Transcript Highlights:

• This is really just a matter of conformity between chapters 43A and chapter 3.
• Chapter 3.088 describes the similar thing if you are working for a local unit of government.
• In chapter 3.08, there are clear guidelines that ensure essentially a type of escalator provision for
• <01:30:14.400> Chapter service from state service. Chapter service from state service.
• In chapter 3.08 08 there are government.

Bills: HF3422, HF3461, HF2904

Keywords: state grants, grant oversight, grants management, executive agencies, Minnesota Department of Administration, commissioner of administration, fraud prevention, waste prevention, grant monitoring, financial reconciliation, grant compliance, state government, public funds, grant recipients, competitive grants, grant administration, administrative oversight, monitoring visits, grant policy, legislative leave

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are only very limited people under chapter 169 who are entitled to an accident report.
• <00:03:25.280> 169<00:03:26.080> who limited people under uh chapter 169 who limited
• people under uh chapter 169 who are<00:03:26.560> entitled<00:03:27.040> to<00:03:27.519
• And anytime you're tinkering around with Chapter 13, especially making an exception for redaction for
• <00:32:23.039> 13, tinkering around with Chapter 13, tinkering around with Chapter 13, especially

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee took testimony on Senate File 3051, which would allow law enforcement to release unredacted collision crash investigation video and related data to certain requesters, rather than requiring redaction first. Joel Carlson, speaking for the Minnesota Association for Justice, said the bill is intended to save local governments time and money because redacted video is often later released unredacted through court motions anyway. He emphasized that the proposal is limited to people already entitled to crash reports, requires a written request and accident report, does not create an affirmative duty to release data, and preserves law enforcement’s ability to withhold data for active investigations or other protected information. He also cited the Burks decision as support for the view that a subject of data is entitled to the full data even if it includes other subjects. Colonel Christina Bogavich of the Minnesota State Patrol raised concerns that the bill would still require staff to review videos for exceptions, including private data involving bystanders, juveniles, undercover officers, CAD information, and other protected material, so it would not create the claimed time savings. She also said the bill expands the number of potential requesters and lacks a liability provision if released data is improperly disseminated. Committee members and staff discussed the current Data Practices Act, including that private data can still be discoverable in litigation through a court balancing test and that protective orders may apply. A preliminary fiscal note estimated a Department of Public Safety cost of $4,026,334 annually, and members requested copies of the note. Members questioned whether the bill would actually reduce work or simply shift when the work occurs, and whether a litigation-specific exception to redaction should be added. Carlson said he was open to changes, including making release permissive rather than mandatory and strengthening the use restrictions, while members noted the proposal had not yet been heard in the House and would need more vetting. No vote or final action was taken on the provision during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I had the authority, I'd delete that chapter 245 and restart it over again because I think there's
• If I had the authority, I'd delete that chapter 245 and restart it over again because I think there's
• If I had the authority, I'd delete that chapter 245 and restart it over again because I think there's
• If I had the authority, I'd delete that chapter 245 and restart it over again because I think there's
• If I had the authority, I'd delete that chapter 245 and restart it over again because I think there's

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be premature for you to act until OHA fulfilled its Chapter 343 and Chapter 205A obligations
• It would be premature for you to act until OHA fulfilled its Chapter 343 and Chapter 205A obligations
• until OHA fulfilled bills it's chapter until OHA fulfilled bills it's chapter 343<02:28:22.560><
• :28:25.720> and 343 and chapter 205a obligations and 343 and chapter 205a obligations and provides
• So, under your impression, is that we're not complying with essentially Chapter 343?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted. OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important. A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allison May, by Willie Sheldman, president of the New England Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, I think
• he's here, by Sean Osborne, and several other members of the New England chapter.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a special recognition of Dr. Harold May, an original Tuskegee Airman. The Majority Leader highlighted Dr. May’s military service and his later career in medicine, including graduating from Harvard Medical School, working in Haiti, helping develop Boston’s emergency medical services, and founding a children’s support organization. A citation from the Massachusetts Senate was presented, and the chamber briefly recessed for photos and signatures. The Senate then adopted a resolution recognizing the legacy of Senator Mock and Mr. Pachico. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to the appropriate committees. An order was adopted for the Senate to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Before adjournment, the Senate honored former State Representative Thomas S. Cahir, with remarks noting his long service in the Massachusetts House, leadership on transportation issues, work on commuter rail and other projects, and later service with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. The Senate approved adjournment in his memory, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just as reference, it's Chapter 56 in the Town of Derry Town Code, but I will forward that to the
• And just as reference, it's Chapter 56 in the Town of Derry Town Code, but I will forward that to the
• And and just as reference, it's<00:48:40.000> chapter<00:48:40.400> 56<00:48:40.960>
• only apply to those under that chapter. only apply to those under that chapter.
• Nothing in this chapter shall be Nothing in this chapter shall be construed<03:41:06.800> to<03

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We amended that subsequently in creating the new chapter 98 as it was in 2005, which is now 20 years
• <04:29:24.520> 98<04:29:25.520> um<04:29:26.000> in chapter 98 um in chapter 98
• <04:30:21.000> of<04:30:21.119> 15 155 uh in in in the whole chapter of 15 155 uh in
• in in the whole chapter of 15 which<04:30:21.760> is<04:30:22.000> about<04:30:22.760>
• 98 as it was in 2005 the new chapter 98 as it was in 2005 which<04:30:49.439> is<04:30:49.560

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules. House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, under Civil Practices and Remedies Code Chapter 15, it's going to be where the events
• Because in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verses 26 to 27, then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our
• Like Jesus said in the book of Matthew, chapter 20, verse 28, the Son of Man was not supposed... ...to
• The committee developed this model policy by starting with Chapter 143 civil service.
• Again, the adoption of Chapter 143 civil service is extremely cumbersome.

Bills: SB7, SB14

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, with the author and committee substitute explaining that the bill would require public facilities to designate multi-use private spaces by biological sex, restrict access to women’s restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping quarters, shelters, and correctional facilities, and create civil penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Members asked about how the bill would apply to family violence shelters, children in mixed-family settings, venue layout, and venue for lawsuits; the author said the bill was similar to prior legislation but with stronger penalties and the 15th Court of Appeals as the exclusive intermediate appellate court for challenges, while clarifying that trial venue should generally be local except for state agencies. The committee also heard that the bill would be amended to better address local venue concerns and shelter-related issues. Invited testimony was largely in support of the bill from witnesses who described personal experiences in women’s sports, prisons, shelters, and public facilities, arguing that single-sex spaces are necessary for privacy and safety. Supporters included parents, former incarcerated women, a Republican county chair, a legal advocate, and a prison educator, who cited incidents involving transgender-identifying individuals in locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and restrooms, and said the bill would restore sex-based boundaries and protect vulnerable women and girls. One witness from Texas Values said the bill was needed despite the recently enacted Women’s Bill of Rights, and another ADF witness said the measure would protect privacy in schools and shelters. Opponents testified that the bill would harm transgender and intersex Texans, create harassment and “gender policing,” and expose cisgender women and children to invasive enforcement. Several witnesses argued there is no evidence that transgender women pose a restroom safety threat, while others said the bill would worsen mental health, employment, and school conditions for trans people and could conflict with prison standards and federal law. Family violence advocates urged changes to protect shelter operations and clarify that children can stay with parents, while other witnesses said the bill would create barriers for victims seeking help. The hearing featured extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• MAP Stars offers two specific curricula for the development of a Stars program: the chapter manual and
• The chapter manual has everything needed to establish a school Stars chapter, from the election of officers
• <00:04:09.920> manual of a Stars program the chapter manual of a Stars program the chapter
• manual has everything needed the chapter manual has everything needed to<00:04:16.320> establish<
• <00:04:19.400> from to establish a school Stars chapter from to establish a school Stars chapter

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• This makes modifications to chapter 60D.
• Um, this makes modifications to<00:10:35.519> chapter<00:10:36.279> 60D.
• Uh, article five is to chapter 60D.
• 152, and make some changes in chapter 342, which will be the new medical rules, primarily related to
• > will some changes in chapter 342 which will some changes in chapter 342 which will be<00:21:

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• And those are now in chapter 142B through H, I believe.
• And those are now<00:02:36.640> in<00:02:36.879> chapter<00:02:37.680> 142B<00:02
• now in chapter 142B through H I believe. now in chapter 142B through H I believe.
• I’m here to testify in support of Senate File 1806 on behalf of our chapter and the Minnesota Medical
• our chapter and the Minnesota<00:42:05.680> Medical<00:42:06.359> Association.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 3, section 2, beginning line 21.24, clarifies that all of chapter 12B applies to charter schools
• Article 3, section 2, beginning line 21.24, clarifies that all of chapter 12B applies to charter schools
• Again, MDE's guidance has been that they have to follow all of the requirements under chapter 12B, but
• <01:05:17.280> of to comply with the full chapter of to comply with the full chapter of federal
• The disclosure of information by employees, which is the chapter of law under 181, that this stricken

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Silas Simpson said that their chapters have seen quicker response times to 911 calls, more support for
• chapter houses are located<00:32:13.880> during<00:32:14.200> this<00:32:14.360> time
• <00:32:14.559> our<00:32:14.760> chapters located during this time our chapters located
• during this time our chapters have<00:32:15.240> seen<00:32:15.480> quicker<00:32:15.840
• have also supported many of our chapters have also supported many of our chapters on<00:32:26.279

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Amber Cameron of the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement about the University’s Outstanding Community Service Awards and, specifically, the community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality in 2021 and 2024. Cameron explained that the awards program recognizes faculty, staff, students, and community partners, that nominations are reviewed by University selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall impression, and that the committee evaluates only the application materials. She said the nomination for Communities United Against Police Brutality described a long-standing partnership with the University through student learning, including work through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning and a student white paper connected to the passage of Travis’s Law. Committee members raised concerns about the organization’s history, its public messaging, and whether it was appropriate for the University to honor it. One member argued that the group’s IRS records showed it was formally organized in 2020, questioned claims that it had existed for 25 years, and objected to the organization’s letterhead and activism. Cameron responded that the award does not require formal tax status and that the selection process relies on the nomination packet rather than outside information. She also said the award nomination documented work with 130 course offerings across 17 academic departments and about 1,000 students over 24 years. Cameron further said the award program was being phased out and retooled into a new internal Engaged Scholar Awards program focused on community-engaged scholarship rather than volunteer service. No vote or formal action was taken during the exchange, and the discussion ended with questions about the nomination materials and how the University defines the organization’s work with students and faculty.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was a spring 2004 initiative of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
• And there are Alpha chapters all across the cities and colleges all across America, Europe, Africa, and
• And there are Alpha chapters all across the cities and colleges all across America, Europe, Africa, and
• As a result, we have about eight different chapters in our medical treatment guidelines.
• I'm proposing has 21 different chapters.

Bills: HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR281, HR282, HR283, HR284, HCR112, HCR113, HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, SCR63, SCR66, SCR67, SB414, SB484, SB513, HR168, HR174, HR194, HR216, HR264, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR85, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR104, SCR23, SCR29, SCR33, SCR38, HB75, HB705, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, HR188, HR205, HR3, HR197, HR243, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, SCR35, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB39, HB58, HB112, HB134, HB155, HB187, HB287, HB462, HB782, HB825, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB1200, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, HB842, HB633, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB251, HB582, HB646, HB819, HB998, HB1257, SB197, SB436, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, carbon storage, carbon dioxide storage, carbon capture and storage, CCS, mineral rights, mineral owners, oil and gas, disposal wells, injection wells, advanced drilling, carbon sequestration, Louisiana energy policy

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's not included in applicability of it's not included in applicability of the<01:36:41.200> chapter
• the chapter the chapter and<01:36:43.080> but<01:36:43.200> it's<01:36:43.320>
• is primary provided in RSA 664:1 which is the<01:37:03.360> applicability<01:37:03.880> chapter
• <01:37:04.320> which<01:37:04.480> doesn't the applicability chapter which doesn't
• the applicability chapter which doesn't so<01:37:05.000> it<01:37:05.600> and<01:37:05.720

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• definition of crime of violence in the firearms law to add felony violations of the animal cruelty chapter
• 00:41:39.200> the<00:41:39.359> animal<00:41:39.760> cruelty<00:41:40.680> chapter
• <00:41:41.680> Uh of the animal cruelty chapter. Uh of the animal cruelty chapter.
• :54:02.319> and<00:54:02.480> penalties<00:54:03.040> under<00:54:03.359> chapter
• remedies and penalties under chapter 13. remedies and penalties under chapter 13.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The original legislation did include a reference to Chapter 504B as a requirement for micro units in
• It was our understanding that the inclusion of Chapter 504B, which is the landlord-tenant statute, would
• ><00:10:25.640> 504b<00:10:26.640> as<00:10:27.040> a include a reference to chapter
• 504b as a include a reference to chapter 504b as a uh<00:10:27.839> requirement<00:10:28.560>
• ><00:10:36.040> of understanding that the inclusion of understanding that the inclusion of chapter

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I do not have the bill in front of me, but I believe it references Chapter 18, which would be everything
• found in the income tax chapter. >> Is it just income taxes?
• references front of me, but I believe it references front of me, but I believe it references chapter
• 18, which would be everything chapter 18, which would be everything found<00:10:35.519> in<00
• :10:35.680> the<00:10:35.839> income<00:10:36.160> tax<00:10:36.399> chapter.

Bills: HB517, HB520, HB233, HB354, HB517, HB520, HB233, HB354

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• , this is a bill for an act relating to taxation, amending laws in section, first special session chapter
• 07:46.160> first<00:07:46.479> special<00:07:46.800> session<00:07:47.199> chapter
• section uh first special session chapter section uh first special session chapter 14<00:07:48.240
• County, and then section two is extending the sunset date for Hennepin County in their very separate chapters
• County and then section two is extending the sunset date for Hennepin County in their very separate chapters

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Chapter 36 of the Water Code, the legislature has already called upon groundwater conservation
• Instead, if you can start to encompass the Regulatory structures that exist in 73 Chapter 36 today for
• So I think what we could be looking at across the board at Chapter 36 is where does it make sense to
• So I think what we could be looking at across the board at Chapter 36 is where does it make sense 279
• and also, you know, decisions that this legislature is going to make with respect to how we amend Chapter

Bills: HB24, HB27

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee. Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater. The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.