Transcript Highlights:

• The Attorney General is given authority through this bill to investigate suspected violations, bring
• But I wonder if there would be a benefit to giving examination authority to the regulators, even if there's
• Chair lays out Senate Bill 229 and recognizes the author, Senator West, to explain the bill.
• Chair now lays out Senate Bill 2566 and recognizes the author, Senator West, to explain the bill."
• Chair now lays out Senate Bill 2566 and recognizes the author, Senator West, to explain the bill.

Bills: HB12, HB149, SB229, SB1361, SB1749, SB1897, SB2113, SB2566, SB2677, SB1652, SB2327, SB2344, SB2696

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard testimony on HB 149, the Artificial Intelligence Governance Act. Senator Schwertner described the bill as an outcomes-based AI framework that would require disclosure when people interact with AI, prohibit manipulative or social-scoring systems, address biometric capture, discrimination, and deepfake child exploitation, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. It would also create an AI Sandbox and AI Council. Witnesses from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a Houston attorney, TechNet, and the Texas Association of Business strongly supported the bill, praising its stakeholder process and pro-innovation approach, while Texas Appleseed suggested regulators should have more examination authority over sandbox participants. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard SB 229, which would prohibit motor vehicle dealers from conditioning a sale on dealer-offered financing or charging more because a buyer uses outside financing or cash. Senator West said the bill is meant to stop forced financing and bait-and-switch pricing, and he noted the bill passed the committee and Senate in the prior session. The Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill, arguing it would force dealers to accept any third-party lender or cash transaction on terms they cannot control. The Texas Credit Union Association supported the bill, saying consumers should be able to choose outside financing without hidden fees or pressure. After questions about cash purchases and dealer practices, the bill was left pending. The committee also took up SB 2566, which would clarify legislators’ access to information from executive agencies, including confidential information, by setting response deadlines, limiting confidentiality agreements to statutory terms, requiring a standard AG form, and creating a complaint and penalty process for noncompliance. No witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 1749, as substituted, would let certain court-related employees and judicial conduct commission personnel keep personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers confidential, with work addresses used in place of home addresses for certain purposes. District clerk and judicial conduct commission witnesses described threats and harassment as the reason for the bill, and a court administration witness answered questions about how the address protections would work with voter registration and precinct records. That bill was also left pending, and the committee recessed without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill includes an increase in expenditure authority of $2.8 billion General Fund and $8.3 billion
• It also authorizes the Department of Finance to approve expenditures up to $2 million from the Foster
• It provides an increase of $250,000 in Teacher Credential Fund authority to the Commission on Teacher
• We don't have that authority; we've already exercised that authority.
• We don't have that authority, we've already exercised that authority.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on SB 100/AB 100, the early action budget bills, with a focus on Medi-Cal funding, wildfire recovery, and several smaller budget adjustments. The Department of Finance explained that the bill would add $2.8 billion General Fund and $8.3 billion federal funds for Medi-Cal, along with other items including wildfire-related local assistance for Los Angeles County, property tax backfills for fire-damaged local agencies, Cal OES wildfire monitoring authority, nonprofit security grants, the Property Tax Postponement Fund, FARMER and Clean Cars for All funding, foster family home insurance claims, Proposition 98 technical assistance for LA wildfire-impacted schools, teacher credentialing authority, and Proposition 4 climate bond appropriations for wildfire and forest resilience projects. Much of the member discussion centered on rising Medi-Cal costs, the recent $3.4 billion cash-flow loan, and whether the new appropriation would cover payments through June. Finance said the new funds were for program costs and cash flow, not repayment of the loan, and that no additional loan authority remained. Members also debated the causes of higher Medi-Cal spending, including expanded eligibility, higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, and federal policy changes. The LAO noted that forecasting errors are not unusual but that current revisions are somewhat higher than typical, though not unprecedented. Several members emphasized that Medi-Cal supports access to care and hospital stability, while others raised concerns about sustainability and future federal cuts. Public commenters largely supported the bill, especially the Medi-Cal funding and wildfire-related provisions. Health and labor advocates argued that the program is functioning as intended by covering more low-income Californians and preventing uncompensated care. Representatives of special districts and the Altadena Library District supported the property tax backfill provisions tied to the Eaton fire. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting that the committee would adjourn for floor session and that the Assembly would vote on one of the early action bills later that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll now move on to our first item, which is the County Bed Billing Reimbursement Authority.
• I'll now move on to our first item, which is the County Bed Billing Reimbursement Authority.
• This is the May revision proposal for the Emergency Medical Services Authority. “Authority.”
• Gabrielle Santoro with the Emergency Medical Services Authority.
• increase HCAI spending authority by $126.4 million one time, for a total budget authority of the $233.6

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:25.279> to Land and Natural Resources authority to Land and Natural Resources authority
• But I do want to note that our opposition is to page six, line two, which authorizes the special fund
• Because ultimately we'd still have to authorize a statutory fix, uh, or change, to authorize any other
• Because ultimately we'd still have to authorize a statutory fix, uh, or change, to authorize any other
• ultimately we'd still have to authorize ultimately we'd still have to authorize a<01:12:57.840><

Bills: SB2603, SB2083, SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2756, SB2161, SB2477

Keywords: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, historic properties, preservation, inheritance, working group, public-private partnerships, sustainable funding, historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2603, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state orchestra of Hawaii. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the Attorney General’s office, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association, and others. Supporters emphasized the bill’s value to arts education, cultural vitality, and the visitor economy. The chair noted there were also many written testimonies submitted, and the bill was left without questions or action in the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2083, which would create a state-owned historic properties preservation plan working group within DNR. The State Historic Preservation Division supported the bill and said it would help create a statewide database and better planning for state-owned historic properties, while noting its current review work is reactive and project-by-project. The committee asked about duplication and existing consultation processes; SHPD said it already reviews state projects under existing law and has in-house architectural staff. The measure was then set aside after brief discussion, with no vote shown in the excerpt. Next was Senate Bill 2341, which would authorize phased review of certain private-property projects and change SHPD’s review deadlines. SHPD and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the bill, saying it could encourage more proactive, programmatic review and that the current average review time for simple projects is about 56 days. Several opponents, including Sierra Club of Hawaii, Bianca Isaki, Malama Kane Lua, and Tara Roas, argued phased review would delay projects, create conflict, and weaken historic preservation protections, especially for iwi kūpuna and burial sites. Committee members raised concerns about whether the bill conflicted with prior court decisions and asked SHPD for its view; SHPD said it was not a legal question for them and suggested a programmatic alternative. The bill was not voted on in the excerpt. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 2306 on administrative fees for the Bureau of Conveyances. HGEA opposed the measure, focusing on a provision allowing the special fund to be used for qualified contractors, while the Bureau of Conveyances supported the bill as a fee correction that would equalize recording fees between systems. The bureau said specialized technical work sometimes requires outside contracting and that it could consider a contract period; the chair and members discussed the HGEA concern and asked whether the issue could be addressed. No final action was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The questions of the author, questions at the senator, you're right to answer a question of the author
• The questions of the author, Senator Goodwin. You recognize?
• You've heard the unanimous request from the author without Objection, that will be the order.
• I want to say thank you to the author for bringing this.
• We have a do pass from the author, second from the Vice Chair.

Bills: SB1772, SB1958, SB2010, SB1595, SB1687, SB1684, SB2049, SB1966

Keywords: motor vehicle safety, headlamps, headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, auxiliary driving lamps, spot lamps, off-road lamps, bicycle lights, bicycle reflectors, vehicle lighting, roadway visibility, low visibility, rain, snow, wipers, night driving, traffic safety, Oklahoma Title 47, vehicle code

Transcript Highlights:

• authority be placed in the state.
• This bill aims to limit the ability of local authorities to issue requirements for their communities.
• It should be the local authorities who know their communities on a more granular level that can make
• Local municipal authority is needed as each...
• Municipal authority is needed as each area has unique needs.

Bills: SB186, SB212, HB566, SB186, SB212

Keywords: internet filtering, child protection, obscene content, civil liability, manufacturers, real estate, licensing, brokerage agreements, team structure, penalties, consumer protection, residential construction, architect approval, building regulations, engineering, single family homes, invisible disability, distinctive license plate, specialty plate, motor vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also authorizes designation of a TLD as an enterprise zone, restricts local and land use authority
• The bill also authorizes designation of a TLD as an enterprise zone, restricts local and land use authority
• <01:11:02.719> of Bill30 authorized the installation of Bill30 authorized the installation
• <01:21:13.120> a Uh, as amended, this bill authorizes a Uh, as amended, this bill authorizes
• or a public housing a housing authority or a public housing authority<01:24:48.320> in<01:24:

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 38 members present and a quorum, then began with an invocation and several ceremonial introductions. The chamber recognized pioneering women of the Maryland State Police for Women’s History Month, including the original six female graduates and other firsts in the department, and also introduced the day’s doctor and a student intern. The Senate agreed to journalize the remarks honoring the Maryland State Police guests. The body then took up several Finance Committee bills, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection on Senate Bills 385, 387, 389, 753, 469, and 608, each of which was ordered printed for third reading. SB 385 concerns immunization, screening, and preventive-service recommendations and pharmacist administration; SB 387 restricts predatory pricing and use of personal data by food retailers and delivery services; SB 389 makes transit-oriented development changes; SB 753 addresses financial exploitation protections for seniors and vulnerable adults; SB 469 authorizes a Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund affordability program; and SB 608 requires coverage for pharmacogenomic testing. Senate Bill 626, dealing with birth certificate sex designation changes and related identification documents, was briefly set aside at the request of a senator seeking possible amendments, with the presiding officer agreeing to hold it until the next session. Senate Bill 739, a climate change, homeowners insurance, and emergency management study bill, was also introduced with one amendment and sparked debate over its scope and funding, including discussion of a $150,000 Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocation and whether the study would examine the General Assembly’s own climate policies. The transcript ends during that discussion, before any final action on SB 739.

Transcript Highlights:

• Enforcement is supported by coordination with both state and federal authorities.
• By enacting this bill, Texas is not changing federal immigration law, but rather requesting the authority
• filing with the local authorities.
• And at least under the bill as it's drafted, that task would remain with the local authorities.
• But I'm here today to say I'd love to work with the authors.

Bills: HB256, HCR19, HB256, HB1308, HB1554, HB1743, HB2308, HB2351, HB2858, HB3676, HB3784, HB4312, HB4552, HB4823, HB4852, HB5007, HB5010, HB5520, HB5524, HCR19

Keywords: severe weather, adaptation plan, vulnerability assessment, environmental protection, state agencies, federal agents, transparency, law enforcement, identification, public trust, immigration enforcement, HCR 19, Texas concurrent resolution, federal immigration enforcement, masked agents, facial coverings, visible identification, uniforms, badges, name tags

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair lays out Senate Bill 1864 and recognizes its author, Senator Johnson.
• We thank Senator Blum. for authoring and bringing forth this Senate bill.
• Members, any questions for the bill author? Committee substitutes?
• Senate Bill 1777 Substitute for Senate Bill 1777 and recognizes its authority.
• The chair lays out Senate Bill 2458 and recognizes author Senator Hughes to explain the bill.

Bills: SB500, SB719, SB912, SB1232, SB1467, SB1777, SB1864, SB2023, SB2119, SB2458

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Commission on Fire Protection gets its statutory authority.
• and the ability to exercise that authority.
• But they're not necessarily exercising that authority to do that.
• Cities and counties must retain reasonable authority.
• The availability of authority that we had.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:48.640> payment<00:10:49.560> related<00:10:50.400> to Authority payment
• related to Authority payment related to the<00:10:51.960> sales<00:10:52.320> tax<00:10
• And it authorizes modifications to existing local sales taxes in seven cities and authorizes modifications
• And it authorizes modifications to existing local sales taxes in seven cities and authorizes modifications
• And it authorizes modifications to existing local sales taxes in seven cities and authorizes modifications

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we do have that authority.
• We have that authority now.
• The access that the manufacturers retain is authorized access.
• You know, we don't have authority to cite versus generation.
• You know, we don't have authority to cite generation.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• > health<01:00:54.799> to authorizes state board of health to authorizes state board of
• Don't create an entitlement program that has spending authority, overspending authority.
• continuously appropriated authority. continuously appropriated authority.
• We will have to grant it authority.
• > authority.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 3, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several bills, appointments, and resolutions. Finance reported Senate Bills 9 and 39 favorably, with SB 39 recommended for the consent calendar, and the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee reported Senate Bills 27 and 29 postponed indefinitely. The chamber also received and later adopted Senate Joint Resolution 9, recognizing Missing Persons Day, after extensive remarks from Senator Danielson and Senator Cattellin (spelling as transcribed) and recognition of families, law enforcement, CBI staff, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office staff in attendance. SJR 9 passed 33-0. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 on third reading and final passage, a housing measure authorizing county commissioners to support certain housing and expanding the middle-income housing tax credit to certain transferees. The bill passed 26-7. The chamber also heard a personal privilege recognizing School Nutrition Day and the Colorado School Nutrition Association, highlighting their work providing meals to students and implementing the Healthy School Meals Act. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate began second reading of Senate Bill 32 on immunization access. The bill would expand use of the state immunization schedule alongside ACIP recommendations, allow pharmacists to independently prescribe, dispense, order, and administer vaccines, update liability provisions, authorize rulemaking for infant immunization programs, and remove a prohibition on using state money for those programs if federal funds are unavailable. Senators Mullica and supporters argued the bill protects access to vaccines and insulates Colorado from federal dysfunction, while Senators Bright and Frisell raised budget concerns and supported Amendment L004 to restore the state-funding prohibition. Senator Ba opposed the amendment, saying the bill merely removes a funding restriction and does not mandate spending. The transcript ends during continued debate on Amendment L004, with no final vote on SB 32 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Adults in positions of authority or trust, sometimes teachers or youth-serving employees, can engage
• Up next, we have House 237 and Senate 162, an act authorizing the Executive Office of Health and Human
• I'm here speaking in favor of S-237 and S-162, an act authorizing the Executive Office of Health and
• Thank you for recognizing our bill, S. 237, S. 162, an act authorizing the Executive Office of Health
• When adults hold authority over young people, these young people are inherently vulnerable.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of child welfare, family support, and human services bills. Testimony strongly supported a guaranteed cash stipend for young adults aging out of foster care (S.161), with the Attorney General’s Office, youth advocates, and foster care providers describing high rates of homelessness and poverty after exit from care. Providers also urged action on a resolve to study the foster care liability insurance crisis (H.197/S.1280), saying premiums and coverage losses are forcing program cutbacks and could reduce foster care capacity statewide. Another major topic was a direct care worker medication administration program registry (H.237/S.162), which supporters said would help recruit and train workers, especially bilingual staff, to address workforce shortages in human services. Several bills focused on child protection and child welfare system practices. Supporters of H.267/S.145 called for advance notice to children’s attorneys when placements or other major events change, arguing that timely communication is essential to prevent unnecessary disruption and improve advocacy. Testimony also backed legislation to formally recognize and strengthen children’s advocacy centers and the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (H.233/S.112), with prosecutors and CAC leaders describing the trauma-informed model as a longstanding, effective response to child abuse and trafficking. A bill to establish a Massachusetts children’s cabinet (S.115) drew support from advocates who said cross-agency coordination is needed to align policy and funding for children’s well-being. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing safety, equity, and family support. Senator Lovely and survivors supported S.152, which would create a civil cause of action for sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority or trust, with witnesses describing grooming and power imbalances in schools and youth-serving settings. H.274, a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, was supported by advocates who said it would add anti-discrimination protections and voting and privacy rights amid rising criminalization of homelessness. H.272/S.171 to protect maternal health received support from Rep. Montaño, MLRI, and a physician, who said the bills would make cash assistance available earlier in pregnancy and remove the medical-verification barrier. H.4216 on equitable hair care for children in state custody was supported by social workers and advocates who said hair care is tied to identity, dignity, and mental health. H.255 on empowering early educators drew testimony about barriers faced by renters and condo owners trying to open home-based child care programs. H.217, concerning resources and support for pregnant and parenting families, drew testimony from anti-abortion pregnancy resource center advocates. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several bills had no one signed up to testify or were deferred when witnesses were unavailable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Boyer has authorized Representative Fontneau to carry this bill.
• House Bill 1038, that Representative Fontenho has been authorized to present.
• It talks about the court of authority shall be where the court is domiciled.
• HCR 41 by Representative Zerang, and Senator Talbot has been authorized to present that.
• Representative Muscarello, the author, is a former public defender.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary B met on May 14, established a quorum, approved the May 5 minutes, and then took up a long agenda of bills and resolutions. The committee first heard House Bill 1252, which would expand and modernize local court jurisdiction in Avoyelles Parish by enlarging the Marksville and Bunkie city courts, adding small claims, misdemeanor, juvenile, and civil jurisdiction, and allowing online payments and virtual appearances. Supporters said it would keep justice local and reduce pressure on district court, while opponents urged more study and warned about impacts on existing courts and funding. The committee adopted Amendment Set 3835 and reported HB 1252 with amendments. It also reported HB 167, requiring state prisons to provide release documentation to inmates; HB 1038, after amendments and continued negotiation with marshals and constables; HB 1077, allowing microbreweries to sell at certain special events; HB 1204, changing administration of the Back on Track Youth Pilot Program to the Office of Juvenile Justice; HB 492, placing the Governor’s Impaired Driving Task Force into statute; HB 175, dedicating $500,000 in lottery proceeds annually to a veterans service grant fund; HCR 41, directing ATC to allow electronic beer rebates; HB 833, creating a Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force; HB 656, creating a pilot program for inmate-administered services; HB 978, raising the population threshold for mayor’s courts to remit indigent defender fees; and HB 969, updating and expanding the crime victim compensation program. The committee also approved HB 985, which adds QR codes to sex offender identification cards, after adopting Amendment Set 3861, and HB 579, updating the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act, after adopting Amendment Set 3830. Several bills drew notable opposition or requests for further work. HB 968, which creates a framework for electronic monitoring providers to notify courts before removing ankle monitors for nonpayment, drew objections from the ACLU and a vendor representative who argued it would turn criminal courts into debt-collection forums and could lead to jail for inability to pay; the author said the bill was intended as a public-safety framework, not debt collection. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 968 favorably and agreed to move a 10-day-to-15-day notice change on the floor. HB 525, requiring DOC to publish more incarceration data, especially from local facilities, was opposed by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, which said the bill would impose substantial new reporting burdens; DOC said it was already posting most of the data and would continue updating it. The committee ultimately deferred HB 525, with members encouraging further work. HB 1005, a cleanup-and-restructuring bill for the Office of the State Public Defender, was reported favorably after the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about substantive changes, including removal of board approval for the state public defender and changes to district defender protections; Vice Chair Harris said he would work with stakeholders on those issues. HB 1029, a local alcohol-permit moratorium bill for House District 3, was voluntarily deferred to next week so the author could address concerns about the length of the moratorium. The meeting ended after all scheduled business was completed, with the committee agreeing to revisit the deferred items later.

Transcript Highlights:

• this committee, please ask your members to make their way to Labor and Employment, as well as any authors
• who will be presenting bills. to Labor and Employment, as well as any authors who will be presenting
• That is a gap that we have both the authority and the responsibility to close. In 2024, Adri...
• If a hotel REIT exceeded its authority, it could risk losing its tax status.
• And just want to thank you for that, and I'd love to be a co-author. Appreciate it.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• procedural rules and regulation authority.
• procedural rules and regulation authority.
• , legislature regarding the authority, legislature regarding the authority, legislative<00:12:26.520
• Authorizes legislature.
• rules and regulation procedural rules and regulation procedural authority. authority. authority.

Keywords: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210, 3 March, 2026; 2:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1596, which Senator Johnson explained as a companion to another crypto-kiosk bill. He said the measure was being used to open the code and remove new kiosk language temporarily while lawmakers work on a regulatory framework for crypto kiosks, which are being used in scams involving callers posing as law enforcement and directing victims to deposit cash into kiosks. Members discussed the lack of reporting and registration data, the estimated number of kiosks in the state, and whether regulation might require identification and registration of the devices. The committee adopted the motion for title sufficient, do pass as amended, and reported the bill out. The committee then considered House Bill 859, which would eliminate the in-person absentee voting envelope while keeping the 45-day in-person absentee voting period and existing excuse requirements. Senator England said voters would still complete an affidavit and cast the ballot directly into an OMR machine, and he noted that circuit clerks preferred this version. The committee asked a few clarifying questions and then passed the bill, reporting it out. Next was House Bill 925, the CLEAR Act, which Senator McMahan described as a revised PEER-related bill that had been worked on with the governor’s office after a prior veto. He outlined provisions creating a PEER review program for agency rules, Medicaid transportation evaluations, a State Board of Health Professions, changes to the corporation work initiative program, and PEER subpoena and enforcement language. An amendment was adopted to delete the subpoena-related sections that had raised constitutional concerns and to retain the reverse repealer. After questions about the advisory role of the new board, the committee passed the bill as amended. The committee also heard House Bill 1171, a strike-all that Senator Sparks said would mirror a Senate bill on grant transparency. The measure would require clearer grant objectives, objective eligibility criteria, disclosure of conflicts and board relationships, reporting by grantees and subgrantees, and signed documentation under penalty of perjury with CPA review. Members asked about enforcement, and Senator Sparks said improper reporting could lead to loss of funds, audits, and possible criminal consequences. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported the bill out. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1393, which would create an energy development fund at the Mississippi Development Authority for long-term infrastructure planning tied to large industrial energy users. Members asked whether the fund would cover water resources as well as electricity; the sponsor said it was intended for energy infrastructure, not water, and was aimed at large industrial projects such as steel mills. The committee adopted the strike-all and moved to report the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, House Bill 3898 by Representative Richard Pena Raymond relates to the authority
• Any questions for the bill author or Senate sponsor? Any questions for TCEQ? Resource witness?
• It also follows that this system would apply to people who have... ...authorization.
• So if you have your name authorized by TCEQ, then they're going to be arguing that.
• Representative Curtis, House Bill author, members. Chair lays out. I did not. All right.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you do anything, before you testify, so, um, and one other announcement is, um, Let's see, the bill authors
• And recognizes its author, uh, Representative Cook to explain it. Thank you, Chairman Dutton.
• She went to the local mental health authority for a mental health status exam.
• that authority can range from $7000 to $10,000 in legal fees alone.
• or authorizations over children left in their care.

Transcript Highlights:

• A judge has authority to resolve a case or controversy and sometimes that will include holding that a
• That reaches far beyond the legitimate authority of the court and becomes policymaking.
• The district judge had no authority over people who weren't before the court.
• It's inconsistent with basic principles about the precedential authority of a district.
• And so talk for a minute about the effect of that lack of authority. I'm happy to, Senator.

Keywords: universal injunctions, legislative reforms, judicial authority, executive power, balance of power, judicial overreach

Summary: During this meeting, the committee focused on the implications of universal injunctions, which have become a significant concern in recent years. The discussion centered around various legislative proposals aimed at addressing the perceived overreach of district judges who issue nationwide injunctions that affect policies across the entire country. Several members expressed the belief that such injunctions undermine judicial authority and disrupt the balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches. Expert witnesses testified about the historical context of universal injunctions and the necessity for reforms that would limit the power of courts to grant remedies benefitting non-parties.