Transcript Highlights:

• We're not trying to hurt the economic development throughout the state.
• ><00:13:54.320> the economic development throughout the economic development throughout the state
• We're all about economic development through this.
• <00:16:25.759> I economic development through this. I economic development through this.
• jobs, tax revenue, and economic jobs, tax revenue, and economic development.<00:30:40.799> But

Bills: HB542, HB566, SB270, HB618, HB617, HB542, HB566, SB270, HB618, HB617

Keywords: HB542, district attorney, prosecutor, supernumerary district attorney, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, Alabama retirement, public employee retirement, pension, retirement benefits, post-retirement employment, salary cap, dual participation, double dipping, District Attorneys' Plan, assistant district attorney, deputy district attorney, state pension, survivor benefits, Office of Prosecution Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We engaged extensively with the EITEs and others in developing the report.
• We engaged extensively with the EITEs and others in developing the report.
• It's more difficult to develop power plants than it's been in my lifetime.
• that people have been planning on developing.
• I mean, the development of grid-scale electricity storage is an incredibly exciting development.

Summary: The committee held a work session covering PFAS regulation and impacts, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy and data center load growth. Senator Victoria Hunt was welcomed as a new member. The Department of Ecology reviewed Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS work, including completed restrictions on PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaning products, and automotive washes, with reporting requirements for some other products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also described Cycle 2 PFAS reviews now underway, including artificial turf and paints, and answered questions about compliance, online sales, sell-through periods, and how Washington’s approach differs from broader bans in states like Maine and Minnesota. The Department of Ecology also presented on PFAS in biosolids, describing a 2024 sampling study, limitations in testing methods, and a 2025 statutory amendment requiring additional sampling between 2027 and 2028 and a report to the legislature in 2029. The Department of Health then updated the committee on PFAS in drinking water, reporting that most Group A public water systems have completed sampling, that 317 sources and 188 systems are expected to exceed new contaminant levels, and that treatment costs for public systems are estimated at about $970 million, leaving a large funding gap; members also asked about private wells, health effects, bathing exposure, and home filters. The Board of Health’s new state action levels are being aligned with federal MCLs, and the department said it expects to continue monitoring and notification under state rules. Ecology also briefed the committee on no-cost allowance allocations to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act, explaining the leakage-mitigation rationale, the current allocation schedule through 2034, and a forthcoming report on policy options for 2035-2050; members asked about industry barriers, competitiveness, and whether facilities might leave the state. Finally, E3 presented a regional resource adequacy study showing rising load, retirements outpacing additions, limited winter reliability value from wind, solar, and batteries, and a projected shortfall beginning in 2026 that could grow to about 9,000 MW by 2030 if planned projects are not built. The presentation emphasized winter cold-weather events, hydro variability, the importance of permitting and transmission, and longer-term options including nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage. EPRI then introduced its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can provide flexible load through workload shifting, cooling optimization, and on-site backup or bridging resources to reduce grid stress and protect ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, development.
• With me, I have Kirsten Alverum, the director of planning and economic development with the city of Hopkins
• city<00:15:02.720> of economic development with the city of economic development with the
• He explained that House File 3450 adds an additional 10 years to the Chaska Economic Development Authority
• House File 3450 adds an additional 10 years to the Chaska Economic Development Authority TIF District

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start with an economic and revenue forecast update from Dave Reich, the director of the
• Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.
• For the record, Dave Reich, the executive director for the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.
• In summary, our U.S. economic forecast continues...
• The goal is to provide economic stability and relief to the declining Odessa aquifer.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, economic development. Speaking about economic development, what do we do?
• The last meeting that our team, including the Navajo Nation's Economic Development Department, had was
• development.
• development and planning already.
• To developing the code. And it's not just for Navajo.

Transcript Highlights:

• about growth in through economic about growth in through economic development.<00:46:55.119>
• <00:49:33.920> development then kind of in an economic development then kind of in an economic
• I and the economic development or what I and the economic development or what I uh<00:50:33.200
• <02:07:59.599> development enable that local economic development enable that local economic
• We see that with economic development.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an economic necessity for Massachusetts to remain competitive.
• We're now going to go to H. 3247, an act to promote the development of abandoned buildings.
• By incentivizing the redevelopment and economic development of the state, we will see rehabilitated properties
• By supporting an act to promote the development of abandoned buildings, we are not just providing tax
• For instance, in Worcester there's a development called Mission Chapel; the highest rent is $4,500 a

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on several housing-related bills, with chairs Adrienne Madaro and James Eldridge framing the discussion as part of the Legislature’s broader response to the state’s housing crisis and noting that many of the bills build on the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including the three-minute oral testimony limit, the option to submit written testimony, and the hybrid format. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony began with support for H. 3278, a bill to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Representative Worel argued that higher-end real estate transactions should contribute more to fund affordable housing production, saying the measure would not burden working families and would help address racial inequities in homeownership and displacement. Representative Soder then supported H. 3247, which would promote redevelopment of abandoned buildings through expanded tax incentives for renovating vacant properties for sale or rent, arguing that it would bring blighted units back into use and generate future tax revenue. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3040/S. 1969, residential improvement or R-PACE legislation. Robert Giles of Home Run Financing and Nicole Steele of Amalgamated Bank described the program as a voluntary, assessment-based financing tool that could help homeowners pay for energy efficiency, resilience, and other major repairs without upfront costs, and said it could complement existing Mass Save programs while expanding access to more homeowners. In contrast, Judith Lieben of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute opposed H. 3039/S. 1946, the Housing Development Incentive Program bill, arguing it would expand subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing in Gateway Cities instead of directing resources to low-income renters. Representative Hawkins also testified in support of H. 3121, which would end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts by imposing an excise tax on large owners of small residential properties and using the revenue for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. After testimony and a few member questions, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello and welcome to this hearing of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and our
• activities as a pathway to develop activities as a pathway to develop economic<00:02:04.240>
• development as we anticipate economic development as we anticipate growth<00:02:06.079> in<00
• Hello and welcome to the hearing of the Senate Committee on Economic Development Tourism.
• Department of Business Economic Department of Business Economic Development<00:04:10.319> and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard HCR 142, which urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display art in all neighbor island airports. Testimony from CARES supported the measure, emphasizing that public art and youth art competitions help educate keiki, strengthen cultural understanding, and support economic development through Hawaii’s creative industries. No one testified in opposition, and members raised no questions. Both committees recommended passage of HCR 142 unamended. The measure was adopted by voice vote in each committee, with some members excused. Later, the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard HTR 102, which concerns translating the real estate salesperson exam into Japanese for timeshare-related sales. Supporters, including DBEDT and ARDA Hawaii, argued the change would help Japanese-speaking applicants, improve workforce recruitment, and support Hawaii’s timeshare industry and Japanese visitor market. A representative from APAC Hawaii supported the idea but suggested considering additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. Some senators questioned whether the proposal adequately addressed continuing education and long-term English proficiency, and the Real Estate Commission explained it does not currently issue a limited timeshare salesperson license and that the proposal would not restrict licensees from selling other real estate products. The committee also heard HCR 156, which asks the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to support economic diversification, high-wage jobs, innovation, and national security. HTDC and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council supported the resolution, citing the recent federal discontinuation of the local Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Innovate Hawaii, and the loss of related staff positions as reasons to reinforce state support. Testimony and discussion stressed cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, automation, and the need to sustain manufacturing momentum in Hawaii. Both HTR 102 and HCR 156 were recommended for passage as is and were adopted by the committee, with some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the demand for teachers is evenly distributed across economic development regions within the state
• , across every economic development region.
• <00:50:34.720> EED the effective education development EED the effective education development
• statewide economic activity each year. statewide economic activity each year.
• assault on Minnesota's economic future. assault on Minnesota's economic future.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One, to help with the development of the FEFP for the school role.
• Sometimes it's the Florida Economic Conference.
• We've looked at issues like that, not property tax, but other economic development proposals.
• And what you find is if it's a very good economic development proposal, it usually takes about... ...
• And how strong they are, those economic stimulus effects.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a presentation from Amy Baker on the state’s ad valorem property tax forecast and how the revenue estimating conference handles property-tax-related impact analyses. Baker explained that the conference process requires unanimous consensus, that the revenue estimating conference produces the state’s official forecast, and that her office recently overhauled the ad valorem model to use a bottom-up, county-by-county approach with separate modeling for county and school rolls, confidential parcels, and detailed categories such as homestead, non-homestead, residential, non-residential, and agricultural property. Baker walked through the current baseline numbers and the main components of taxable value, emphasizing the role of homestead differentials, especially Save Our Homes and portability, and homestead exemptions. She noted that differentials remove a large share of homestead value statewide, with especially large effects in South Florida and along the east coast, while exemptions are concentrated more heavily in northern and fiscally constrained counties. She also explained that many parcels have little or no remaining taxable value, while a smaller number of parcels hold a large share of taxable value, which makes exemption proposals highly uneven in their effects. The committee discussed how impact conferences evaluate proposed constitutional amendments or bills by measuring the change from the baseline forecast, converting taxable-value changes into tax-dollar losses using county millage rates, and then expressing results in cash and recurring terms. Baker stressed that impact analyses do not address broader budgetary effects or local government replacement decisions, and that each proposal is analyzed as a standalone measure rather than in combination with others. Senators asked about seven House property-tax proposals already analyzed, the availability of those reports online, possible interactions if multiple proposals passed, and whether property-tax relief could stimulate the economy enough to offset revenue losses. Baker said the economic effects would be highly proposal- and county-specific and that any budgetary analysis would require separate work beyond the conference process. The committee took no substantive action beyond receiving the presentation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 24.160> East<01:05:25.520> definitely economic development to East definitely economic
• <01:37:24.320> development have denied um economic development have denied um economic development
• expecting to pay a new economic expecting to pay a new economic development<01:37:31.280> have
• development have have the new economic development have have the new economic development<01:37:
• somewhere else and then that's economic somewhere else and then that's economic development<02:03

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12 Approval of Minutes 00:02:25 Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48 Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58 Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56 Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members. The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky. Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• One was the chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, plus... ...plus the Office
• The downtown and Village Tax Credit Program and the Economic Development Programs have been back and
• But I would really love to know where Economic Development landed because you didn't mention them as
• But anyway, that being said, I'd really love to have an update on Economic Development issues.
• ... ...didn't change on the economic development projects.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• development, but also some of the other costs and issues around not only future economic development
• but current economic development opportunities.
• <02:02:59.199> development the transportation economic development the transportation economic
• <02:03:41.520> development advocate for the economic development advocate for the economic
• but current uh economic development but current uh economic development<02:04:14.159> uh<02:04

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Meckel, Doctor, Bureau of Economic Geology and Self. He is testifying neutral on HB 2612.
• So in, in HB 2612, the Bureau of Economic Geology is specifically named.
• The economics. The startups are, they're, uh, they've changed, you know, the 21st century.
• And now enables us to do geothermal economically here in Texas.
• Texas is primed for rapid geothermal development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over a hundred years of population growth and economic development, we have developed.
• development and grid reliability.
• development in the state.
• So I'm not here to represent economic development or the utilities.
• development climate.

Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, you have led on the development of a new strategy for countering drones here in the homeland.
• There are additional troubling PRC developments in the South Com region.
• And Canada has developed a plan to... to address their commitments to NORTHCOM.
• Did we participate in the development of that plan?
• So those type of opportunities give our partners a chance to develop their skills.

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• For those reasons regarding economic development and how this will hurt New Mexico, we ask you to vote
• of clean energy and clean development in our state. ...and clean development in our state ultimately
• What we're trying to do is develop... ...as we develop in these renewable energies.
• And geothermal development.
• development.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It did not create some sort of economic It did not create some sort of economic disruption<00:31
• have foreseen all of the economic have foreseen all of the economic factors<00:41:55.359> that
• >> Economic<01:06:14.480> Matters. >> Economic Matters.
• >> Economic Matters.
• Recognizing the chair of the economic Recognizing the chair of the economic matters<01:10:31.840

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, March 5, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 127 members present, heard a prayer, and then recognized 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools and the Maryland Municipal League on its 90th anniversary. The Blue Ribbon resolution named Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Diamond Elementary School, Little Flower School, Meyersville Elementary School, St. Louis School, Stoneleigh Elementary School, and Wilson Whims Elementary School, with principals introduced from the gallery. The MML resolution honored the league’s service to Maryland’s cities and towns and invited members to meet municipal officials after the floor session. The clerk also noted a second printing of the 2026 rule book due to a table-of-contents error. The chamber then took up House Bill 80, the Residential Leases Fee Disclosures bill. Floor debate focused on what fees must be disclosed, what counts as a utility versus a fee, whether the bill applies to oral leases, and how the measure applies to landlords with four or more units. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure tenants know all upfront fees before signing and to create a clear enforcement pathway; opponents raised concerns about penalties, affordability, and the burden on landlords. The bill passed on third reading by a vote of 95-34. The House next considered House Bill 153, which requires air conditioning in newly constructed residential rental units and units undergoing specified substantial renovations, with the standard that habitable spaces be kept at 80 degrees or lower. Members asked whether window units would satisfy the requirement, how the bill interacts with older buildings and ongoing renovations, whether it applies retroactively, how enforcement would work, and whether it references federal refrigerant rules; the sponsor said it does not require central air and is prospective only. Supporters argued it reflects existing practice in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and clarifies habitability standards, while opponents cited costs and concerns about older homes. The transcript ends during debate on this bill, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Translating military skills to business, veterans develop leadership and problem-solving skills, but
• It's really about economic development generally for veterans and won't meet the test for disparity.
• I'd love to work with you on this because I do see a deep need for economic development within this class
• It's really about economic development generally for veterans and won't meet the test for disparity.
• I'd love to work with you on this because I do see a deep need for economic development within this class

Summary: The Committee on Veterans Affairs heard several bills related to veterans and military installations. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to Texas spaceports, with exceptions for authorized operators; there was brief supportive testimony and the bill was left pending. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, allowing Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations to improve handling of juvenile offenses through state and local involvement; no public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. SB 390, by Senator Middleton and explained by Senator Menendez, would expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include veteran-owned businesses certified by the SBA, regardless of disability rating, to increase veteran participation in state contracting. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from veterans and business advocates, while Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB programs. The committee also took up pending bills later in the meeting. SB 651 was advanced after adoption of a committee substitute and received a unanimous committee vote to do pass and be recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 897 likewise had a committee substitute adopted and was reported favorably by a unanimous vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar by a unanimous vote. SB 1197 was also voted out favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 and SB 390 were left pending at the end of the meeting, and the committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Tom Parker, with the Economic Development Corporation, testifying for the bill
• Without intentional intervention, the economic cost is staggering.
• development for the state of Texas.
• Given the rapid pace of AI development, it is crucial that we stay ahead of this issue.
• Given the rapid pace of AI development, it is crucial that we stay ahead of this issue.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.