Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal also includes statutory changes to enable administrative efficiencies that allow tank owners
• The other thing: what are the major changes related to the vacancy sweeps and efficiency cuts?
• We've been working on those efficiency cuts and appreciate the administration and the Legislature working

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing. Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities. The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance, and diverts critical resources from essential city services that will hamper operational efficiency
• And just because it's not for profit does not mean that we should not be as efficient and responsible
• I'd like to thank the committee members for running another efficient hearing.

Bills: SB 231, SB 667, SB 689, SB 825, SB 965, SB 992, SB 1059, SB 1220, SB 2368, SB 2601

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• , and diverts... critical resources from essential city services, which will hamper operational efficiency
• Just because it's not for profit does not mean that we should not be as efficient in response.
• I'd like to thank the committee members for another efficient hearing.

Bills: SB231, SB667, SB689, SB825, SB965, SB992, SB1059, SB1220, SB2368, SB2601

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• comptroller of public accounts and state agencies front of the Committee on Delivery of Government efficiency
• global professional standards of internal auditing or for the Committee of Delivery of government efficiency
• abuse in all of Texas Workforce Commission programs are for the Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• I support President Trump's goal of making government more efficient.
• I support President Trump's goal of making government more efficient.
• At full capacity and full efficiency. Mm-hmm.

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• 48, A BILL THAT ENHANCES FLORIDA FORECLOSURES SALES PROCEDURES BY MAKING THEM MORE TRANSPARENT, EFFICIENT
• THIS MAKES AUCTIONS WORKS EFFICIENT, MUST DEPOSIT FUNDS IN ADVANCE TO PARTICIPATE.
• THIS MAKES AUCTIONS WORKS EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE AND TRANSPARENT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we're going to take up tab 1, Senate Bill 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools
• Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools by Senator Simon.
• working with us over the last year, certainly on DREG, the first time in the now on educational efficiency

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 296, as amended by strike-all, on middle and high school start times. Senator Bradley explained that the amendment would repeal the statewide mandate for later start times and return scheduling decisions to local school boards, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic effects of sleep deprivation and to consider later start times when setting transportation schedules. Testimony and debate were largely in support, with several school district and education group representatives waiving in support, and members citing transportation, staffing, family logistics, and cost concerns under the existing mandate. The strike-all was adopted, and SB 296 was reported favorably by roll call vote, with Senators Berman, Osgood, and Chair Calatayud voting yes and Senator Gaetz voting no; other members were absent or not recorded in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 356, which would designate January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. Senator Berman said the date matches the UN’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and would require the governor to annually proclaim it, while allowing public observance and instruction about the Holocaust’s harms and its impact on the Jewish community and humanity. There was no substantive opposition in the excerpt, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote with yes votes from Senators Berman, Gaetz, and Chair Calatayud. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools. Senator Simon described a broad deregulation package affecting student assessments, grade promotion, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, internal audits, facilities planning, cost-per-student-station limits, emergency make-up days, federal fund timing, and VPK oversight. Testimony was mixed: school district and education organization representatives generally supported the flexibility, while some groups opposed or urged changes to the grade 4 promotion and graduation-related provisions, arguing they could weaken academic standards. After debate focused especially on third-grade promotion and testing requirements, the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on SB 296 and SB 356, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAD A CONTINUUM OF NEED AND WE ARE ADMINISTERING THINGS IN A TRANSPARENT AND EFFICIENT WAY TO GET
• HAVE YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE WE WILL DO GOALS FOR THAT SO THAT'S HOW WE TRY TO MAXIMIZE THE EFFICIENCY
• FOR MAXIMIZING LAND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY THROUGH MIXED-USE PROJECTS ONE EXAMPLE IS TO INTEGRATE ESSENTIAL

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bonds, public funds, and financing is set up such that building owners can borrow money for energy efficiency
• thing I'd say is that, from my perspective as an organization that's working to support energy efficiency
• thing I'd say is that, from my perspective as an organization that's working to support energy efficiency

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• make sure everyone understands that the Assembly has rules to ensure we maintain order and run an efficient
• , for the opportunity to present SB 1005, the Public Entities Navigating the Need for Immediate, Efficient

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard several bills related to local government finance and development. SB 1005 would authorize local agencies to adopt a five-cent rounding system for cash transactions if penny shortages make exact change impractical, with the author and supporters from county treasurers, cities, special districts, and local government associations arguing it would provide legal clarity and reduce costs. SB 1036 would require local jurisdictions to give credit for prior site uses when calculating mitigation fees on redevelopment or adaptive reuse projects, with supporters from SPUR, Realtors, AARP, the building industry, and housing-related groups saying it would prevent duplicative fees and better align charges with new impacts only.

Transcript Highlights:

• and adopting new revenue solutions and other oversight-related actions including creating greater efficiency
• And for the sake of efficiency, we're going to go ahead and vote in blocks.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met to consider a large block of budget items as part of the Senate Democrats’ budget package. The chair highlighted major budget themes including investments in affordable housing and homelessness programs, full funding for Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program rounds 7 and 8, support for economic development through the CalCompetes tax credit, consumer protection and financial regulation funding, and technology, resilience, and data security programs. Members also noted the broader budget process and the extensive number of hearings and public comments received. During member comments, Senator Smallwood-Quarris raised concerns that the committee had not received all requested information from departments and said that was unacceptable, while also urging more investment in Expo Park ahead of the Olympics and in arts and cultural programs. Senator Cowan praised the transparency of the Senate budget plan, the work of staff and agencies, and the committee’s oversight role. Public testimony included support from the California State Association of Counties for fully funding HAP at $1 billion and meeting a September 1 distribution goal, and from the Small Business Development Centers for $26 million in GoBiz funding for SIP and TAP loan and technical assistance programs. The committee then voted on items in blocks. Most items were approved unanimously, while one larger block passed 3-1 with Senator Nilo voting no and another block passed 3-0 with Senator Nilo not voting. Items 20 and 42 were also approved 3-0 with Senator Nilo not voting. After concluding public comment and votes, the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• political affiliations are—has bills that are going to make the judiciary more streamlined, more efficient
• If any member here has bills that are going to make the judiciary more streamlined, more efficient, and

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee chair opened by emphasizing that the committee would consider bills from any member, regardless of party, so long as they would make the judiciary more streamlined, efficient, and accessible. The committee then took up Senate Print 410, which would change how judges review jury awards in employment discrimination cases. The sponsor argued the bill would curb consistently low awards and reduce pressure on plaintiffs to settle, while a member raised concerns about limiting judicial review. After discussion, the bill was moved and reported to the floor, with one member recorded without rights. The committee next advanced Senate Bill 548, authorizing the sale of a specific parcel of Forest Preserve land associated with Camp Gabriels Correctional Facility, and Senate Print 887A, a Surrogates’ Court filing bill, with a suggested amendment clarifying that initial filings may not yet have a file number. It also reported Senate Print 947, barring residential landlords from charging fees for rent payments made by ACH or online systems, and Senate Print 1142, extending the statute of limitations for employment discrimination actions. Other measures reported included the homeowner protection program bill (2627A), skier and snowboarder duties bill (3209), a constitutional amendment on voter qualifications allowing eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 by the general election (3231), and a bill increasing county court judges in certain jurisdictions (4836A), which was referred to Finance. Additional bills advanced were Senate Print 5089 creating a residential condominium owner bill of rights, Senate Print 5288 on the proper form of exhibits in civil practice, and Senate Print 9037 exempting senior citizens from jury service, with discussion noting the bill’s opt-in feature for seniors who wish to continue serving. Most measures were approved by voice vote with little or no opposition, and the meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• make sure everyone understands that the Assembly has rules to ensure we maintain order and run an efficient
• Yeah, I'm being efficient. Great bill, Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with two bills on the agenda. The chair opened the hearing with procedural reminders and a brief welcome back for the new year, then moved to AB 52 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the California Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee in statute. The author and a supporting witness said the committees are important to implementing the Farmer Equity Act and ensuring farmers and ranchers of color and small-scale producers have a meaningful role in CDFA policymaking; several organizations testified in support, and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard AB 230 by Assemblywoman Ransom, which extends the sunset of the Pierce’s disease control program and the Pierce’s disease glassy-wing sharpshooter board to 2037. The author and a representative of the wine grape industry described the program as essential to controlling a disease that threatens grapevines and to supporting research and field efforts funded by federal, industry, and grower assessments. Testimony from the Wine Institute, Family Winemakers of California, California Fresh Fruit Association, and the California Farm Bureau was in support, with no opposition. Both bills were moved on due pass motions to the Appropriations Committee and approved by the committee. AB 230 received eight aye votes and AB 52 later received seven aye votes after the roll was held open for absent members. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• wells, pipelines, and air quality on those same projects, AB 1016 would fix this and create a more efficient
• AB 1016 would fix this and create a more efficient process.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy met as a subcommittee because a quorum was not present, and the chair announced 16 measures on the agenda, nine of them on consent. The committee then took up AB 1016 by Assemblymember Gonzalez, which would create a five-year pilot program allowing certain counties with geothermal elements in their general plans to locally permit geothermal plants up to 150 net megawatts through 2030. The author and Imperial County representatives argued the bill would streamline a duplicative permitting process, support local control, and bring jobs, tax revenue, and clean baseload energy development to Imperial County, which they described as facing high unemployment and poverty and having significant geothermal potential. Supporters included Imperial County officials, Rural County Representatives of California, Independent Energy Producers, and local community representatives. They emphasized the county’s long history of geothermal permitting, its planning efforts, and the economic benefits of projects that could support schools, health care, and community colleges. Opposition came from labor organizations including the California State Pipe Trades Council, Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, California Coalition of Utility Employees, State Association of Electrical Workers, and State Building Trades. Their main concern was that shifting permitting from the California Energy Commission to local governments could remove the skilled-and-trained workforce requirement that currently applies to CEC-permitted projects. Committee members asked about that labor issue, and the author said he intended to work with the opposition coalition to ensure local workers are prioritized and that projects use skilled, trained, California-licensed labor. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration; no vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for us, that's been more efficient than the staff time of doing it in our office.
• How much more change do we need to do to become that more efficient? I don't know.
• This would be way more efficient because we wouldn't have to deal with ...it's going and it can be in
• This would be way more efficient because we wouldn't have to deal with programmers, not that I don't
• But let's try to make this more efficient for everybody across the state.

Summary: The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Committee met to begin its study of the feasibility and desirability of revising the content of the real estate tax statement to improve property tax transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive under House Bill 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, and the Legacy Fund portion of that credit. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors. County officials from the North Dakota Association of Counties described the full annual tax cycle, from county budgeting and valuation notices to budget hearing notices, levy certification, cap calculations, and final tax statement mailing. They emphasized that counties and auditors do extensive coordination with taxing districts and neighboring counties, and that the process is labor-intensive and often manual. Members discussed the limited public response to budget notices and tax statements, the difficulty of explaining the legislative tax relief line, the 3% cap and valuation issues, and whether more frequent assessments or different timing would improve understanding. Several members and witnesses noted that many taxpayers only engage when they receive their final bill, and that clarity may be more important than adding more detail. NDACO also presented a rough cost survey from eight counties, estimating an average tax statement cost of about 74 cents and a statewide total near $600,000 for printing and mailing tax statements alone, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing. Witnesses noted that House Bill 1176 added other mailings and notices, increasing county workload and cost beyond the statement itself. The committee then heard from software vendors, who explained how their systems handle tax billing, budget notices, valuation notices, primary residence credit processing, and tax levy calculations, and they identified the 1600/1685 primary residence credit and discount interaction as a current programming challenge. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on gathering testimony and identifying issues for possible future recommendations or bill drafts.

Transcript Highlights:

• These thresholds are used to monitor program viability, ensure efficient use of public resources, and
• The campuses have cited some of their cost efficiencies are really down to that course level.
• some low-producing standalone credentials served as degree-supporting larger degree pathways in an efficient
• But also allowing campuses to use those resources more efficiently in another area.
• But is that an efficient use of our dollars, especially if we get into a tighter budget?

Summary: The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting. The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later. A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.

Transcript Highlights:

• acting chair of the Elections Committee, my job is to make sure our committee runs smoothly and efficiently
• Our goal is to conduct these proceedings efficiently while ensuring everyone the opportunity to observe
• proceedings Our goal is to conduct these proceedings Our goal is to conduct these proceedings efficiently
• while<00:02:06.640> ensuring<00:02:07.080> everyone<00:02:07.520> the efficiently
• while ensuring everyone the efficiently while ensuring everyone the opportunity<00:02:08.240> to<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aspire is partnering with state governments to build an efficient digital solution that solves the last
• governments to build an efficient governments to build an efficient digital<00:46:54.480> solution
• information that works in a seamless manner with their technology, makes the review process more efficient
• 49:33.440> review<00:49:33.760> process<00:49:34.240> more<00:49:34.480> efficient
• makes the review process more efficient makes the review process more efficient and<00:49:35.520

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're all about being efficient, using our money efficiently, and making sure we're not wasting monies
• We're all about being efficient, using our money efficiently, and making sure we're not wasting monies
• We're all about being efficient, using our money efficiently, and making sure we're not wasting monies
• We're all about being efficient, using our money efficiently, and making sure we're not wasting monies

Bills: SB2198, SB2140, SB3055, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2761

Keywords: workforce development, craftspersons, skilled trades, artisan, craftsmanship, trade recognition, award program, DLIR, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, vocational education, career pathways, cultural preservation, workforce excellence, apprenticeship, Hawaii trades, economic diversification, public nominations, governor awards, historically significant venue

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill improves government efficiency, saves the state time and money, and helps save the lives of
• Senate Bill 29 builds on Texas's business-friendly climate, efficient legal system, and specialized business
• The following announcement: The Committee of Delivery of Government Efficiency will meet today at 5:30
• council's person to eliminate redundancies across multiple state agencies, reduce costs, enhance efficiency
• Speaker, members, this bill makes grant processes at the Water Development Board more efficient.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.