 , HB 204 , HB 206 , HB 307 , HB 467 , HB 685 , HB 1130 , HB 1393 , HB 1644 , HB 2027 , HB 2118 , HB 2176 , HB 2468 , HB 2488 , HB 2525 , HB 2596 , HB 2890 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3114 , HB 3204

Keywords: Pflugerville, Trail Capital, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, community connectivity, patriotism, town designation, community engagement, Trophy Club, Texas Town of Patriotism, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Fishing Capital of Texas, Texas fishing, coastal tourism, charter fishing, deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, pier fishing, angling

Transcript Highlights:

• think that those are going to be around, you know, and all this sort of like what's happening with AI
• And all this sort of like what's happening with AI. I think those two are good, solid tracks.
• different successful apprenticeships and they talked about a lot of manufacturing and they even brought up AI

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met with ASL and CART interpretation, took roll call, and approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second. The main discussion focused on a proposed apprenticeship-related presentation and outreach to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), including a draft letter and follow-up communication with Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Ram. Members said the draft looked good and discussed keeping trade partners informed, as well as the need to coordinate with the broader commission before moving forward. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and how to frame the topic. Members discussed a recent Apprenticeship Week event, noting employer interest, Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000, and concerns raised by employers about a $250 annual fee and the complexity of the registration process. Participants also discussed the need to include people with disabilities in apprenticeship conversations, challenge stereotypes about suitable jobs, and possibly involve the Commission for the Blind, higher education partners, and behavioral health apprenticeship models. The subcommittee generally agreed to focus first on child care and home health as initial apprenticeship fields, with direct support, house managers, and program managers also identified as important workforce roles. Members discussed inviting trade representatives and state liaisons, but emphasized that scheduling should not become overly complicated. They leaned toward a Zoom-only format, likely around 90 minutes, and agreed to continue coordinating offline on dates, format, and outreach before the next step.

Transcript Highlights:

• More than 9,500 websites have been identified with AI-generated content.
• SB 1111 creates a framework to hold AI users accountable by creating clear legal standing for victims
• and defending the boundaries of AI technology.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative, why couldn't we just have AI figure out the study?
• Well, we know that AI is currently reshaping the workforce as it exists today, and therefore we need
• So I think looking at AI and automation and robotics is exactly what we need.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. First, PCS for HB 879 by Representatives Rizo and Woodson would require state colleges and universities to prioritize housing placement for students who are homeless, were in foster care, or are at risk of homelessness, and to give first priority in housing or work-study priority systems to students eligible for child-welfare-related tuition and fee exemptions. Members heard extensive supportive testimony from Florida Youth Shine participants and other advocates describing housing instability after foster care and the importance of campus housing and vouchers for student success. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then heard CS for HB 1113 by Representative Valdes, which would standardize minimum math-content requirements for elementary teacher preparation programs and increase math content in competency-based certification programs. The sponsor cited stagnant Florida math outcomes and a state report finding limited math preparation for elementary teacher candidates. The bill drew support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 827 by Representative Spencer, directing the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research to conduct a recurring statewide study on the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, including affected industries, at-risk workers, and training needs. Members discussed whether similar data exists in the private sector, the bill’s fiscal impact, and the sponsor’s use of AI tools in preparing remarks. The bill received supportive debate and was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• 32.920><c> have</c><00:02:33.200><c> the</c><00:02:33.360><c> University</c><00:02:33.800><c> of</c> AI
• <00:02:37.879><c> Deborah</c> AI Deborah AI Deborah Halbert<00:02:41.080><c> good</c><00:02:41.319><c

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Library and Technology Committee met on March 14, 2025, to hear House Bill 430, House Draft 2, which would create an internship/on-the-job training program administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, with the state serving as the responsible employer for workers’ compensation coverage and appropriations included. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Department of Education. Supporters emphasized the value of internships as a high-impact educational and career pathway opportunity. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill’s intent but raised a concern about the criminal history background check language, recommending that the bill be revised so DLIR may conduct checks “as appropriate” rather than requiring a mandatory check for all interns. The AG noted that juvenile records would remain confidential for 16- and 17-year-old interns under existing law and suggested deleting the more specific background-check language or replacing it with the more flexible wording. Several organizations submitted support, including business, health care, tourism, and industry groups. During decision-making, the committee discussed amendments incorporating the Attorney General’s recommendation, adding a 2.5 GPA minimum reference, and clarifying language about private or public sector organizations and placement of interns in state executive branch departments, agencies, or programs. The committee adopted the recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.